SECOND ONLY TO JAPAN

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3257, 30 April 1943, Page 5

SECOND ONLY TO JAPAN

ALARMING SPREAD OF RAGWORT \ - “ PROPERTY OWNERS CONCERNED CONFERENCE OF COUNTY COUNCILS A yellow peril to New Zealand which was listed as second only to the danger of Japanese invasion was the subject discussed at a conference of local bodies which met in Paeroa on Wednesday when ways and means of controlling the ever increasing and alarming spread of ragwort, not only locally, but throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion were investigated. Called by the Hauraki Plains County Council and willingly agreed to by the Ohinemuri County Council and the Piako County Council, the conference was decided upon because of alarming reports from inspectors and farmers to the effect that the menace of ragwort had become really serious, the increase in the last year or so being well over 300 per cent, in some localities. Evidence was given at the conference that on some hill country settlers were being, and would be in increasing numbers each year, driven off their properties by the tremendous growth of lagwort which was now also spreading on to the high-pioducing flat lands of the Thames Valley and Waikato. After a general discussion, during which experiences m their fight against the menace were given by local bodies represented, the conference outlined the main problems which were standing in the way of effective control and eradication of ragwort, it being pointed out that the present Noxious Weeds Act did not allow of large enough fines being imposed upon property owners who failed to deal with the weed in due season. Other points were noted and it was agreed to call a conference of all local authorities in the South Auckland area to formulate a plan of attack and secure the Government’s support both in finance and authority to deal with those property owners who failed to co-operate in the fight against the menace.