The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH SI INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1912. WEED-SEEDS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 23, 24 May 1912, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH SI INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER FRIDAY, MAY 21, 1912. WEED-SEEDS.

i iie “Journal of tiie Department of Agriculture” remarks that there are for,- farmers who have sufficiently studied the question of weed-seeds to enable them to identify at a glance |tho inost common impurities of'agriCultural seeds sold in this country. At a moderate estimate .weeds diminish our agricultural produce hy at least o ‘per cent. This represents an annual loss of nearly £1,000,000 on our agricultural exports alone, an amount considerably in excess of the total revenue from the New Zealand landtax. The significance of this is apparent. It is considered that comparative immunity from many of our worst weeds can be secured by using only high-grade clean seed.. In order that farmers and seed-merchants may bo armed with a practical knowledge of the most common impurities in agricultural seeds, the Biologist of the Department, Mr A. H. Cockayne, has prepared a neat reference-card, mounted between sheets of glass, containing the seeds of fifty of the most common weeds to be found in ordinary commercial samples. Attached to it is a pocket magnifying-glass and a simple treatise on weed-seeds. This complete little demonstration guide will be offered for sale at the forthcoming Winter Shows at a price which will just cover the cost of preparation. The Department considers that in view of the importance of using only pure seed—as the most effective means of checking the spread of noxious weeds and of securing the highest return from farming operations—it is essential treat some such means of weed-identification as that

provided by the r(eference-eard in question should be in the homo of every farmer. SIR JOSEPH WARD IN SYDNEY. Sir Joseph Ward appears to be having a particularly good time in Sydney, and has been entertained in all directions. Sir Joseph’s personal popularity is so great that it is not surprising to learn that the conversazione given in his honour by the New Zealand Association was a very successful affair. Over the doorway hung a banner inscribed “To Kawana” (the Governor), and this gave Sir Joseph an opportunity to make a few facetious remarks. “They are experiencing some difficulties in Now Zealand.” ];c said “but difficulties were made to be overcome, and if those who are there can’t overcome them I’ll help them to do so by-and-bye.” In some quarters this is interpreted to mean Sir Joseph’s early return to the leadership of his party.