THE PROPOSED CODLIN MOTH BILL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3125, 26 July 1892, Page 2

THE PROPOSED CODLIN MOTH BILL.

« In reference to the proposed Bill to deal with the codlin moth peat, Mr G. Bertram Hutton, hon. secretary to the conference of Fruit-growers' Societies, writes :— Enclosed T have the honour to send you the proposed regulations attached to the Bill on codlin moth and other insect pests as approved in principle by the late conference of delegates from Fruitgrowers' Societies, and framed accordingly by the sub-committee set up by them. That committee, consisting of Messrs Thompson, Lippiatt, Peacoeke, and myself, have spant a day in considering, altering, and arranging the Bills submitted to the conference by Messrs Peacoeke and Kdgecumbe, and havft endeavoured, iu sympathy with the wish of that conference, to make the provisions as little irritating as possible while providing for the effective working of the Act.

I would lay stress on the fact that the taxation proposud has been reduced to a minimum, via., 4a per acre of orchard, with no provision, as in the Tasmanian Act, for a further tax where it is found a heavier outlay is necessary, thus ftrcing thu Fruit Boards to economise their funds. Of course it is not contemplated that it will be necessary to fix a ra'.e as high as this, except in extreme cases, many districts in Tasmania being rated at only Is 6d to Is Sd. As soon as practicable you shall have all details of the proposed legislation laid before you, as it is the wish of the societies represented that all fruit-growers should recognise as soon as possible that nothing is proposed in the Bill which those haviDg fruit trees ehould not be ready to carry out thoroughly of their own accord. Regulations Under Coelin Moth and Otiies Fruit Pests Art, 1592. 1. It shall be the duty of every fruitgrower who becomes aware of the presence in his orchard of the codlin moth, scales, or other injurious insect or fungoid pest to report the same to the local inspector for the district. 2. Every fruit-grower having codlin moth in his orchard is required to bandage all pepin fruit trees from the Ist December until 14 days after the fruit crop has been gathered and removed, said bandages to be examined and grubs destroyed every seven days. 3. All fallen fruit shall be picked up at least every seven days, and immediately placed in a suitable vessel filled with cold water for at least 48 hours before such fruit is dealt with for any purpose. 4. Any box, barrel, bag, or other receptacle which has contained infected fruit shall when empty, as soon as possible, be placed in boiling water for at least two minutes, or otherwise be efficiently cleaned before further use, to the satisfaction of the inspector. a. With regard to the removal of fruit from any infected orchard, such fruit may be conveyed to the nearest cidermill, jum factory, or evaporator after haviDg been dealt with, as directed No. 3 of these regulations. A A clause in the Act forbids the sale OF disposal of infected fruit, except as provided for above.