DESTRUCTION OF RABBITS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21685, 20 January 1936, Page 8

DESTRUCTION OF RABBITS

WORK/ FOR UNEMPLOYED

IN KAIKOURA

PLAN ADOPTED BY COUNTY COUNCIL

A scheme for eliminating the rabbit pest in the Kaikoura district and for absorbing the local unemployed, was adopted by the Kaikoura county Council at its last meeting. Mr E. Stewart, Kaikoura stock inspector, who explained the proposal to the council, said that the scheme provided for the formation of rabbit Councils in different parts of the district by interested settlers and already these councils had been formed in •several places. The plan was x formulated in an endeavour to absorb men from the sustenance roil and at the same time to make a serious effort to deal With a problem that had confronted the Kaikoura district for many years* Before the scheme could definitely proceed, the County Council would have to recognise the work officially and undertake the responsibility of paying the men employed throughout the district, he said.

The funds for the scheme were mode available hy the Unemployment Board, which Would pay 30s weekly fa? single men. atid Up to £2 12s 6d weekly lor married men, free of -taxation. It was expected that the farmers would provide reasonable board and lodging ahd, failing this, pay the men 2s a day or 15s weekly and supply them With the necessary tools. Insurance of the men was provided by the board. There Were many suitable men in Kaikpura available for the work, which, if adopted by ihe council, would mean the elimination of unemployment -in the district, said Mr Stewart.

Power was also given to clear areas Which were, possible breeding grounds for rabbits, and this work, some of which would be near the township, could be undertaken by men not fit for work on the hills. Mr Stewart said that he already attended several meetings of settlers, and explained the scheme, which was being taken up with enthusiasm. Provision was also being made for a similar schpme for destroying noxious weeds, which would help to overcome the problem of ragwort, So prevalent in the county. The chairman, Mr F. J. Monk. said he thought the scheme was a Splendid idea. It would be one of the finest things ever begun in Kaikoura. The council would virtually have to act as e mpl°ymg body and providing for 30 or 40 men would entail a fait amount of work for the clerk. However, this could be partially overcome'by regulating the payments. The only question was how long the unemployment schemes would last. It was unanimously decided that the council officially recognise the scheme sad adopt