MEN REQUIRED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22316, 29 April 1947, Page 6

MEN REQUIRED

AREAS TOO LARGE COAST RABBIT BOARD INSPECTORS' REPORTS “More men are urgently needed and the recent applications of several good men for work in the board's area should help to reduce the rabbits once the new rabbiters are placed in the localities most urgentlv in need of attention,” states a report by the chief inspector, Mr F. R Bould, to the recent meeting of the East Coast Rabbit Board. "The areas now being worked by the present rabbiters employed by the board are too large, in my opinion, to allow of the best results being obtained,” he continued. “I have contacted a large number of the men employed and this appears to be borne out by my own observations. "The trap on the Mohaka viaduct requires some attention as it is still possible for rabbits to get through and the gate on the lower Mohaka River bridge is not satisfactory and will need to be altered.” Reporting on the activities during the past month, Mr. Bould stated that numerous signs were found in the Cricklewood road district. Poison was being laid with good results. The area south of Wairoa was covered with gorse and blackberry, making the total clearing of rabbits in that district difficult. Complimentary reference was made to the efforts being made on the Kiwi station by Mr. T. Mulcaster. Mr. Bould said Mr. Mulcaster was setting an example to adjoining landowners. A first-class rabbiter was employed on the station and highly satisfactory work was being carried out. Rabbits were noticeable on adjoining properties. Mohaka River Barrier An inspection had been made of Willow Flat and Run 38. Rabbits were noticeable on Willow Flat and there was no doubt that the increase on Run 38 was responsible for that state of affairs. The river was very low prior to the recent heavy rain. It was thought that the water barrier would now be effective in preventing further crossings. The report of the sub-inspector, Mr. H. F. Bennison, Wairoa, said that as pollard was unavailable for poisoning temporary use was being made of jam and strychnine. The following kills were reported in Mr. Bennison's area:—Te Ariki, 138; Mr. E. Eriksen’s. 17; Patanamu. 26 . Mr. Ramlose’s, 3; Mr. P. Hemming's, 7; Raupapa, 15G; Mr. H. H. Lyall's, 3; Mr. ,T. McCurdy's. 3; Wairoa Borough, 16: Wairoa cemetery, 2; Mr. Herbertson's, 9; Mr. E. Powdrell's, 3: Huramua, 20; Pihanui, 19; Putere, 17; Otoi. 96; Mr. B. Tumataroa’s. 4: Mr. H. McKinnon's, 2; Mr. W. Mogford's. 13; Mr. F. Mogford’s, 2: Woodlands, 67; Waireka, 11; Mr. Mathcson’s, 8; Ferndale, 14; Putere Crown land. 4; Mr. W. Torbett's. 8; Waihua, 8; Waihua Native land. 11; Mr. J. O'Grady's, 16; Mohaka Native, 211; Ngamahanga, 23; Cricklewood, 32; Wahanui, 34; Kaihunahuna. 13: Mr. N. Phillips’. 25; Mr. A. C. de Lautour's, 2; Mr. A. L. McKinnon's, 16; Te Hoe, 21; total, 1073. 1 Another sub-inspector, Mr. H. Drysdalo. Wairoa. reported that Mangaruhe was the worst-infested block in his area. It had rabbits scattered throughout its extent. The kills reported by Mr. Drysdale were:—Papuni, 2; Mr. Hole’s, 1; "Waihi, 15; Pokopoko, 9; Parkhurst, 19; Mr. McDonald's.'l3; Terapatiki school, 5: Tauwharetoi, 24; Te Reinga Native, 3; Mr. Knox's. 2; Mr. D. Mitchell’s, 1; Mr. Glassford's, 1; Mr. Spooner's, 1: Mr. Clifton's, 1: Mr. Preston's, 9; Araswa, 2; Mr. Chamberlain's, 4; Okare, 3; Mr. Somerville’s, 1; Whataroa, 10: Painga, 2; Mangaruhe. 44; East Coast Commission property, 20; Mr. Glynan's, 1; Mr. McCurlott's, 1; Mr. Norgrave's, 2: Mr. Law's, G; Highfield, 14: Mr. C. Hill’s, 4; Riverina, 31; Mr. Brownlie's. 2; Mr. Davey's, 1: Whakangaere. 4: Terapatiki, 1 2; Mr. Ebbit's. 3; Mr. Riddiford's. 3; j Tapui, 3; Sandhills, Nuhaka, 3; total, 235.