Rabbit Board and Flies

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19100, 22 August 1936, Page 13

Rabbit Board and Flies

CONSIDERABLE discussion was devoled at a meeting of the Marlborough Shcepowners' Union to the bloAv-fly pest problem, Avhich Avas said to be becoming increasingly serious. If was stated, says the Express, that even in the cold winter months the fly avus still causing a good deal of trouble, and the position avus being looked upon with sonic concern.

The various ways and means of controlling the pest were discussed, and it was generally considered that, tlie use of some typo of trap seemed the most, effective method. However, if it was desired to make any headway in the campaign, all country dwcllors would have to do their part and use the traps, as it was pointed out that unless this -was done the good that was accomplished by those who took stops would be offset by those who failed to help combat the pest, it was suggested that something along the same lines as the rabbit boards could be employed for the purpose. The president, Mr. 11. H. Vavasour, stated that, it might, become necessary either to form a board or else ask Ihe rabbit boards for their co-operation in setting traps, etc. "The pest, is as much to us as was the mosquito menace in Panama and they overcame the malaria problem, so 1 think we should be able to do the same," he said.

Mr. 11. .T. Sface: "I think it would be necessary to have legislation made if it is intended to employ the rabbit boards in this scheme, but still these men might, do the work voluntarily in

the course of their other employment. " Mr. Stace went on to describe a scheme by means of which it might be possible to prove to the Government that some kind of legislation was necessary. Mr. J. W. Trolovc pointed out, that in the North Island where pheasants were about there was not much 1 rouble with the blow-fly. It appeared that these birds fed on the maggots, antt kept the fly down. At, this stage the president stated that a meeting of all the South Island rabbit boards was to lie held in Christchurch, shortly, and In: moved that the position lie brought "before that gathering with ;i request for an opinion ou the suggestion to ask. the boards to act voluntarily for one year, when tho position could be reviewed. j This motion was carried.