THE RABBIT TEST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17909, 11 October 1921, Page 9

THE RABBIT TEST.

METHODS OF DESTRUCTION.

RESULT OF CONFERENCE.

Good results are expected as a result of the recent conference convened at Dunedin by farmers' unions interested in the rabbit question to meet the DirectorGeneral of Agriculture for the purpose of discussing the best methods of destroying the pest. No unanimous opinion was expressed as to the be*t course to pursue, bat. according t.j information gathered at Wellington, the general opinion of delegates seemed to be that the methods of destruction should be left to the farmers themselves to take such action as local conditions required. It was pointed out that what would suit one district might not suit another. The protection of the rabbit's natural enemy secured most approval as a means of keeping down the vermin, once they had been reduced to a satisfactory minimum.

As the upshot of considerable discission, the following resolution was unanimously passed :— "That after hearing the Direr-tor of Agricnlture, this meeting is of opinion rhat the existing position will he met by the removal of the words ' to the satisfaction of the inspector ' and the words 'in the opinion of the inspector ' from section 2 of the Rabbit Nuisance Amendment Act. 1918; that, on inspection the inspector leave, with or post to the "occupier a duplicate, of the entry made in his book regarding his inspection. On a second inspection to do likewise, with an addition to instruct in writing detailing what steps the occupier is to take to satisfy the inspector; and that where property is an agricultural or a mixed agricultural and pastoral one, the inspector be instructed to adjust his work to prevent the harassing practice of in-c-ding on owners clearing the land when bearing and harve.-ting operations are beinct carried out. and labour is unprocurable; also that this nneting is of opinion that the administration of this Act. as so amended should be strictlv enforced, seem- that (lie defendant will then have the full right to .-all evidence on his own behalf."