RABBIT PIE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 1273, 15 July 1925, Page 9

RABBIT PIE.

SOON AN EXOTIC DISH. That dainty dish —rabbit pie—will shortly be a rarity in Palmerston North, as a result of the decision of various Rabbit Boards in the neighbourhood to prohibit the trapping of fabbits for food or for that matter the trapping of rabbits for any other purpose.

It appears that all this is necessary for the good of the community as a whole, and more especially the'farmers, whose lands are over-ridden with the pest. So, in the circumstances, those who are peculiarly attracted to the delicacy of stewed rabbit will exhibit an altruistic spirit and make no complaint. Brer rabbit is a very sensitive and suspicious individual when it comes to taking his life. Experts in rabbit destroying methods state that he is an exceedingly hard little fellow to deal with, and has to be coaxed to his doom. Accordingly, he is banquetted ■Cor several nights on such tempting dishes as carrots, but one night aftei his suspicions have been allayed, a little strychnine is added. The deed is done and the poor bunnies lie dead by the score. Traps, on the other hand make him "nervy” and the presence of a trap on areas where poisoning is going on will spoil the effect of the whole poisoning scheme. So the trapper is warned away, but as a result of the Rabbit Boards’ decision some twentyfive trappers are now out of employment. The local Chamber of Commerce was approached on the matter and it communicated with the Rabbit Boards on the subject. The reply was an Indicated above. What" rabbits arc necessary for consumption as food will now have to come from the South Island.