RABBIT BOARDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25134, 27 January 1943, Page 4

RABBIT BOARDS

Sir, —As I understand that the Stock Department intends to make an attempt to form some rabbit boards in Otago, I would like to give the farmers in that provincial district a little warning. The department succeeded in forming a few of these boards in Southland, but the majority of farmers in the board areas now consider it a costly experiment, with no reduction of the rabbit pest, while other farmers claim that the pest is increasing in areas under board control. The scarcity of experienced rabbiters, high wages, the 40-hour week, and the go-slow policy are the chief causes of the trouble. The usual procedure is for the Stock Department to call a meeting of farmers in the district where it hopes to form a board, and to persuade four or five short-sighted farmers to form a committee, which is then expected to canvass the district with petitions to secure as many signatures as possible in favour of the board. Some of these canvassers get very keen on their jobs and try all sorts of doubtful tricks for the purpose of securing signatures, if they succeed in obtaining a majority, the board is formed before you know where you are, and the rate goes on. This rate is usually 4d, but the board has power to increase it to Is per acre. My advice to Otagp farmers is to be on guard against the formation of rabbit, boards, and not sign any petitions in favour of them without careful consideration.—-I am, etc., Southland Farmer. Pukerau, January 23.