1st June 1963
Colorado beetle arrives in Jersey
“Beaches along the north and east coasts of Jersey are being sprayed with insecticide after some 200 Colorado beetles were found on the shores,” reported The Times. The beetle, which is a parasite of tomato and potato crops, could have spelled disaster for both Jersey and Guernsey’s seasonal crops.
Colorado beetles had invaded the Channel Islands in June 1947 after being blown across from France. Many were washed up dead, but the 1963 infestation was possibly more serious because of the large number that were arriving still alive. Nonetheless, in 1947 Jersey’s potato exports to the mainland had been suspended after beetles were found in crates unloaded there.
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Other events that occured in June
Corbière Lighthouse is used for the first time
- When the lighthouse at La Corbiere was first used, on 3 June 1874, it had to be lit by hand. It is now solar powered.
- Read more…
Arsonist is arrested after being burned by his own fire
- When Mr Collenette’s fancy jewellery and hair shop burned down in June 1887, the blaze was so fierce it could be seen right across St Helier.
- Read more…
A passenger plane is written off at Jersey Airport
- The undercarriage of a Blue Islands plane collapsed at Jersey Airport when it put down at the end of an 11-minute flight from Guernsey.
- Read more…
Mother is banished from Jersey for being unmarried
- The States of Jersey banished Portuguese Maria Batista from the island for being the unmarried mother of a boy born prematurely.
- Read more…
