CONTROLLING RABBITS.

Putaruru Press, Volume XI, Issue 510, 23 February 1933, Page 5

CONTROLLING RABBITS.

SUMMER WORK NEEDED.

Waikato East Suggestion,

The urgent need for follow-up work in the destruction of rabbits was emphasised by Mr. E. Lord, inspector to the Waikato East Rabbit Board, in his monthly report on Tuesday. The report stated that the abundance of feed this season had been against rabbit poisoning, and that in consequence thorough work should be concentrated on during the winter. The only period when pollard, could have been used with reasonable hope of success was during the middle of harvesting. There was also a prejudice against pollard on most dairy farms, as during dry spells in summer it was against farmers’ interests to shut up paddocks, and there was also a danger to pigs and calves. To counteract this the report suggested that a practicable scheme of farm groups, to be worked by a competent trapper going from farm to farm in rotation, could be organised. It was urged that such a scheme be got ready to follow-up the coming winter work next summer, afe summer trapping was a most effective method of controlling rabbits when systematically carried out, and when the trapper was not wholly dependent on his catch for his pay. In moving, the adoption of the report Mr. J.. J. Shine said he thought the group scheme was one of the finest possible methods of control, as it would provide against a dead period in the year. He urged a scheme be got read now for next summer. If they relied upon the farmer they would fail as sure as day followed night. Mr. W. J.. Baldwin suggested that some of the surplus funds be spent on breeding grounds. Mr. J. S. Allen agreed that a rabbit caught in the breeding season meant a lot: to the: board. Mr. Baldwin pointed out that there was, a block: of. country near the Lichfield post, office which should be tackled. It comprised small sections which were too small, to be on the rate roll.

Mr. Shine: mentioned' the area between the Pohai and Waipa rivers as being suitable for a group. Farmers situated there could keep a man employed for the whole time over and above anything the board might do. Such a man could be put to work on any particular spot in the area by the board.

In reply to the chairman, Mr. Shine said farmers: in a group would have to agree between themselves as to where the' man would work, while if the board adopted the scheme the inspector would control the work. Thd board had shouldered the burden and must not drop it now even if it meant a loan. A follow-up scheme was essential. The fatal mistake made by the board last year was the break in operations.

Mr. Baldwin urged that such a scheme was necessary even if the board had to get six trappers. Their disposition should be left to the inspector entirely, no matter what farmers might say. On the motion of Messrs. Shine and Baldwin the finance committee was instructed to draw up a report on the best means of utilising the surplus funds of the board in following up the general winter campaign by the employment of trappers on definite blocks of country. Mr. Shine remarked that he was prepared to support a differential rate if necessary, so that ratepayers in the future who were domiciled in clean country would not have to pay the same amount as those in rabbitinfested country.