FAIRLIE GORSE ERADICATION

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22491, 28 January 1943, Page 3

FAIRLIE GORSE ERADICATION

Success Of Experiment The spread of gorse in the Fairlie district has for some years been viewed with concern by farmers. About five years ago, with a view to checking the spreading of gorse. Mr C. V. Kirke of “Pusey,” near Fairlie, obtained from the Cawthron Institute a supply of the gorse weevil. The weevil was liberated at "Pusey” at that time.

In December last the chief entomologist of the Cawthron Institute wrote to Mr Kirke, requesting him to collect a large number of seed pods to be sent in for examination. The pods were forwarded, and the reply from the entomologist stated that the infestation of the material tested was extremely high, close on 100 per cent of which was very satisfactory. The chief entomologist wrote that the insect could travel very great distances, especially with the wind, and now that it was established in the "Pusey” district, there could be little doubt that the surrounding country would be stocked by the weevil. The Institute Was securing good results from other parts of the country, and in the course of time this insect would become one of the commonest in New Zealand. Mr Kirke stated that wherever the weevil was established the gorse seeds were completely destroyed. HARVEST WEATHER The hot nor’-west winds experienced this week are having a beneficial effect on crops, and many are now, fast approaching the harvesting stage, and by the first week in February it is anticipated that harvest labour will be much in demand. To meet this demand a number of men from military camps will be stationed at Fairlie. Farmers will then have a supply of labour from which to draw. This arrangement is welcomed by local farmers, as the large acreage of linen flax and grain crops to be harvested will require many more men than is otherwise available.

HOME GUARD On Monday night C Company, comprising rifle, mortar, pioneer and ambulance Platoons, paraded at Aorangi Hall, Captain J. J. O’Sullivan being in charge of the parade. Considering the approach of harvesting, there was a good muster. The Platoons each carried out training, after which Captain O’Sullivan explained matters in reference to training to be carried out next month. Captain O’Sullivan emphasised the importance of attending all parades as the hours required must be put in. He said that each month was now taken separately. Any overtime in one month could not be carried on to the next month. In the past men were allowed to attend for more hours than were required in one month and to carry the surplus hours over to another month. Under this arrangement men could make up time in advance and then miss parades for some time. PERSONAL ' Miss Yvonne Bruce and Master John Bruce, Cattle Valley, are visiting Christchurch, where they are the guests of Mrs L. R. Rickman and Mrs H M. Watson, St. Albans.