RAGWORT DISAPPEARING

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1930, Page 8

RAGWORT DISAPPEARING

ELLECT OF SODIUM CHLORATE NEW GROWTH SOON WITHERS That because of the adoption of the sodium chlorate spray fully 50 per cent of the ragwore in the Stratford county would disappear this season is the considered opinion of Mr. W. Harris, inspector of noxious weeds at Stratford. In conversation with a Daily News representative yesterday Mr. Harris drew attention to the wonderful efficiency of the spray'and instanced many farms on which 100 per cent, of “kills” had been recorded. The lack of ready money, inaccessibility, or the intention to control the weed by stock with sheep would about account for, the balance of the weed that flourished so profusely in certain districts last year, but the inspector is satisfied that ragwort will never' again become the menace it was prior to the adoption of the sodium chlorate treatment.

'When spraying a few weeks ago, during the low stage of the weed, Mr. Harris experienced 100 per cent, satisfactory results, but reports were to hand that the spray had not been so efficient upon the growing plant, blossoming so quickly with spring weather. It was stated that plants grew again after apparently withering from the effect of the solution, but upon investigation it was found that these new stalks could be knocked off with a finger and if left alone would, in Dearly every instance, wither within a week. The explanation lay in the fact that on large ragwort roots new stalks were just pushing out when the main plant was sprayed. These grew as the rest wilted and gave the appearance of a new and vigorous plant having replaced the old. In reality the mounting sap merely held the spray at bay for a short time. ‘"With this knowledge I- would advise farmers to push the nozzle of the spray well into the root of all “old men” ragwort plants in addition to covering the foliage,” he said. Mr. Harris also remarked that the powder form of sodium chlorate was every bit as effective as the crystals.

/ KING’S THEATRE PROGRAMME.

NOTABLE DANCE NUMBERS.

“Black Waters,” the thrilling British Dominions all-talking film, is to be screened at the King’s Theatre, Stratford, to-night, and screen “fans” will hear one of the most catching theme songs i yet featured in a talkie. This song, also called “Black Waters,” was written by the famous Sterling Sherwin, who has composed many popular song and dance numbers for West End musical comedies. The song is sung by a bewilderingly beautiful -cabaret ballet, who not only sing and dance the melody in four distinct times, the foxtrot, Charleston swing, the slow waltz and Blues times, but also perform a remarkable tapping dance to the melodious strains of “Black Waters.” Another feature of this cabaret scene is a beautiful adagio dance number which is perhaps the most distinctive “turn” of its kind yet seen on the screen.

GENERAL ITEMS.

Music examinations were conducted by" Dr. Borland, Trinity College, London, on Saturday morning at the Eltham Convent, and the following pupils were successful: —Licentiate, Miss An- ’e Slater (79 marks); Associate, Miss Theresa Maxwell (74 marks); junior, Miss Eileen Jackson (78 marks, pupil of Miss A. Slater); First Steps (violin), Miss Violet Penny (78 marks). A farewell and presentation to two school teachers will be tendered by the residents of Mangatoki at the hall on Thursday evening. Mr. W. J. Farnall, the headmaster, and Miss C. McGregor, the assistant, have both been transferred to Kaponga. Advantage will be taken of the occasion to present the certificates of merit awarded in connection with the Mangatoki Red Cross first aid classes.'

Following/ are the handicaps for the Eltham Cycle Club’s road race this afternoon, starting from Mr. Bodie’s shop and proceeding along, Burke’r Hill, Stuart Road, Finnerty Road, and down Mountain Road, a total distance of about 16 miles:—Coleman and Mehrtens scr, D. Burke and Vickers 24min, Volzke and Colwell 34min, Ward and T. Stockman 54min.

A euchre tournament, under the auspices of the Eltham C-E.M.S. Club was held on Thursday, when there was an attendance of 46 players. Prizes were

won by Mrs. Patton first, Mrs. Burgess second after a play-off with Mils. Wolfe, Mr. C. Martin first, Master T. Gibson second. Replying to a toast at the Eltham

golfers’ dinner on Thursday evening Mr. Leo Quin, the club champion for 1930, said that never since he took up golf in 1919' had he taken the game so seriously as this year. Never before had

he practiced so much and in view of the forthcoming championships at Palmerston North he had played over the course to become acquainted with the peculiarities of the bunkers.