ERADICATION OF RABBITS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28013, 6 July 1956, Page 7

ERADICATION OF RABBITS

COMPLETE COVERAGE BY BOARDS URGED

The constitution of rabbit districts «n all rabbii-infesled country, and the complete devaluation of both the rabbit skin and carcase, are tne two most important matters dealt with over the years which have not yet received support from the Government, according to the annual report of the president of the South Island Rabbit Boards’ Association (Mr W. J. Whaian). The report will be submitted to a conference of the association in Christchurch on August 1. It was evident that the association’s and every rabbit board's goal would not be reached until the legislation asked for had been introduced, said the report. Every year’s delay in the coverage by rabbit boards of the balance of country carrying rabbits made the task of existing boards more difficult and costly; and the longer these areas were left with no organised rabbiting, the more the infestation must increase. Extra work would be eventually required, with a consequent increase in necessary finance.

The association was formed in 1935. and its first meeting was held in Blenheim. During the first year, when there were about 22 rabbit boards operating in the South Island, 16 joined the association. Now seven district rabbit councils are members of the association, and they represent 122 boards—an increase of 18 boards during the last year.