THE GRASS GRUB.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1379, 4 March 1912, Page 8

THE GRASS GRUB.

INVESTIGATION COMMISSION AT HASTEKTO.W Two members of the commission appointed by the Government to investigate matters in connection with the ravages of the grass grub (I,'rofessor Thomas anil Dr. Cockayne.) visited Atasterton Just week. Tlie Commission first visited the Jlata-' hiwi Estate. Tho grub was loumt to be rather plentiful on this properly, says tho "Daily Times." it was discovered m all classes of grass, arid particularly iu tho roots of cocksfoot. It may bo here stated that very lew farmers would bclievo that tlio grub would attack, cocksfoot, i'rofessor Thomas said that everywhere in New Zealand where, they had visited tho grub was found in coeksloot. Other properties in the. district were then visited. The grub was found in an oat stubblo crop on Mr. \V. 11. liuick's property. Tlio pest was also discovered both in hilly country and on flat la ml, and was, plentiful under old and new cocksfoot alike. It was seen under yarrow, but not to such an extent as under better English grasses. At this period of tlio year tho ravages of tlie grub are not noticeable to the same extent as will be the case from Jlay onwards, when the grub will commence its deadly work. The investigations of tlie Commission led to the discovery that a crop of swede turnips had been attacked by the grub, tho land in this instance having been ploughed in tho usual way and well cultivated. It was also ascertained that a wheat crop had l>een attacked by the pest; in fact, in such a wide field is the grub now carrying on his work of destruction Hint it is reasonable to think that it will attack all classes of crops as well as grass. Specimens of the grub were collected on ,t,lio various properties visited in the district for future investigation purposes, which it is intended to make where sufficient data is available.

After completing their investigation, the Commission were convoyed through to Wuodville, where investigations made showpt! the same conditions lo prevail as in llnstorton.

In view of the fact that farmers suffer f.c-rious lo?s through bliijht in turnips,

it has liren suggested that the Government might also consider tho question of fcttiiiT up n Commission f,o investifnte this matter "also, and suggest a. possible remedy.