The Hawaiian gazette., 1894-01-23
INSECT PESTS AND PLANT BLIGHTs

During the past year insect pests
and blights of character heretofore
unknown appeared upon plants and
trees, and spread so rapidly, and
caused such destruction as to arouse
serious apprehension.
Fortunately they appeared first in
Honolulu, and through the vigorous
and efficient action of the Bureau of
Agriculture and Forestry were con-
fined to the Island of Oahu. The
danger to every form of vegetable life
was great, and, after exhausting all
available means for the determination
of the pests, correspondence was
opened with Professor KOebele, of
alifornia, a scientist, who has had
large experience in such matters.
Finally, the trustees made PROPOSE
ton to the Government that Professor
Koebele be engaged for a period of
three years at cost not to exceed
$1,000 per annum for salary and eX-
penses, to assist the Bureau, of which
cost the Government is 10 bear one
half and the Planters P. and S. Com
pany One-half. This proposition was
accepted, and Prof. Koebele has been
engaged. Numerous specimens of the
insects and scale have been sent to
him for examination, and he has
entered energetically into the study
of the matter. He has advised the
Bureau as to the best plans of action
to adopt; has sent large numbers of
lady bugs to prey upon the pests, and
will shortly arrive here to pursue in
vestigations and to wage war. Much
is hoped from this action. Mr.. J.
Marsden, Commissioner of Agricul-
ture, has rendered valuable service to
the country in this department.
POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
The changes in the political affairs
of the country, during the past year,
have been of deep interest to the trus-
tees.
The Planters Labor and Supply
Company is not political organiza-
ton, but the affairs of the Govern
ment and the agricultural interests of
the country are closely allied, and the
planters have very great interest in
the maintenance of good and stable
government. These matters have re-
ceived the grave attention of the trus-
tees, and they have endeavOred to eX-
ercise a conservative and judicious
influence in public matters. These
public questions cannot fail to receive
attention at the annual meeting.
DRoUGHTs.
The past season has been one of
great trial in certain sections of the
islands. The drought has been severe
in Hamakua, on the island of Ha-
waii, and in some other parts; while |
in the district of Hilo and the south |
side of Hawaii there has been an
abundance of rain. Special attention
has been called TO the subject of pre-
of the forests, rs bearing
upon the amount of rainfall, and con-
serving the water supply.
The Hamakua plantations are now !
seeking the cooperation of the Gov
eminent in setting apart of a large
area of land, running through the dis
trict of Hamakua, above the cane
belt for the growing and preservation
Of forest trees.
While attention has often in former
years, been called to the Importance
If the preservation of the forests, it
cannot be emphasized too much.
CONCLUSION.
All of these various subjects which
If such great importance to planters
Indicate more and more, as the years
BASS, the desirability of interchange
If views and cooperation. 1t was
hese considerations that led to the
of the Planters Associa-
ion; and the necessity for such mu-
ual assistance and cooperation is
,eing constantly demonstrated.
1t is unfortunate that the drought
md other conditions have caused the
rops to mature so much earlier than
Usual that harvesting has already be-
,un on many plantations; for this
will prevent many planters from at
ending the annual meeting. In
rider to avoid a like result in the
uture it may be well to have the
ime for holding the annual meeting
laced at an earlier date. :
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM o. SMITH,
Secretary P. l.. & S. Co.
H11I,,1,, |