FRUIT PESTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 88, 15 April 1910, Page 8

FRUIT PESTS.

♦ FAILURE TO ERADICATE. [ST TSLIGB*ra— PKSSB ASSOCIATION.] HASTINGS, This Day. In inflicting small penaltie* for failing to eradicate codlin moth, Mr. M'Carthy, S.M., said that where fruit-growing was carried on extensively it was important that orchardists should keep their trees clean. Small orchards spread the pests to larger one*, and the offence was serious. In future the penalties would be nearer the maximum — £20. WELLINGTON CASEB. Tho following were charged, before Mr. Riddell, ipl., to-day with having failed to eradicate diseases from their orchards : Henry B. Gordon, Archibald J. Hobbs, Andrew Luff, Sarah Pye, Edward J. Riddiford, and Henry Tobm. In each case a plea of guilty was entered, and a fine of 10s, with costs 9s, inflicted. James Warrilow, au old man, charged similarly, was mulcted in a penalty of 3s, with costs 7s. Inspector George Hartnett prosecuted on behalf of tho department. The cases in the local court concerned orchards in which the codlin moth, the mussel &cale. the woolly aphis, and red mite bad set up housekeeping — they and their families. The bringing of these cases simultaneously hero and in Napier does not indicate any special activity on the part of the department. The campaign against the fruit pests continues steadily throughout the year, and offenders, who are not careful to keep their trees unaffected are liable to a penalty of £20. A heavy penalty is provided in a case where an offender repeats an appearance before the court. The departmental inspectors state that it is very necessary, a* a protection to .those complying with the Act, thai th» regulations should be observed by all growers. The timo for spraying for codlin moth is over for the season, but orchardists will shortly, it is stated, have to spray for the stale.