RABBIT PEST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 18 June 1932, Page 7

RABBIT PEST

RAPID SPREAD CAUSING GRAVE CONCERN (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, 17th June. The rapidity with which rabbits are increasing, particularly in the highlands of the South Island, is causing grave Concern. Owing to the economic conditions and the fact that tlic low price of rabbit skins contributes little or nothing towards the cost of eradication, many sheepfarmers are utterly unable to check the spread of the pest and there is grave risk that large aregs of Crown lands will be rendered valueless

A deputation consisting of Dr. Henkes, Director-General of Agriculture, Mr J Lyons, director of the live stock division of the Department of Agriculture, Mr J. H. O’Donnell, controller of accounts Department of Lands and Survey, and the Commissioners of Crown Lands for Marlborough,. Otago and Southland, waited upon the Unemployment Board to day to endeavour to arrange for the use of unemployed labour to assist iri controlling tho menace. There was complete agreement as to the need for resolutely tackling the problem, and ways and means for utilising unemployed labour in the task were fully discussed.

It was finally arranged that the Departments of Agriculture and Lands should devise a plan for submission to the Unemployment Board.