MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 142, 18 May 1936, Page 3

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING . (From Our Own Correspondent.) FOXTON, May 16. The animal meeting of tlie Manawatu Rabbit Board was held on Thursday. Irustee.B. G. Gower presided and there were also present: Trustees \V. E. Barber, 11. R. Denize, R. Craig, and R. McKolvio. The chairman’s report stated that tlie result of operations had been more successful this past year than during tho previous one. Tnis was due, in a great measure, to tho wet season experienced, and consequently tho eradication of the pest had been more easily accomplished. “The farmers in tlie area recognise the necessity lor united ctfort in carrying out flic work of rabbit destruction, but unfortunately there are still a certain number of farmers who will not destroy their rabbits until final notice is served. On lands tree from growths little or no breeding lias been noticed, due mainly, to fumigation and constant work. In tlie eradication of rabbits and noxious weeds I am of opinion the Unemployment Board schemes (No. 5 and No 11) have contributed much assistance tp the farmers who took advantage of thorn. Tho absence of prosecutions for failing to destroy rabbits is a matter for congratulation, but there arc cases on record where extreme pressure had to be used to avoid it. The policy of the board is not prosecution or persecution, but is one of co-operation and combined effort in eradicating the pest which had done do much harm to fanning ventured. In tlie adminidtration of the Noxious needs Act the board has done its fair share in assisting the department to cope with the spread of ragwort in the area. 1 do not hold out much hope of limiting the rate for the current year to that of the year under review, as tlie cost of living and administration will no doubt be much higher that) formerly. The percentage of rates levied and collected up to and including the laM day of the financial }ear is 87 per cent, as against 90 per cent, for tlie previous year. Trustee Craig moved the re-appointment of Trustee Gower as chairman of the board. Trustee Barber, in seconding the motion, said that Mr Gower had boon a member of the board since its inception and hail capably filled the office of chairman during that period. Trustee Denize, as Government representative, added Ins eulogy ot the chairman. -Mr Gower was unanimously re-elected. Mr Barber was unanimously reelected treasurer and received the cnconiunis of board members for past services. The chairman congratulated the secretaij on the excellent manner in which lie had got the rates in. It _ was decided to place on record the services rendered bj the secretary and inspector. . . The secretary submitted the financial statement and pointed out the amount ot outstanding rates, ’those were practical!} all small amounts, but the non-payment of these by June 30. 1936, meant that the board would lose an equal amount n Go\ernment subsidy. It was decided to take the necessary stc|» to have these accounts “KnKSi. ~ w> » 51 P Tho inspector reported that during the past month he had been engaged in the general inspection of properties both in ic card to rabbit destruction and tlie clearing of noxious weeds, and also m supers ismg the carrying out of Schemes