SAN JOSE SCALE. MELANESIAN MISSION.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 298, 10 September 1908, Page 6

SAN JOSE SCALE.

MELANESIAN MISSION.

(Br TELEGttAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Nelson, September 9. The actioii taken by the Government pomo« logist and his staff of inspectors in dealing with San Jose scale in orchards iu and about the city has caused a great deal of discussion and indignation among orchardists. Mr. T. W. Kirk, Government biologist,-is at present on a visit to the district, and in-tho .'course of an interview with a representative of "The Colonist" to-day he gave a general denial to statements that tho requirements of inspectors had been unduly harsh. The examination mado showed that of 70 properties in the provinco affected 61 were situated in Toitoi Valley, a portion of the city which was crowded with small gardens, and tho pest had been found on trees in back gardons. Tho insnectors i had not exceeded the requirements of tho situation.

* A meeting of exceptional interest is, to bo held in the Conccrt Chamber of tho Town Hall on Friday evening, in connection with tho Melanesian Mission, and judging by tho I programme which is adveriisod the seating capacity of the room sec..is likely to ba severely taxed. The speakers will be Mr. R. Geo. Coates, organising secretary of the mission, and the Rev. C. C. Harper, vicar of Palmorston North. Mr. Coates, who addressed several meetings in Wellington about a year ago, possesses in a high degree tho qualities required in a successful lecturer, and sustains the interest of his audience from start to finish. Having himself worked in Melanesia, his descriptions of native habits of life, and thought, and of tho methods employed by tho mission, have tha graphic .touch which can only. como from personal experience. Tho liov. C. C. Harper never fails to speak clearly and convincingly upon any subject which he undertakes to deal with. A large number' of now and beautiful lantern slides will he exhibited by a powerful lantern in the capable hands of Mr. G. W. Barltrop. Tho Archdeacon of Wellington is to preside.