Thoughts For The Times

Hokitika Guardian, 6 November 1920, Page 2

Thoughts For The Times

Value of Scientific Research. Professor Cotton, in a lecture before the Science Teachers’ Association, at tho Sydney University, described the wonderful Hawaiian industry had received from a scientific discovery. He said but for scientific research the, chief industry of Hawaii —the cultivation of sugar-cane—would have ceased 'to exist. The story was one of the most interesting in tlie annals of entomological research. In 1903 an insect pest, the sugar-cane leaf-hopper, obtained a firm hold in the sugar plantations, and the damage which it caused amounted t 0 millions of dollars. The planters became alarmed, and very wisely called in the magicians—the men of science. Very soon a number of en- ■ tomologists were called in conference and formulated a plan of action. They sought diligently for some natural enemy of the leaf-hopper, and eventually selected an insect which fed on tlie eggs of the leaf-hopper. This tiny creature lived only three weeks, but increased at a prodigous rate. After its introduction into the cane fields it was only a short time before the leap-hopper plague was conquered. The planters bad stated that the sugar industry in Hawaii would have entirely collapsed had it not been for this important investigation.

NORTH BRITISH GARDEN HOSE keeps the garden smiling and the lawns fresh and green for - years and years. Famous for long lasting.