BLACKBERRY PEST.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 9669, 16 April 1923, Page 2

BLACKBERRY PEST.

QUESTION OF CONTROL

FARMERS’ UNION ACTIVITIES

Writing to the meeting of the Farmers’ Union on Saturday in reference to the representations for a more efficient control of blackberry, tlie Cook County Council stated that it was applying to the Department of Agriculture for the appointment of an inspector whose whole time would be devoted to the administration of the Noxious Weed Act in this district. Tlie Council was not prepared to add the administration of this Act to its already numerous duties. The Matakaoa County Council wrote supporting the Union in its efforts to check the spread of blackberry.

The local Stock Inspector wrote stating that all possible attention was being given to the clearing of noxious weeds. In the time at his disposal little more could be accomplished except the prosecution of defaulters. He understood that the matter of providing assistance for noxious weeds inspection was under favorable consideration, so that there was no need for apprehension. In a subsequent letter, he stated that he was now in a position to inform the Union that extraordinary good work had been done all over tlie district and that the area of infestation had been greatly reduced. So far as his survey of the district had gone it had dearly demonstrated that the effective control of blackberry was assured and he greatly appreciated what the Union had done.

The Director of Agriculture wrote stating that lie would he only too glad to do his part to prevent the sale of blackberry fruit if it could be shown that such a course would he of any practical value in getting the pest under control. Tie doubted, however, whether it would be of any use. On •he other hand there was something to be said in favor of sales continuing, seeing that the bulk of the seeds of the fruit sold would not be- likely to get a chance of germinating. Inspectors would bo instructed to deal rigorously with any occupiers of land who refrained from carrying out the provisions of the Act. “We’ve got nothing to worry about,” said the chairman (Mr. T. Trafford), when the Stock Inspector’s letter was read. amidst a certain amount of laughter from members. He pointed out that the Stock Inspector was without assistance, and could not possibly carry out all the work himself. There was a possibility of another man being appointed.

Mr. F. W. Bowen said that the matter was not one for the local bodies to deal with, but should be taken up by the Department, who should form a board of their own with its'own inspectors. If they started prosecuting farmers would soon take steps to clear their land. The County Councils would not prosecute, and neither would the Stock Inspector. If a Board was formed this would be its duty and offenders could be prosecuted.

Mr. Monckton .said that if the Inspector made even two or three prosecutions there would be much less blackberry.

It was decided, on the motion of Mr. J. C. Field, seconded by Mr. Bowen, to send a remit to the Dominion conference urging the formation of Blackberry Boards.