GRASSHOPPER PLAGUE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22357, 22 March 1938, Page 12

GRASSHOPPER PLAGUE

DAMAGE IN NEW SOUTH WAEES - “EXISTENCE OF GRAZIEHS THREATENED” [THE PRESS Special Service.! AUCKLAND, March SSL Grasshoppers constitute a scourge that has increasingly threatened the existence of sheep graziers in various parts of New South Wales during the last four years, and methods of com" bating the problem were outlined by Mr J- T. Coventry a grazier, of Armidale, who arrived by the Aorangi'•Hoards of the pests form clouds over some. areas, and after an invasion all vegetation is laid bare, said Mr Coventry. Sheep were starved and crops were ruined- Roads were made unsafe for motorists, who had to cover their radiators and close all the windows of their cars, which could then travel with safety only at a slow Pace. .' . , , “Most of the western districts of New South Wales have suffered from the pest, which seems to move further east each year,” he said. “Poisoned bran and crude oil spray are the most effective methods of destroying grasshoppers. State subsidies are granted to farmers through the Pastures Protection Board, and farmers are eager to give every assistance xn fighting the pest. “The Australian wool market has been very bad this sason, but we always hope it will brighten next year, added Mr Coventry, who with his wife intends to make a motor tour of New Zealand during the npxt month-