RAGWORT CONTROL

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3668, 15 February 1940, Page 5

RAGWORT CONTROL

PARASITE WELL ESTABLISHED BENEFIT TO THE WAIKATO Important results * are 1 ikely to come from the parasite to combat the menace of ragwort, which was brought into operation two years ago, according to Dr D. Miller, of the. r Cawthron;lnstitute, Nelson.-: This information was received at the meeting .this week of the Waikato County Council, which contributed towards the cost of establishing the parasite. Ragwort control in the Waikato has become a big task for the County Council, and the extraord- ' inary weather this summer has accentuated the problem. The county overseer, Mr G. G. Winter, commenting on the effect of the weather, said that a considerable quantity of ragwort had made its appearance after the main treatment had been carried outj necessitating further attention to clean up the properties. For the same reason the number of properties requiring further inspections had been considerable, and at this time of the year it was very apparent that further assistance should be available- if better ; ; results are desired.:: \D--rr. ■■■■■■■■■■' : ;

The inclement weather having disorganised farm work generally, and in some cases the shortage of supplies of material for treatment of ragwort, had held up treatment. Efforts have been made to make supplies available so that; the work could be proceeded with. The two gangs resumed about the middle of the month and had been constantly engaged. Further partly-developed areas, badly infested with ragwort and a menace to the districts in which they are situated, were now being further improved. and farmed with a beneficial result to the surrounding .farm |andsapd the county in general. % Notwithstanding the favourable season for the growth of ragwort, the overseer considered that the position was definitely improving in the worst areas.