ORCHARDISTS BEWARE!

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1806, 26 March 1918, Page 2

ORCHARDISTS BEWARE!

A case of considerable local intrest came before Mr F. O’B. Loughnan, S.M., at Nelson on Friday. Frederick Fairey was charged with failing to take steps to eradicate codlin moth, from an orchard at Richmond. Defendant stated that he held the place on lease. There were 8(5 acres, and the greater portion was used for grazing cattle. The owner gave him permission to destroy the fruit trees, except three pear trees. All the trees, except the pears, were cut down. He only visited the place about every six weeks. After receiving the summons he ordered the pear trees to be, cut down, and turned cattle in. The cattle consumed all the fruit in his presence. The Magistrate said enormous trouble and expense were entailed on orchardists yearly in combating pests. Small orchardists were neglected —were regarded as a side line, as the inspector had said. For a year the orchard was under inspection, and 'the necessary work was not carried out satisfactorily. Codlin moth was a pest that spread with great rapidity. It was his duty to'impose severe penalties in theso cases as a warning to owners of similar small orchards. The commercial orchards must be protected. ‘Defendant would be fined £7 and costs 7s.