NGATEA FARMERS’ UNION

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 452, 6 September 1928, Page 2

NGATEA FARMERS’ UNION

For many years farmers of the Hauraki Plains have been concerned at the growth of a weed resembling oxeyed daisy near the saleyards of the district, and those of neighbouring counties and last summer a movement was started to have it declared a noxious weed. A reply from the local stock inspector, read at a meeting of the Ngatea branch of the Farmers’ Union on Monday evening, stated that the plant was “Stinking Mayweed” (Athemis Colula) or Spurious Chamomile, and that it was not mentioned in the Noxious Weeds Act. Members expressed the opinion that the plant did not spread very much, except by seeding, but the seeds were carried bj* stock, and all the sayeyards for miles around were over-run by it. A resolution to take the necessary steps to have it declared a noxious weed was carried, and it was also decided to advise the stock auctioneering firms of the proposed action, so that they could take steps to control the plant before it seeded this summer.

THio desirability of having a sheep dip on Hauraki Plains was also advocated and it was agreed to approach the owners of a saleyards at Ngatea with tho suggestion that they provide a dip and drafting pen for the use of farmers at a small charge. The following were appointed the executive committee of the branch, which was reformed recently, after being defunct for two years:—Messrs. J. Darlington, president; F. Speedy, secretary; G. Phillips. U. F. Louch, j. Spence, E. Flavell, W. Phillips and R. Burke.