RAGWORT.

Putaruru Press, Volume XI, Issue 510, 23 February 1933, Page 4

RAGWORT.

IT is quite a good sign that the ragwort menace is becoming a popular subject for discussion at the meetings of many county councils, and the number appears to be growing. It may be taken as an indication of

the arousing of opinion that the only way in which ragwort will be eradicated or kept in severe control will be through concerted organised action. Unemployed labour has been employed to a considerable extent, but the presence of so many blooms and in so many places only goes to show how incomplete has been the attack on the weed. Clearing one area and leaving the adjoining one untouched is of little benefit. It does not prevent the seeding or the spreading of the seed. It has been noticed this year that farms which have hitherto been regarded as clear of ragwort have been found to be infected. Probably many farmers who have been inclined in the past not to regard ragwort too seriously because their properties have been clear will now have cause to change their opinions, and will realise that it is good policy to assist in organisation for the purpose of keeping their farms free. The weak spot in all the discussion has been the failure of any authority to take upon itself the duty of creating an organisation which is going to do the task thoroughly. Commencement now on a concerted plan of campaign should result in organised attack next season.