NOXIOUS WEEDS
Sir,—One of the greatest problems that will have to be tackled in New Zealand after the war will be the control of noxious weeds and reclamation of deteriorated lands, and the longer some really effective means of dealing with this menace is delayed the more cosily it will prove. Situated as it is far from risk of war devastation this country should, all going well, be in the best position of any to supply the requirements of those less fortunate. Yet, what is our true position now? Thousands of acres of good land which should be producing are covered with noxious weeds, gorse and second growth. Rabbits also are increasing fast everywhere; and I will confidently predict that unless some sound national scheme for the effective control of these nests is devised and implemented without delay, this fine country will be ruined. Every county should have its keen, energetic noxious weeds inspector, even if a special rate had to be struck to pay his salary and upkeep. I have no hesitation in saying that the condition of a verv large part of the land in New Zealand is a disgrace to this country; and this has been caused mainly by carelessness and laziness. I was glad to note that one member of Parliament re'erred to this subject in his speech in Parliament. I am sure that we should not place too much dependence upon the prospects of our secondary industries after the war. for manv of these that arc now- flourishing will not then be able to survive. Especially will this he so if the provisions of the Atlantic Charter are adhered to.
Therefore, it behoves us to lose no time in reclaiming and returning to production those of our deteriorated lands which are worthwhile. The land will always he our mainstay. 1 know that the subject of this letter is not popular; but one has only to keep one’s eves open to realise that everv word in it is true. Surely it 1.worth while to defend our country from the enemies from within as well as from without. Gorse should be included in the list of noxious weeds.— I am, etc.. G. F. MOORE. I Bushy Park.
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Bibliographic details
Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 65, 19 March 1943, Page 4
Word Count
370NOXIOUS WEEDS Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 65, 19 March 1943, Page 4
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