SPREAD OF RAGWORT

Southland Times, Issue 19823, 20 March 1926, Page 4

SPREAD OF RAGWORT

NORTH ISLAND REPORTS. FARMERS GETTING ANXIOUS. The spread of ragwort in Southland was mentioned and condemned by a visiting farmer, who came from the North Island. Judging from the strong condemnation expressed by this man, one would expect the North Island to be practically from this noxious weed, but -reports in northern papers indicate that the weed is as prevalent there as in Southland. The weed will always be difficult to control in dairy districts, and farmers therselves can keep down the weed only if they t ackle its eradication in a systematic manner. In reply to communications from the Matamata County Council and the Hamilton and Cambridge branches -of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, the Minister ci .Agriculture, the Hon. O. J. Hxcwkcn, stated: — “I am in receipt of your letter of February 16 and have noted what you say with regard to the spread of ra.gwort in your district. The importance of noxious weeds control, not only in your district, but throughout the Dominion, is fully realised, and no effort that will assist- in bringing about an improvement in the position will be lacking on my part. I desire, however, to indicate that the control and ultimate eradication of noxious weeds is not primarily a matter fcr legislative or administrative action by Parliament or the Government, but is really one for sustained and timely work by the occupiers of the land on which the plants are growing. In my opinion, it is .futile to expect that a wide-spread infestation of a noxious weed can be effectively itoped with by Parliament, or by the Government, unless their action is fully supported by an enlightened and thoroughly earnest pu.biic opinion throughout the district concernsi. “Until landowners as a whole are determined that the neglect of noxious weeds shall be treated as a very serious: matter, that as a first step their own' lands shall be cleared as far as practicable, and that any of their number who fail in this respect shall be made to feel that their neglect places them in an invidious and untenable position among their fellows, it it hopeless to expect that any alteration in the law, or any increase in the number or activity of Government inspectors will solve the problem. I, of course, fully recognise that Parliament and the Government each has its sphere of activity in this connection, and I am giving the matter my closest attention with a view to bringing before Parliament any amendments it may be considered desirable to make in the present .Act and with a view to putting into force any changes that may be found advisable in the methods of working adopted by inspectors. “I trust I may rely in your council to take definite steps in the direction of inducing all settlers concerned to realise and act up to their individual responsibiiities in the directions I have indicated, and that, as a result, a healthy public opinion on this subject may become increasingly manifest each season in future.” The chairman remarked that the position was somewhat difficult, inasmuch as that while people demanded more inspectors they at the same time complained of any increase in the number of Government offoicials. IN THE MANAWATU.

The spread of the * weed was discussed at a meeting of the Horowhenua County Council, and the chairman, Mr Broadbent, said the weed was spreading right through the country. Growing cn the banks of streams, it was rapidly becoming a menace. Other councillors said the position was serious, and that steps should be taken to eradicate the nuisance. The chairman. Mr Monk, said that in his opinion many people did not realise that ragwort was growing on their lands until it had gained a firm hold. It was a matter for the Stock Department, and he moved that a complaint be forwarded to that department. This course was agreed to. A» few years ago ragwort was a noxious weed within the Southland County and as such, was kept under control. However, since its removal from the noxious weed list many farmers have made no efforts to control it, with the result that many paddocks of yellow flowers can now be seen. The only method by which the weed will be tackled is for it to be placed on the list of noxious weeds again. This will ensure that those farmers, at present neglectful of their paddock?, will be called upon to do something to control the weed. Southland is not the only province affected and the weed, unless checked, will soon become a serious menace in dairying districts throughout the Dominion. The wesd

is seldom seen in shcie'p country as it never gets a start, the sheep keeping it closely cropped right through the season. Cattle will not touch it, and when it appfcars in cattle pasture the stock simply graze round it, and allow it to mature. The weed is no worse in Southland than in other dairying districts of New Zealand, and ail those districts will acquire to tackle the weed in earnest if it is to be controlled.