The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1912-06-19

future search for such a parasite
was to be negative in results. The
success Of su,n work to very
great extent depend5 on the selection
of the entomologists, not only for the
field work, but also as to those who
handle the material after it arrives
safely at its destination For obvious
reasons only the most experienced Of
men in this class of special work
should be allowed to handle such ma
erial
Congressional Aid.
Since my last report | have com
munication from the Chief of the Blu
reau of Entomology at Washington,
~. c., in which he informs me that the
Congressional appropriation to assist
the Territory in the fruithy campaign
has passed both House and would
eventually finu its way to the Pres
ident for signature. If signed, the ap-
preparation will become available on
Ju Y l and will, of course, be expended
under the direction of the Federal
bureau. The chief entomologist, DR..
l.. o. Howard, in asking for co-operE-
ton and advice, states that he has
Engaged DR.. Back to direct the ex-
penditure and that the gentleman
would in all probability be in Homo.
lulu early in July. After the arrival
of DR.. Back, the board will cooperate
with the Federal department in extend
ing the work which wi no doubt be
possible with the larger sum available.
1t goes without saying that DR.. Back
will also have to undertake work OF
control on the other islands, which our
small local appropriation has not made
possible. AS you already know, the
insu ar inspection and control has been
in the hands of district committees
appointed by the island commercial or.
carnations. The board, however, has
kept in communication with the chair
men of these committees, has issueo
commissions to such inspectors as the
latter have appointed and it has furth.
ermore arranged with the Territorial
administration to apportion the two
larger islands a small sum to assist
the various districts in the exclusion of
the pest. Unfortunately, the fruitfly
has since been discovered in almost
every district on both islands and it
will not be long before the infestation
will be general owing to the uninter-
rupted large areas of guava and wild
fruits which prevail along the upper
slopes.
Modification of Regulations.
In view of changed conditions as to
prevalence of fruitfly on the other is
lands, there may perhaps be necessity
for slight modification in the Terri
torial regulations as now in force.
do not think, however, that any change
should be made until we have received
an expression of opinion from the dis
trict and commercial organizations on
each island.
The alleged complaints because of a
failure to export fruits and vegetables
from any of the other islands to Oahu
were based on a wrong Interpretation
of existing regulations by officials over
whom this boaro had no control. There
have never been any legal restrictions
as 10 the importation of such supplies
on Oahu since the fruithy was first
discovered here. The misunderstand-
ing was easily and satisfactorily set
tied as soon as investigated.
In addition to the usual inspection,
gathering and destruction of fruit,
which has been maintained during the
month, there has also been consider
able spraying of large sections OF fruit
garCens in and about HonolI'u. Ex-
detrimental trapping for adult fTuitflies
uhuef the Australian method (kcrosene
and other solutions) has also continu-
ed. Much more of this latter work,
as well as spraying, will no doubt be
possible as soon as the Congressional
appropriation is available after DR..
Backs arrival. The spraying solution
used is the well known Cape Colony
(Mally) formula, vi, proportions Of
arsenate of lead, molasses and water.
Our small appropriation, which had to
last for over a year, or until the next
Legislature convened, has not made it
possible to spray beyond the expert
mental stage, although during May
much has been done by a special gang
on these lines. l have refrained from
this method in the neighborhood of
l., SO