Jap Snail Menace In

N. Guinea

Planter Urges Action in N. Ireland

Letter to the Editor IN the August issue of the PIM you give warning of the giant snail plague in New Ireland.

It is to be hoped that this warning has prompted the Administration to take instant action. Another warning is for the men with claims lodged with the War Damage Commission. They should not accept finalisation of such until the full extent of destruction and/or damage from snails is ascertained.

Should the advancing plague be spread on a wide front across the island, and be within striking distance of Kimidan Plantation, the first line of defence should be on the Karu-Komalu cross island road. At this point New Ireland narrows to some five (5) miles, and a wide—very wide —break cut along or near this road, aided by fire and flame thrower (which could be sent across from Rabaul in a few hours) should halt the advance.

This effort would save, in the imme diate vicinity, on south side of the break, such valuable properties as Karu, Komalu, Kurumut, Belik, Ramat and Bopire. The cost of shipping across a few battalions of Japanese from New Britain (if any remain) to undo the work of their compatriots would be a mere drop in the ocean compared with what must be paid in compensation should even one of these properties be destroyed.

Should the invasion not be held at the Karu-Komalu line, another break could be run across the island along the bush track from Ramat to Kokola, and yet another along the Namatanai-Labur road. The zone between Karu and Nama tanai Station, on the east coast, and Komalu to Labur, on the west coast, is the only possible area in which to halt the land snail menace.

I am, etc..

Brisbane.

Planter.

7/9/1946.

Plague Also In New Britain

IT is reported that the giant land snails introduced as food by the Japanese were also released in the eastern end of New Britain, and that there also they are rapidly developing into a plague.

Officers of the Department of Agricul ture are on the spot, trying to get into operation some methods of checking this dangerous visitation.