Menace of Goatsrue

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 30, 5 February 1937, Page 5

Menace of Goatsrue

RIVER BOARD ALARMED AT SPREAD OF WEED Alarmed at tho rapid spread of goatsrue in tho lower reaches of the Manawatu river and adjacent farm lands, was expressed at yesterday’s meeting of tho Manawatu-Croua Riyer Board. Tho Horowhenua County Council advised that the question of placing goatsrue on the first schedule of noxious weeds, had been deferred to the March meeting for further consideration. Members expressed concern at tho spread of tho weed, Mr Callesen even classifying the situation as “terribly serious.’* All agreed that settlers, in many cases, would have to get assistance of some sort in order to clean their land. Mr Law: It grows as high as a crop of wheat. Mr Callesen said grubbing in tho spring was very effective and Mr Carter confirmed this. Cutting was of no use. j Mr Lynch: The trouble is we hear a | lot about noxious weeds in the summer | time when the people can't spare tho time, and nothing about it in the winter when tho work should be tackled. Mr Jackson declared that on one estate the goatsrue could have been grubbed out for £lO ten years ago; now it would costs hundreds. It was decided to ask the noxious weeds inspector to be more rigid in his demands on settlers to destroy goatsrue within tho Kairanga stopbauks and to point out to the Horowhenua County Council that Government asistance be secured in the eradication of noxious weeds. The council is to be told that board members fear that inaction will result in the ruination of much valuable land.