RAGWORT CONTROL.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 18898, 29 May 1936, Page 9

RAGWORT CONTROL.

LABOUR COSTS INCREASE. —. \\‘AlP.\ COUNTY GROWTH. (Thnes' Representative.) ’l‘lfl AWAMUTU, Thursday. The report 01‘ the Noxious Weeds inspector, Mr G. .\I. \\"all, which was presented at the. monthly meeting of the \\‘aipa County Council at ’l‘e Awainutu yesterday, stated that farmers had been urged to clear ragarort from their far-ins now instead of leaving it until the spring. Mr \\‘all said the Government‘s new rates ot‘ pay for relief workers had made no mention of men engaged on farms clearing ragwort, and it the council applied for re—alloeatlon next month the rates of pay would be raised. The work was important and he thought the council should have men available throughout the year. in view of the shortage of labour on farms he did not agree that the rates of labour should he raised at least until the farmer was getting a. better price for his product. This \‘lC\\’ was supported by Mr G. S. Clarke. who said that as the labour costs increased so would the farmer‘s ability to contribute towards the cost of clearing ragwort diminish. Several councillors drew attention to the Manning growth or the weed and the inspector was instructed to take steps to have the road i‘rontag‘es cleared without delay. .\h' 'l‘, Church stated that l'ag'worl. had been notired on some of the, coun—oil's sand and gravel rcserVrs and the engineer replied that the work 01' clear—ing." those areas was now in hand. .\ deputation from the Arnhem; branch ot' the Farmers" l'uiun waited on the mum-ii and presented it report u" the, rairworl question as it at't'eried the distrirt. \Vllit'll would IJL' t‘nrwxirded In the Minister of Lands. It was de—ridcd to endorse the report,