RABBIT CONTROL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 27, 27 November 1945, Page 2

RABBIT CONTROL

FONGAKAWA DISTRICT BOARD'S MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the, Pongakawa Rabbit Board took place last Wednesday at Paengaroa. Present were Messrs J. N. Blaymires (chairman) T. Ball R. F. Blac'k D. J. Dennehy, A. H. Jam ; ieson } C. H. Davi.s M. 13. McKenzic and the Secretnry. The Inspector's report contained information to the effect that now that the rabbit pest had been materially reduced ratepayers were not .so keen to move their livestock to enable poison to be laid on their properties. He pointed out that the most economical method of destroying rabbits was by laying Phosphorised Pollard and that if ratepayers would not co-operate by moving their stock it would mean that the cost of rabbit destruction would be considerably greater and the rates would have, to be substantially increased. Several ratepayers had suggested that fumigation only be used on their property and not Phosphorised Pollard, so that they would not have to remove their stocky and it was there lore desirable for the ratepayers to co-operate fully with the Board's employees if the cost of rabbit destruction Avas to be maintained on the present low rating basis. He also pointed out that at certain times of the. year Phosphorised Pollard poisoning was more effective than fumigation and that on pro- , pcrties Avliere there was a fair amount of fern cover pollard poisoning must be carried out. The report continued: "During the past month we have poisoned 6400 acres and fumigated J-1,100 acres, using 6391bs Phosphorised Pollard and 1321bs Cyanogas. As you will see by the acreage worked most of our work has been fumigating and with a good spell of fine weather we have been able to cover a very fair amount of grass lands. During this period I have personally worked with the rabbiters on the Bash Road and the Lakes area. "We worked over half of Rotoiti Station with dogs ? and were only ably to put up ten rabbits, nine of which we accounted for. The Native lands in this area are also in good order. I have found invariably; that where we have been able to get country for constant Ave have been able to make a far better job and Avith less expense:, than we have been able to do on places where through lack of and reluctance to shift stock we have had to depend mostly on fumigation. There is a fair amount of country still to be Avorked in the -Rerewhakaitu area. On State Forest lands in this area ? rabbits are increasing, and these require poisoning. There has been nothing done yet on that land between the Northern Boundary Road and the Ngatamawahine. Stream. There are also .some rabbits on Troutebeek Road. If there is nothing done here in the near future, I Avould suggest that Ave do this work and charge it to the State Forest Grant." The report concluded Avith an appeal to ratepayers throughout the area to make every effort to allow Avorkmen paddocks for poisoning where, this method of destruction is considered necessary. The secretary reported that the unexpended balances of Government grants at the 9th 1945 j were as. follows: —(Jrant lor Native Land £203; Grant for Crown Land £128; Grant for State Forest Land £99; Special Grant £54.