NOXIOUS WEEDS ACT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 272, 17 November 1945, Page 4

NOXIOUS WEEDS ACT

WANGANUI COUNTY VIEW OF LOCAL BODY REPORT “It was hoped that recommendations would have been made suggesting some practical form of financial assistance to counties if they administer the Noxious Weeds Act,” stated the chairman of the Wanganui County Council, Cr. A. H. Coll.ns, reviewing at the monthly meeting yesterday, the report of the Select Committee of Parliament, which, investigated local body administration. “Little reference is made in the report to the question of noxious weeds, excepting that, it is mentioned that there was considerable evidence to show that, although counties had the authority and the responsibility to control noxious weeds within their areas, only 40 counties were administering 4he provisions of the Act,” the chairman added. “It is suggested that some steps should obviously be taken in important matters of this character to see that local authorities accept their responsibilities. It is also stated that it i is useless for count'es to request further responsibilities and greater powers if they are not prepared to accept those which are already Imposed on them by statute. “In my opinion the view expressed may be correct up to a point, but it is a fact that Sect on 7 (1) of the Noxious Weeds Amendment Act, 1934 states that “thp council of any countv may at any lime by resolution decide to assume responsib'litv for administration of the principal Act wilh’n the county.” “This leaves tho matter entirely optional to the council to decide,” the chairman added.