NOXIOUS WEEDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 87, 13 April 1938, Page 6

NOXIOUS WEEDS

Verily farmers are a strange anonr aly! If their Government appoints a board the men on the land cry more extravagance! But when the farmers themselves suggest setting up a board even when there should be absolutely no necessity for it, of course, it is all right!

Taken individually farmers are not extravagant, except perhaps in regard to motor-cars. But when a lot of them get together an atmosphere of "hang the expense” often seems to prevail. I refer in this particular instance to the suggested formation of a Noxious Weeds Board to operate in Wanganui and Waitotara Counties. The fact that many county councils throughout New Zealand working in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture and Rabbit Boards, have definitely proved that this method is an unqualified success apparently carries no weight. Oh, no, let us go in for something new, and probably more expensive ,which has never yet been tried out. I think there is an idea that noxious

weeds control is an unpopular job, like that of the dog tax collector and pound-keeper, yet they are honourable callings. And what could be better than to be associated with a scheme to keep ones country free from dangerous noxious weeds? I wish the two county councils would reconsider their decision not to take a hand in this work. In conclusion, may I ask somona with a statistical brain like Mr. R. O. Montgomerie to inform me what are the New Zealand export index figures for:— (1) Lamb. (2) Mutton. (3) Beef. (4) Dairy produce for the year before the depression started, and during the slump years, and also in the period following to date as nearly as possible. I may have something more to say after analising these.—l am, etc., G. F. MOORE, Bushy Park.