THE RABBIT NUISANCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4565, 17 January 1902, Page 3

THE RABBIT NUISANCE.

STATE OF AFFAIRS IN THE AVAIRARAPA. (By A. W. Hogg, AI.H.R.) Under the heading “An Important Question,” there was published in Thursday’s issue of tbo “Times” a contribution from Napier on the effects of the Rabbit Nuisance Amendment Act and tho state of affairs in the Wairarapa. The contribution says: “Xlie position of affairs in tho AVairarapa, a prominent farmer from that province informs me, is much worse than is really imagined. Thero has not been a conviction in that district for a long period. If sovonty-four rabbits can fall to ono gun in tho course of an afternoon’s shooting, it will readily bo scon that the outlook for sheep-farmers is not too rosy, unless the question is seriously grappled with.” These charges are serious. What do they imply? 1. That rabbits arc multiplying enormously in. the AVairarapa. 2. The Wairarapa farmers, by their negligence, are allowing their properties to become valueless. 3. Tho stock inspectors arc not doing their duty. AVill the contributor name his informant—the “prominent fanner?” AVill ho indicate where the Seventy rabbits fell?_ With regard to tho absence of convictions, will ho state bow many prosecutions have taken place? The Act he condemns has only been three months in operation. What trial has it received? I venture to say that no old rabbit, secluded in tho innermost recesses of his burrow, will keep himself more retired than the “prominent farmer,” who appears to have grossly imposed on the credulity of- tbo Napier contributor. His assertions are incapable of the slightest proof, and are quite at variance with the facts. I have been well over my district lately, and I find that although the season has been none too favourable for poisoning or rabbit extermination, the pest has heon kept well in hand. The value of land is everywhere in the Wairarapa increasing, and the absence of prosecutions proves that the farmers are doing their duty, and the. inspectors have xio occasion to worry them. As regards, the alteration of the law, which the contributor seems to fear, I may point out that its effect is to make the adjudicating Magistrate a free agent, able to deal with evidence' and roly on his own judgment, instead of being compelled to convict on the "opinion” of every prosecuting officer.