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Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1929, Page 3

A caterpillar about eight inches long was on view at the last meeting of the Thames Valley Power Board (states the “New Zealand Herald”). ‘ It was stated that it had been found in the Paeroa pole dump, and had bored a hole about nine inches deep into the heart of a hardwood pole. It was presumed that it had been killed by the severe frosts. The caterpillar had been sent to the director of the Dominion Museum, Wellington, for identification A reply was received by the board that the specimen was the caterpillar of a large Australian moth, which occasionally came to New Zealand in timber from Australia. As it was of considerable interest, the director asked for per mission to retain the specimen for display in the Museum. ‘Mr J. Allen: “Would it not be better to give it to the Auckland Museum? We do not want it down in Wellington.” Mr Corbett: “Better to bury it.” It % was decided to ask for further particulars regarding the habits of the caterpillar and whether there was a possibility of its thriving and becoming a menace in New Zealand. I