H.—2

8

From Babbit Inspector Douglass, Invercargill. (1.) Phosphorized grain, bisulphide of carbon, charcoal fumigators, trapping, snaring, ferreting, shooting, dogs, digging-out, and long nets set at edge of bushes at night. (2.) None. (3.) Very considerable improvement in district as a whole, especially on runs. Mixed bushes, overgrown gorse fences on some of the farms, and scrubby patches on river banks being worst spots. (4.) Subsidy given to fifteen runholders. (5.) £715. (6.) There are several Native and township reserves, also waste patches along rivers, but none suitable for leasing. Several hundreds of miles of bush frontages will require poisoning again this winter. (7.) 901b. (8.) 3101b. (value deducted from subsidy). (9.) 4001b. (3001b. only received the 28th March). (10.) Cannot say, but not half so many as last year. (11.) Six. (12.) Five. (13.) One (informality in notice). (14.) Duncan Carmichael, Flint's Bush; Donald Cameron, Bun 133, Waicola. (15.) Two under contract. (16.) 268 ferrets have been turned out since middle of January; cannot at present state results. General Bemarks. — Very general satisfaction has been expressed with the working of the Act during last twelve months, the benefits being apparent. More energy will be shown by small owners this winter, and Ido not anticipate same trouble with gorse fences, &c. The abandoned Eun 415, 64,500 acres, has been leased by Carmichael and Co., and Mr. Mackinnon last week took up 5,400 acres of the Takitimo, thus showing confidence in the means taken to keep down the rabbit pest. Far more ferrets will probably be bred in district next summer. The Donald Cameron named under answer to question 14 took up small run (2,000 acres) two years ago, but never settled on it.

Authority: George Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.