MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 4670, 11 July 1936, Page 2

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

TirONTHLY MEETING,

The monthly meeting; of the Alanawatu Rabbit Board was held in the Board’s office on Thursday afternoon and was presided over by -Trustey B. G.- Gower (Chairman). Also present were Trustees W. E. Barber, R. MeKelvie. H. R. Denize, R. Craig and the secretary (Mr R. Rangiheuen). The Inspector (Mr D. R. Barron) was also in attendance.

It was reported that outstanding rates were now coming to hand fairly well. Practically the only rates now outstanding were current or last year rates.

Accounts amounting to £2OG 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 the general inspection . of properties in the Board area both in regard to rabbit inspection and the clearing of weeds, together with the supervision of Schemes 5 and 11.

“The weather for the first part of the month was all 'that could be desired from a rabbit destruction point of view but the last ten days have been wet and showery and as a consequence poisoning operations have been delayed. The men on No. 11 Scheme have got over a large area since last meeting, but unfortunately, the Labour Department has cancelled this scheme as from .the 2nd inst. Representations have been made to the Department to have the scheme kept in operation so that the -general poisoning can be completed with its assistance. If the Board is unsuccessful in having the scheme extended the cost of carrying out necessary poisoning work will be very greatly increased.

“A fair amount of fumigation work has been carried out during the month and most of the clear area is in an ideal state at present for such work and I would strongly advise farmers to have this work put in hand immediately as feed is now short on all ridges where rabbits are evident, and the rains have, driven them to these ridges where they can be successfully dealt with. “The men on No. 5 scheme are doing good work in the clearing of gorso and lupin and a large area has been dealt with since last meeting, although this work lately has been retarded on account of the, unfavourable weather experienced. “Provided weather conditions are satisfactory a start will be made next week in the second poisoning of the Forestry Reserve. The flooding of the Rangitikei river has made the poisoning , of this area impossible in the meantime.

“During thp coming month the usual statutory notices will be sent out and I shall be engaged in general inspection and supervision work.” CONFERENCE URGED.,

The North Island Rabbit Boards Association wrote inquiring if the Board had any remits to warrant the holding of a conference this year. Trustees considered a conference in the best interests- of rabbit destruction and a discussion ensued on various topics. Trustee R. Craig referred to the recent decision by the Government to remove the protection on cats, stoats and weasels. Rabbits were down to a fairly low level now, he said, and these animals were assisting in keeping them down. In his opinion, if the last rabbit was to be caught, it would not be killed by poisoning but by one of these natural enemies.

The Inspector said that there was no doubt about it that these natural enemies—stoats especially —took a heavy toll of young rabbits. ' Trustee McKelvie said that stoats were considerably on ' the increase 'in the Mariawatu. He had seen more in the last three months than he had during the past three years. At Tangimoana they were particularly plentiful. The Inspector said that 'now stoats were to be seen quite frequently crossing the bitumen roads.

The chairman said that some sportsmen thought that farmers had nothing else to do but provide a sanctuary for them to shoot over. ■

It was decided to recommend a conference this year and the chairman and Trustee R. Craig were, appointed delegates to attend same.

The following remits were derided on:—

(1) That objection be taken to the removal of the protection in rabbit board areas on cats, stoats, weasels and ferrets.

(2) That the ten per cent, cut in subsidy imposed by the Government be restored.

(3) That Rabbit Boards assume full power to administer the Noxious Weeds Act and that Rabbit Boards be subsidised to meet the extra cost involved.