RABBITS FOR BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24898, 11 June 1946, Page 2

RABBITS FOR BRITAIN

Sir,—Whether there are enough rabbits in North Canterbury to warrant an export trade does not concern me as chief inspector for the Hurunui Rabbit Board. The question is quite simple, trap® or poison. In districts where trapping is favoured, the export of the pest flourishes to the extent of 35,000 a week. In our area it is a question whether© there are enough rabbits to support the trade, although I am of the opinion that if traps were legalised it would not be many years before rabbits would take the place of the export of mutton, lamb, beef, and wool. This is my well-considered opinion after more than 25 years’ experience in the destruction and control of the rabbit pest. Before the control of

traps in November, 1922, it was ratferty rules, and in the winter of 1923, 84,000 rabbits were killed with poison on one property.—Yours, etc., V. F. RENAUD, Chief Inspector Hurunui Rabbit Board. June 10. 1946.

Sir,-—Granting the natural enemies are killing 365 days in the year, surely they could never toot it with gangs of experienced trappers. I have seen natural enemies at work, but am inclined to think that, having eaten their fill, they hole up, and sleep tor the rest of the week. Thera are enough rabbits in North Canterbury to start hundreds of trappers making big money right away and producing the much-needed food tor Britain, Other methods are obviously a failure: so why not abolish this stupid ban on trapping? The problem would then solve itself, as in much the same way high prices for skins are removing the deer menace Recent conflicting reports certainly give food for thought, if not food for Britain.—Yours, etc., t SHEEP-FARMER. Hawarden, June 8, 1946.