FRUIT FLIES 49 



promptly, as was done here on a previous occasion, also 

 in Tasmania, where this scourge of the fruit-grower has 

 been stamped out, let us hope for good. 



The grave importance of the subject of the ravages of 

 fruit-flies must be my excuse for having devoted so much 

 space as is here allotted to it. I feel sure that as we are 

 now called upon to face the fruit-fly difficulty, we are at 

 least armed with the best experiences which have been 

 obtained both in the orchard and in the field. The 

 improved methods of examining fruit imported into our 

 State, and which methods are now at our disposal, will 

 without doubt minimize the danger of introducing, 

 through the agency of fruit or cases, fruit-flies of any 

 kind whatever. 



The Mediterranean fruit-fly has now made its appear- 

 ance in New Zealand, and when we know that this pest 

 thrives in the elevated Arnlidale district of New South 

 Wales, it is idle to suppose that it will not thrive in the 

 comparatively genial climate of Victoria. 



In conclusion, it may be pointed out that the use of 

 second-hand fruit cases may become a prominent factor 

 in the distribution of the fruit-fly throughout the State. 



In dealing with the fruit-fly trouble now amongst 

 us, the co-operation and assistance of all growers 

 is solicited, and growers may rest assured that this new 

 pest will receive no quarter at the hands of the 

 Entomological Branch ; we must rely upon the 

 patriotism of growers in present unaffected districts to 

 look with a friendly eye upon the apparent neglect for 

 a time of more fortunate growers, as the Field Inspectors 

 will have all they can do to prevent this pest from being 

 firmlv established in our State. 



