Borer Destruction in Bush

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 September 1946, Page 2

Borer Destruction in Bush

[TO THE EDITOR.] Sir,—lf the forests on the West Coast are to be described as being in li healthy state, then I think I shall throw down my pick and shovel and study entomology. I am also puzzled in regard to how many acres must be totally destroyed by borer before it becomes an epidemic. If Mr. G. B. Rawlings, a State forestry entomologist who recently reported that New Zealand forests were in a healthy condition, were to inspect certain areas near Greymouth and the Maruia Plains district, he would be surprised at the hold the borer has. Furthermore, it may surprise some people to learn that the borer favours rata trees. From one vantage point, in a certain gully, as many as t' vo dozen dead ratas can be counted. Also a specimen of weeping totara has been attacked and killed by these busy little pests. As for opossums, a few ex-rabbiters with dogs and armed with a trusty .22 rifle, would clean up the marsupials at some line week-end. —Yours, etc., FOREST LOVER. Dunollie, September 20.