STARLINGS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144668, 30 April 1915, Page 4

STARLINGS.

TO TUB EDITOR. Sir,—l have to thank “W.W.S.” for stating tho case so (dourly for those farmers’ friends, because were it not for them u groat part of New Zealand would bu actually gra-sslcss. J have investigated tins grass grub question for years, and although tho starlings are incrcuisiug mightily tho grub is, I believe, beating them, as tho unsightly patches of dead grass from now to November next testify. I know that Inst year 1 never saw a spadeful nf earth or a furrow turned over that did not expose a number of grubs, and their destructive abilities aro marvellous. Tho only grasses that 1 see that are immune from their attack are paspulnm and rat-tail, and if tlie specialists of the State farms cun discover a grass that is proof against the grub his discovery will ho really worth millions, because it is reported that the United States Government is offering an enormous sum as a reward for any remedy that will banish this pest. 1 know of nothing Unit is any good for grass th. is attacked. except heavy dressing!; nf farmyard manure, but that is only available in small quantities. When people* know that oats, wheat, and other crops are wij**d out by the grass grub (one man had to ro-sow 12iX) acres in Canterbury Inst soring) besides grass they will ge.t an idea of how very serious it is. . My only objection to the starlings is that a colony of them build in the roof of my house and ns I hold it to be almost murder to shoot one I am at a loss to know what to do with them. Perhaps “W.W.S.” would kiudIv explain.— 1 am, etc., \V. R. WRIGHT. Rahotu.