THE RABBIT MENACE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 253, 20 July 1921, Page 6

THE RABBIT MENACE

MINISTER’S VISIT TO OTAGO AMENDING LEGISLATION FORESHADOWED The Minister of Agriculture (Hon. AV. Nosworthy) has returned to Wellington after a visit to Otago, where ho investigated the rabbit question, and listened to the representations of farmers affected by the Rabbit Nuisance Act. An amendment of the law made in 1919 has the effect of compelling Magistrates to record convictions if rabbit inspectors certify that farmers have not destroyed rabbits on their holdings. The settlers claim that this amendment has operated most unfairly, since it has caused heavy fines to bo inflicted upon men who have been fighting the rabbits energetically for twenty years and more. It has been stated on the other hand that some landowners have been violating the Act owing to the high prices obtainable for skins and carcasses of rabbits, and that unless these rabbit-farmers aro punished severely they will render useless all the efforts of their, neighbours to cope with the pest.

Mr. Nosworthy met representatives of the' farmers at various points in the rabbit-infested districts, and discussed the question with them thoroughly. Ho assured them that tho Government had no desire to inflict hardship, but in the interests of the primary industries of the Dominion it had to secure the enforcement of the law as far as rabbits were concerned. The damage done to important farming districts by the pest was plain for everybody to see. There undoubtedly was danger in the fact that high prices for rabbitskins and frozen rabbits had given some people a financial interest in the preservation of rabbits. and tho Government had to see that the inspectors were supported in demanding tho effective destruction of rabbits.

The information gathered by the Minister during his visit to Otago will be used in the drafting of amending legislation to be submitted to Parliament next session. Afr. Nosworthy has promised that fanners will not be penalised if they aro making genuine efforts to deal with the rabbits, but the Agricultural Department will retain adequate power to force neglectful landholders to move in the matter. Additional facilities will be provided if required for cooperative action on tho part of settlers, and the Department will undertake tho supply of rabbit-netting at the lowest possible cost. The Minister believes that systematic and simultaneous effort by the farmers in the affected districts Is essential.