FAIRLIE FIRE-BLIGHT

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22476, 11 January 1943, Page 3

FAIRLIE FIRE-BLIGHT

Fruit Trees Affected

Appeal To Department Of Agriculture A disease affecting apple and pear trees has been reported from various parts of the district and in the township of Fairlie. Those conversant with the disease of fire-blight are of the opinion that this is the disease affecting the trees. In some instances the whole tree has been affected; in other cases the fruit spurs have completely died off. The matter has been reported to the Department of Agriculture, and it is hoped that an inspection will be made at an early date and that measures will be taken to control a disease which, if allowed to become widespread, will have a serious effect on the apple and pear trees in the district. TRANSPORT CONTROL At a meeting of the Fairlie Carriers’ Association the following committee was selected for approval by the Licensing Authority to control goods transport in the Mackenzie County:— Fat stock buyers, Mr W. G. Black; stock and station agents, Mr A. Waters; farmers’ representative, Mr A. N. Hope; carriers’ association, Mr W. Barwood. TEKAPO RABBIT BOARD Mr R. G. Hunter-Weston presided over the bi-monthly meeting of the Tekapo Rabbit Board, held at Lake Tekapo on Friday. Details of a Government scheme to help in the destruction of rabbits by asphyxiation were received. The scheme provides for advances on the basis of up to 50 per cent, of the rating revenue. The Board’s Inspector reported that, generally speaking, the area was in good condition, with one or two exceptions, where he considered sufficient was not being done to have the rabbits destroyed. The inspector was instructed to take action in any case where sufficient measures were not being taken to destroy the pest. The matter of the great increase in rabbits to be seen in down country areas was mentioned, and Mr B. N. Murray said that he was pleased to see that interest was now being taken in the destruction of rabbits in other parts of the district. He favoured the formation of Rabbit Boards as the best method of tackling the rabbit pest, which was fast becoming a menace in many parts. W.D.F.U. Mrs W. R. McConnell presided over a meeting of the Fairlie Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, when there was a good attendance. It was decided to send biscuiis, etc., to the Timaru Welcome Club. ALLANDALE INSTITUTE Mrs R. Wareing presided at the December meeting of the Women’s Institute, held at Allandale. The meeting took the form of a children’s Christmas party. Items were given and games played. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs T. Dobson for supplying soft drinks for the children. During the month parcels had been sent to Pilot Officer Cyril Siegert and Private R. Cordes. Competitions resulted: Christmas novelty, Mrs J. O’Neill 1, Mrs A. Hall 2, Mrs H. Campbell 3; cream puffs, Mrs A. Hall 1 and 2, Mrs T. B. Crampton 3; bloom, Mrs H. Campbell 1, Mrs T. Dobson 2, Mrs McConnell 3.