RAGWORT CONTROL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3133, 19 June 1942, Page 5

RAGWORT CONTROL

PROBLEM IN PIAKO COUNTY

CLASSIFICATION OF LAND INSPECTOR TO BE APPOINTED The recent decision of the Piako County Council to administer the Noxious Weeds Act in its area was implemented at the meeting of the council, when it resolved to advertise for an inspector at a good salary, the successful applicant to provide his own means of transport.

The matter came up for discussion when the chairman, Cr. D. Johnson, recommended that consideration be given to the question of utilising the services of the Kiwitahi Rabbit Board inspector as a ragwort inspector in that part of the county. Cr. Johnson further suggested that riding members collaborate with the inspector to the end that the inspector, if appointed, would cover and get a better working knowledge of the mostinfected 1 areas. Where property was found to be infected, and such property, was under the control of a lessee, sharemilker or manager, the owner also should be advised of the position and notice served by registered letter. Cr. Johnson further suggested that notice be posted to all ratepayers of the council’s intention to implement the Act and that a copy of that part of the Act dealing with noxious weeds on the roadsides in front of properties, with particular reference to blackberry and gorse, which were invading the roads, menacing the safety of traffic and damaging cars, be forwarded. Ratepayers should also be advised that as sodium was not at present procurable liquid weed killer and salt were substitutes with an effective value. Transport Difficulties Cr. Johnson stated that if it was possible to do so he felt that the council should appoint the Kiwitahi Rabbit Board inspector as part-time officer in that area. His objection toa full-time appointment concerned the difficulties apparent in providing petrol and tyres for a car. The rabbit noard was prepared to co-operate, with the stipulation that its inspector keep within the area of its own operations. If the council could utilise the services of this inspector it would be all to the good as he knew the position thoroughly. Cr. Johnson had had complaints concerning blackberry, which had become much worse, flourishing on various roads in his riding. Cr. Rushton agreed that there would be no difficulties so.far as the rabbit board was concerned, though all dealings in the matter of salary would need to be made through the board. “Before going into the appointment of an inspector I would like to know from which fund we are going to pay him,” commented Cr. -Stewart. Cr. Johnson. From the general account. Classification of Land Continuing, Cr. Stewart claimed that the basis of classification would provide the fairest means of undertaking the inspection. If money to pay for inspection was taken from the general account that money could not be spent on roads. “I don’t think we could get very far in the matter of classification in the first twelve months,” declared Cr. Harris, who added that there would then be somebody competent to deal with the matter. Cr. Harris failed to see any use in accepting the services of the Kiwitahi rabbit inspector in the area and possibly another parttime officer in another area. The employment of two, three or four inspectors- would greatly increase the cost of inspection. “Surely,” observed Cr. Harris, “there are- enough noxious weeds in the county to keep one man fully employed.” Cr. Harris believed the council should go straight ahead on its own and leave the matter of classification for 12 months. “For years we have discussed the question of taking control of the Act,” said Cr. Kennedy, “and one of the principal reasons for opposition had been the fact that there is very little ragwort in the county»and generally the ratepayers object to footing the bill to clear those parts' which need clearing.” However, continued Cr. Kennedy, the responsibility had been accepted, and he wanted to do anything he could' to make the job a success.

Cr. Kennedy asked whether the appointee would operate as a county employee and whether his salary would be paid from county funds. He sought the views of other councillors whether

the countyi as a whole should bear the cost. Neglected Areas In. Ridings “I would like to know where the inspector is going to operate,” said Cr. 'Stark, who added that he was under the impression that Kiwitahi was the only area it was proposed to inspect. In denying this Cr. Rushton moved that the cost of administering the Act be taken from the general fund for the first 12 months and that arrangements be made to adopt the classification within 12 months. However, "in moving an amendment that the county be classified and a small rate struck, Cr. Stewart said that it appeared that ■ most of the ragwort was in Kiwitahi, Walton, Waitoa and Te Aroha. of the Farmers’ Union had suggested that a small rate over the county would provide the cheapest means of administering the Act.

“What I am afraid of is that the Tahuna riding might have the heaviest rate,” commented Cr. Harris; The view that the present was the wrong time to consider classification was expressed by Cr. Rushton. The council was not concerned with the

bad areas but with those good patches which were being neglected and from which ragwort might spread. There were neglected areas in all ridings. “The deputations which have come here have all agreed that those who have the ragwort should meet the cost,” said Cr. Kennedy, adding that he would like the legal position as ,it concerned classification explained. Crs. Johnson and Harris agreed that classification was necessary, but not at present. Cr. Johnson looked at immediate attention to the matter,as a form of insurance. “This Year Or Next?” “We have got to get an inspector,” declared Cr. Harris, “and it is probable that when he gets into those ridings which are supposed to be free of ragwort he will find the greatest calls on his time.” When Cr. Stewart stated that the land could not be classified until the autumn Cr. Harris suggested that the amendment should be withdrawn, and added that he would like to know whether the council was going to administer the Act this year or next. It seemed to him that though the council had decided to accept responsibility for th© administration of the

Act it was not to be allowed 1 to carry out the work. It was no good obstructing the issue at this particular time.

Cr. Stewart: The issue is not being obstructed.

The amendment was lost on a show of hands, those voting for it being Crs. Stewart, Kennedy, Orr and Stark, while Crs. Johnson, Harris, Rushton and Burgess voted against it, the chairman exercising his casting vote.

It was later resolved that the present system of subsidising ragwort eradication be discontinued, Cr. Rushton dissenting. Matter of Transport

When Cr. Johnson advocated appointing a man with a car Cr. Kennedy. asked whether a car was necessary. If he '(Cr. Kennedy) were engaged on a similar job he would just as soon have a horse and gig. Cr. Rushton asserted that a man whose notion it would be to ride on the seat of a car would be no use, and this caused Cr. Harris to interject, amid laughter, that a man who could not drive should be engaged. Continuing, Cr. Rushton stated that a man with a horse could cover the county district by district and would not need to leave the horse at the gate. However, Cr. Rushton was not altogether happy about a man and a horse as the animal would have to be tied up in certain areas. He reminded those present that there were 700 square miles in the county. As an alternative Cr. Harris suggested that a man with a horse and gig, and a saddle carried in the vehicle, would serve the purpose.

A decision as stated above was reached.