Pohangina Valley

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 65, 18 March 1937, Page 9

Pohangina Valley

From Our Own Correspondent. Rabbit Board. A meeting of the Apiti-Pohangina Rabbit Board Avas held at Pohangina on Monday. Those present were Trustees J. D. Galvin (in the chair), H. C. Mrlntyre, C. G. Searle, J. D. Ivilgour, H. L. Osborne, E. A. Palmer and the secretary, Mr A. E. Orgias. - The North Island Rabbit Boards’ Association notified that a conference would be held at l ei'amg on We lnesday, March J 4, and asking that remits be forwarded not later than March 20. The rules regarding 28 days’ notice of remits and business for the conference had been waived this year on account of the urgency of matters affecting the existence of boards. The board was invited to appoint two delegates to the conference. Tho board’s subscription of £3 3s was now due and an early settlement was requested. The secretary reported that the subscription had been forwarded. Trustees Galvin and Kilgour were appointed to represent the board at the conference. A further communication from the same source stated that, Avith regard to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act and its amendments, the Association had taken up the matter of rabbit boards making objections to the provisions of the suggested award, and arrangements had been made for the Board to be represented through the Association and through the Employers’. Federation at the Arbitration Court hearing. The board was invited to submit its objections to the award and the reasons therefore. After discussion it Avas decided to reply objecting to the clause fixing the hours of work between 7.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m., as a rabbi ter can usually work more successfully early and late in the day. The board considered that the hours fixed by this clause should not be made to apply to rabbit boards. With reference to the suggested amalgamation of local bodies, the board decided to advise the Association that it *?i’i not favour rabbit boards being absorbed by county councils. It was pointed out that trustees of rabbit boards specialised and gave their time to the destruction of rabbits. This would not be the case with county councillors, with the consequent result that the control of the pest would not receive the close attention It is receiving a present, which had proved very successful in this district. It could not be seen that much, if any. saving would result and certainly not sufficient to compensate for the undoubted loss in efficient cotrol. The board considered that any amalgamation that takes place should be confined to the amalgamation of A'arious rabbit boards. Inspector’s Report. Inspector Smith reported that the work of clearing foxglove had been completed satisfactorily and all other noxious weeds were receiving attention. Rabbits were not numerous and he considered the pest was Avell under control in all parts of the block. Notices to poison with phosphorised pollard had been issued where necessary, but only a few isolated patches required this treatment. Forty rabbits and ol runners had been secured, and 21 burrows fumigated. An inspection of ragwort areas had been made and the position was considered satisfactory. Inspector Stevens reported that the rabbits were well under control in all parts of his area. 181 rabbits and 77 runners had been secured and 41 burrows fumigated; 119 cartridges had been used. Noxious weeds had been inspected and notices to deal with same had been issued where necessary. Inspector Turner reported that 191 rabbits had been secured and 183 burrows fumigated. Noxious weeds had been inspected and notices to eradicate had been served where necessary. The chairman stated that, in company with Trustees Searle and Mclntyre, lie had made a tour of inspection of the Apiti block. The position was far from satisfactory. Noxious weeds were very prevalent, particularly in Apiti township, where ragwort in flower was seen in several places. Rabbits were plentiful in many parts of the area, particularly in Table Flat district. A number of properties had been inspected and it was plain that a lot of work Avas required to bring this block up to the desired standard, both with regard to rabbits and noxious weeds. Some settlers were apparently of the opinion that the nature of the country was such that rabbits could not he kept in check, but, in similar country in the other two areas, the pest was Avell under control. After a full discussion it was decided to take action ro ensue that the position was remedied immediately. A question by a Trustee as to whether 1 the board’s employees could take Friday off and work on .Saturdays, led to a discussion on working hours in relation to the new industrial legislation. It was decided, after full discussion, to notify the inspectors that, in accordance Avith the award, 40 hours per week, from Monday till Friday, were to be worked. Time lost through wet weather may be made up, but such time must not exceed one hour per working day and four and one-half hours on Saturdays. On the motion of Trustee Searle, seconded by Trustee Mclntyre, It was decided to allow Trustee Galvin travelling expenses incurred in the inspection of the northern block. Treasurer’s Report. Credit at Bank of New Zealand, £lB2 7s 8d; rates levied for year. £443 5s 3d; collected, £317 0s 3d; outstanding, £126