DANGER OF NOXIOUS WEEDS

Putaruru Press, Volume XX, Issue 1209, 21 November 1946, Page 6

DANGER OF NOXIOUS WEEDS

HEMLOCK PROSCRIBED Variegated Thistle a Calamity Warning Given By Councillor The danger of variegated thistle was stressed by Cr. G. H. Verity at the monthly meeting of the Matamata County Council following the reading of the monthly report made by Mr. W. J. Logan (inspector). Cr. C. H. La Trobe stated that wing thistle was spreading and he had had reports on the subject from settlers. It was stated! that the weed was not on the first schedule of noxious weeds.

'Cr. Verity stated that variegated thistle was a very dangerous weed and should be watched as it took possession of the land. There was no comparison between the two. Variegated thistle was a “calamity.” It was sometimes carried in the wool of sheep. Tha chairman stated that it was as well to check up and) he asked the inspector to report on the position as to whether variegated thistle was present in the county. The inspector stated) that he had received no reports on the variegated thistle, hut he had regarding the wing thistle. Cr. C. Bruce stated that there was a variegated) thistle on his farm. Cr. Verity added that the variegated thistle should be placed on vieiw at shows to warn farmers. Cr. G. H. Brinkworth stated he thought there was a patch of wing thistle on Bnckland* Road. The inspector was asked to secure samples of each before the meeting closed, if possible. Cr. Brinkworth mentioned the menace of honeysuckle.

The chairman, stated that they could not deal with it as it was not on the schedule, and it was difficult to get creepers on the schedule. The engineer stated that weeds on the first schedule were definitely noxious and those on the second schedule could be made a noxious weed by resolution of a local body. The clerk read the first schedule as follows: Blackberry, Calif dmian or Canadian thistle, ragwort and sweetbriar. The second schedule was a lengthy one and included hemlock and winged thistle.

It was decided that, at the next meeting hemlock be declared a noxious weed.