RAGWORT MENACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23072, 24 June 1938, Page 12

RAGWORT MENACE

POISONING OF SHEEP SAFEGUARD FOR BUYERS GUARANTEE SCHEME PROPOSED [from our own correspondent] NGARUAWAHIA, Thursday The question of empowering county noxious weeds inspectors to issue certificates to occupiers of land that was free from ragwort was discussed at a conference of representatives of South Auckland county councils and the Agricultural Department held at Ngaruawahia yesterday. The chairman, Mr. H. W. Wilson, said the purchaser of sheep had no safeguard at present against acquiring animals which were believed to be free from ragwort poisoning, but which subsequently became affected. Mr. E. A. McKinlav., Government stock inspector, considered that a guarantee given at a saleyards was practically worthless. He suggested that greater co-operation between buyers and sellers was needed to ensure the trading in stock being placed on a more satisfactory footing. Mr. McKinlay further suggested that an "over-all" guarantee should be given assuring the purchaser completely disease-free stock. It was agreed that the issuing of certificates would be a step in the direction of encouraging farmers to eliminate ragwort, and it was decided to elect a committee consisting of the chairmen of the county councils concerned, and Messrs. McKinlay and H. Cleland, stock inspectors, to interview the auctioneering firms, with a view to securing their support in connection with the issue of a general guarantee certificate.