DISEASED TREES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22949, 29 January 1938, Page 18

DISEASED TREES

FARMER BEFORE COURT UNDERTAKING TO CLEAR LAND Apple trees growing on a farm at Albany ar.d infested with codlin moth were the subject of a prosecution for a breach of tho Orchard and Garden Diseases Act, brought against Fred Postow, dairy farmer, in tho Polico Court yesterday.' Defendant was represented by Mr. Gould. He pleaded guilty to a chargo of failing to take proper precautions to eradicate the disease. An inspector of tho Department of Agriculture, J. B. Kennedy, said defendant had received many warnings over a long period, but had taken little heed. Tho interests of commercial orchardists in the Albany district had to bo protected, and it was hoped tho Court would assist in ordering that the affected fruit should bo destroyed immediately. Mr. Gould said delendant destroyed 250 fruit trees a year ago, leaving only about 26 for domestic use. Ho did not depend on his orchard for a livelihood and was prepared to clear his property and destroy all tho fruit before Monday. "The likelihood of substantial losses to other growers has to be borne in mind, and a nuisance such as this constitutes must be allayed," said Mi. W. It. McKean, S.M. "Dofondant is liablo to a heavy penalty, but if he will clear his premises immediately 1 shall not iinposo a penalty. Howevor, if his land is not kept properly in futuro and ho is again brought before the Court ho will not receive much consideration."

Dofondant was convicted and ordered to pay costs, 10s, on the undertaking that his property would be clcarod immediately.