CATERPILLAR PLAGUE IN NORTHLAND

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 149, 19 March 1936, Page 16

CATERPILLAR PLAGUE IN NORTHLAND

f A serious problem is facing many farmers in the Wliangarei district through caterpillars having caused great damage to hundreds of acres of pasture, chiefly in areas recently damaged by floods. Along Taylor’s Flat, at Tangiteroria, on the WhangaieiDargaville highway, large areas are completely stripped of grass on one side of the road. In the Maropiu district one settler has had over 100 acres of grassland so seriously affected that it is doubtful if the grass will recover before the spring. In another area one farmer reports having lost over three acres of grass in one night by the devastations of caterpillars. A similar condition exists on the road between Maungatapere and Mangakahia. Huge numbers of I lie pests cun be seen crossing the road to now pastures, leaving behind them areas desolated by their ravages. These conditions are specially noticeable in Parakao and Bakotai where the Hoods of the past year were so severe. Reports from Maungakaramea and other districts disclose equally devastating results. The lands affected are practically stripped of all grass, leai lug only a few stalks in some instances. Farmers express the tipinion that the shortage of winter feed in theee areas will be very acute.