RAGWORT MENACE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32520, 22 December 1944, Page 5

RAGWORT MENACE

SETTLERS COMPLAIN

AFFECTING OTHER LAND

LETTER TO COUNTY COUNCIL

What was described as “the menace to farmers and settlers,” in some parts of the Thames County, of ragwort growing in the Parakuai district of the Ohinemuri County was referred to in a letter received at the December meeting of the Ohinemuri County Council from the Whangamata Settlers’ Association.

The letter urged that as the lan.d in question had now been taken over for settlement by the Native Lands Department, something should be done in the matter, and the Ohinemuri Council was asked to bring pressure to bear on those responsible to eradicate ragwort from their lands. It appeared l from a letter received from the Native Lands Department that this matter had already been discussed' with the Ohinemuri county engineer, Mr L. E. Shaw. It was pointed, out, however, by the local field supervisor of the Native Lands Department, that practically all the ragwort complained of was on Whangamata 4D, 4AI, on flats, both above, and below Parakuai bridge, and it was a pity the Whangamata Settlers’ Association did not ascertain the ownership of the land before troubling the county council in the matter. Ragwort on land controlled by the Native Lands Department, it was stated received every attention. Widespread Trouble

The engineer, Mr L. E. Shaw, stated that he had discussed the matter with Mr H. 0. Walker, and in reference to the latter’s statement he wished to point out that the ragwort was not confined' to one particular property, but was widespread in the area in question. The engineer was instructed to deal with the matter of the eradication of ragwort on the property of a settler in the district mentioned, and? the council agreed to supply the Native Lands Department with two or three cWt. of sodium chlorate for use tn the reserve now under development in the Whangamata area.