RAGWORT CONTROL

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21038, 14 February 1940, Page 11

RAGWORT CONTROL

PARASITE ESTABLISHED GOOD RESULTS PROBABLE POSITION IN WAIKATO The parasite to combat the menace of ragwort which was brought into operation in New Zealand more than two years ago is now firmly established and results of importance may be looked forward to, in the opinion of Dr. D. Miller, of the Cawthron Institute, Nelson. This information, received by the New Zealand Cooperative Dairy Company, Limited, was passed on to the Waikato County Council yesterday. The council contributed towards the cost of establishing the parasite. “It is gratifying to know,” said Mr R. H. McKenzie, chairman of directors of the dairy company, in a communication to the council, “that the venture shows such promise of success.” Members of the council concurred with this opinion. Weather Retards Control Ragwort control in the Waikato has become a big task for the County Council, and the extraordinary weather this summer has accentuated the problem. The county overseer, Mr G. G. Winter, commenting on the effect of the weather, said that a considerable quantity of ragwort had made its appearance after the main treatment had been carried out, necessitating further attention tc. clean up the properties. For the same reason the number of properties requiring further inspections had been considerable, and at this time of the year it was very apparent that further assistance should be available if better results are desired.

The inclement weather having disorganised farm work generally, and in some cases the shortage of supplies of material for treatment of ragwort, had held up treatment. Efforts have been made to make supplies available so that the work could be proceeded with. The two gangs resumed about the middle of the month and had been constantly engaged. Further partly-developed areas, badly infested with ragwort and a menace to the districts in which they are situated, were now being further improved and farmed with a beneficial result to the surrounding farm lands and the county in general. Notwithstanding the favourable season for the growth of ragwort, the overseer considered that the position was definitely improving in the worst areas.