Foxton

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 67, 21 March 1935, Page 5

Foxton

From Our Own Correspondent. Control of Rabbits and Noxious Weeds. Mr. B. G. Gower (chairman) presided over tho monthly meeting of the Manawatu Rabbit Board. Also present were Messrs. T. A. Crammer, H. R. Denize, F. C. Ralkes, J. F. McKelvie, and the secretary (Mr. R. Rangiheuea). An apology for absence was received from Mr. W. E. Barber. The board’s inspector (Mr. D. K. Barron) submitted his report which stated inter alia, that during the past month ho had been engaged in the general inspection of properties in the board area, mostly in regard to the following up of tho statutory notices and circulars sent out at the end of January last. In a great number of properties inspected, it had been found that no extra work with regard to pollard poisoning had been carried out and owners had waited until this inspection and consequent request for work before any arrangements had been made for carrying ,it out. Consequently there had been an unnecessary amount of delay in a. number of cases and if only farmers would do what was asked of them at the time it was asked, much more concerted and consequently more effective work would he carried out. In the case of necessary fumigation this had been completed much more expeditiously than‘the pollard poisonings. Pollard poisonings had been very successful; in fact be had not seen better lakes in the experience of the board than there had been this year. Weather and pasture conditions had been most suitable and the work done should prove of great benefit. A very fail- amount of fumigation had ben carried out and after the rain of last month, land was in very good order for this class of work. He stated that early next month an intensive strychnine carrot poisoning would begin and at present arrangements were being made to start two gangs of men. A good early start would enable a second poisoning to be carried out and this year it would be advisable to have lands with even the smallest amount of “cover” on, poisoned by this method. Owing to the dry season still being experienced, it was most advisable that farmers should respond in every way possible to have the necessary work done by this most effective method. Pressure would be brought to bear to see that this was done. During the month three property owners in the board area were convicted and fined for failing to clear ragwort after having received notice to do so. A test case was also heard at Levin, in which tho owner had not received notice to clear, and a conviction and fine of £3 was inflicted. The lupin grub, from a noxious weed point of view, bad done good work this season, and a great number of plants in the district were definitely dead .

The inspector, in commenting on the attack ou the lupin by the grub, said that he felt safe in saying that one lupin bush in every ten had been killed. Tho attack had been most severe on tho Rangitikei river bed land. Mr. Grammer stated that the infestation had been quite severe along the coast, but had little effect upon the lupins further inland. Tho chairman sifld it was also noticeable that the grub affected lupin more extensively on the ridges and higher ground. He also commented on the fact that prickly lettuce was preading very seriously throughout the Manawatu. It was a great pity-that, the Department had refused to declare this growth a noxious weed. W.C.T.U. Mrs. .T. Ross presided over a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the local branch of tho Women's Christian Temperance Union. It was decided to assist with the District Union delegate’s expenses to the Convention at Dunedin. Ono new member was welcomed from a sister branch and three others will be initiated at the next meeting. The first meeting this year of the Combined Band of Hope will be held on Friday evening, March 29. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the refreshment committee. Ladies’ Social Guild. Mrs. D. R. Barron presided over the monthly meeting and social afternoon of the Presbyterian Ladies' Social Guild which was held at her residence in Robinson street. Motions of. sympathy were passed to Mrs. 11. J. Reid and Mr. and Mrs. J. 11. Reid, and also to Mr. J. D. Howell,'Of Otaki, Mrs. Howell having been a faithful member of the guild during her residence in Foxton and having been held In high estimation by guild members. A discussion ensued with regard to the next garden party to be held under the auspices of the guild and it was decided that each member should provide some inexpensive article for the work stall. A competition was won by Sirs. W. M. Thomas, while a competition was won by Mrs. R. N. Spelrs. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the hostess, who was assisted by Mrs. J. T. Edwards, and to whom a vote of thanks was accorded for the most enjoyable afternoon she had provided. It was decided that the next meeting of the guild be hold on Tuesday, April 2. Personal. The friends of Mr. C. Edwards, of Beach road, will be pleased to learn that he is now making good progress towards

recovery from his recent serious illness. Mr. J. Martin, of Coley street, lias returned home after' having been a patient in the Palmerston North Hospital. Mr. T. Carter has also returned home from the same institution. Bob Shorthouse and Billie Ross, who both underwent an operation for appendicitis in the Palmerston .North Hospital on Thursday last, are making satisfactory progress towards recovery.