“RABBITERS WANTED”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23591, 30 August 1938, Page 8

“RABBITERS WANTED”

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —I have been very much amused at the advertisements in your paper for rabbiters in the Manuherikia Rabbit Board’s district. If the runholders were to offer blocks to men in March or April, when rabbits are plentiful and prices are rising, instead of taking the cream by poisoning the rabbits themselves and then giving blocks to rabbiters when the weather conditions are such that it is impossible to set traps owing to the frozen state of the ground, they would have little difficulty in getting rabbiters. I was hit in the depression, but I managed to get together a few pounds and took a block. My outfit cost me in the vicinity of £4O. I commenced trapping in February, and towards the end of March I was informed that I would have to cease trapping until after the runholder had carried out poisoning operations,. the skins from which he claimed himself. I was given a job at poisoning at 15s per day. I had to supply my own horse, and pay the cost of shoeing. After poisoning I was told I could go back on my block and clean up. Anyone experienced in rabbiting will understand what that moans after successful poisoning. It leaves the rabbiter no alternative but to seek other employment, as the runholders do not subsidise summer rabbiting.—l am. etc.. Fair Deal.