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King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4803, 28 June 1939, Page 7

Measures to combat the ravages of termintes, or white ants, are being taken by the New Zealand scientific research workers. Insects of this type, causing extensive damage to houses and woodwork, have recently become established in New Zealand from Australia. In co-operation with the Timber Protection Research Committee of Scientific and Industrial Research, arrangements have been made for the Cawthron Institute to study the biology of insects attacking wooden buildings, says the annual report of the institute. Apart from beetle borers, the white ant, because of its alarming destructiveness, has become a serious menace in New Zealand. Recent investigations have shown the presence in New Zealand of at least one species of Australian moundbuilding white ant, which has already caused serious damage to buildings in Auckland and New Plymouth. This problem is receiving special attention and a survey is being made to ascertain its distribution in different parts of New Zealand. The rapidity with which the termite will work is shown by the fact that extensive damage to a new building may be done within five to six years of its erection.