Are Rabbits a Source of Profit or Loss? TO THE EDITOR,

Otago Witness, Issue 1994, 12 May 1892, Page 7

Are Rabbits a Source of Profit or Loss? TO THE EDITOR,

Sir, — I find in your issue of the 30th April that 30,000,000 rabbitskins were exported from New Zealand in 1891, value L 150,000, and 40,000 cases of preserved rabbits, value 140,000, making a total value of L 190,000. No doubt there is a vast diversity of opinion as to how many rabbits will eat as much grass as one sheep. From the different opinions I have seen in print, and from conversations with many people who should have some knowledge of the matter, I find the lowest estimated number to be five and the highest eight; but to carry out my theory I will take 10. Now, it may be said that, seeing that the whole of those rabbits killed were not 12 months old, I should take a large number ; but I would point out that, taking the millions that are always on the land, the millions of small ones that are not skinned (consequently not exported), and the millions that are never got at poisoning time, I think I will give plenty of margin. Now divide the 30,000,000 by 10 will give 3,000,000, which would represent sheep that New Zealand would carry if the rabbit were not here. Then take the wool of each of the 3,000,000 sheep at 3s bd,which would give L 525 Then, say, one-

sixth of the 3,000,000 to be sold (500,000 sheep) at 10s each, L 250.000, making a total value of wool and sheep sold per year L 775,000. Then deduct the total value of rabbits and skins exported in 1891, L 190.000, which would leave a clear loss to New Zealand of L 585,000 per year. Then, again, it is a recognised fact that the pasture never comes away as fast after being fed off by rabbits as it does when fed by sheep, neither is it so sweet, and the rabbitß eat the early grass in spring that should be for the ewes and lambs ; and although they are less in numbers in early spring than at any other time of the year, nevertheless what there are do more actual damage in early spring, when feed is scarce. I think no other conclusion can be come to than that the rabbits are a serious loss. No doubt some will say, but see the amount of labour they create. My answer to which would be, place the people on the land and so make them producers instead of destroyers. — I am, &c, Ophir, May 4. John Cole Chapple.