The Star. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1923. CAMPAIGN AGAINST NOXIOUS WEEDS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 10 February 1923, Page 6

The Star.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1923.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST NOXIOUS WEEDS.

tolivema v*nrr toning by 6 o'clock in Bawon, Manatk, ".(ormanby, Okaiawa, Btbam, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna. Opunake, Otakeho, Hanutahi, Alton, Hurleyvllle, Patea, Waverley, Mokoia, Vbakunarm, Ohangal, Meremere, Fracer Soad, and ▲zsnto.

1 — lince the menace of noxious weeds was iscussed by the Egmont A. and P. Lssociation and the Hawera County Jouneil at their meetings last week we 3arn that the question has become the übject of considerable interest among armers, and we refer to the matter igain because we think that now is the ime to begin a real campaign against he evil. The requests sent to the Minster of Agriculture have brought re)lies indicating that his Department ■ecognises that the matter is one of jreat importance. In his latest telejram the Hon. Mr Nosworthy states ;hat instructions have been given to lave the Act enforced strictly, and it s understood that the director of the Division will probably be in Hawera ivithin a few days. We are sure that the Department and its officers are willing to do their utmost to overcome the noxious weeds menace and, knowing as they do that the farmers in some places have realised the position and the need for vigorous action, it is certain that the officials will be even keener to see that the fight against weed pests is carried on with greater energy than in the past. The need is to arouse farmers everywhere to a realisation of the seriousness of the menace and to secure their assistance in the campaign to rid the land of the iioxious weeds, and so not only increase production, but provide protection for land which is at the present time clear of weeds, but which is menaced by those areas which have been neglected. How can the whole-hearted support of all farmers in a vigorous campaign against noxious weeds be secured? Farmers know the value of learning the facts in questions relating to farming, and we suggest that a scheme be drawn up by the Farmers'- Union for placing farmers throughout the district in possession of facts and figures concerning noxious weeds. The Departmental officers would, we are sure, be ready to co-oper-ate and supply the farmers with information that would assist, and we believe that if .the actual position as it is in South Taranalci to-day were presented clearly there would be few farmers who would not take immediate steps to see that there is an early improvement. It ought to be possible for an estimate to be made of the total area of the weed-infested places in this part of the province, and if the farmers in the various places show, themselves sufficiently keen about the matter no doubt meetings could be held and addresses delivered by those who know the position and can offer advice as to what ought to be done. We hope that vow interest has been aroused in the question the whole of the district will set about a campaign which is urgently needed if the menace is to be checked md the good pastures protected from ;he pest which is robbing the country it a time when the utmost should be lone to bring, production up to the lighest point. The season has been 'cry productive, as the grading figures how, but good fortune cannot be urged is an excuse for neglecting to deal Avith he menace, which threatens to become aore serious .unless combated vigorous--7 and effectively. The Farmers' Jnion has done splendid work in the aterests of the dairy industry in the ast. Here it has a great opportunity, s members know, and we urge upon lie various branches and the members f the executive to continue the efforts Jready made until a definite and successful campaign has been fully launched. j