CONTROL OF NOXIOUS WEEDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 283, 1 December 1941, Page 6

CONTROL OF NOXIOUS WEEDS

RANGITIKEI INSPECTION REPORT OF PROGRESS MADE THIS MONTH "In all districts blackberry and sweet brier will require attention shortly, hut on account of the labour shortage, bad weather and shearing operations, it is only possible to deal with weeds most urgently requiring attention at the moment,” stated the Rangitikei County Council's noxious weed inspector, Mr. A. W. Trotter, reporting at the monthly meeting on Friday on activity in the southern portion of the county. "The clearing of variegated thistle from clean boundaries has been done and patches growing on Hats are now being cleared ’’ the report added. "Arrangements have been made to plough big blocks of thistles on land newly broken in last year, this weed appears to be worse where close grazing is the practice. Hemlock in this area has been cleared, but requires close attention as new patches are being brought down the Wangaehu River from the Mangamahu district in the Wanganui County. The Turakina village, which a few years ago was badly infested with this weed is now practically clear." All small sections and holdings in

the Crofton-Greatford district had been cleared of hemlock. The area from Marton to Crofton was much improved, hut from the Marton Borough boundary to Crofton the weed was as bad as in former years. "In anticipation of a shortage of labour for clearing weeds this season. I have interviewed many owners of land on which weeds are growing and in most cases have been informed ’hat now the weeds are down to a minimum they will he able to continue with the work of eradication without additional labour." the inspector for the northern portion, Mr. J. Robinson, reported. ‘‘ln reference to the steep banks of the Hautapu River, between Winiata and Utiku. on which barberry is growing. I have been informed that this is a reserve, and if so money can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture to have this weed eradicated. This, in places, would he a dangerous work as a rope would he required. I have interviewed many farmers in my district and mentioned the possibility of the county declaring gorse and broom to be noxious weeds, and in every case the farmer was pleased that the county was having them declared noxious." the report added. The reports were adopted and the council decided to apply to the Department of Agriculture for a grant to meet the cost of cutting barberry in the reserve on the banks of the Hautapu River.