diff --git a/wxPython/wxPython/lib/throbber.py b/wxPython/wxPython/lib/throbber.py
index f7de6044c9..7f887c0016 100644
--- a/wxPython/wxPython/lib/throbber.py
+++ b/wxPython/wxPython/lib/throbber.py
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ processing can continue unencumbered.
 #
 
 import threading, os
-##os.putenv('LANG', 'C') # for running on GTK2
 from wxPython.wx import *
 
 # ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -124,12 +123,6 @@ class Throbber(wxPanel):
         self.event.set() # we start out in the "resting" state
 
 
-    def __del__(self):
-        # make sure it's stopped, since EVT_WINDOW_DESTROY may not be sent
-        # on all platforms
-        self.Stop()
-
-
     def OnDestroyWindow(self, event):
         # this is currently broken due to a bug in wxWindows... hopefully
         # it'll be fixed soon.  Meanwhile be sure to explicitly call Stop()