GERMAN WASPS

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27892, 14 February 1956, Page 7

GERMAN WASPS

Sir,—lt is very disturbing to read that yet another rest from overseas, the German wasp, has been seen in Christchurch. It is also very disturbing to read that an official of the Department of Agriculture does not expect the wasps to make nuisances of themselves. Surely something more energetic is needed to suppress this pest before it becomes impossible to do so. If it is suspected that there are nests of wa. ps in the Cashmere Hills, it should be possible to find them and exterminate the occupants. I suggest that a reward for the discovery of each nest be offered, and that some publicity be given to the offer. Every school boy and girl roaming on the hills would be on the look-out for a wasp’s nest. A vigorous campaign is needed, and at once. Full particulars as to the appearance of the wasp and its nest should be advertised. I sincerely hope that the Department of Agriculture will bestir itself quickly. —Yours, etc., A. D. HARMAN. February 13, 1956.

Sir, —What are these “German” wasps we read’about? Or is it typical New Zealand tact that retrains from ascribing this unarniable insect to the homeland where so many of us have known them since innocent childish fingers first seized a ripe plum—and let it go with a resounding yelp? One of the pleasures of life in New Zealand—so far —is that one can pick ripe fruit off a tree, or the ground, without fir t ascertaining that a wasp is not a sitting tenant. The reported advent of this Teutonic invader, urged, no doubt by wanderlust or lebensraum, and the amount of rotting fruit just now make one feel that a very good time looks like being had. if not by all, at any rate by the wasps.— Yours, etc., M.T. February 13, 1956.