RAGWORT MENACE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 278, 7 March 1929, Page 5

RAGWORT MENACE.

A-LIVELY MEETING. Putaruru Farmers Meet. There were some lively incidents at the ordinary meeting of the Putaruru branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, which was held on Thursday, during a discussion on the ragwort menace. Mr. A. E. Vosper opened the discussion by moving the following resolution: “That in view of the rapid and widespread increase of ragwort in many districts and its alarming and disastrous results to farm lands and stock, this meeting calls the attention of the Minister of Lands to the necessity of the Government providing assistance to farmers in order that the spread of this dangerous weed may be checked and controlled: “ (1) By setting up a board or boards in the various districts to act in conjunction with Government inspectors. “ (2) By providing funds (where necessary) to assist settlers who are unable to cope with ragwort in order to prevent comparatively clean farms from being infected through seeding. “ (3) By formulating a plan of campaign or some effective remedy which should be ready for operation not later than November 1, 1929.” Mr. B. G. Gobel seconded the resolution pro forma. Mr. Voyce stated that he had to apologise for Mr. P. Fi Karl, who would have been present but for illness. Speaking to the resolution, Mr. Vosper stated everybody knew what the ragwort menace was because all were affected by it, and they should try and get something done which v.'ould be beneficial to the whole community. He had given the question some thought and had framed the resolution as a guide to save time. The meeting could amend it or throw it out as it pleased. ' Some people argued that sheep would control the menace, and he noticed farmers in the King Country, were asking the Government to finance them in buying sheep. If the Government agreed this would probably end in sheep being bought at 25s or 30s and then dying on the ragwort. . The weed also affected values and he held that a farm worth £25 an acre became almost worthless once the plant had got a big hold. Where there was one plant last year there were a hundred this year. While same men were .doing all they could the weed was beating them. Drastic measures, within reason, were necessary if they were to meet with any success. Mr. Tomalin stated he did not believe in subsidies. The inspector was as much to blame as anyone, because he got here too late. The speaker had been flabbergasted by what he had seen at his son’s place. Summonsing was too good for some people, and they deserved hanging. (Laughter). Mr. Baldwin thought they should protest to the Department of Agriculture.

Mr. Tomalin: I’m thinking it would be lost there. Mr. Morrison: Have you any idea, Mr. Chairman, whose names are on the list for summons? The chairman: I can’t allow personalities. We shall get nowhere if I do. Mr. Morrison: I asked because I hear some names are on the list which should not be there. Mr. Tomalin: There is a High School here and there’s plenty of ragwort in their grounds. Yet there’s nothing doing when it comes to pulling it. (Laughter). Mr. Morrison: The Government is the worst offender of the lot. (Applause). Mr. Tomalin, speaking vehemently, stated new valuations had just been made and the valuer stated he had to depreciate some of the farms owing to ragwort, and those that keep their farms clean have to pay extra rates in consequence. Mr. Morrison (to Mr .Tomalin): Don’t keep pointing at us; we haven’t any. (Uproarious laughter). The chairman then suggested that each paragraph in the resolution be taken separately, and this was agreed to.

A suggestion that the introductory paragraph be amended hy inserting the words “ appreciating what had been done by Cawthorn Institute and the Government,” was carried Unani- ; mously, Mr. Tomalin remarking- “ I’ll thank ’em Tor nothing.” A difficulty in defining “ boards ” brought a suggestion from Mr. Vosper that sub-committees of unions mip'ht do. The chairman urged that setting

up boards would be a costly procedure, and would not be likely to find favour. Extra assistance to inspectors would be a much better proposition. Mr. Tomalin stated he had no time for inspectors. There were too many already. Mr. Goebel then moved that the first clause be altered to request that extra inspectors be put on from September to January 31. This was seconded by Mr. Morris and carried after some further crosstalk. The chairman again asked members to leave out the personal element, stating the meeting would get nowhere if abuse of neighbours were indulged in. The Minister would expect concrete proposals. Clause two found favour with many, Mr. Dowd leading its supporters and urging that inspectors be given power to state who should receive assistance. Mr. Peters agreed, and stated that the menace should be treated as an epidemic. Mr. Dowd then took the floor and was proceeding to discourse on a political issue when he was called to order. Mr. Goebel insisted that inspectors had sufficient powers now if they used them. Mr. Tomalin was proceeding to make further references anent inspectors and those who allowed ragwort to grow, when he was chided by a member in regard to personalities.

Mr. Tomalin replied in terse words that the trouble was that they had not been personal enough. (Laughter). On being called to order the speaker sat down with a grin, remarking: “ I won’t say another word, Mr. Chairman.” Mr. Dowd then took the floor and expressed the view that the present Government was out to assist farmers, and would grant money for assisting farmers who could not cope with this weed. Asked who would draw the line between those who were to be assisted and who were not to be, Mr. Dowd replied that the inspectors would do so. Mr. Morris stated they had got an example of inspectors’ work now. Mr. Nicklin stated it was impossible for some farmers to cope with the weed, and assistance must be given. The menace should jie treated as an epidemic. If influenza broke out the Government gave a grant, and they should do the same in this case.

Mr. E. Nicklin seconded this resolution. The chairman stated there was not a dog’s chance of them getting assistance in such a manner. If it were given in that form it would simply encourage farmers to sit back and wait for assistance to be given. Mr. Vosper did net agree with this view.

After a misunderstanding in regard to the amendment had been explained, Mr. Dowd rose to speak again, when he was asked to resume his seat as he had already spoken. The amendment was then put and defeated by one vote. Mr. Dowd: May I speak now? The chairman: Yes.

Mr. Dowd: Well, I only wanted to say that I objected to you remarking “ there was not a dog’s chance.” (Laughter). Mr. Peters then urged that the Government be asked to set aside funds to cope with the menace as an epidemic. Mr. Morris: There’s no epidemic. People have seen it growing and have not pulled it.” Mr. Peters: You can’t stop it. I have none, hut any man with rising land facing the wind where there are pockets in the gullies must get the seed. Mr. Dowd seconded this amendment, which on being put to the meeting was defeated by two votes. The meeting then settled down to business and struck out clause three on voices, and nominated I|jlessr». Vosper, Scott and Morris to wait on the Minister of Agriculture when he visited Putaruru.

USE OF CINNABAR MOTH. Release in Certain Areas. Many inquiries have been made to Mr. F. Lye, M.P. for Waikato, for supplies of cinnabar moths for liberation in the Waikato with a view to .eradicating ragwort. Mr. Lye. .wrote to the Agricultural Department for information, and has received a reply from Mr. J. W. Woodcock, instructor ;in agriculture, Hamilton, expressing regret that he had no supplies of cinnabar moth available for distribution to individual farmers. The

moths had been released in a few selected areas only where they would be kept under observation. Mr. Woodcock said it was not anticipated that the moth would be of much assistance in controlling ragwort pest this season, and the firs* release would be more in the nature •of an experiment under actual field conditions rather than at attempt to eradicate the weed.