RED-MITE POLICY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22318, 1 May 1947, Page 4

RED-MITE POLICY

NO STATEMENT YET ENTOMOLOGIST HERE GISBORNE INSPECTION When questioned concerning measures to be adopted to combat the infestation of the red-legged earth mite in the Matawhero district of Gisborne, the chief entomologist of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Mr. L. J. Dumblcton, declined to make any statement to-day. Mr. Dumblcton arrived at Gisborne at midday yesterday ‘and yesterday afternoon paid a visit to the country. He said he did not go to Matawhero. but went further afield to ascertain if there had been any spread of the infestation. Mr. Dumbleton found no signs of red mite movement during his inspection. He said that the pest “was showing up again” in the Hawke's Bay area. “Some statement will be available shortly from higher up,” said Mr. Dumbleton, adding that he was unable to give any further information in regard to policy. . “Not Left Out In Cold” The concern of Gisborne agriculturalists and orchardists in the matter and their anxiety to have action taken before the mite population grew to serious proportions were explained to Mr. Dumbleton . He was informed also that interested Gisborne settlers had felt their claims had been neglected. Experts had concentrated their efforts in Napier, and Gisborne had been given little information relating to their problems and requests for assistance. Mr. Dumbleton said he was sure that Gisborne was not “being left out in the cold,” as was thought. He was sure that any decision in the treatment to be dealt out to the red mite in Hawke’s Bay would be brought into force wherever else the infestation had been reported. “I am going to have a look at it as I travel north through Opotiki,” said Mr Dumbleton when questioned concerning the Australian grub attacking maize plants and pastures in the Opotiki district. “I have not seen it yet and I want to make sure for myself what damage it is doing.”