DISEASE IN MANUKA CONERNS FARMERS

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 July 1947, Page 6

DISEASE IN MANUKA CONERNS FARMERS

Information regarding a disease which was said to be attacking manuka jn the Mid-Canterbury district was sought recently by the Wanganui Provincial Executive of the Federated Farmers from the Dominion Council.

“The Mid-Canterbury delegate was | unaware of the blight except what he ; had read in the Press,” stated a letter from the general secretary received at yesterday's meeting of the Wanganui Provincial Executive. “Evidently the newspapers know more about the matter than the people of Mid-Can-terbury.” Th e letter said that the matter had been passed on to the Department of Agriculture.

Another letter from the Dominion Council stated that the council considered that the information given was inadequate for th e purpose of pursuing the matter. “I was directed to write for further particulars of the blight or other agent affecting manuka in Mid-Canterbury which was referred to in the resolution,” stated the letter. “You will realise that on the information given it would not be possible that research could be employed. I would be pleased, therefore, if you would advise me of the place in Mid-Canterbury where this blight is in existence."

‘I think that this is a very poor reply,” stated Mr. F. K. Pearce (Waverley) who first introduced the subject. “That means that our organisation is worth nothing." Mr Pearce added that Federated Farmers had branches in Mid-Canterbury from which further information could be sought. “I think it is undoubtedly a matter which should be pursued further,” said the chairman, Mr. H. J. Donnelly. » “A very poor reply to an important matter," commented another member.