Blackberry Nuisance In Whangarei County

Northern Advocate, 11 June 1938, Page 10

Blackberry Nuisance In Whangarei County

The growing menace of blackberry on roads in tlie Auckland province was referred to in a circular letter from the Automobile Association (Auckland) received at today's meeting of the Whangarei County council. It was stated in the letter that i the menace was a serious one. as the weed was gaining a very firm hold on the edges of bush areas and resting places. An appeal was made for urgent action .to be taken to allay the nuisance and prevent further spreading. The chairman, Mr. .1. A. S. McKay, i stated that a good deal of the gorse j would probably be on State and other highways, and ho thought the letter! might be handed on to the District ! Engineer of the Public Works De- ; , * partment, and that the attention of' the council’s inspector be drawn to j the matter. It was the duty of land- j owners to keep their properties clear, | he Paid. ! Mr. T. N. Blake said there might be some cases where the responsibility lay with the local bodies. Mr. McKay said that no doubt where a road reservation adjoined a river the responsibility would bo the council's. but these cases were not numerous. Mr. J. Morrison drew 'attention to the effects of slips, which often resulted in blackberry-bearing soil being deposited on their land. Further discussion on the matter lapsed for want of a motion.