THE RABBIT PEST.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3735, 5 July 1883, Page 2

THE RABBIT PEST.

A meeting of settlers was held at Waipawa yesterday to consider what steps should be taken to check the advance of the rabbit pest in the Hawke's Bay district. The following were present: —Captain W. R. Russell, Messrs J. D. Ormond, A. Grant, A. Scrimgcour, S. Gollan, T. Crosse, J. Halliburton, A. R-. Lyons, W. L. Newman, R. Johnston, R. Harding, H. Campbell, J. Handyside, Douglas M'Lean, John Mackersey, C. A. Fitzßoy, 11. White, M. R. Miller, J. L. Herrick, E. Giblin, W, J. Birch, A. M'Hardy, J. N. Williams, J. Harding, C. Biown, S. Bridge, J. H. Coleman, S. Johnston, A. H. Price, T. Limpus, A. Dillon, T. Pine, J. Mackay, A. H. T. Russell, H. Holden, Collins, H. Gaisforr 1 , E. D. Tanner, D. M. Luckie, J. Howard.

On the motion of Mr M. R. Miller, seconded by Mr Mackersey, Captain Ruesell was voted to the chair.

Mi , Mackersey moved, and Mr Crosse seconded, "That in tho opinion of this meeting the sheepfarmers of tho provincial district of Hawke's Bay should be asked to agree to pay an annual rate not exceeding one farthing per sheep depasturing on their respective lands to form a fund for the destruction of rabbits entering tho district from tho south."

Mr Ormond moved, as an amendment, " That this meeting views with nrach concern the increase of rabbits on tho Akitio run, on the .southern boundary of the Hawke's Bay provincial district, and considers that the Rabbit Act, 1882, is not being efficiently carried out in that district. That tho establishment of the rabbits in the Akitio run must eventuate in tho pest entering into the large block of country from Waimata to Tahoraite and Woodville, practically into the whole of the Hawke'e Bay district, thus entailing very large future cost in extermination, and great i pecuniary loss to the settlers and the colony. That the spread of the rabbits on the coast line has been partially provided against hy the erection of a rabbit-proof fence at Waimata. That there is another point of danger at the road now being commenced leading from the "Waimata-Tautane blocks to the open country at Mangatere in the Tahoraite district. That this meeting is of opinion that the further spread of the rabbits can be best checked by the extension of the Hawko's Bay sheep and rabbit district from "Waimata to the Akitio river, making- that run the boundary; the advantages being that the Hawke'e Bay Sheep Inspectors would have the charge of exterminating the rabbits on the Akitio run, thus preventing their advance northwards. These officers would be at great advantage in this work as compared with the Wairarapa inspectors, from whom the district in question is distant, and whose duties under tho Rabbit Act are already onerous. That the spread of rabbits towards Tahoraite by the proposed road would be best looked after by officers on this side, and that it is very desirable the same officers should have havo charge of the district the road runs through, where it starts from and where the danger commences. That with tho Akitio river as a boundary, and assisted by the rabbit fence at "Waimata, the inspector would havo every chance of clearing the Akitio run and stopping the evil. That the sub-inspector stationed at Aldtio should devote his time and energies to the rabbit question, and that it would be of great advantage to have a young active man stationed there for this duty. That a copy of this resolution bo forwarded to tho Hon. the Colonial Secretary, with an urgent request that tho steps recommended be at onco taken and the necessary expenditure for the purpose authorised. That copies of these resolutions be also sent to the Hawke'e Bay members of tho House of Representatives, with a request that they will urge tho immediate carrying out of the recommendations by tho Government." The amendment was carried. Mr Ormond moved, " That this meeting considers tho extension of the Waimata fence essential to stop the inroad of the rabbits, and requests the Government to mako provision for extending the fence to a distance of about fifteen miles in such manner as may bo determined by the inspector. That in case the Government is not able to provide all the cost of this fence, and with tho view of having power to raise funds for other fences to check rabbits, this meeting requests the Government to mako provision, hy amendment of the Rabbit Act, 1882, authorising tho raising of an acreage rate on lands in the Hawke'sßay provincial district for providing tho funds necessary for such fences, and to give power to enter on any land for the purposes of erecting and maintaing such fences."

The motion was seconded by Mr J. N\ Williams and carried.

Mr Ormond movod, " That this meeting , considers the distriot is entitled to ask the Government to provide the funds necessary for the extension of the Waimata fence, and that funds can bo provided from tho large surplus derived from the sheep assessment levied in theliawke'sßay district, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the members for tho distriot, with a request they will move the Government to obtain the necessary voto for the purpose." The motion was seconded by Mr Croßse and carried.

Mr M. R. Miller moved, "That the chairman be requested to forward to the Colonial Secretary a copy of tho resolutions already' passed, and request him to give effect to the wishes of this meeting, and issue orders that the provisions of the Rabbit Act bo rigidly enforced."

The motion was seconded by Mr E, D, Tanuor and carried.