NOXIOUS WEEDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 July 1929, Page 8

NOXIOUS WEEDS.

The reply given in the House of Representatives by the Minister of Lands (the Hon. G. W. Forbes) in regard to the eradication of ragwort by means of a natural insect enemy was sufficiently cautious to make it clear that no reduction in existing means of combatting this weed can be allowed. The efforts of the scientist are still in the experimental stage, and until they are proved successful land occupiers must continue the warfare against weeds by more ordinary methods. It was satisfactory to note that Mr. Forbes was willing to admit that the State has its duties towards the settler in regard to weed eradication. While bis contention that all is being done that is practicable to keep Crown lands free of weeds may scarcely find general acceptance, in regard to past years at all events, the Minister's promise to investigate any particular complaints of Crown land being a source of infection will no doubt bring him ample grounds for inquiry. The control of noxious weeds is intimately connected with closer settlement. There are those who maintain that until intensive settlement is common there is little hope •of overcoming the weed menace, and that given such occupation the problem will cease to be formidable. It is undoubtedly .true that completer rise of smaller areas is likely to mean better husbandry, and this must necessarily entail an intensive attack upon noxious weeds. But such settlement will not, apparently, be of very rapid growth, and in the meantime owners and occupiers, including the State, must exercise ceaseless vigilance, and use a.ll known measures for combatting an w"*il that is more serious than is sometimes realised.