NOXIOUS WEEDS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 55, Issue 3940, 16 August 1937, Page 5

NOXIOUS WEEDS

CONTROL IN WAIPA COUNTY. INSPECTOR’S MONTHLY REPORT. Mr G. M. Wall, noxious weeds inspector, reported at to-day’s meeting of the Waipa County Council that during the month authority had been ibeeived from the.. Government to proceed with the scheduled programme, at once—which was six weeks earlier than last year. He added: EARLY START THIS SEASON. “While it is difficult to determine the actual position at this time of the year, there is no doubt that the proposition is a much improved one to what it was when the Council’s scheme was started. “Several areas which were beyond the scope of our scheme have been acquired by neighbouring settlers, and this will greatly help the general position. “Taking into consideration the early start, and also the fact that many farmers will be able to cope with the ragwort themsblves, it is hoped to concentrate more on the outlying parts of the County, which we h. a ve .been unable to do before. “Two gangs of twelve men are now working, and next week it is hoped to start one with headquarters at Cambridge. “Sodium and lime used for the month amounted to 22) tons. Sales of mixture from the depot are 12] tens. Sodium sold was 10 cwt. “During thle month 15 tons of sodium and 60 tons of lime were taken into stock, and a considerable amount of mixing has been done. “When farmers who have only a few scattered plants, can buy one cwt of sodium and lime all ready to dust on the plants for 2s lOd at the depot, it is difficult to know what more the Council can do.” THE DISCUSSION. The report was adopted, and councillors commented that the early start this season should show splendid results. Farmers generally were realising the good service given by the Council. To a question, Mi- Wall said he had offered to supply to ratepayers the sodium-lime mixture at 2s 10d per cwt. to enable them to deal with scattered plants on their farms. In ion lots the cost was £2 10s. Cr. Onion said it was gratifying to note that an earlier start could be made this season. Cr Church said he had seen a block of about 1900 acres in an adjoining county where evlery acre was infested. He thought the authorities would have a big job in clearing it.