RABBIT SUPPRESSION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7263, 20 October 1910, Page 2

RABBIT SUPPRESSION

THE QUESTION’ OF EXPORT. A DOUBTFUL INDUSTRY. Reviewing: the work done during the agricultural year in regard to the suppression. of rabbits. Mr E. Clifton. Director of Fields and Experimental Farms Division, of the Department of Agriculture. remarks: The most encouraging phase of this serious question is the development that farmer's are interesting themselves in the repression and control of the rabbit. This is strongly exhibited. in the establishment of new- rabbit boards. Of those, one has been constituted in the South Island, and there are two in the North, one of which has only just been formed. The latter includes in its operations an extrusive area on the East" Coast. The department may welcome this as an assurance that those engaged in .pastoral and agricultural pursuits arc earnest in conserving their districts, and that they are well aware of danger from the rabbit. It can be expected that vigilance and efficiency will accompany .these undertakings. The general aspect of tho rabbit nuisance is that it is under control throughout the greater part of the Dominion. This certainly applies to almost all districts where trapping for. sale does not exist; but in those parts where this trapping has become a- recognised industry effective control is absent. True control of the rabbit is incompatible with its use as a marketable product. The work of the trappers fails to effect an appreciable reduction. It is recognised that certain landowners elect to consider tho trapping and the sale of the rabbit as satisfactory. It cannot be ignored that the exportation of the rabbit has at. tained largo dimensions, and. that considerable sums are earned by those engaged in the industry or business. It is doubtful if tills pursuit dan be described as a legitimate industry, fox tho rabbit thrives at the expense of grazing and of farming. It is claimed by some that the trapper, tho carrier, the packer, the exporter, and some landowners who rent their properties' to trappere participate in making money from what may be termed a wasted product; still, they fail to remember that true farming and grazing would bo the more profitable occupation, that their energy and enterprise would be better rewarded by an effective reduction of the pest. Finally, it,.must bo accepted that uncontrolled rabbits are a menace to all, and ; that the department will enforce the demand that the pest must be effectively reduced. The past season has been favourable tq tine increase of the rabbit, particularly in the more southern of, the Dominion, and unfortunately it is there that the trapping for export is in greatest evidence.