STAFF SHORTAGE DELAYS ERADICATION OF WEEDS FROM RAILROAD TRACKS

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 November 1950, Page 4

STAFF SHORTAGE DELAYS ERADICATION OF WEEDS FROM RAILROAD TRACKS

MARTON, Last Night (SR).—As the result of an acute shortage of staff in parts of the Wanganui district, the eradication of noxious weeds from railroad tracks was not always undertaken as quickly as desired, stated the general manager of railways, Mr. F. Aiken, i'n a letter before the Rangitikei County Council at its monthly meeting today. The general manager's letter was in reply to one sent by the council to the Minister of Railways (Mr. Goosman), complaining about the prevalence of noxious weeds beside railway lines i'n the county. “Notices received from noxious weeds inspectors regarding the prevalence of weeds on railway lands are dealt with as expeditiously as possible,” the general manager stated. Shortage of staff was one of the department’s problems, but weed eradication would continue to receive every attention. “Every effort will be made to reduce delays to a minimum,’' the general manager added. Cr. A. S. Coleman: It is just useless and a waste of time. Wo have had the railways for years and the weeds are still growing. The council has asked that they should bt cleared from the Main Trunk line between Marton and Ohingaiti. Cr. O. B. Tlavken said that th*' department. should give a general direction to its staff stating that the clearing of noxious weeds must be carried out.