VALUE OF WORMS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32623, 19 September 1945, Page 8

VALUE OF WORMS

IMPROVE THE PENINSULA MAY SOON BE INTRODUCED developing the country The question of establishing uasting worm colonies in various parts of the (’oromandel Peninsula is :i( present being considered by the Department < of Agriculture, and it is expected that early action would be taken to have colonies introduced. This was advice received by the Thames District Council -of Primary Production last week from Mr C. Walker, Instructor in Agriculture, Thames. Mr AV. Hamilton, at the last meeting of the council, introduced this subject, suggesting the introduction of an earthworm which had been reported as doing much in reclaiming former bush country in the Raetihi area. "So far as our knowledge goes at present, all casting worms would not necessarily be suitable for hill couni try work," wrote Mr Walker. “Unfortunately. there are few authorities sufficiently conversant with the various strains to whom specimens can be sent for identification. Therefore, before any colony can be established, an appreciable lapse of time occiv’s. “I feel, certain,'however, •that, your councillors will appreciate that it is better lo Jo.se a little lime at the beginning and get the right worm type, rather than to rush ahead with colony -establishment and find that the wrong worm species has been used.