THE RABBIT PEST.

Southland Times, Issue 21577, 15 December 1931, Page 3

THE RABBIT PEST.

To fhe Editor.

Sir, —Apparently the proposal to form a New River Rabbit Board has been sanctioned by a fair number of farmers in the district. Proposals of this kind are, of course, eagerly swallowed by a certain type of farmer, the type for instance that has often fallen victim to the wiles of various company promoters, bogus and otherwise, that have waadered through the district from time to time. I am not suggesting, of course, that the promoters of the proposed board are acting in other than what they believe to be in the best interests of the district, but what I do suggest is that farmers as usual have plumped for the proposal with utter disregard for the extra expense which is sure to be involved. That parts of the district embraced by the board are badly infested with rabbits is obvious to all. Some farmers for years passed have carried on rabbit farming almost Systematically, but now, due to the drop in prices for skins, the rabbit has been left untouched for the past two seasons with the result that the districts I have in view are overrun with the pest. No matter what the promoters say to the contrary, the work of the board cannot be carried on successfully with the rate they propose to levy. Half as much again would be nearer the correct estimate and I consider it a matter for protest that farmers who have carried out systematic destruction of rabbits for years past should be asked to contribute to the cost of cleaning up the various rabbit farms in the district. There is no need whatever for a board. The remedy is in the hands of the Department of Agriculture which has power to prosecute farmers for breaches of the Act. Rabbit inspectors are appointed for the various districts and could, if they wished, bring farmers up to scratch in this matter. Summed up then it will be seen that provided the department exercises its authority the board will not be necessary.—l am, CtC '’ “NO MORE RATES.”