I.—ll

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He was a perfect stranger, being only appointed in October, and before he got to know the different farmers the rabbits had considerably increased. 692. Then, is it not unwise that Inspectors' actions should be guided by complaints from neighbours instead of generally knowing the facts himself?— Yes; I think it would be unwise. 693. Then, do you not think it is natural that Mr. Eoss should have felt grieved ?—Yes ; I dare say that may be so, but I think, when an explanation was given him, he should have fallen in with the suggestions. If he had put men on himself it would not have cost him 10s. He would have had the value of the skins, so that he would have had a man at ss. or 10s. per week. 694. Mr. Mc'Kemic] Duncan's farm is about four hundred acres, in the centre of tussocks?— Yes. 695. If land is cultivated in the centre of a run it attracts the rabbits like a plate of sugar does flies. 696. This is the first time, I believe, this 11th section of the Act has been put into operation ?—lt is, I believe, the first time in Dunback district; but I cannot speak for certain. 697. Hon. Mr. Miller.'] Then, you consider it should be an act of common kindness when a man has a crop in, and his neighbour's land is covered with rabbits, that his neighbour should, out of kindness, put a man on during the time the crops are there?— Yes. 698. That is the view taken by yourself?— Yes. 699. And that was the reason that other neighbours were not treated in the same way as Eoss? Yes 700. Does trapping rabbits frighten them away ?—Yes ; you frighten them back to the rough gullies. Inspector Hull thought it would be a shame not to try and save this man's crop for the sake of a pound or two. 701. Mr. Lance] Is it not a fact that Bell put on two men for the purpose of keeping this man's crop from being destroyed ?—Yes. 702. Bell is Duncan's principal neighbour ? —Bell's boundary-line runs down along Duncan's property about 50 chains. 703. Mr. Eerr.] It seems a strange fact to me that the men who knew the district should be discharged, especially when a new Inspector came to the place : what was the reason I should like to know? —There were objections to him (Doris), but I do not think I am called upon to give reasons. 704. It seems strange to me that two men should be got rid of at once, and two new men come on who did not know the district. He would have got more information if he had appointed the other agent ?—He might have got wrong information. 705. You say there was some reason for not appointing the old man?— Yes. 706. Mr. Duncan.] Is it generally known that you are responsible for the actions of your subordinates ? Is it known in a general way ?—I think so. It appeared in allthe papers when the new orders came into force. 707. Do you think, for instance, it is known in the district I come from—Waitaki—that you are responsible for the action of the Inspectors in that district ?—I should fancy that they all knew. If they had any complaint to make I expect they would write to me. 708. lam of another opinion. I think they would write to the Minister in charge of the department if they had any complaint to make. This is the general feeling there ?—There may be some persons who think so ; but the more intellectual class know that I am responsible. 709. Is it the case that if any one makes a complaint that his crop is being destroyed that the neighbours must put men on to trap ?—lf an Inspector receives a written complaint from any one he is bound to inquire into the circumstance, and take action accordingly. 710. Are you aware whether Hull examined Duncan's property at the time ?—I cannot say that he had or had not, but I should fancy he had. There might have been one or two gullies on Duncan's land with rabbits in. 711. What is your experience with regard to men being put on the land joining crop to save it ? —I understand that a portion of this crop was no good ; that was the destroyed portion, which was cut on the 21st April. 712. It must have been a late crop: do you know whether it was cut or standing at the time of this dispute ?—I cannot say. 1 think it was turnips more than oats. 713. What would be the effect if there were a lot of settlers in the district situated in the same position to Duncan? —Well, they would have to be protected to a certain extent. It is one of the most difficult things to know how to act in such cases. When a man takes up and cultivates a sheltered piece of land in a valley it acts as an attraction to the rabbits ; they swarm on to his place from all round the poorer land. I consider a man having a freehold cultivated should go to a little more expense himself in keeping rabbits out. 714. It is not shown on any of the evidence that Duncan took any steps to get the rabbits down himself: do you know if he did ?—I cannot say; but Ido not think it is likely that the Inspector would have called on anybody else unless Duncan had been doing good work himself. 715. Mr. Lawry.] You are satisfied that Hull was bound to make inquiry and.act as he did? —Yes. 716. And, as there was no formal complaint against any other but Eoss, he was not bound to take action generally? —Just so. 717. Do you think it is necessary to alter the Act in cases lika the present for the purpose of preventing persecution ?—I do not see any occasion for altering the Act. So far as lam aware, there has not been a single case proved against an Inspector for persecuting any one. Inspectors never carry out extreme measures. 718. And you did not consider it necessary to give a general intimation because of the simultaneous poisoning which was to take place in June?— Just so. 719. Mr. Buchanan.] What means did you adopt to take these rabbits ?—Trapping.