ALARMING SPREAD OF WEEDS IN MANAWATU

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6850, 4 March 1929, Page 10

ALARMING SPREAD OF WEEDS IN MANAWATU

Farmers’ Union Concerned

DECIDES TO ASK COUNTY COUNCILS TO ASSIST TO PREVENT PROPAGATION

Members of the Manawatu provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union at a meeting held on Saturday in Palmerston North, expressed grave concern at thei spread of noxious weeds in the Manawatu district.

As the result of a discussion on the subject, it was decided to write to the Manawatu, Kairanga, Oroua, Horowhenua and Hutt county councils asking where the roadmen employed by those bodies would be instructed to cut down weeds growing on roadsides in time to prevent seeding. “You are all aware that novious weeds are getting a great hold in this district,” said Mr. A. F. Maul, who brought up the matter. “One reason for this is the fact that the county councils are drawing their metal from the river beds and dumping it on the roadsides. This metal is full of the seeds of noxious weeds and the result is .that they flower beside the roads and spread all over the countryside.” Prevention Better Than Cure.

Od the way from Foxton, the speaker continued, he hud noticed many varieties of weeds growing along the roadsides in such profusion that they would shortly spread into the neighbouring paddocks. In his opinion, immediate action should be taken in an effort to minimise the danger while there was still time. Ho suggested that the secretary be instructed to write to the surrounding country councils, pointing out the danger and asking whether it would not be possible for them to ask their roadmen to cut down the weeds before they arrived at the seeding stages.

Mr. Maul then put his .suggestion into the form of a motion, which was seconded by Mr P. Gloyn. Mr Gloyn stated that- this matter of the alarming spread of noxious weeds had been discussed by the Foxton Rabbit board recently. As far as rabbit board areas were concerned. These bodies instructing their inspectors to act as weed inspectors as well. The remaining areas, however, had to be covered by government inspectors, who could not hope to cope with the position by reason of the magnitude of their task. He was of the opinion that each county council should take ou the work of dealing with the weeds in its district, for the pest was spreading at a rate which would soon require an army of men to keep it down. Particularly serious was the position created by the ragwort weed, which constituted a serious danger to sheep farmers. The Ragwort Menace.

The chairman, Mr. O. P. Lynch, stated that the matter had already been discussed by the AVanganui branch of tho Farmers’ union when, acting on a remit from AVavcrley, it had been decided to ask the government to concentrate on keeping ragwort out of areas at present clear. Personally he had noticed some areas near Shannon which were a mass of yellow bloom from the ragwort. They had an army of inspectors but the trouble was that they never appeared to notice the serious condition of certain areas until the mischief had been done. He quoted several serious sheep losses which had occurred through flocks eating ragwort and expressed tho opinion that the weed might have an effect upon the sterility of cows.

Mr Denton: It might have. AVe know that penny royal does.

In tho course of further discussion, members stressed the serious nature of the position by quoting stock losses through animals eating ragwort. The chairman then put Mr Maul’s motion which was carried unanimously.

Mr Gloyn: I know it is growing on tho roads but that is not my complaint. AA’hat about the paddocks? Mr Maul: It is up to the farmers to look after that.