FESCUE AND BLACKBERRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21345, 21 November 1932, Page 10

FESCUE AND BLACKBERRY

HAURAKI PLAINS GROWTH

DRAINAGE BOARD AND SETTLERS

[BY TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] THAMES. Saturday

The menace of fescue and blackberry was discussed by the Hauraki United Drainage Board at its meeting at Turua yesterday, when the foreman, Mr. W. Herkt, drew attention to the laxity of some settlers in regard to keeping fescue and noxious weeds in check. "I have come to the conclusion." said Mr. Herkt, "that it is a waste of money for the board to combat the spread of fescue if settlers sit back and permit it to grow along the drain banks and then blame the Drainage Board for bringing it up the drains. I have noticed fescue growing unchecked a mile or two from the river and pei-haps a section of a mile between without a sign of growth.

"I have also had complaints about blackberry growing in the drain. It appears that many are ignorant of the board's by-laws, which state that owners of land adjoining drains should not allow noxious weeds to grow within 10ft. of 6uch drains." Mr. Herkt added that many people were of the opinion that the fescuo seed was brought up the drains, but ho did not believe that to be so. If that were the case, the seed would be caught at the floodgates, and even if it had gone through, the seed would be growing from the waterline. He had noticed, however, that the fescue was on top of the drain and growing downward. The board was pasting t.ime and money trying to keep the fescuo out of the drain if the settlers allowed it to grow on the top. Members complained that the blackberry pest was on the increase, and it was decided that the foreman should report to the board on the progress of eradication. It was thought that January and February was the best time to cut the blackberry.