FARMERS DISCUSS GRASS GRUB MENACE ON COAST

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 September 1950, Page 4

FARMERS DISCUSS GRASS GRUB MENACE ON COAST

The grass grub menace on the West Coast was becoming more prevalent, but Christchurch fertiliser firms were not producing deterrents, stated Mr J. R. Shepherd, Depart- ■ ment of Agriculture, at this morning’s meeting of West Coast Federated Farmers. He suggested that inquiries be made of farmers’ organisations in Canterbury to ascertain the position in that-district and what steps were being taken to control the menace. %

Mr Shepherd said that approximately 50 tons of gamasine (sufficient for 1000 acres) had been ordered from a Christchurch fertiliser firm by the Ashburton federation. However, information had since been received to the effect that gamasine was not being manufactured arid it had been suggested that a Dunedir firm be approached. / “The grass grub is active on tHe West Coast,” stated Mr Shepherd, who added that it was especially prevalent in the northern part of/the province. “I suggest that, as/ the Christchurch firm has stated that it is not now making the substance, you should get in touch with the Canterbury Federation to find out wnat they are doing to control the grub over there.” Members agreed that the menace was increasing on the West Coast, but that it was worse in some years than in others. A suggestion that the secretary (Mr J. Mulcare) should write to the provincial secretary in Canterbury to find out what the position was and what allocations were being made, was put forward by the chairman, Mr H. D. Eeckett. Mr W. Clayton supported this suggestion, saying that if the mixture was going to help to eradicate the pest, then the West Coast Federation should consider placing a small order with the firm.

“If the results are good, the order could be increased the following year,” he stated. The fact that it was unlikely that any firms in Canterbury were making the mixture was pointed out by the chairman.

After- further discussion, it was decided to write to the Canterbury Federation along the lines suggested by the chairman.