THE RABBIT NUISANCE

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7382, 7 August 1889, Page 5

THE RABBIT NUISANCE

[Bt Telegraph/} [from our special correspondent.] WELLINGTON, August 6. The annual report on the rabbit nuisance was laid on the table to-day. The following is the report of Mr R. Foster, Inspector for the Canterbury-Kaikoura District : —"The natural enemies liberated and the poisoning done in the department, together with the efforts of private owners, Shave been, to some extent effectual in keeping the rabbits in check. To the south of the Tasman in Canterbury, between the Government rabbit fence and and that erected by the Hurunui Rabbit Board, the few rabbits which exist are not increasing, and being of the semi-tame species Jare easily dealt with. In the Amuri, north ot the Waiau, the silver grey rabbits have spread considerably, and had it not been for the natural j enem<es liberated by the Amuri Rabbit Board and other means taken, this I fine district would have been overrun to a serious extent. At Kaikoura there is a marked decrease in the number of rabbits. During the year about 600 stoats and weasels, 800 ferrets, and 400 cats have been liberated. About 30,000 acres of waste lands of the Crown and 5000 acres of reserves have been dealt with by the Department. Rabbit Fences —South Canterbury—The completed portion of this fence, about forty-six miles, has proved an effectual check to the advance of the rabbits, and it is now placed beyond all doubt that this fence, the whole of which will be completed in June, will save Canterbury from Otago rabbits, if it is carefully supervised. Hurunui Rabbit Board's Fence—This fence is now very near completion, and is believed will also form an effectual check to the rabbits from the north. Unfortunately, however, during the construction of the fence some rabbits have come through. Steps are now being taken to destroy them, and the fence is under effectual supervision. The weak point with both fences is the danger of rabbits getting round the ends where they terminate in the main range. This difficulty has been to a large extent surmounted in the south by the erection of a wing fence at Birch Hill. It is believed that these points can be secured by wing fences and careful supervision." j