ALEXANDRA NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 74, 28 March 1895, Page 2

ALEXANDRA NOTES.

Alexandra, March 27.

Captain Broun, who has been visiting orchards in the Waikato during the last fortnight, arrived here on Friday evening. On Saturday he proceeded,. in company wibh Mr J. S. Berry, to examine the damaged potato crops ab Whatiwhatihoe, when he ascertained that the mischief had been caused by caterpillars entering the haulms and eating their way downwards to the roots ; after this tho plants decay. This, mosb likely, is the sumo pest that has been at work in other parts of the Waikato.

On Monday, Capt. Broun was meb by several fruitgrowers in Mr Grant s orchard, near Mount Pirongia, and he there pointed oub the various insect and'fnngoid pests on the trees themselves. This was done in such a way that those who accompanied him through the orchard now fully understand the nature and appearance of these pests. At 7.30 that night he delivered an able and instructive lecture to a large meeting of settlers, Mr James act.ir.£ as Chairman. The lecture, which lasted for rather more than two hours, was listened to with great attention and interest throughoutInsects were shown, and their habits explained, one by one* and various questions wore asked by fruitgrowers and farmers, and replied to by the lecturer. On the conclusion of the lecboro a cordial voto of thanks was unanimously accorded to Capt. Broun for the very valuable and practical instruction he had given.-r-(Correspondent.)