RAGWORT MENACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22628, 16 January 1937, Page 9

RAGWORT MENACE

FARMS IN TABANAKI GOOD LAND INVOLVED PUBLIC TRUST CRITICISED [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] NEW PLYMOUTH, Friday Criticism of the Public Trust Office for allegedly failing to control adequately noxious weeds on farms under its administration was expressed at the Ha wera County Council meeting yesterday when it was decided to make representations to the department. It was reported that inost farmers wcro doing their best with ragwort, except in the case of Maori farms and a few farms administered by the Public Trustee.

" Weeds are spreading over good land, but they could easily bo checked," said Mr. T. A. Winks. " When people put their business in the hand;) of the Public Trustee they expect it to be administered properly."

The chairman, Mr. J B. Murdoch, said in one district 70 acres of good land wore covered with ragwort, which was distributing seed all over tho neighbourhood.

CONCERN AT WHANGAREI COUNTY COUNCIL RESOLUTION [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANG AH EI, Friday The seriousness of the ragwort, menace in the Whangarei County* was j discussed to-day at a meeting of the Whangarei County Council. Mr. F. Elliott said it had now become serious in the Parua Bay district, The departmental inspector had only a horse for travelling round the country, and it was suggested that the department should provide him with a motor-car to facilitate inspections. Sir. Elliott moved that the seriousness of the menace. and the fact that ragwort was spreading in the district be brought to the notice of the Minister of Agriculture. The chairman, Mr. J. A. S. Mackay, said the greatest difficulty was that ragwort and other weeds were spreading on Crown and unoccupied lands, such as reserves. The council had no control over these areas. "Unless the Crown recognises its responsibilities in the matter," he added, "we cannot hope to free the district of ragwort." The motion was carried