HUNTERVILLE NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 December 1950, Page 2

HUNTERVILLE NEWS

RABBITS INCREASING IN HUNTERVILLE AREA HUNTERVILLE, Last Night (OC). —“Rabbits are increasing on all farms, mostly where there is cover, timber country being the worst," said the Inspector in his monthly report. “I have seen as many as 20 rabbits running into one rimu log. Up to the present time the phosphorised pollard has not been very successful, rain making tb necessary to re-lay the lines. “During the month of October 29,669 rabbits were destroyed, which brings the season's kill up to 138,926.” Bounty payments ceased at the end ot October. Aerial Poisoning. Mr W. August, the Department of Agriculture's representative on the Hunterville Rabbit Board, said: “Aerial poisoning with phosphorised pollard was getting good results in some parts of the country." Mr H. A. Bayly, principal inspector of the Livestock Division, Palmerston North: “I understand that the planes have a new kind of hopper.” Mr B. Dryden: “Do you have to shift the stock?” Mr August: Yes. and they have to be kept off until the country is clear, but aerial topdressing could only be done on a large block or on three or four smaller blocks near to each other.” Mr Dryden: “It is not going to be very suitable where there are a lot of small holdings.” Mr August: “That Is going to prove the obstacle.” Mr Dryden: “How much would be needed to the acre?” Mr Bayly: "About four pounds* Mr L. J. Laird: “I do not. like pol. lard noisoning. It is terrible on the bird life.” Mr Griffin: “Where the old logs are, there are plenty of rabbits.” Mr E. H. Duncan: “That is the point. I think the Government should subsidise the farmer to clear his country of logs, then we would soon get rid of the rabbits.” After further discussion the meeting agreed to continue with poisoning and fumigating. The secretary, Mr W. C. Smith, reported that during the season children under 16 years of age had brought in 13.800 tail's. Accounts amounting to £1374 were passed for payment.