GARDEN CIRCLE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 4, 1 December 1934, Page 3

GARDEN CIRCLE.

MEETING OF MEMBERS. There was a large attendance at the monthly meeting of the Palmerston North Garden and Flower Circle, held on Thursday. Mr H. L. Hartog presided and cordially welcomed visitors and friends. Mr J. Muggeridge, B.Sc., Gnvernment entomologist at the Plant Research Station, delivered an address on “Garden Pests.” Dismissing the white butterfly, Mr Muggeridge said it had first been introduced in 1930, when it had been noted at Napier, and had probably come to New Zealand through vegetables shipped from Hawaii. The different stages of its growth were explained, the male being distinguished by a single dot on tlio forewing and the female by two dots. So far as the home gardener was concerned vegetables should be protected with fine gauze, but a dust of one part of calcium arsenate and five or hydrated lime could be need. The difficulty, however, was to find sprays injurious to the insects and not to tile plants from the point of view of human consumption. The introducing of parasites was explained, two kinds, larval and pupal, having been liberated. Other common insect pests were dealt with by Mr Muggeridge, and methods of combating them explained. The lecture throughout was illustrated by lantern slides, Mr W. Cottier operating the lantern. Many questions were subsequently asked, and the speaker was accorded a vote of thanks on the motion of Mr E. J. Ward. Decided by popular yote, the monthly competition for the best vase of flowers, any one. variety, resulted : Mr I. W. Gerrand (sweet peas) 1, Mr A. L. Miles (hydrangeas) 2, Mr W. J. Emmett (delphiniums) 3. Sympathy was expressed with Mr D. S. Robinson, who has been indisposed lately, and pleasure was voiced that his health was improving.