VERMIN v. RABBITS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1602, 5 August 1882, Page 8

VERMIN v. RABBITS.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,— What is the reason that Mr J. M. Eitchie and other parties representing the squatting interests wish to introduce into New Zealand vermin which every other country tries to destroy 1 Is it that they don't know the real habits of the animals, or is it because they grudge the expense of purchasing poison to kill the rabbits ? They evidently know so much about weasels, stoats, and ferrets, that they would prefer the Acclimatisation Society or Government to be responsible for their introduction, so that they may reap the benefit without any expense or blame to themselves. Mr G. F. Bullen, from his own showing, should have been prosecuted for introducing these pests instead of getting Government aid. It is proved beyond all doubt that poison is the most efficacious way to kill out rabbits. The letter of Mr Rowley, to which Mr Ritchie refers, points out conclusively that ferrets do not confino themselves to the destruction of rabbits, killing them only when there is no feathered game to kill. , I don't think it possible (by poison or otherwise) to kill out weasels, ferrets; or stoats, once they are introduced. I predict that if they are introduced not only will tho game all disappear, but the native birds will all be killed out, and when there is nothing else left the vermin will go for the lambs. — I am, &c, Pringlb F. Stoddart. Dunedin, July 26th.