War on Insects

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 762, 7 September 1929, Page 6

War on Insects

Chloroform Disturbs Eastern Pests

COLLECTION FROM NARBADA Some were dead; some were very much alive. Eastern insects of several species were collected from the Indo-Pacific Company's steamer Narbada this morning. Mr. David H. Graham, officer of the Mosquito Research Committee, and an officer of the Health Department at Auckland, were the collectors. Agitated beetles, scurrying cockroaches and perturbed weevils were detected in all sorts of nooks and crannies on the vessel. Their objections did not avail them against expert treatment; if they were too violent. chloroform bottles made a rapid ending to the minor combat. KEEN INVESTIGATORS It is unfortunate for mosquitoes, weevils, beetles, cockroaches and

their brethren that the health authorities have a bent for investigation in the recesses of vessels from the tropics. The insects form valuable contributions as specimens for research work. A chill atmosphere since the Narbada arrived killed many of the insects, but the cockroaches and the weevils showed that they could present a bold front to sudden changes of temperature. Then there were tropical lice, different from those known in New Zealand, proving that cold -weather did not cause them qualms. They had been wise enough to stay in warm corners. When the collection of insect pests from the Narbada is grouped, there will be interesting specimens for the investigators.