NOXIOUS WEEDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 296, 12 November 1934, Page 2

NOXIOUS WEEDS

BROOM AND BARBERRY,

IN POHANGINA COUNTY.

Proposals that broom and barberry should be declared noxious weeds were discussed at the meeting of the Poliangina County. Council on Saturday, following a notice of motion to that effect given by Cr W. Howell. It was decided to defer decision until the next meeting. . Mr J. Hirschberg, Ashhurst. wrote protesting against the declaration of all barberry a noxious weed. He had no objection to its being declared a noxious weed when in the open paddock, but the hedges should not be affected. He had between 300 and 400 yards of barberry hedges. A petition submitted on behalf of 20 settlers at Apiti protested against the declaration of barberry as a noxious weed, it being stated that barberry was invaluable as a shelter for stock and required very little attention to keep it in order. Cr W. T. Pratt said that 98 per cent, of the settlers in his riding (Apiti district) did not desire barberry declared a noxious weed. It was valuable as shelter. There were cases where it grew rife, but that was on worthless country and in gorges. Cr T. E. Craine said it grew all over paddocks in Kiivitea. Cr T. Close said it could not be burned—it had to be grubbed out. The whole trouble was that the farmer had to be protected against himself, said Cr Craine. He' did not think the hedges should be touched, but barberry most certainly should be stopped from spreading in the paddocks. In fern and “rubbish” on the hills it would be very hard indeed to eradicate. Barberry had been declared a noxious weed in Kiwitea, but the regulation had not been enforced in the Cheltenham Rabbit Board area. The Kiwitea Rabbit Board enforced the regulations as to barberry, commented Cr Pratt. But all good things had a fault, and even barberry had its faults. On the motion of Cr Craine, seconded by Cr Pratt, it was decided to hold the matter over until the next meeting, as Cr M. Arbon was absent, it being felt that the whole council should vote on the subject.