FUTURE OF RABBIT DESTRUCTION

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32636, 18 June 1971, Page 14

FUTURE OF RABBIT DESTRUCTION

“Council members, along with many others connected with pest destruction activities, are well aware that with our present knowledge and methods, the death of the ‘last rabbit’ is only wishful thinking on the part of some optimists,” says Mr G. G. Wilson, chairman of the Agricultural Pests Destruction Council, in the annual report of the council.

“It is admitted that with the expenditure of vast sums of money it may be possible to eliminate rabbits from some areas of the country .where environmental conditions do not suit the rabbit, but with increasing costs and decreasing returns the ratepayer is not able to cope with the escalating rate burden this would entail, nor can we expect the taxpayer to subsidise any scheme out of proportion to the national gain,” Mr Wilson continued. “This is not to say that the eradication of any pest is impossible, but I believe that if this is ever achieved. It will be by scientific means, as yet undiscovered. “With these thoughts in mind, therefore, the council

must direct the bulk of its attention to organising pestdestruction activities and expenditure wherever the land or production from it is threatened by the depredations of these pests. This does not mean that boards which have a few problems should remain relatively isolated in their approach or become complacent in their isolation. “Fortunately, many boards are now well aware of the ramifications of pest problems today, and it is most heartening to see boards realistically tackling these problems. Many boards are now reorganising into larger, more efficient units. They are bringing themselves up-to-date with improved methods of destruction, and are fully aware that we have a continuing problem to cope with, which must be handled effectively and within the bounds of economical sanity for a long time to come. Only by this realistic policy can we show the people of this country that a non-commercial killer policy is in the best interests of all concerned. “May I congratulate the boards that have been prepared to take a long hard look at themselves with a view to improving their organisation, and urge those boards that have yet to be convinced that there is need for change, that this need is very real in all forms of local government, and here is a wonderful opjxxrtunity for pestdestruction boards to lead the field.”

The annual report of the council says that, as predicted, drought conditions experienced in most of the country had resulted in a marked increase in the number of rabbits. The council congratulated boards on their efforts in coping with the situation and reported that the general position was better than anticipated. However, the coastal sand country and central dry country required more poison than normal with a consequent drain on board finances. “Many boards in the South Island have killed more rabbits than for some years. The council is of the opinion that this is due to the increased enthusiasm

and activity on the part of trustees and staff.” The \ report said that increased efficiency at all levels of pest destruction had helped to curtail the effects of inflation, but the council was concerned that, if rising costs continued, boards might reduce their operations with a subsequent inevitable rise in the rabbit population. The report shows that the total cost of work done by pest boards in the year to March 31 this year was about s3.Bm, of which about sl.6m came from rates, a similar amount from the subsidy on rates and $485,000 from grants recommended by the council Grants increased from $366,000 last year and the council says drat this was attributable to increased costs rather than anj deterioration in the pesi situation in the areas ol the boards that receivec grants. As the increase ir wages of board staff was effective for only nin< months of the year undei review, the council said r was to be expected that th<

f grant requirements for the coming year would show a t further increase. The estiI mates had also been ! affected by other cost 5 increases. Moreover, the ; economy of the fanning industry was such that there was little prospect of off- ’ setting increased grants with rate increases. e On the question of amalgamations of boards, the council says that it t wishes to make it clear e that it is not recommending r amalgamation for the sake s of amalgamation, and that it it feels confident that the a amalgamations which have e occurred during the year d under review will result in i- more efficient pest destruc1. tion and administration. n The council said it was e pleased that the majority of is boards had adopted a pracd tical approach to opossum y destruction. Until research st had defined the precise role >f of the opossum as a pasd toral land pest it considered n that board operations should is be confined to localised ie areas where these animals ir were having a definite detit rimental effect on agriculie tural production.