PESTS IN TIMBER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18585, 18 December 1923, Page 11

PESTS IN TIMBER.

INSECTS FROM AUSTRALIA.

ADVICE FROM GOVERNMENT.

I SCRUTINY OF HARDWOOD. [BY TF.L'ECE.APH. OWN COIVRESrOKDHNT.] TE AWAMUTU. Monday. The Public Works Department appears to be concerned at the depredations of insects which find their way into the country in timber imported from Australia. In a circular letter forwarded to local bodies, one of which came before the Waipa County Council last week, the engineer-in-chief, Mr. F. W. FurkerC, stated that some specimens taken in this country from imported Australian hardwood bad been identified as belonging to tho genus Rhinofermes, the worker caste of one of the larger white ants of Australia* Other specimens taken from imported hardwood had been identified as the firewood beetle, or longicorns, Che larvae of which, as white grubs, tunnelled between the bark end ana the wood of Australian trees. Although it had in some cases betm found that these insects had been killed by New Zealand beetle*, it did not necessarily follow that such encounters would occur. Therefore it was necessary that every precaution should bo taken Co exterminate the Australian ants. The egg deposits of the firewood beetle were, traceable, in the summer following their placing, by fairly large holes on the poles, and these should be carefully looked for. These insects, iC was pointed out, in the letter, caused groat damage to timber, both in the growing state and after it had been felled, being responsible in Australia far damage to forests, fenoes, homes, railway sleepers, etc., estimated at millions of pounds* Engineers were asked to issue" definite instructions that all loose pieces of bark be removed from hardwood timber at Che first opportunity after delivery. The presence of the white ants might be detected by the covered galleries which thoy made and which were typically roofed over by finely-chewed wood. Unlew Chase were carefully sought the presence of the insects mignt not be noticed. An an indication of the neoessity for careful examination it was stated that in one case there were discovered a number of nymphs or immature serual forms which, in the course of a week or two, would have developed wings and spread over the countryside and commenced their work of destruction.

All bark showing signs of having been affected by pests, it was advised should be burnt immediately. Further specimens oi insect larvae found in hardwood delivered in the Dominion had proved to belong to the family Xylorychidae. These larvae bored inCo the trunks and branches of trees,and bushes, and did much harm, quite a number causing damage to hardwood, while several species had become serious orchard pests in Australia.

Mr. Livingotoiio said that he thcujrht that as all timber for export was Inspected in Australia that was the proper place for seeing that such pests are prevented from coming to New Zealand. Members sCated that they realised that the introduction of the pest may be very serious, but it would entail considerable trouble and expenso to carefully inspect all Australian timber.