MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 200, 14 July 1936, Page 12

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. (From Our Own Corerspondent.) FOXTON, July 11. The monthly meeting of flic Manawatn Rabbit Board” was held on Thursday afternoon and was presided over by Trustee B, G. Gower (chairman). Also present were Trustees W. E. Barber, R. McKelvio, 11. P. Denize and P. Craig. The inspector (Mr D. R. Barron) reported that during the past month lie had been engaged in the general inspection of properties in the beard's area botli in regard to rabbit inspection and the clearing o.f weeds, together with the supervision of schemes Nos. 5 and 11. “The weather for the first part of the month was all that could be desired frein 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 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 gene rai poisoning can be completed with its assistance. It the board is unsuccessful in having the scheme extended the cost of carrying out necessary poisoning work will be greatly increased. A fair amount of fumigation work has been carried out and most of the clear area is in an ideal stale at present for such work.” The North Island Rabbit Boards’ Association wrote inquiring if the board had any remits to warrant the holding of a conference this year. The 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 stoats and weasels. Rabbits were down lo a fairly low level now, lie 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 that these natural enemies—stoals especially—took a heavy ■ toll of youngrabbits. Trustee McKelvie said that stoats were increasing in the Manawatn. 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 stoats were to be seen' quite frequently crossing the bitumen roads. It was decided lo recommend a conference this year and tile chairman and Trustee It. Craig were appointed delegates to attend. The following remils wore decided upon: (1) That objection lie taken to the removal of the protection in rabbit board areas on eats, stoats, weasels and ferrets. (2) That the 10 per cent, cut in subsidy imposed by the Government bo restored. (3) That rabbit boards assume full power I to administer the Noxious Weeds Act ami tiiat rabbit boards be subsidised to meet ! the extra cost involved.

It was reported that outstanding rates were now coming to hand fairly well. Accpunts amounting to £205 were passed for payment.