Rabbit Board.

Hastings Standard, Volume III, Issue 866, 9 March 1899, Page 3

Rabbit Board.

The monthly meeting of the Hawke's Bay Babbit Board was held in the Hastings Council Chambers this morning, there being present Messrs T. Orosse (Chairman), Shrimpton, Waterhouse, and M' Hardy. Mr Drummond, Stock-Inspector, represented the interests of the Government. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Accounts amounting to £212 18s lid were passed for payment. A letter was read from Inspector Miller regarding the administration. A report was read fro o Messrs J. N. Williams and T. Crosse on their trip to the Wairarapa, in order to get an idea as to the mode of working and results of the efforts to cope with the rabbit pest in that district. They found that the pest was being eradicated, and they felt sure that in no place did the rabbits in any way effect the food of the stock. Many of the settlers made a trade of rabbit farming, but these people were being dealt with at the Magistrate's Court. Mr Crosse, in the absence of Mr J. N. Williams, moved the notice of motion : " That the whole of the administration of the Hawke's Bay Board be revised." Mr M'Hardy seconded pro forma. Mr Crosse said Mr Williams' idea mainly consisted in abolishing fencing and trapping on the Euahines. Mr Shrimp'on considered that the Rabbit Board should retain charge of the fences.

Mr Waterhouse moved as an amendment : —" That it is undesirable that any alteration'be made in the administration of the Board which would, in any way, tend towards its abolition." Mr M'Hardy seconded. It was eventually decided to withdraw the motion and put the amendment, which was carried.

Mr M'Hardy moved : " That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded Messrs J. N. Williams and T. Crosse for the time and trouble taken iu investigating the rabbit pest in the Wairarapa." Mr Shrimpton, in seconding, said he was sure the trip would be a beneficial one to the local Board.—Carried.

The reports of the different Inspectors were read.