NO FRUIT FLY

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12395, 15 March 1926, Page 6

NO FRUIT FLY

NEW ZEALAND APPLES ARGENTINE EXPERT’S REPORT WILL EMBARGO BE LIFTED?

Aa not the slightest trace of the fruit-fly pest has been discovered in New Zealand, the Argentine Government is to he recommended definitely to remove the quarantine established last year against the importation of fruits of tho apple family from New Zealand.

Senores O. Lizer Y. Trelles a.nd Everardo E. Blanchard, the Argentine entomologists, have completed their investigations in New Zealand, and the above is the substance of their report to the Argentine Consul (Senor Humberto Bidone). The report has been recoivid by the Minister for Agriculture (the Hon. O. J. Hawkcn) from Senor Bidone, and is as follows: “We take great pleasure in letting you know that to-day (March 12th) we have brought to a conclusion the mission which was allotted to ns hy our Government, hy a decree dated December 15th of last year.

“During our tour, of inspection throughout the two rrniri islands that form this Dominion we have visited the principle fruit-growing regions, and although we have given a close and careful examination of the fruit that offered the !>ost conditions for fruit flv development, we have not been able to find even the slightest trace of this post. “Jt, is our con/iction that the geographical situation and special climatic condition, of this country are wholly unfavourable to tho life history of the above-mentioned fly, and therefore it is highly improbable that this nest could ever become a menace to the fruit-growing industry of New Zealand.

“In view of the negative results w« have obtained through our inspection, wo shail. request our Department of Agriculture to definitely remove the quarantine established hy decree April 14th, 1925, with regard to the importation of pomaceous fruits from New Zealand.

“Will the Consul-General kindly express to the Government of this country our feelings of gratitude for the many facilities and attentions we have received on every occasion since our arrival in these waters, and in particular to Mr J. A. Campbell, Director of Horticulture, who lias accompanied us in our tours of inspection and who has given us his v iluablo co-operation for tlio better fulfilment of our mission.

“Wo are likewise gratful to 'the Consul-General for the many facilities he has so kin Hy afforded us, and take this opportunity to renew the expressions of out appreciation and sincere esteem.”