SOUTH AFRICAN INVASION OF LOCUSTS.

Grey River Argus, 2 May 1922, Page 6

SOUTH AFRICAN INVASION OF LOCUSTS.

A MASS THREE HUNDRED MILES LONG. (Received May 1, 5.5 p.m.) CAPE TOWN, April 30. Mafeking reports the possibility of an invasion of locusts on an appalling scale from the Kalahari desert. Travellers report that an enormous mass of the insects, 300 miles long, is now moving forward. The wells are choked with them, and vast areas denuded of grass. The natives are being forced to live on wild melons. REQUEST TO STOP BRITISH IMMIGRATION. BY PROGRESS LEAGUE TO MR MASSEY. WELLINGTON, May 1. A deputation from thv Central Progress League interviewed Mr Massey, Mi' Coates, and Air Anderson concerning unemployment. They urged that the present immigration should stop, while there were men out of work in the country. They urged also that public works should be speeded up, so as to provide work, as the position was bad now, and it would become worse before the winter. Air Massey said that the last big shipment, of immigrants had arrived, and there would be no more big' shipments before the spring. The Government had sent 1105 unemployed to various public, works, and would be employing more. New Zealand could not close its doors entirely to British immigrants. British people were now experiencing great difficulties. Immigrants all helped the country, he said, to bear the burden of debt. An assurance was given that works would be commenced to provide for a certain number of ablebodied men, and for a smaller number unable to do hard work, but Air Alassey said he would emphasise that local bodies who had raised loans must do their share.