The Rabbit Question.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XIX, Issue 6046, 11 September 1894, Page 4

The Rabbit Question.

(from our oto correspondent.) A well-attended meeting of farmers and araziers was held at Kurow on Saturday, September Sth, to hear from the committee the result of their appeal to Wellington. The correspondence was read, and the concluding letter from the Hon. W. J. Steward was as follows : " Wellington, August 30th, 1894. "Dear sir,—During the past fortnight I have had three interviews with the Minister for Lands re the subjects referred to in yours of 13th and 21st instant. I have his assurance that the value of the ' natural enemy' is not being lost sight of: but understand him to intend to provide supplies by breeding from ' vermin ' already imported. " Whether this can be successfully done with stoats and weasals I do nob know ; but. if not, importation will be necessary. He also assurred me that rabbit inspectors have received instructions not to disturb sheep during lambing time, and says that if any breach of these instructions occur specific complaint should be made so that the offender may be dealt with by the department." A resolution was then carried unanimously that letters be written thanking the Hon. W. J. Steward for his action and the Minister of Lands for putting a stop to the Rabbit Department disturbing ewes at lambing time, and asking them both not to lose sight of the very great urgency of the' assistance that would be rendered by providing more stoats and weasels.

The meeting was brought to a close with a vote of thanks to the chairman.