RABBITS SPREADING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 115, 17 May 1932, Page 15

RABBITS SPREADING.

DANGER OF TARANAKT. EARLY CHECK NECESSARY. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday. Rabbits are spreading into Taranaki through the Tongaporutu Valley from the north and are causing the Agricultural Department considerable concern. That much was apparent from the address delivered by Mr. F. W. Sutton, of the Department, to members of the Farmers' Union in that district. Opinions had been heard that rabbits would not live in Taranaki, but it was Mr. Sutton's opinion that rabbits would thrive in country harder to penetrate than Taranaki. The land in the Tongaporutu district particularly was suitable for them, and rain was not suflicient to drive them out. The very methods of destroying them by the employment of dogs and guns had tended to keep down the numbers or prevent increases, but they tended also to cause the rabbits to spread. The Department suggested the formation of a rabbit board, which could levy a small rate for the employment of a rabbiter. It might be possible for the union branch to arrange among themselves to employ an unemployed man to hunt rabbits in the district.

Considerable numbers of rabbits just south of Taranaki were causing the board some anxiety. They were not apparently doing harm, but it was desired that they be checked in time. The Department had to be much more strict in a district that was comparatively free than in districts that already were over-run.

In answer to a question, Mr. Sutton said he would not be in favour of the removal of the Mokau Bridge rabbit gate.

The union will discuss the subject a tlie next meeting.