DISTRESSFUL APATHY

Northern Advocate, 12 October 1934, Page 3

DISTRESSFUL APATHY

ERADICATION OF RAGWORT

WHANGAREI FARMERS INACTIVE

Public apathy which exists throughout the district towards the eradication of ragwort was roundly condemned by members of the Whangarei County Council to-day. Notification was received from the Director-General, Department of Agriculture, that the Government had decided to grant to importers of sodiumchlorate a subsidy of Id per lb. on sales as from October 1, 1934. The subsidy would operate to the end of February next, and the benefit, it was stated, would be reflected in local purchases. “Are the people taking advantage of the facilities being offered by the council?” inquired Cr. Clarke. Mr. Hemphill reported that only two orders had been sent in. The position had been taken up with the Government Inspector, who had agreed to appoint a man to make a clean-up of the county. “I cannot understand the apathy of property owners,” said Cr. T. N. Blake. “I know of at least a dozen farms wnere the weed is present, and yet, although the council is encouraging eradication in every way, nothing appears to be done. There is very little ragwort in the Whangarei County, but it is spreading all the time, and ratepayers should take steps to prevent isolated plants propagating and rendering paddocks useless, as in Taranaki.”

“A man with ragwort is a menace to his neighboui'S,” said Cr. F. Elliott. “The seeds blow for miles, and the weed spreads very quick l y ” As a measure of self-protection, it ,' as suggested that farmers knowing that ragwort existed on other places, should notify the Department of Agriculture.

On the motion of Cr. Clarke, it was decided to again seek the co-operation of the Whangarei Sitb-Provincial Branch of the Farmers’ Union.