RABBIT CONTROL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 17, 28 August 1946, Page 5

RABBIT CONTROL

PONGAKAWA BOARD 4 AUGUST MEETING HELD The August meeting of the Ponga- £ kawa Rabbit Board, took place at Paengaroa recently, Messrs. J. N. Blaymires (chair), R. F. Black, A. H. Jackson, M. B. MacKenzie, C.. H. Davis (Inspector) and the Secretary being present. An apology was tendered on behalf of Mr Dennehy. Messrs. Hookey and Fenton wrote v stating that Mr W. Pugh was making a claim for four ducks, of a total value of £2, which he alleged were poisoned by the Board’s agents. The Inspector stated that the usual notice was served on Mr Pugh prior to this area being poisoned and he had requested him to move his stock and lock up his ducks. He mentioned that the work was done last summer. It was decided that the Board re- \ ply that it was not prepared to take nolice of any claim unless it was made in writing and point out that" Mr Pugh had been served with written notice of the Board’s intention to lay poison, before the work'was y done, and further, to mention that

this work received attention some eight months back. . •>"

A letter from the Lands and Survey Department advising that grants * in lieu of general rates were, in future, not to be paid to Rabbit Boards was tabled.

It was . pointed out that direct expenditure on Crown Land was recoverable by Rabbit Boards from the Department of Agriculture, but the Agriculture Department would not make any contribution towards the cost of administration or supervision. This was considered inequitable, as ratepayers had to stand the whole cost of the secretary’s salary, All office costs, advertising and the Inspector’s salary, unless he is laying poison or fumigating Crown and Native land. It was decided that this matter be referred to the Rabbit Boards’ Association, recommending that representations should be made to the Agriculture Department,, suggesting that the Department should stand part of the cost of overhead on claims for expenditure on Crown and Native land.

Pollard

The Wheat, Committee suggested r that application be made to the Department of Agriculture for the pur—; chase of pollard.

The Secretary was directed . to, order two bags of pollard per month . (free of grit). The infestation of rabbits from ' ’ the State Forest area, was discussed, . and it was resolved that the In-; spector be authorised to serve the usual notice on the Department and} then if the work were not done, he be empowered to put men on'to theV . job. v li-

lt was left to the Chairman to.; make a recommendation at the next; meeting regarding the vacancy on} the Board. ' f

Government Grants Unexpended balances at 30th June were shown to be as follows:

Native £4OB 2s 6d; Crown £251 IJs lid; State Forest £99. The schedule of rate arrears was tabled, and it y : was stated that the total outstanding rates to March, 1946, were £5 18s lid. Members considered that the position was particularly .sajisfac- • tory.