The Rabbit Nuisance and Sheep Act.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1861, 23 July 1886, Page 2

The Rabbit Nuisance and Sheep Act.

Fob a considerable time past a joint committee, composed of certain members of both Houses, has been taking evidence on the Babbit Nuisance and Sheep Act. On Tuesday this Committee presented their report to Parliament. In this report it is stated that although the rabbits are kept down where strenuous aud continued efforts are made to destroy them, the colony is suffering a heavy annual losa from the great numbers atill existing, and that tbe infested area is constantly increasing. The loss has assumed such serious proportions that in the Com. mittee’s opinion no more important question can engage the attention of tbe Legislature. They recommend that the maximum penalty for neglect should be increased to £IOO, but with right to appeal when the penalty imposed is above £lO. They consider also that local efforts should be encouraged as much as possible. It is suggested that local efforts should be subsidised at the rate of L for LI, that every Inspector should be empowered to dismiss summarily for neglect of duty any rabbit agent under his supervision, and that the services of any Inspector should be dispensed with on failure to deal effectively with tbe rabbits in his district within a reasonable time. Tbe introduction of “ natural enemies ’’ is recommended for the destruction of rabbits on Crown lands. Tbe Committee advise that greater facilities should be allowed for tbe travelling of sheep intended for slaughter ; that uo person should be compelled to dip ewe flocks during lambing time, and that tbe penalties iu section 3 of the Sheep Act Amendment Act should be assimilated to those of section 5.