THE RABBIT NUISANCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5548, 9 January 1879, Page 3

THE RABBIT NUISANCE.

(From the Australasian.) The spread of the rabbit evil in the Mallee districts was again brought under the notice of the Government on Monday, by a deputation of pastoral tenants and selectors, who waited on the Chief Secretary and the Minister of Lands. They pointed out that so rapid was the spread of these pee ~ that the question had really to be considered whether holdings and runs would not have to be abandoned unless vigorous measures were taken for the suppression of the nuisance. Crops were destroyed, and many of the selectors were on the verge of rpin. The rabbits, it was stated, were now deserting the Mallee, where 'all ’the ficd had been eaten Off. and were now coming among settlement, The deputation, asked that as early as possible next session a Bill should be introduced to deal with the subject in a comprehensive manner, and that in the meantime .the Government should devote a sum of £SOOO for the purpose of checking the spread of these creatures. Mr. Berry expressed the opinion that those localjy interested should join together and undertake this worjr. Upon behalf of the selectors-it was stated that they had no

money to do so, and that, while willing to do their utmost to preserve their own holdings, they could not be rightly expected to clear the Crown lands. The pastoral tenants pointed out that with leases expiring in two years, and with their runs always open to selection, they could not afford to go to a large expenditure. Already many of these stations were being worked at a loss. Mr. Berry eventually promised to consult his colleagues. The subject was considered at the Cabinet meeting in the afternoon, and the following arrangement was arrived at :—The Minister of Lands to be authorised to expend, under proper regulations to bo hereafter framed, a sum not exceeding £ISOO in the suppression of this evil, a similar amount to be contributed by pastoral tenants and selectors in the districts affected. A meeting of selectors is also to be held in the district to consider the proposition of the pastoral tenants that in consideration of their undertaking to clear their runs, selection thereupon shall be stayed until 1880. If approved, the Minister of Lands will carry out this proposal.