NOXIOUS WEEDS

Putaruru Press, Volume XX, Issue 1209, 21 November 1946, Page 7

NOXIOUS WEEDS

MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL Pointers For Farmers Interesting pointers for farmers were given in the monthly report of Mr. W. J. Logan, inspector of noxious weeds, to the Matamata County Council on Thursday. The report stated : ” Tile unsettled and unseasonable weather of the past month has retarded work generally on the farms, but it has served to demonstrate the wisdom of tackling the weed problem early. •• The farmers who took advantage of suitable days in previous months to rreat their ragwort are now reaping the benefit of their foresight, whilst those who postponed the matter have all their anxiety and work ahead of them.

“ The five per cent, sodium and lime mix has been giving excellent results and has the added advantage that it can be used effectively on doubtful days so long as there are a couple of hours of sunshine.

“ Numerous inspections indicate that there is definite improvement in the ragwort position compared with this time last year. “ I regret to have to report that work on the native and Crown lands has been delayed through non-delivery of the lime on order. Apparently there has been a shortage of railway trucks for the carriage of lime, but lam assured that the arrears are now being overtaken.

“ There appears to have been no move by the Native Department relative to an inspection of the Okauia Settlement. Cr. Wallace accompanied me on a tour of inspection of this area and I believe shares my opinion that there are definite prospects of improvement in this quarter. “ Gorse and Blackberry: The blackberry position is not so bad, but progress with the gorse continues to be slow, and farmers are being continually urged to cut back their gorse. This is work that can be done on showery days when normal farm work cannot be undertaken. In particular the importance of eradicating those odd plants cannot be overemphasised. “ Road Frontages: Gradual Improvement continues on road frontages, and the residents of the Turanga-o-moana district are to be congratulated on their efforts In this respect, which will make their highway comparable with the best. “ Weed Train: I am indebted to the inspector of permanentways, New Zealand Railways, Mi-. J. Sutherland, for the opportunity of witnessing the operation of the weed train in this section on the Bth instant. The section of line sprayed is showing good results notwithstanding the unfavourable weather. This is part of the Railways Department’s programme to clean up along the tracks and road frontages.

“ Sodium Stocks : Sodium is procurable at the moment from all merchants and dairy factories, and farmers are advised to place their orders for the season’s requirements without delay.

“ General: One effect of the drought was to leave open spaces in the pastures, with the result that thistles and other weeds are unusually prolific this season.

“ Winged thistle is one that I have had numerous inquiries as to the best method of treatment. In some places the infestation is exceedingly heavy, choking out large patches of pasture. The most effective treatment appears to be that of chipping the thistles and applying a pinch of neat sodium to the stubble.

“ Cape Weed Or Cape Daisy: This weed appears to be making Its appearance In several places. It grows about a foot high and has a flower head with a black disc and yellow ray like a miniature sunflower. It is a very tenacious weed, and when chipped and turned over the flowers and stems will curl upwards an,i cling to life. Burning appears to be the most effective way to destroy It- “ Tours Of Inspection: On 22nd October Cr. La Trobe accompanied me on a tour of Inspection of the top end of his riding. We found a vast improvement. in the conditions in an area which in the past, had caused considerable anxiety. With advent of favourable weather I will endeavour to arrange similar trips with other councillors.”