THE RABBIT NUISANCE.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7465, 13 September 1892, Page 3

THE RABBIT NUISANCE.

The following — taken from the annua reports on the above subject — are Inspector Miller'a remarks on the Odmaru district : The means adopted for the destruction of the pest have been — poisoned grain, trapping, shooting, ferreting, and dogging. Feirets have idbo been liberated, and are to be found in any part of the distuct. As those seen in their wild state tiro strong and healthy, there is no doubt but that, when once acclimatised, they will do well at large, and must asbiht matei tally in keeping down the rabbit pest. Weasels seem to be increasing, as several have been seen on the Papakaio Plain, and on the Waitaki River banks. I v, »uld stronglj recommend the impoi tation of stoats and weasels, the breeding and hbeiating of ferrets, and that stringent measures be provided for the protection of these animals from labbiters and otheis whose interests are opposed to their increase. I I desire to call attention to the =<eiious spread of gorse and bi oom on public roads, i river-banks, and private piopeity ; such ! places haibor rabbits to a great extent, and it is found extremely difficult to copt w lth the pest under such cncumstances. During the past yeai fair progress has been made, and a deciease noticed in borne parts of the distnct. There is a desne on the part of many landowneis in the Waihemo distnct to dispense with winter poisoning, so as not to interfere with the operations of the labbitfactory at Dunback. As poisoned grain is the chief factor m coping with the labbit pest, any departure from this method of destruction may lead to a serious increase of the pest. Oamaru, 31st May, 1892.