Foxton

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6993, 1 November 1932, Page 5

Foxton

CONTROL OF RABBITS AND NOXIOUS WEEDS : From -Our Own Correspondent. The monthly meeting of the Manawatu Babbit Board was held at Foxton on Thursday, presided over by the chairman (Mr B. G. Gower). Others present were Messrs. .T F. McKelvie, W. E. Barber, T. A. Grammcr, F. C. Eaikes, the secretary (Mr E. Rangiheuea) and the inspector (Mr D, E. Barron). The inspector stated that further inspections had been mado of properties whose owners were written to requesting’further work to be done and in tho majority of eases this work had been carried out. Joint inspection with regard to prosecution had been arranged for in connection with those properties on which the work had not been undertaken. "Fumigation had been carried out on a large number of properties, while a number of properties . on which 1 ‘ cover ’ ’ oxists, pollard poison, had been laid with good results. This ha-d been an exceedingly dry spring throughout the area and consequently breeding had been carried on to a greater extent than for a long time past. The rabbiter engaged by the board under the Unemployment scheme No. 11 started work on the “cover” area at the back of Bainesse, and although a little early for such work, very good results had been obtained. The next block worked would be in the vicinity of the back of Eangiotu and would be worked through from there to Himatangi and down from there to Motuiti “covct” :country. A fair amount of clearing of noxious weeds had been carried out. The inspector added that if the board , purchased a sprayer, ho hoped to ■ have demonstrations of the ■spraying of ragwort carried out. Tho necessity Of taking precautions .against the spread of ragwort was stressed by members .and it .’was decided to procure a sprayer. • •' New Class of Rabbit.

- (in discussing., the. change which has taken place in. the habits of rabbits since the bo-ard had been operating, Mr McKelvie voiced the opinion that a new class of' rabbit would, have to be dealt Vith.in’futuxe. Rabbits were not burTOwing nowadays but were living almost entirely on the surface of the ground 'VvlieT-ovor sufficient cover ex-, isted. Mr McKelvio said that as the fesult of the rabbits living in cover, the young rabbits were not learning, to scratch or burrow 1 and the countryside would eventually contain rabbits which did not burrow at all. Members agreed that although rabbits were in evidence, very few burrows, now existed. Mr Eaikes considered that one of the best schemes adopted by the board was that in which a man was now employed in trapping under the Unemployment Board’s No. 11 scheme. He suggested that an 'additional man should be em-ployed-in a like manner. It was necessary to take- thiils step when the rabbits could not bo poisoned in their burrows. . Members expressed surprise when the inspector stated, in Teply to a query, thiat'the trapper’s tally-for the past week was IQO rabbits and it was unanimously, decided to-go ahead with this work as suggested by the inspector. -It was also decided to broadcast pollard •poison an a recently formed island in the Eangitikei' riverbed where rabbits were stated to be increasing among the lupins, growing there. ; y -.

Rabbit Boards May Go Out. ..The action taken by the Government in placing a limijfc of three months from the end of the' financial year, as the time allowed in which a subsidy would be paid on overdue rates collected, was discussed at some length. It was pointed out that previously the Government subsidy was payable on all rates collected, without any restriction, and the present action of the Department concerned was considered unfair to Tabbit boards. Mr Barber said the action was decidedly detrimental in effect. He suggested that all boards be circularised with a view to entering a united, protest. In the present difficult times, many farmers unavoidably got behind with their rates. . Mr Raikcs: The recommendations ot the National Expenditure Commission were decidedly against any subsidy at all being paid to rabbit boards. Mr Barber said it was all very fine for the members of the Commission sitting. in Wellington to say wlmt should be done in regard to Tabbit boards. “The rabbit boards are doing a lot of very useful work at little expense to the country,'” he added. The chairman: Thc-y might find rabbit boards getting out and telling the Government to get rid of the rabbits themselves. The secretary submitted a financial statement covering tho period from April 1 to October 27. This disclosed a credit balance at the bank of £l2O Ss lOd. The statement was adopted, and accounts amounting to £6l 14s Sd were passed for payment. Personal. Members passed a vote of sympathy with the relatives of the lato Mr H. Bond, of Bainesse. Eulogistic reference was made to Mr Bond’s services to,the farming community generally. He was also prominently associated with the formation of the Manawatu Rabbit Board. VALEDICTORY

At the District High School on Friday afternoon opportunity was taken by the staff to farewell Mr. E. H. Bastion and present him with a dinner wagon 8.3 & token of esteem. In m&kiiig the presentation Mr. F. A. Mason (headmaster) .referred to tho personal qualities of the departing teacher and .made special reference to his activities outside the school. Ho said Mr. Bastion : would carry ..away with him the best wishes of the staff and pupils for his future'success. Mr. Mason sincerely hoped that, the health of Mrs. Bastion would benefit by the change. Mr. Bastion feelingly acknowledged Ike crood wishes and .token of esteem. He felt, that the position ho was. to fill would be beneficial to both Mrs. Bastion and'himself. A dainty afternoon tea was dispensed beforo tho gathering concluded.

ENJOYABLE CHURCH SOCIAL " A 1 most enjoyable social evening was bifid under the auspices of the Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild in the schoolroom on Thursday, when games, competitions and vocal items whiled away a pleasant time. Much-appreciated vocal items were contributed by Mr. and Mrs. W. M. - .Thomas. -At a suitable juncture a welcome was < extended to Rev. Mr. Leishmah by ; Mr. J. K. Hornblow on behalf of the church members, by the Mayor £Mr. M. E. Berreau). and by Mr-