RAGWORT MENACE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32305, 27 August 1943, Page 5

RAGWORT MENACE

PIAKO COUNTY CONTROL SEASON NOW APPROACHING WHO SHOULD HANDLE SODIUM “Two hundred to three hundred pounds doesn’t seem enough when other counties are spending thousands. We are getting into the ragwort season now and should make every endeavour to make a job of it,” commented Cr. F. E. Harris, at the August meeting of the Piako County Council when control of ragwort and grant to clear it were being discussed. Several areas, including Maori lands, upon which sodium would be used if it came to hand, were then discussed. Definite Information Lacking ' ~ ' ..Jk A letter was read in which the Min-1, ister of Agriculture stated that it was quite correct‘that the Government had placed an order for sodium but no information had yet been received .concerning it. Until there was definite word of its arrival and the price prevailing no further information could be given except that the quantity which might be ordered was not to be more than 50 per cent, of the prewar consumption.

The chairman, Mr D. Johnson, said that all the remedy should not be used upon badly infested land. There was the duty of maintaining land that was already reasonably clear of the weed. Use of Liquid

“There’s one thing if we used liquid on Maori land it might keep the ifaori stock off the road,” commented Cr. Harris feelingly, after there had been some discussion on the impracticability of this. The Clerk: Cr. Harris should consider the possibility of Maoris keeping their stock on the road till the poison had washed off their paddocks.

A discussion then took place on the fact that subsidies were allowed to be used on the properties of indigent owners and how such were to be classified. In the case of an educational reserve, it was explained, the lessee would be liable and would then come back on the owner.

Report To Be Made

On the motion of Cr. Harris it was decided that a report should be brought down to next meeting on the amount of land subsidy moneys could be used on and the sum which would be necessary.

Upon it being stated that dairy companies were applying for supplies of sodium for distribution to customers, it was decided that the Minister should be again written to setting out the council’s view, that local authorities should have the sole right of distribution.

“When we have taken the trouble to appoint an inspector he should be the man who decides who gets the sodium and apportion it where it is most needed,” was the final remark of Cr. Harris.