CALIFORNIAN THISTLE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20022, 12 February 1927, Page 17

CALIFORNIAN THISTLE.

FAILURE TO CLEAR LAUD. FOUR FARMERS FINED. IPeb United Press Association.! ASHBURTON, February 11. At the Magistrate's Court to-day four farmers wore prosecuted for failing- to clear land of Californian thistle. , Counsel said that curative measures would leave the defendants bankrupt. The Inspector stated that some people held the Act up to ridicule, and it seemed that it paid farmers better to be fined than to do the necessary work. The growing of Alg-enan oats was a cure for the thistles. The Inspector said that patches of thistle could bo cut out, but the whole wiieat crop was affected. “This county was supposed to he the granary of New Zealand,” he added, “and it is not a matter of the offset on the present generation, but on tbs next generation. Of course the crop would be ruined.” Counsel: Well, sir. you see the position the farmer is in. The Magistrate: So you want the Act wiped out ? Counsel : Oh, no, sir—hardly that. The Magistrate: I om here to fix a penalty, a fair penalty, for non-compliance with the Act, which says that thistles must be cut_ before they run to seed. Fining is not going to bo the remedy in these casta, but tho law provides that weeds must bo cut. _ I don't make the law. I only administer it. If hardships are inflicted by tho Act they 'should be put bcl'cme the proper authorities. Two of the defendants wore fined £lO each, the third £5, and the fourth £2.