RAGLAN.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 103, 6 March 1897, Page 3

RAGLAN.

Pomolooist. —Mr Palmer, the Government Pomologist, has returned here, ire regrets that the codlin moth in most orchards is worse than e'-tr, .and that fruit, especially apples, is of the poorest quality and in less quantity. CATiEFILLAKS. Although Captain Broun, Government Entomologist, was only able to find one or two grass caterpillars on the Kanoi clearings, they aienow there in thousands, and are eating everything in the shape of grass before them. Birds seem to be quite incapable of keeping these prst down, lis they hide during the day under stones and sticks, or any other available shelter, and come out at night on their feeding expeditions. First the stem and lastly the root ot the cocksfoot and ryegrass disappear. There are certainly two hatchings during the year, if not more. Last year they continued their devastation tor at least three months. Capt. Broun visited the district too early in the season to make observations. One settler in the Waitetuua district has, I hear, been most unfortunate. He attended the Waikato sheep fairs and, having a good take of grass, purchased a large line of sheep. When he not these home he found his clearing almost bare, the caterpillars having been through it and Weaned the grass all off. This is perh* s one of the hardest cas-es in the district, but there are several 1 have heard of almost equally unfortunate. f-ALK.—On Saturday last Mr A. R. Langley sold the privileges in connection with our race meeting, to be held on the 10th inst., when the following prices were realised :—Gates, Johnston Bros., £4 15s ; Pullicau's Booth, W. Smith. £3 ; Temperance Booth, K. Campbell, £h