CONTROL OF RAGWORT.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17687, 16 April 1929, Page 10

CONTROL OF RAGWORT.

FARMERS’ RESPONSIBILITY MAGISTRATE’S COMMENT. Thaf. the advice for the effective control of ragwort is available lo ihc farmer if he will but spend the time necessary to study it was the opinion expressed by Mr r. W. Tate. S.M., in the Waitara -Magistrate’s Court when deaiiing with a case of failure to clear ragwort. After inflicting a fine of £5 upon a Urcnui farmer who was charged with this oiTence ho drew attention to the March. IP2P. number of the New Zealand journal 'of Agriculture. Every farmer, lie thought, could read intelligently, ar.d there, in an article dealing with ragwort, it was made perfectly clear that the weed could be controlled with sheep. “If farmers don't get the journal, and if they dont’’ read, and therefore don’t follow the advice given to them, then they must not complain if they ore fined heavily,” said the magistrate, “if they read and follow the instructions laid down then they will not be troubled.” The case before the court was a charge against L. G. Newton, of Urenui. Evidence showed that defendant had 800 to 1000 acres, and had been warned by the inspector to cut the ragwort. On a later visit, of the inspector lie was found engaged in the work, but with slow progress. A notice was sent notifying him to have the ragwort cleared by the end of January. A February t visit, the inspector stated, disclosed that a slovenly job had been made,-and ttie gullies and boundary fences were left untouched. Defendant, who was not present, was lined £5, costs 12s.