THE FARMERS AND THE RABBITS.

Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6547, 16 September 1886, Page 3

THE FARMERS AND THE RABBITS.

TO THB BDITOB Or THB FEBBB. Six,—ln last Monday's issue of your paper I notice that Mr Lance, as Chairman of the Woolgrowers' Aeaoc'ation, in a discussion on the rabbit scare, which is at the present time agitating the "Wool kings" of the north, expresses a feeling that he is sure the residents of the Amberley district axe willing to be rated or taxed under the Babbit Nuisance Act.

Now, Sir, Mr Lance being the Parliamentary representative of this district, this statement ie liable to Ktre the impression that the farmers have expressed tbemiaelvee in the matter; whereae, as far as my knowledge goes, they have not had any opportunity of so doing, and I am sure, Mr Editor, in spite of tbe Chairman of the Woolgrowers* Association's assertion to the contrary that did the farmers of the Amberley district understand in the least what rating under this Act means that, they would very soon express a feeling quite the reverae of willingness in the matter. Sorely, Mr Editor, the farmers have quite sufficient to cope with in the way of PTnft ll birds nuisance without being called npon to pay one penny par head on their sheep in order to assist the large landholders *f the North to keep their princely holdings free from vermin, which would, were the country populated and farmed, never give a moment's anxiety. What, Mr Editor, would the wool kings think of a proposition to tax their sheep for the protection of farmers' grain €rom small birds? Why, disclaim tbe idea as energetically as the original promoters of the Woolgrowew' Aeeociation did any proposition to have the farmers connected with it; and I am certain, Mr Editor, that should the farmera of tbeAmberley district have an opportunity of so doing, they will with great energy disclaim their willingness to assist tne wool kings of tbe North in their present dilemma.—Touw, &c, I A NOETH CAWnrBBTOT FABMR.