FIRE BLIGHT INFECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 73, 27 March 1920, Page 13

FIRE BLIGHT INFECTION.

PRECAUTIONARY METHODS. COOPERATION OF FRUITG ROWERS. In the course of an interview with Mr. J. W. Collard. orchard instructor in oharge of the Auckland district, a "Ster" representative was informed this morning that the department recognised the serious position in regard to the recent infection of fire blight in the Auckland district. Every effort, he stated, was being made to cope with the vast amount of work created by the outbreak, and a large portion- of the commercial as well as the domestic areas, •had already 'been fully inspected by horticultural officers. Owing to the shortage of etaff available for carrying out this work, the department was requesting the co-operation of orchardishs willing to assist) in the inspection for this disease, and in this regard was offering to pay out-of-pocket expenses for such. work. The Huapai Fruitgrower*' Association had come forward voluntarily to assist. A vigilance committee had been formed and tad teoured out an area of 5,000 acres. They now offered three men as honorary in-spsc tors, and as they were considered to be suitable, their services would be ffflmedtately accepted. It) id hoped that the other associations existing in the Auckland district would do -likewise, as it was certain that they would realise their responsibilities in this direction Commenting upon tiie spread of the blight, Mr. Collard said it was gratifying to note that recent investigations have disclosed only two fresh infections in North Auckland. The seriousness of the situation, Mr. Collard added, had been announced from time to time through the Pre**, and at meeting's of the orc.hardists the matter had been fully put before them. In his opinion this was the only way to deal successfully with the menace. If it was not dealt with this season there was a I danger of it remaining here for all time.