The Rabbit Question.

Otago Witness, Issue 2057, 27 July 1893, Page 13

The Rabbit Question.

TO 'THE EDITOB. Sib,— As you have kindly invited correspondence, through your leader, on this matter, I take' the present opportunity of submitting some further arguments in favour of the bonus system as a solution of the rabbit difficulty in preference to the present mode of dealing with the pest. It is almost universally recognised that the rabbits in this colony cannot be exterminated ; . but still it is believed that the pest can be kept in check to such an extent as to become comparatively harmless — at least this is the object aimed at. The question therefore arises, By what means may we best attain this object? As I pointed out in my lasb letter, it is the duty of .the Government to assist the unfortunate landholders afflicted with the pest. The present ill-considered act has failed. Why ? Plainly it is practically devoid of) this important assistant element. The rabbitcanning establishments, so anwisely^condemned by the heads of the Rabbit department, have actually been a great aid, as every farmer in this district will attest, and the promoters of our local , factory' deserve the thanks of the residents. The reason these factories- have been so successful in checking the pest is because the extra price given on account of the carcase pertains to the nature of assistance, or, in other words, acts' in the same way as a bonus. Thus a bonus on rabbitskins naturally recommends' itself as the most practical way of giving this all-important assistance, and I hold that if carefully applied this method would solve the rabbit difficulty. The bonus system, if directed in a' capable manner, would contain the elements of assistance, Teffectiveness, and popularity, none of which characteristics adorn the present act. Bat to weigh 'against these qualifications 5 it places . in the scales its one prominent feature-j-a species of persecution. The fact that such an act remains in existenceis an injustice to landowners and far from being a credit to our legislators. — I am, &c, Dunback, July 24. W. J. Ross.