THE CATERPILLAR PLAGUE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2403, 19 January 1909, Page 3

THE CATERPILLAR PLAGUE.

RAVAGES IN CANTER 13 UR Y, A “Lyttelton < Times’ 1 reporter who made a motor car trip through Amberley and Ualcairn districts a few da vs a 140. g. lvG ® a verv serious account of the in,jmy done to the crops by the caterpillar nest “They have not women me much,” said one Leithfield fanner with a dry load oi oats, “but- 1 am o*oiu ( { to stuff iii beloie tmj start in earnest. Still they arc here, and J have quite enough to more than satisfy me.” He scraped Ins hand along the bottom of the dray, and drew out a squirming heap oi green and brown caterpillars. An examination of the sheaves showed that the oats were dull of caterpillars, and it was stated that they were in other fields in like numbers. Several Balcairn farmers said that the insects had for several days been crawling over fences from field to field, devouring the major portion oi the green stuff in each. They ever moved forward, and their apnetites seemed insatiable. A farmer at Mount Brown said that he was reaping one day recently when the creatures literally covered the platform of the machine. An inspection of a field of oats showed that a large percentage of the heads had been bitten through., and the place was practicality alive with hairy, creeping inhabitants. Most of the farmers in the vicinity were reaping their crops green in order to save them from the plague. In Amberley there was a general bemoaning among the farmers. One had lost all "his ryegrass seed through the ravages of the insects. The pest appears to he general all over the district-, and one farmer burnt- a lot of grass to prevent the caterpillars travvelling across his crops. Another lost two paddocks of valuable grass seed, the bare stalks only remaining. Mr. Frederick Coleman, of Broomfield, had had several crops of oats spoilt, and the caterpillars were then in his wheat. It seemed to be the general opinion that they would not touch wheat, but apparently, when there was no other food, they do not scruple as to wliat comes along. They are of sizes from little green creepers to big fellows nearly three inches long. The Rev. H. E. East, vicar of Leithfield. stated that the insects were working southwards from Cheviot wav. making distinct paths across the fields. Ho had seen flocks of small birds apparently attacking the caterpillars in force some weeks ago. Questioned as to the salvation by birds of the crops affected, the farmers seemed to be of the opinion that the smaller introduced birds had. grown tired- of the plenteous diet of caterpillars. A general idea was prevalent that the starling was the only bird that remained true to the prediction of his introducer, and it was stated that the sparrows, lark and finches had tired of the banquet, and had again decided that common oats and wheat were ouite good and satisfying fare.