GOVERNMENT AND RAGWORT

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1789, 7 December 1936, Page 5

GOVERNMENT AND RAGWORT

“ THE WORST OFFENDER ” Hon. Mr. Armstrong Admits It “So far as noxious weeds are concerned, I recognise that the Government has been the worst offender,” said the Minister of Labour, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, when replying to a deputation of 30 delegates from county councils in South Auckland which stressed to the Minister at Hamilton on Friday the extent of the ragwort menace. “ Many farmers have been prosecuted for neglect, while, alongside, Government property has run wild with weeds,” the Minister said. “ I don’t think anyone should be allowed to occupy land unless an attempt is made to keep it clean, and we shall have to take up a decided- attitude. If this land is better for nothing else than weeds we might keep the pest in check by afforestation.”

The Minister added that on his return to Wellington he would report on his investigations to Cabinet, and the Government would face up to the position to the fullest possible extent. " c ~ f •

Rate of Pay for Workers

Several difficulties which were met in controlling the Governmental elimination were pointed out 1 by delegates, and the opinion was expressed that discontent would be bred by paying the worker employed in eradicating ragwort £1 per week more than was paid to the agricultural worker. The chairman of the Matamata County Council, Mr. J. W. Anderson, considered that the general feeling of local bodies was that the gang system of eradication was working satisfactorily, but the opinion had been expressed that it was desirable for the men who were engaged for the work to be drawn from the immediate districts rather than from the cities. He pointed out, however, that the more-capable farm hand was actually receiving less than the ragwort worker.

Minister’s Sympathy

“If the country were invaded by an enemy we would offer a national front of resistance. We should adopt the same policy in combating ragwort, which has not only developed into A menace 'but'also intb a tragedy. I have wondered why many settlers have had the heart to continue the fight,” said the Minister.

The Minister said it was not sufficient to spend the money that was available from the unemployment amount which was not sufficient to grapple with the pest. The most difficult task was dealing with Crown and native lands. i

Referring to the recent increases in the pay of ragwort workers from 27s 6d to £4 per week, the Minister said the Government had ho intention of reverting to the original scale. ' ‘ 1 v