PORINA MOTH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21210, 3 December 1938, Page 5

PORINA MOTH

Few Fires Lit CAMPAIGN OF DESTRUCTION Judging by the few fires seen in various parts of the district during the last two nights, it does not seem as though many farmers are making serious efforts to combat the Porina moth. Last year incalculable damage was done by the pest to pastures throughout South Canterbury, and since then the matter has been freely discussed by the Farmers’ Union and the A. and P. Association. It was considered in many quarters that if farmers could be induced to light fires on their properties at a given time that a considerable number of the pests would be destroyed, for it was known that the moth was readily attracted to light. The adult moth is on the wing from October to January, and generally flies at dusk, and in view of these facts it was considered that the best time for the lighting of the fires would be at dusk. A period of a week, from December 1 to December 8, was decided on for the campaign of destruction, but from inquiries made by a representative of “The Timaru Herald" yesterday it appears that very few fires were started in any part of the district on Thursday night. One farmer stated that conditions were not of the best, as the atmosphere was somewhat cold, but he decided to burn, as the moths were on the wing. Some success rttended the effort and it was his intention to light further fires during next week. A number of other farmers were communicated with, the inquiries covering a fairly wide area, but the replies received were to the effect that, apart from isolated instances, no effort had been made to attack the pest. With warm conditions prevailing last night, a fair measure of success would probably have been achieved had a united effort been made. A number of those communicated with stated that they had gathered straw and gorse for the purpose of making fires, and that it was their intention to burn.