INSECT MENACE

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19601, 13 June 1935, Page 3

INSECT MENACE

DAMAGE TO TIMBER.

HAMILTON BUILDINGS THREATENED

COMBATIVE MEASURES URGED

“These grubs can reduce sound timber to a shell, and I think the time has arrived when attention should be drawn to this grave menace, In the hope that investigations will bo set on foot which will save householders from having their homes eaten from under them,” said Mr H. M. Hammond at a meeting of the Hamilton Borough Counoll last evening, in referring to the depredations of a boring inseot whloh has been found to be doing much damage among the town's wooden bullidlngs.

An indication of the destruction which these insects can wreak in new Umber as well as in old wood was given by the borough inspector, Mr JW. Lewis, who produced samples of timber taken from local buildings, riddled with holes and practically reduced to powder.

“For some time past several of the architects and myself have- been concerned about the serious effects on timber used in buildings, caused by borer and beetles of various types,” said Mr Lewis. “ During the last 1.2 years the destruction lias reached a stage when this matter has, in my opinion, become so serious as to render some of the buildings a menace, and almost dangerous to the occupants. A Serious Situation.

"Such conditions as. have been brought to my notice more recently have prompted me to bring the matter before the council. It is not my intention 'to raise a scare, hut I feel that under the present circumstances I shall he compelled to consider the desirability of taking this matter into account when issuing licenses or permits for various buildings under the by-law, when definite signs of the pest are observed.” •Mr Hammond said the inseot responsible for the damage was no ordinary borer, but a grub which made large holes in the timber and honeycombed It. Until about a fortnight ago, when the possibilities of this were brought before his notice, he was oblivious to the possibility of damage of this nature being caused to his own home, hut this had happened, and he thought that some warning should go forth from the 'council which would set on foot an -inquiry which might have a good effect. "As far as public buildings are concerned the time may arrive when they may become a menace to the people,” he added. "The grubs ran reduce sound timber to a shell." Mr -Lewis explained that the grub had been found in a number of different timbers. The insect was common to New Zealand, and had been found in dead woods in various parts of the South Island. He had been informed that there were 27 known species of this type of inseot in the Dominion.

The matter was left in the hands of the inspector for further investigation.