RABBITS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3572, 12 March 1886, Page 3

RABBITS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMARC HERALD. Sib, — I inclose some most useful information about the destruction of rabbits. You will observo tbe silver grey rabbit is making his way South to fin alarming extent, and the wild rabbit from Otago is mating his way North. I fear before long tho rabbit will take the place of the sheep on our hills. I observe that there were exported from New Zealand the following rabbit skins : — Year. Skins. 1873 36,716 1874 56,504 1875 111,142 1576 311,632 1877 918,236 1878 3,951,209 1879 5,384,506 1880 7,505,616 1881 8,514,686 1882 9,198,837 As an instance of tho increase of rabbits on a singlo run (the lower Awatere) I give the following figures : — Year, Rabbits Killed. 1877 11,570 1878 23,031 1879 33,000 1880 67,000 1881 112,000 1882 132,000 1883 163,000 1884 311,000 Mr W. A. Rutherford stated at tho Amuri Sheep Farmers* Association that the rabbits wero spreading m a most alarming manner, and no doubt the department have practically neglected this branch of their duty. He thought it might be a question for their consideration whether it would not be advisable to again bring the question of rabbits before Parliament. The few statistics stated above are enough to convince anyone that the Rabbit Act is not working satisfactorily. I think the department is underpaid, and more Inspectors are required, for it is quite impossible for twe gentlemen m our district to bo everywhere when required from tho Waitangi to the Rangitata. In one small spot down m this district I am told 4000 rabbits were killod last year, and I hear they aro now ai numerous as over, and alarmingly increasing iv all parts of the district. Tho gorse wo art growing m all our river-beds will make then: a perfect warren, and it will take millions oi money m time to clear our rivers of thil gorse, which now could be removed for i comparative small sum. This has beet recommended by our Rabbit Inspectors, bul our members are afraid I think to bring i before Parliament ; at least the subject bai been shelved up to now, though our memben have been asked to have some legislativ< proposal on the subject. I am, &c, O. G. Trips. Orari Gorge, Bth, March, 1886.