CONTROL OF MIDGES

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29985, 21 November 1962, Page 16

CONTROL OF MIDGES

Drainage Board Plans

Emulsion spraying and the engagement of two university students to make a survey of the occurrence of midge larvae were authorised by the Christchurch Drainage Board last evening to deal with midges on the oxidation ponds of the new sewage treatment works.

The board also decided to approach the Auckland Metropolitan Drainage Board and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research asking them to make available reports and advice on midge research and control. The construction committee reported that the chemist (Mr A. E. Latnbden) had secured stock* of 20 per cent DD.T. emulsion for spraying, at a cost of £l5O, and he was authorised to order up to another £350 worth a* required. The purchase of further spraying equipment estimated at £OB was approved, and the board decided to hire a punt with outboard motor if one was available. Experienced students to make a survey will be recommended by Professor G. A. Knox, professor of zoology at Canterbury University. A new biological gurvey of the Estuary was approved by the board. Profesaar Knox wrote that changes had occurred in the Estuary since the treatment plant came into operation and it was essential that another survey be made this summer while the change* were occurring. Th* survey was necessary for estimating the influence of the operation of the treatment plant on the pollution in the Estuary. Professor Knox said a well-qualified B.Sc. (Hons) graduate would be available.