Farmers In Waitotara Valley Concerned At Spread Of New Weed

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 April 1950, Page 4

Farmers In Waitotara Valley Concerned At Spread Of New Weed

Concern at the spread in the Waitot.ara Valley of a weed believed to be of the “hare-hound” species was expressed in a remit from the Ngamatapouri branch which was before the Wanganui Provincial Executive of Federated Farmers at its monthly meeting yesterday. The remit asked that representations be made to the Department ni Agriculture for an officer to visit the district and advise on an economical method of control. Mr F. H. Larsen, speaking to the remit, said that some years ago, when the weed was first seen in the district, roots were sent to the Department oi Agriculture and its identification sought. The department replied that, this plant grew along river banks and in poor soil. The weed had since spread to firstclass country, however, and various methods, including spraying, had been tried to combat it, but without success. The weed simply died away, but came up again. It was not known how the weed spread, but in time it would cover acres of good country. The remit was carried and the pre-

sident, Mr H. J. Donnelly (Raetihi) said that an approach would be made to the department.