BLACKBERRY PEST.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10562, 16 April 1928, Page 3

BLACKBERRY PEST.

AGITATION FOR BOARD FARMERS’ UNION MOVE Agitation for the appointment of a board to control and eradicate blackberry in Poverty Bay on the lines of ithe rabbit hoards now constituted, is likely to be voiced as a result of a discussion by the Poverty Bay executive of the Farmers’ Union on Saturday. The question of controlling the pest was mentioned by Air J. Graham who asked when the Government intended to release the parasitical hugs that had been introduced into the Dominion to attack the blackberry.

The president (Air F. S. Bowen), replied that the Cawthron Institute had the matter in hand, hut the director. Dr. Hillvard, had now gone to Australia. He had, however, undertaken to maintain interest in the blackberry control work, and would assist the Government Entomologist ill every possible way. Air Graham reminded members that, meantime, the blackberry was spreading rapidly. He understood the Government reason for not liberating the parasitical insects was that they would eat raspberries as well as blackberries. If that was the case he considered it would repay the Government to compensate the lew raspberry growers lor their land so that the hugs could be released, and thousands ot acres now infested with blackberry brought under cultivation

Air J, C. Field remarked that the blackberry would never be controlled until a hoard similar to that for the control of rabbits was formed. He reminded members that the Hon. Air Nos worthy in response to a request from Air \V. D. Eysnar, had stated in the House that the formation of a board would be approved. The Union decided to inquire from headquarters wliat the outcome was of a former application to the Alinister of Agriculture (the Hon. 0. J. Hawken) for the formation of a blackberry board, .and also to ascertain when the parasitical insects were to \/b released.