NOXIOUS WEEDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 369, 21 April 1910, Page 8

NOXIOUS WEEDS.

IS PENNYROYAL HARMFUL? At the Stratford County Council yesterday a letter was received from the Eltham County Council pointing put that foxglove was spreading within tne Stratford Couiity near Omona, and that a resolution had ueen passed asking the Stratford County Council to declare foxglove a noxious weed. Cr. Astburv gave notice to move a special order to that effect at next meeting. Later on, when a notice of motion tabled at last meeting to declare pennyroyal a noxious weed was brought forward, Cr. Thomson said farmers won't be able to live on their sections soon. He was afraid of the whole affair; he had seen the weed, but was not aware its danger was so great.

The chairman said he felt the same as the previous speaker. He did not iktiow of the seriousness of the plant, except that experts said it brought a,bout abortion. He did not like being a party to ask anyone to do what was not possible, and he was afraid it was impossible to get rid of the weed. If it was something a man could do but would not, it was quite right to drop on bim, but he was afraid if this was passed a man would be harassed by the inspectors. Of course, there was a danger of its spreading, but he was told it died out in five or six years. He was also told that sheep would not eat it unless starving. Cr.. Walters said he had personal experience of its spreading powers. He had a patch a yard square on his property two years ago, which he could have eradicated in ten minutes. He neglected it, and this year it cost him considerable to clean it.

Cr. Astbury stated that it was very l)a<l in parts of the Auckland district. It tainted the milk. Cattle must eat it, because it grew so thick among the grass. There was none in his district, lie was pleased to say. and he did not want it there.

Cr. Porritt said they had been warned by the Stock Department of the danger of pennyroyal, and should certainly declare it a noxious weed.

€r. Marfell said inspectors only had power to compel fawners to prevent weeds seeding. This weed spread through treading 011 as well. He was afraid it would leave the door open for inspectors to harass. He could not support the motion, as he could not see the danger. The motion was ultimately carried on a division :by t> to 3.