SMALL BIRD PEST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2425, 5 September 1900, Page 7

SMALL BIRD PEST.

At last meeting of the Vincent County Council a resolution was passed instructing the clerk to write other councils, .asking particulars respecting the means-adopTed-by those councils in combating th.c, small bird pest. In accordance with such resolution the clerk wrote several local bodies as follows : —

May I ask you to be good enough to inform mo of the means you take for the destruction of small biids in your county, whether by poison or by purchase of eggs and heads, and-at how much per 100 if by the latter method? (Signed). , Jojhn S. Dickie, t ~ Gotmty '"'Clerks " , , Tlujoug.lv the courtesy of Mr Dickie, the following'replies to 'his communication have- been sent to tlie Cromwell Argus for publication :— ■

The clerk of the "Southland Coivnty -Council wrote as follows: — (1) By the distribution of 51b bags, of poisoned wheat to ratepayers * at various centres on their applying .for .same/,, no charge being made. (2) By collection^ of birds' heads and <§ggs at twopence 'per' dozen. (3) The council is at present, in addition to the above,' distributing some "groats and broken "wheat, the results of which are not yet reported on. •" ~

- -The „ clerk •" of the Wallace County Council wrote: — For "the destruction of small birds "the councii supplies poisoned grain to farmers, and also pays for eggs at 2cl per dozen. Boys get eggs in great numbers.

The Waikouaiti County Council wrote: — For some years the council has procured poisoned wheat, and distributed it to the ratepayers for the destruction of small birds. We have" never purchased either eggs or heads, though it has been spoken about by the council. Until united action is taken all- over the province the efforts of local bodies will be unavailing. The weather

has been so mild, and threshing being carried on all the season, the birds have had plenty to eat. Complaints are being made that they won't eat the poisoned grain.

From the Taieri County Council : — Replying to yours of the 15th inst. I have to inform you that the "Taieri County Council have not purchased birds' heads nor eggs for ,six or seven years back. Any subscriptions raised by settlers in the various ridings Joi, the destruction of small birds aie subsidised by the council at rate of £ for £ up to £10 in each riding. Poisoned grain is prepared, or purchased, and is laid for the birds during the continuance of frosty weather or when snow is on the ground, with, we understand, very satisfactory results. ,|

The , 'JXiapeka Council wrote subsidise & for to the Farmers'- Club' and "Fruitgrowers' Association for the purchase of eggs, etc., and wcj also distribute poisoned grain, through' the .^councillors, " to ratepayers gratuitously. . .. From the 'Lake ',County Council : — Replying to yours of the' 15th mst. re destruction oi small .birds, we pa"y 2d per dozen- for eggs only, and supply poisoned grain free to legitimate ratepayers to be used in the proper season. The "Waitaki County Council wrote:—Poisohecl grain (wheat) is supplied to all persons applying or calling at the county office for it during the winter ancl early spring months free of cost. The wheat is prepared for us at Ashburton by the Aahburton Drug Company (Limited), and is sold at 13s per bushel. During the nesting season eggs are purchased by all councillors and the clerk at Is per 100. The Maniototo Council replied:- — The County supplies poisoned gram to settlers on application at half cost. Experiment unsuccessful. , The Waihemo County Council replied as follows: — Referring to your letter dated 15th August, we liave to infoirn you that the means taken for destruction of small birds for the last two years have been by poisoned grain. Previous to that we had adopted both means— vjz., by purchase of heads and eggs and' poisoned grain — .paying for the former Is 6d per 100. FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE. A Mr Gibson, of Buenos Ayres, writing to the London Times on the subject of foot and mouth disease, and the, prohibition- of Argentine live stock entering British ports ; states that in his opinion the Argentina will gain eventually by the outbreak, as it will 'bring about a reversion to the frozen and . chilled meat trade. Mr Gibson says : '-'For the economy of both countries I hope that the consumption of Argentine chilled mutton and beef will so increase in England tKat" thefreezers here will be able to pay us 14s for our prime wethers, and J37 for our prime steers, thereby cutting out the export trade ancl supplying the Home public with, wholesome meat at a cheap price. The expense incurred in the live stock export is 'a dead loss both to the consumers ancl the producers." MOUNTAIN KING ASTHMA POW-' DER, the King of Asthma Cures. Sold all Chemists and Stores ; price 2s 6cU