SPREAD OF FESCUE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32421, 21 April 1944, Page 5

SPREAD OF FESCUE

CONCERN ON THE PLAINS CARS HELP TO CARRY SEED ROADSIDES NEED MOWING Concern at the spread of tall fescue on the Hauraki Plains, particularly through vehicles picking up the seed from the roadside was expressed by the Hauraki United Drainage Board in a resolution which was discussed at the April meeting of the Hauraki Plains County Council. The resolution from the board read as under:— “That the Hauraki Plains County Council be written to that it is the opinion of members of this board that the tall fescue on the water tables of the roads, is becoming a very serious menace in this district and could some arrangement be made by the council whereby at least part of the roadsides could be cut or mown and thus give

the other grasses a chance to grow, particularly paspalum and thus help to prevent the spreading of the fescue the seed of which overhanging on the edge of the bitumen road is picked up by vehicular traffic and spread further.” Mr A. H. Sutton said the time would come when the sides of the road would have to be mowed. Other councillors agreed that something should be done. Mr D. G. McMillan said the fescue was spreading rapidly. Both vehicles and travelling stock were spreading the seed. Many progressive settlers were already cutting ihe grass in front of their property but others were doing nothing. It was decided to refer the matter to the engineer to bring down a report on a method of handling the problem.