“LIKE MAIZE”

Feilding Star, Volume 10, Issue 2977, 11 March 1933, Page 4

“LIKE MAIZE”

RAGWORT MENACE FARMER LOSES 25 COWS DRASTIC ACTION URGED (Per Press Association.) Thames, March it During discussion in connection with the ragwort menace at a meeting- of the Hauraki Plains County Council at Ngatca, a letter from the Franklin County Council was read which stated that the trouble : n the eastern side of the county was due to the spread of seed by wind from fhe plains. Mr Dean said 300 acres between Waitakaruru and the Patef.onga swamps were full of ragwort. Mr J. McClune (Hauraki Plains) stated that, there was not enough ragwort in Waitakaruru to fill Mr Dean’s hat. He objected to the publication of such a loose statement. The inspector reported that 60 notices had been sent out. for tho removal of noxious weeds. The Awaiti Block was badly affected with ragwort. A majority of farmers were making- good progress in clearing ragwort, and he suggested that action bo taken against' farmers who made no attempt at clearing ragwort. At Kaihcre and I-loeotainui he was surprised to find 50 acres of ragwort growing- like maize. One Awaiti farmer had bought 43 milking cows of good strain, and lost 25 with ragwort poison. The Piako, Ohinemuri and Franklin Counties we ho all concerned, and it was time some action was taken.