THE RAGWORT MENACE.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17586, 15 December 1928, Page 9

THE RAGWORT MENACE.

COUNTY COUNCIL'S CONCERN. BIG GROWTH IN DISTRICT. The growth of ragwort in certain portions of the Matamata County was the subject of comment at the monthly meeting yesterday. Complaint was made by the noxious weeds inspector, Agricultural Department, of the laxity of settlers at Patetoro in allowing the weed to grow. "It's the same all over the county," said Cr. H. C. Rollett. "There is abundance of ragwort on both sides of Matamata and all round Okauhia. Cr. W. H. Allen said the matter was becoming serious and something would have to be done. Cr. Rollett said the seeds travelled with wind and rain and settled in gullies. Sheep made little difference, as much sheep country near Te Kuiti was infested with ragwort.

Cr. Wilson considered that property owners who had cleared their sections should ensure that the weed did not grow again and spread. The chairman (Mr J. W. Anderson) said many ratepayers were combatting ihe problem. Cr. Rollett: Well, I saw one man working next to a bush for a week and he didn't touch it. Some people think it looks pretty! Cr. Judd said it was useless tackling ragwort until it was in llower. He believed sheep should be placed on rag-

wort country. Some councillors expressed doub i whether this would be satisfactory. The discussion lapsed with no resolution being passed, i