WAITAHUNA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1044, 24 May 1884, Page 3

WAITAHUNA.

As previously notified by advertisement, a public meeting was held in the Good Templars' Hall, Waitahuna, on Thursday evening last. About fifty, settlers were present, and a deal of interest in the proceedings was manifested. Mr Craig (President of the Farmers' Club) was voted to the chair.

The Chairman, after stating the object of the'meeting, said he was greatly pleased to see so many farmers present. He would, however, like to have seen a still larger attendance, as the matters they were met to consider affected the wellbeing of every landowner in the district. There was no doubt that the rabbits were on the increase ; the farmers could not close their eyes to that fact. It was necessary, therefore, that they should be up and doing ; for unless a united effort wa*s made during the winter months to keep the nuisance in check, it would soon become a most serious evil. No doubt there were some farmers who would say the rabbits were not so numerous here as in other parts of the County, and that there was no fear of them spreading owing to the holdings being small. Admitting that the rabbits had" not quite become a pest to the-neighborhood, still there was the danger of them multiplying at a great rate unless steps were taken to keep them within bounds. They all knew that the rabbits increased and multiplied at an amazing rate. He would like if the settlers would agree unanimously to combine and wage war against the rabbits. The phosphorised grain had done good and effectual work in the past, and he was not aware of a more efficacious method of getting rid of bunny's presence. It would be wise to commence poisoning operations with as little delay as possible. When the grass is scarce and the frosts severe, the present was a most opportune time for laying poison. He would be pleased to hear the settlers express themselves fully on the subject of the meeting.

Mr Hickson (Rabbit Inspector), convener of the meeting, said that he was holding meetings all over the district, with a view of combined action being taken on or about the same date for the suppression of the rabbit pest. It was usual at these meetings to select a Committee to see that the settlers all laid poison about the same time.

In reply to Mr Adam M'Corkindale, the Chairman stated that the Tuapeka County was the boundary of the Waitahuna district.

Mr J. Sutherland asked what the duties of the Committee would be ? He considered it was the duty of every settler to assist the Inspector, and to acquaint him of the names of parties who neglect to lay poison.

The Inspectorsaid that wherever he held a meeting, a Committee was formed, and the settlers found that such a Committee invariably did a lot of useful work.

The Chairman remarked, in answer to Mr J. Sutherland, that he had attended a meeting at Glenore, convened by Mr M'Kay (Rabbit Inspector for Bruce County), who stated that the rabbits would take the phosphorised grain all the year round in preference to grass. Mr W. Livingston moved : " That a Vigilance Committee be formed, and that all the settlers be requested to combine for the purpose of laying poisoned grain on their respective properties simultaneously." Mr J. Robertson (Craigie) seconded. Mr J . Cowan wished to remark, before the motion was put, that a similar Committee was formed last year, but they could not work properly and eventually disbanded. He thought matters were better as they were ; it would not do to lay down cast iron rules, for as long as a person kept his land clear of rabbits it did not matter whether they were poisoned or caught by the hind legs and killed. He considered a man could manage to keep 200 acres clear by digging the rabbits out of their burrows. Every rabbit killed in the summer was equal to a good number in the winter.

Mr Brydie thought it would be a step in the right direction to appoint a Vigilance Committee, and to have members in the various districts who would ascertain, .who were poisouing. He said it was impossible for men to keep the rabbits, down with dog and gun. For every rabbit that was in the district last year, he believed there were ten this year. It afforded him great pleasure to see Mr HiSkson taki|3g suchinterest in the matter; He (the speaker) would render that gentleman all the assistance in his power to suppress the pest. He would also be very happy- to act as one of the Committee for the district in which he resided.

Mr J. Cowan aaid one man possessed the same power as another. Looking at the matter from an economical point of view, he would say : Lay poison by all means. Laying poison, he said, was an easy and simple method, but he considered that there was no remedy so effectual for destroying the rabbits as to close up their burrows, not allowing them a place in which to live.

Mr Livingston's motion was then put and declared carried.

The following gentlemen were appointed members of the Vigilance Committee — viz., Messrs A. Brydie, R. Craig, W. Livingston, John Sutherland, Martin Ryan, Thos. Kell, J. Robertson (Craigie), John Cowan, and Jas. Thompson. Mr Hickson remarked it had been decided to start poisoning operations in Bruce County on the 2nd and at Tuapeka West on the 3rd June. He would suggest that operations be commenced in that district, which adjoined Bruce County, on the 2nd pfox. Phosphorus in large or small quantities could be obtained at Mr Jonas Harrop's at 4s 6d per lb. Mr ■ Brydie moved and Mr Oowan seconded; "That Tuesday* 2nd June, be the day fixed for laying poisoned grain in the Waitahuna district."— Carried

Mr Corry asked if the Inspector could see his way clear to send a competent man to show the farmers how to mix the phosphorus. Mr Hickson said that some time ago he sent a circular to the Farmers' Club giving all the information requisite.

The. Chairman remarked that Inspector M'Kay, when at Glenore, suggested the following method of preparing the phosphorised grain : — Procure a barrel capable of holding from 801 b to 1001 b of grain ; cover the grain with boiling water, and after allowing it to stand for a short time, pour the water off and put in ljlb of phosphorus. This having been done, close up the barrel and give it a few turns round, so as to thoroughly mix the grain and the phosphorus. He (the Chairman) considered it would be a good plan if the large landowners could be induced to sell the poisoned grain in small quantities to the farmers as they required it.

Mr Corry thought the mixing of the poison was a very simple matter. They all knew or ought to know how to make porridge, and the mixing of jthe grain and phosphorus was something similar. It only required stirring. The Inspector stated that it would be notified by advertisement in the local paper, the day appointed for poisoning, so that those farmers who were unable to attend the meeting would know when operations were to commence. A vote of thanks to Mr Hickson and the Chairman terminated the proceedings. At a meeting of the Vigilance Committee held after the public meeting, Mr Livingston was appointed Chairman, and Mr R. Craig Secretary,. It was decided to hold the first meeting of Committee on the 14th June.