MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 4417, 10 November 1934, Page 2

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Manawatu Rabbit Board was held in the Board’s office on Thursday afternoon, presided over by Trustee B. G. Gower (Chairman). Also present were Trustees F. C. Raikes, T. A. Grammar, H. R. Denize, W. E. Barber and the secretary (Mr R. Rangiheuea). The Inspector (Mr D. R. Barron) was also in attendance.

The Manawatn County Council wrote notifying alterations to the rate roll. The Audit Office returned the Board’s balance-sheet for the year ended March 31st, 1934, duly audited. The balance-sheet showed that £257 13/7 was collected during the year in rates and £3lO 18/7 received from the Government by way of subsidy. The sale of poisons for the twelve months amounted to £143 15/7. The receipts totalled £1,004 7/3, and expenditure £905 1/10, showing a -credit balance of £99 5/5. Accounts amounting to £B2 18/3 were passed for payment. INSPECTOR’S REPORT.

The Inspector (Mr D. R. Barron) reported as follows : “During the past month I have been engaged in general inspection of properties in the Board area both in regard to rabbit detsruetion and the clearing of noxious weeds, and in following up requests made for further work on a number of properties. In the majority of cases this work has been completed, conditions having been very suitable for the carrying- out of cyanide fumigation and the land is in good order for such work. “During the .course of inspection it has been found that on a number of properties this vei-y necessary work has not been carried out, as requested in the general circular sent out, and it is only as a result of inspection and consequent further requests for work that the necessary steps are- talken. It is most important that advantage should he taken of this time of the year to keep breeding at its lowest especially a clear from ‘cover’ land hv carrying out fumigation of burrows. Neglect of this work only leads to -greater expense in dealing with the natural increase later.

“Steps are being taken to see that all requests are complied with and joint inspections will be made of all properties on which this has not been carried out.

The last of the strychnine poisoning was; completed at the beginning of the month and the men on No. 11 scheme have for the last fortnight been engaged in fumigation work,, with excellent results on the properties completed. “Ragwort is now showing up on a number of properties, and all owners of such land have been served with a notice to immediately clear same, and these notices will bo followed up within the time specified on the notice. Where this weed was effectively dealt with last year, there is so far no signs of it again. Gorse is being cleared on several properties under different unemployment schemes. “During the coining- month I shall be engaged in following up the further requests for rabbit destruction work and further inspection in regard to ragwort.” Commenting on the flame throwing noxious weed eradieator demonstration (conducted at Motuiti during the month), the Inspector stated that a subsequent inspection of the treated area disclosed the fact that lupin and broom which had been subjected to the flame, was flowering from unburnt ends on the branches of the bushes and the blackberry was shooting again. This was more or less to be expected, however, as it was not claimed that the process would eradicate all growths on the first application but it was stated that two or three applications was quite effective. A discussion ensued on the efficacy of particular brands of strychnine, the Inspector reporting that the professional rabbiters.and many farmers preferred a certain brand not stocked by the Board and were even purchasing it at greater cost. It was considered that when this brand was used the rabbits which had taken the “bait” were pidkod irn in the furrows, whereas with the brand at present stocked by the Board many made their way into “cover” before succumbing. If this was so it was dangerous as dogs were liable to find the carcases and be poisoned by eating them. One such case had been reported in the Rangiotu distinct where a farmer- had lost valuable dogs, allegedly due to this. Trustees were inclined to agree with the opinion of the professional rabbiters and it was decided to indent the brand of poison recommended. The Board’s liability in the matter of insuring men eimaved under the No. 11 scheme created considerable discussion and resulted in Trustee Denize agreeing- to obtain .a legal opinion as to the Board’s position.