DANGER SEEN

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 152, 15 July 1937, Page 8

DANGER SEEN

-Preas Assoclation.)

Mexican Devil Weed NORTH AUCKLAND CONCERN

(By Telegraph-

■WHANGAREI, Last Night. Reference to the presence of eupatorium, or Mexican devil weed, in North Auckland was made at a meeting of the Whangarei County Council yesterday. "Another noxious weed is getting a hold in this district," said Mr. A. Glarke, "and from personal knowledge I would not plaee it second to ragwort. Eupatorium spreads quickly, grows to a height of 6ft. or 7ft., makes an impenetrable thicket and will not be eaten by any animal." The county engineer, Mr. J. Norris, said the weed was very prevalent in the Kaitoa district, where it was spreading across the cross-roads. Mr. S. C. Orams, county inspector: The settlers claim that eupatorium is more a benefit than a curse. It certainly takes charge of uncultivated gullies, but" they eay that it k-ills blackberry and fernt and can be pulled up easily or chopped down close to the ground. Unlike gorse and blackberry, it is not spread by seed, but grows from the root only. The chairman: It has been declared a noxious weed, and w6 cannot encourage its growth. Mr. Clarke: Eupatorium, when pulled up, grows more strongly than ever the next year, and spreads equally as fast as ragwort. I would not like anyone to get away with the idea that at is harmless. We must fight it with every meafis in our power. It was decided to communicate with the Minister of Internal Affairs on the subject and to draw the attention oi' the Cawthron Institute to the prevalence and danger of the weed.