MITE INFESTATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22317, 30 April 1947, Page 4

MITE INFESTATION

VISIT OF EXPERT AREA AT MATAWHERQ “The red-legged earth mite is a very dangerous little animal and I would urge the Federated Farmers in this district to appeal to farmers to do all they can with the money .they have to assist in the control of the mite on their properties," said the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. E. L. Cullen, yesterday afternoon to a deputation from the Gisborne-East Coast provincial district of Federated Farmers of New Zealand which drew his attention to the infestation in Gisborne of the earth mite. Mr. Cullen told the gathering of the work being carried out at Bay View, Hawke s Bav, and said that the chief entomologist to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Mr. L. J. Dumbleton, was arriving in the district to-day to investigate. In Hawke’s Bay the vegetable growers had done much to Help themselves, tie agreed that it was a national problem. Mr. Stuart McGuinn'ess spoke for the deputation on the mite infestation at Matawhero, saving that its presence in the district was viewed with grave concern by farmers, orchardists and gardeners on the flats It was considered that some action to eradicate the mite from its hold in the district should be taken while it was confined to a small area. In its present position it couid be handled easier than if it spread out on to the flats. Mr C H Cooper said the farmers were anxious to get all the assistance possible to ensure the eradication ot the pest. It was in an area close to the aerodrome and ne understood that .the authorities there were becoming alarmed regarding possible damage to the pasture on the field.