TALL FESCUE PROBLEM

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6915, 22 May 1929, Page 2

TALL FESCUE PROBLEM

HARDSHIPS AT ORONGO.

The story of the trials and hardships endured by the soldier settlers of Oioueo in their fight against the advances of tall fescue, was told on Friday when they mot the Hon. G. W. Forbes, Minister of Lands and Agriculture, on a road running through 1200 acres of fcscucccvcrcd country. “All we can do, said one of the deputation, ‘ is to tell you the old, old story that wo told so often to your predecessor in office. Since he was last here we have definitely established the fact that no cow can live at Orongo for more than three months owing to the fescue. Furthermore, the artesian water is salty and cows simply drink themselves to death at the troughs.” After various settlers had presented statistics of their losses, the Minister spent nearly an hour in a friendly discussion on ways of eradicating the pest at Orongo. Finally Mr Forbes, acting on a suggestion from Dr. C. J. Rcakes, Director-General of Agriculture, promised to delegate a research officer of the scientific division of the Agricultural Department to analyse the soil and water at Orongo with a view to determining its properties. When this decision was reached, Mr Gurier, addressing the Minister, said: * 'Will vou nrofltise to imt,rutin*** leirisla-

tion this session of Parliament enabling the Government to transfer us to some other area?”

Mr Forbes: It would be quite wrong for me to make any promise until I know I can carry it out. This is the first time this matter has been represented. and I will promise you a definite answer as soon as I can send it.