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Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4423, 19 May 1893, Page 2

Tub Superintendent collector of agricultural statistics for this district has, by order of the Government, made enquiries as to the damage done to wheat cropa by the Hessian Fly. The information, which he has gat* lieted, shows that in the Wairarapa North County, the Akiteo, Castle point, Alfredton, Mauriceville, Upper Taueru and Eketahuna settlements are free from the pest, which is practically confined to the immediate area of country round Masterton. In the Masterton Bod District sixteen farmers report lossub from the pest, the estimated yield being decreased by from three to twenty-five bushels per acre. In the Wairarapa South County the Awhea, Otaroa, and Featherston districts areclmm, but at Greylown and Carterton the fly is reported. In Carterton there are but tow bad places, and these are where last year's stubble was not burnt. In Gray town the loss is estimated at from four to ten bushels per acre. Mr Eccleton, who collected the returns in the latter district says " tho tarmera all agree that (ho fly tacklesthe wheat stalk about the second joint from the ground. The stalk falls and the machine passes over it when cutting. Some farmers think it woulil be well to discontinue g-owing wheat for a soasonov two, with a view to banish the fly."