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CATERPILLAR PEST.

DEVASTATION IN CANTERBURY, (From Ova Own CoßßßsroHDiara.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 11. Bad reports have been received from various quarters in North Canterbury regarding the > caterpillar pest, winch is working devastation in the Omihi, Waipara, Amberley, Balcairn, Mount Grey, and Leitfifield districts. Mr E. Scott, of Omihi, reports a total loss of about 800 bushels of oats in one paddock, whilst others m the various districts mentioned say the pest has got into all crops excepting wheat at present. One Amberley farmer has had two paddocks of Italian ryer grass absolutely destroyed. Another burned his grass to save his wheat crop from the pest. At Balcairn the caterpillars can be seen crawling over the fences from paddock to paddock, and at Leithfield the oats and grass are alive with them. Farmers generally are reaping irrespective of ripeness to save what they can. The sparrows and starlings are doing their share by carrying the caterpillars to their young for food.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19090113.2.13.25

Bibliographic details

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 20

Word Count
159

CATERPILLAR PEST. Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 20

CATERPILLAR PEST. Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 20