RAGWORT MENACE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11930, 23 January 1936, Page 3

RAGWORT MENACE

Ciown and Native Lands SPREAD OF WEED’S MAT AM AT A GUM MI AVI'S The Matamata Record, in a recent issue refers to the ragwort menace in the following terms, which have a great deal of local significance: The question of ragwort control is becoming more and more acute almost every month. toL especially in the Matamata County, there has been more activity than e/er in regard to the matter, with little apparent result so far as destruction is concerned. On the administration side the County Council has proved itself very much alive and has done more than any county council in New Zealand to educate public opinion in regard to the grave danger from this noxious weed. It has also brought pressure to bear on those failing to take adequate steps to clear the weed and at the same time has conducted experiments to assist those who are plagued with this menace to become thoroughly acquainted with the best eradicators. In addition the county has appointed its own inspector, having discussed the subject at meeting after meeting in all its phases, and over a year ago was responsible, in co-operation with other bodies, for securing a special Act of Parliament which dealt with the matter.

On the other hand most farmers have responded very loyally to the lead thus given and have done their utmost to keep their properties clean, Yet, in spite of all this effort, reliable observers estimate the amount of ragwort to he seen in flower to-day to be as great as ever. The position has thus become a most worrying one for all concerned, and it would appear that either the time is too early to gauge the full effect of recent efforts, or else the measures al-

ready evolved are quite inadequate to cope with the evil.

It is difficult to suggest any one complete reason for the present state of affairs. To the farmer who is brought before the court for failing to take adequate steps to clear his property the council's efforts savour of persecution, but on the other hand it has yet to bo shown that anyone so summoned, who has done his best to deal with ragwort and has laid his case personally before the council, has not received a most sympathetic hearing from members or officials. Judging by open discussion at the council table, it can be definitely said that prosecution is a last resort, is distasteful to the council, and is only decided upon after the fullest investigation. In defence of the present position it is often said that seeding comes from unoccupied Crown and Native land, but while this is undoubtedly true, the fact remains that properties adjoining, and in one instance almost surrounded by such unoccupied seed beds, have been cleared of ragwort by systematic effort, although, of course, the work has to be continual in order to keep such properties in such a clean state. Apart from minor hindrances such as the fact that sodium chlorate apparently deteriorates under certain conditions, it would appear that the two main handicaps to a successful handling of the present acute position in which the ragwort menace has placed. the farming community are, firstly, the lack of real appreciation on the part of many farmers of the danger of the situation. This is exemplified by the number of isolated plants in full bloom which can be seen on very many farms (and also in the town districts). Secondly, the economic situation, which prevents a percentage of farmers from expending sufficient money on labour, machinery and material to adequately cope with the menace, and which has left others financially high and dry in that they have undertaken (he responsibility of handling properties too large for their means. An improvement in the economic situation may ease the path for many, but in the meantime it would appear that the council, to safeguard the general situation, has no option in very many cases but to be “cruel to be kind.” In other words, to protect the majority extreme pressure will have to be brought to bear on those who allow' a few r plants to seed. It should never be forgotten that the old proverb of a "stitch in time saves nine” applies most aptly, for one ragwort plant which is allowed to seed will result in hundreds of new plants next spring. It is those who disregard this old adage who are likely to be the victims of the next official offensive.