Weed control plan called farce

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33878, 25 June 1975, Page 17

Weed control plan called farce

The group subsidy scheme for noxious weeds control, announced in the Budget, was described as a farce at a meeting of the Ellesmere County Council on Monday.

“I have a feeling that the I Government is trying to get back the control of noxious weeds that it had years ago." said the chairman (Mr W. E. Walker). “There is more to (this than meets the eye.” A circular explaining the subsidy scheme was received ifrom the Ministry of AgriculI ture and Fisheries. “Several ; points have already arisen which need clarification, and ’no doubt there will be I others,” said its author, Mr ID. G. Reynolds, the Ministry’s I regional advisory officer. ’ Cr F. H. Eggleston said the i circular was unfortunate in I its choice of words in referring to “approved weeds.” “It appears that you will i have to clean up everything lon your property and then wait till the last man in the ; group finishes before you get i anything,” said Cr R. H. D. I Hudson. : Other councillors claimed. ! that it would take up to six inspectors instead of the pre-: I sent two, to administer the ■ scheme. i The circular was received.: ! Drainage rates.—-Increases !of from 10 per cent to 50 per! icent were made in district: land drainage rates. The Rolileston water-supply rate was! : increased from $2B to $3O. ! Annual fee. — The council i fixed an annual fee of $4 a : (household for the Mead-Te! 1 Pirita community centre dis-1

trict. The County Clerk (Mr G. R. Singleton) said one objection had been received.