KEEPING OUT PESTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 258, 24 July 1908, Page 3

KEEPING OUT PESTS.

Sir,—Some short time ago tho importation of grapes from Australia-was absolutely prohibited on account of the ."bogy phylloxora," although there were hundreds..of vineyards ■that had been clear of the pest for years, besides', the very little danger of infection from tho fruit. How is it that fruit' of all kinds from the Islands is allowed to bo im.ported, and ospeciall.v from islands that are known to be pest ridden. I see that a consignment of eight cases of oranges by the'Tofua, though covered by a certificate that they came from a district •free-from disease, were condemned. Thoro appears also to havo been 300 bags of maizo which had . disease.. Mr. Arnett, ■ the. Government fruit inspector, has stated that tho fly in ' the grain is most dangerous, and if it once got hold in New. Zealand would bring ruin to the farmer. I ask how' is it that these importations aro allowed? ■ The sawmillers in the colony aro crying out abo.Ut tho importation of Oregon pine and want a'heavy duty. It is time the "farmer p.nd fruit-grower called out about the importation of, any fruit or grain from known infected localities. How is it - that an Act cannot bo passed that will prevent any kind of produce being imported from'' localities where'diseases aro known to exist.—l am, EXCLUDE. ' ' July 21.