NOXIOUS WEEDS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 75, Issue 6443, 7 November 1947, Page 8

NOXIOUS WEEDS

CONTROL IN OTOROHANGA COUNTY REPORT OF INSPECTOR' * The noxious weeds inspector, Mr N. Smith, reported to the Otorohanga County Council at the monthly meeting on Monday that property owners were showing increasing interest in the council’s efforts to check the growing of noxious weeds, and especially ragwort. Mr Smith said he had attended a demonstration at the Kairangi Settlement on the new hormone treatment and winged and variegated thistles. Although the full effect would not be noted for some weeks, it was very apparent that the work done had acted as a check. Full results would be reported upon at next month’s meeting. Two working gangs had been constantly employed on native lands and on private properties, with good results. Comment was made by the councillors on the effect of controlling noxious weeds along certain of the lesser used roads. One councillor said better results had been obtained by this method than any of the control work done by the county gangs. It was pointed out that stock could graze on the roads under supervision provided they travelled a minimum of three miles a day and had a definite destination, such as the Horotiu killing works and were not allowed on the roads after dusk. Some farmers turned their stock on to the roads to conserve pasture on the farms, and others claimed to. be trying to keep their road frontages clear. Councillors present were Messrs J. L. Wallis (chairman), H. Rothery, H. C. Grierson, G. D. Hall, R. H. Wynyard, L. A. Kay, H. E. Walters, with the clerk, Mr M. P. Goldsbro, and engineer, Mr B. McKenzie, in attendance.