Look Out For

Oryctes!

Precautions Against Rhino Beetle

HONIARA, October 28.

DR. I. S. Phillips, the entomologist appointed to conduct research into coconut pests in the BSIP, is concerned about the possibility of the Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhino ceros) being introduced from Rabaul into the British Solomons.

The beetle was introduced to Samoa 10 years ago as a stowaway in a jundle of rubber plants from Ceylon, md its destructive habits have re nlted in thousands of dead palms md stumps in those fertile islands.

Introduced somehow into New Britain by the Japanese during the var years, it spread rapidly through >ut the Gazelle Peninsula and coastal irea, where, Dr. Phillips states, you an see in many places the triangular ections bitten from palm-leaves zhich are the characteristic damage ign of this beetle.

There are already two types of Rhinoceros beetle in the Solomons, fhich do some damage but are not erious pests; and there is therefore danger that the dangerous Oryctes hinoceros, which to the untrained ye looks very much like them, may e introduced and become established efore it is recognised.

Dr. Phillips has asked planters to eep a close watch for any palm saves which may have triangular actions bitten out of them, and to

irward any doubtful-looking Rhino

sros beetles to him for examination.

Fear In Polynesia

Suva, Nov. 1.

Now that TEAL planes call at amoa, en route from Fiji, the Gov nment of French Oceania insists lat the planes, and passenger’ iggage, be carefully fumigated be >re landing, as a precaution against ic Rhinoceros beetle. The fact that ic pest has spread from Samoa to onga has alarmed the Tahiti athorities.

As Aitutaki has the same risk, it is been suggested the plane and the iggage be fumigated while the plane undergoing its two hours fuelling op at Aitutaki, between Samoa and ahiti. This could prevent delay in iloading cargo at Papeete.

Actually, the risk is not great. The ane lies well out from shore in imoa. The beetle is night-flying and tracted by light, but it can fly only short distance over water.

The risk is much greater in Tonga, where ships dock, or lie close in, and beetles could easily fly aboard, Fiji authorities now are putting precautions into operation against ships coming from Tonga and Samoa, and causing shipping people some irritation. It is pointed out, however, that if only one Samoan Rhino beetle gets ashore in Fiji, in calculable damage could be done,

once he has become established in an area.

The clerical work of the Bougain ville Wholesale Association is now being handled by two native clerks trained by the Papua-New Guinea Administration Co-op. Section. The Association is satisfied with its clerks and the clerks are satisfied with the salary offered by the Association.