PARALYSIS AND BEES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18307, 14 February 1925, Page 14

PARALYSIS AND BEES.

to the editor of "the ntxss." Sir,—l note in to-day's "Press" a paragraph on "Paralysis in Bees.'' The writer indicates that it is well known that bees frequently suffer front the disease and that it is a curious fact that tins disease is • particularly prevalent at the present time. Ho dismisses the subject, however, by stating that it is not sugge&ted that any connexion exists between the disease and infantile paralysis. > Has it definitely been demonstrated, that no such connexion exists? It seems to me that there mr.y be nioro in the above facts than.: is./generally recognised. I understand... that, bacteriologists have not yet.'succeeded, "mj isolating the microbe—if microbe it be —and that its origin is still shrouded in mysterv. Its means of transport, from on© host to another, and front one locality to another, and who the '.' carriers may be, are questions still unsolved. If we accept for one. moment the hypothesis that bees are the hosts of this microbe, the obvious methods of transport would be by means of flowers. So many of us, and particularly children, . love the . scent of flowers," and'bv inhaling this scent might we not inhale'"the microbe of the disease left there by the infected ?>ee? It is well known that bees are wonderful fliers and that their spheres of activity cover the most remote districts, sometimes many miles from the hive. Again, if the above be-granted, we - could expect to find the microbe in honey—much beloved by children. The present writer admits that he has no real evidence to offer, but the few facte known to him may be marshalled as follows:—(1) Apparently the disease is not a product of filth, as well-cared-for children seem to be the usual victims. Could it be ascertained if these children have shown a particular fondness for the smelling of flowers? (2) no evidence appears"*to lie available that any form of insect bite is responsible, for, if so, the disease would surely be much more localised, lieing governed, more or less, by the habitat of the insect culprit; (3) more ~ children are affected, in the north than in the south. Are the bees also suffering more in the north than, say, : in Otago? (4) it is reported that- in " the Auckland district a number of calves are suffering''front" a form of paralysiis. Have tfhey ■recently been grazing on clover visited- by infected bees? When, questioning a friend to-day concerning his brother who was attacU- : ed :,by:. infantile paralysis some years ago, I find that the latter, prior to his was employed in a, nursery-ami was especially concerned! with the.cul- . tivatioii of flowers.' Is this not rather ; significant. The question is: Can it be satisfactorily proved \ that, the aboivo suggestions as to origin of infantile paralysis have no foundation? If .so,. 'well and good. But, on the otherhand, if these suggestions cannot ' actually be disproved, then there is urgent work to be-done, for rio, theory ; however "tall," should be abandoned until thoroughly exploded. The fact that the forms of paralysis in bees, calves and humans are not. identical need'be,no stumbling block,, for we can safely assiume that different results ' would -follow in victims so widely dis- : similar.—Yours, etc., J.R.D. February 12th, 1925:

TO THE SBITOR OF "THE PBESS."

Sir,—l noticed in "The Press" toiay a small paragraph remarking that bees suffer from paralysis, and that it is'especially severe this season, yet yon isayit is : not necessarily associated with the prevailing epidemic. This has made liriefeel a-desire to write a thought.l Have- had for• some- time- jfiastA-that poflen may have something to do with the The doctors say it is at its height in February. Now, in January and February I suffer mildly from hay f eve J, find • cftnnot work in the garden

or pick flowers, especially cosiueas, nor dust a room where they are. It affects *_ the membrane of the nose and throat, and. even chest. With a sea breeze ' 'blowing "easterly" I don't get it. I can never eat honey; it blisters' my lips." I once saw.a Maori boy- of 18 or 20, in Whakatane, with a twisted .-jaeck, due- to fits caused by eating wild bush honey. Also 1 know; wattle trees were cut dowii on the river banks in Nelson, because the residents in the localities were Buffering from sore throats,; due to the pollen. Now ? everyone doesn't get hay fever; or'infantile paralysis, or,influenza. I notice the country homes and suburbs have it worse than the main-street residents. Auckland had it first, and they are earlier with their seasons than: Southland, where so far there is hardly a case.—Yours, etc., ■■'..' INTERESTED. - February 12th.' '