NOXIOUS WEEDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 44, 19 January 1935, Page 6

NOXIOUS WEEDS

Tiie subject of noxious weeds has come prominently before the public of late. The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Macmillan) has draw-n attention to the fact that four county councils have signified their intention to take advantage of the powers conferred upon them by the amending legislation of last season, which sets out that such councils nowhave the same authority as the Department of Agriculture to enforce the clearing of land infested by w-eeds declared noxious. These pow-ers are far-reaching—steps may be taken by the local authority to clear the land and charge the land with the cost. The legislation, it has been pointed out by critics, has its cause in the fact that too much leniency has been sliow-n in the past by those empowered to deal w-ith neglectful farmers. It has also been charged against the administration of the Act that the officers of the Department of Agriculture have been too busy w-ith other matters to gh-e noxious w-eeds the attention required. In some parts the position regarding such growth has become serious, particularly in relation to ragwort, which in some counties has spread alarmingly and drastic steps are now necessary to keep it in. check. While noxious weeds have not for a number of years given much concern in this district, it is noted that at a recent meeting of the Manaw-atu Rabbit Board, and again at the meeting of the Manaw-atu County Council, this w-eek, attention w-as drawn to the growth of ragw-ort in parts of the county tow-ard the coast. By force of economic circumstances many farmers cannot give to their holdings. all the attention they would like to give, but it is of paramount importance to the individual, as well as to his neighbours, that if lie cannot spare money for improvements he should strive w-ith every sinew to keep his property at a good standard and not allow- it to go back into noxious grow-tk. Apart from the legislation,_ the enforce' ment of whose provisions is distasteful to the majority of local bodies so empow-ered, there is laid on the shoulders of every farmer an honourable duty to be fair to those around him who seek to keep their lands clear of noxious growth. The ragw-ort trouble, if kept in check, can be overcome w-ith comparative ease; if allowed to develop it will have a very serious effect which penalties alone w-ill not overcome —there w-ill be a resultant severe loss in production.