MENACE OF RABBIT PEST

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 28 February 1933, Page 6

MENACE OF RABBIT PEST

APPEARANCE IN TARANAKI

LOCAL BODY DISCUSSION

At yesterday’s meeting of the Taranak Local Bodies’ Association at Eltham Mr J. P>. Murdoch (Hawera •County) referred to the increase in rabbits in many parts of the country. They had been seen in parts where years ago there were none and were naturally -more prevalent in the back country. Local bodies, he added, had power to control the position, but did not like the idea of prosecutions. However, all should -take a part in checking them and lie suggested all should report to the next meeting. Mr ,T. Brown (New Plymouth): Y r ou must have Rabbit Boards. Mr A. R. Bates (Kaponga Town Board):'All counties should be interested and should poison or trap them. Mr N. E. Cl el and ( Whangamoniona County) said that in his county they had to form a board and, if farmers did not do their part, they must be prosecuted. "Very few farmers can cope with the pesT, by means of dogs,” he continued. "But the Government will subsidise boards to the extent of half the cost of the board. ’ ’ Hi's county had appointed a rabbiter. Many were caught, but at considerable expense. The'council had to pay its man 16s per day and at present it had a scheme of paying for pairs of ears at the rate of 2s 6d each pair. .Since Christmas many had been caught. It was agreed that each council should supply a report for next mceting.