FEATHERSTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 March 1940, Page 7

FEATHERSTON

CROQUET HAUNUI CLUB GAMES. ("Times-Age” Special.) Yesterday’s play for the Haunui Croquet Club's A championship resulted in Miss Esina Card beating Mrs Langford 2G/12, 26/23. In the Featherston Club contest the B grade championship resulted: Mrs O'Neale beat Mrs K. Donald in the final (second life), 26/4, 26/2. Personal. R. Sadler returned to the Blenheim Aerodrome after a few days' leave in Featherston. Mr and Mrs Ashworth have returned from a visit to Auckland. BUTTERFLY V. PARASITE (To the Editor.) Sir. —The damage done by the white butterfly and diamond-backed moth is very extensive in this district. It was stated in one of the newspapers recently that the introduction of a parasite to destroy the butterfly was attended by excellent results, but a glance over some of the more sheltered paddocks will prove that statement to be wrong, as the pests can be seen in countless millions. A 50-acre sheltered paddock of swedes and chou molier, which a month ago was a rich green, healthy crop, now bears the appearance of a field of perforated brown paper. Another fairly large paddock on the same farm which is exposed to the full blast of the gales experienced lately, is barely touched. It appears to the writer that the starling is the greatest enemy of these destructive pests, as large flocks of the birds can be seen daily picking the grubs off the sadly-riddled plants — I am. etc. • j S. RAPER.