THE RABBIT PLAGUE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3786, 3 September 1883, Page 2

THE RABBIT PLAGUE.

Tho following circular has been addressed [ to all sheepoAvncrs in tho throe Counties of AVaipawa, HaAvke's Bay, and AYalroa, by . the Rabbit Suppression Committee;— ' Napier, August 30th, 1883, Sir, —I haA T o the lienor to inform you that at a meeting of Shccpfarmers resident in HaArkc's Bay County, held at Napier on the 11th inst., a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs J. Chambers, jun., R. Harding, I. 11. Loughnau, and R. D. Douglas MeLoan, Avas appointed to visit and examine the southern boundary of ILawkc's Bay provincial district, and report as to the advisability of erecting a rabbit proof fence, to endeavor to prevent tho further spread of rabbits nortlnvards. Tho undermentioned gentlemen signed an agreement to pay a rate of one farthing per head on all sheep in their possession if the subcommittee recommended the erection of the fonoo; —Messrs N. E. Beamish, Bcetham Bros., AY. J- Birch, Hugh Campbell, John Chambers, J. H. Coloman, AY. A. Coupcr, J. A. Cunningham, C. L. De Peliehot, 11. L. Donnolly, G. P. Donnelly, AY. Douglas, Alfred Giblin (pro Gwavas estate), Gilbertson and Dixon, D. Gollan, Alexander Grant, G. D. Hamilton. AVm. Hoslop, R. Harding, Arthur Harding, Sydney Johnston, J. G. Kinross, H. A. Lambert, I. H. Loughnan, JamosLyon, Alex.Mcllai„y, R. D. D. McLean, Allan McLean, M. R. Miller, John Moore, Murray, Roberts and Co., Roberts and Co., Russell Bros., A. Shield, Thomas Tanner, H. J. Twigg, F. S. AVaterhouse, J. N. Williams, A. M. AVilliams (representing To Auto and Mangakuri). The following gentlemen haA'e replied to tho Porangahau Committee's circular, assenting to a similar agreement: —Messrs J. Beatson, J. D. Canning (per J. J. MacKie), George Cripps, Thomas Crosse, F. H. DroAver, AY. Durham, Stephen Franklin, Samuel Franklin, Robert Franklin, H. Gaisford, Georgo Hunter, H. Hartroe, Robert Johnston (pro AY. Saunders), Alfred Lambert, Mackersey and Sons, Nelson Bros., (Limited), C. and J. Nairn, (per J. D. Ramsden), AValter L. NeAvman, E. Pope, J. Pocock, H. R. Russell, T. P. Russell (by his attorneys Sainsbury and Logan), D. Ryan, G. 11. Saxby, Ashton St. Hill, William Siteman, Graham Speedy, AY. Speedy, John Taylor, W. A. Warren, J. AVhite, M. A. AVhite. The roport of the sub-committee Avas presented to-day; it urges the immediate erection of twelve miles of fence in continuation of the three miles already in existence at the AVaimata. It is difficult to estimate the total cost of the fence, including as it does surveying, bush falling, clearing, levelling, etc., but it is supposed that a sum of £3000 will be needed. _ At tho adjourned meeting held this day ■the report of tho sub-committee Avas adopted, and tlioy were authorised to confer with the Porangahau Committee as to the best lines of fence. Messrs J. H. Coleman, AY. Douglas, AY. R Russell, and J. N. AVilliams, wore added to the sub-committee, and they Ayero given power to do all such things as they might deem necessary to give effect to tlie resolutions passed at tho original and adjourned meetings. Mr A. 11. Prieo Avas present to represent tho Porangahau Committee, and it was agreed that the committees appointed by the HaAvke's Bay and Porangahau settlers should combine and form a control committee, Avith Captain Russell as chairman. In execution of the duties thus imposed upon them, tho sub-committees request a subscription of ono farthing per hoad on all sheep in your posscssic-n on 31st May last. They are'of opinion that tho erection of the twelve additional miles of fence will delay

tho further spread nortliAvards of the rabbits for some time, and they hope by carrying on tho fenco hereafter to the Manawatu river the danger may be averted. In addition to tho foregoing names many others have promised to pay tho rato. As it is necessary that tho committee should knoAv with absolute certainty, before commencing the erection of the fence, tho amount of money which will be avnilablo for tho purpose, it has been deemed adA-isablo to apply directly to every sheepfarmer in the provincial district to join in paying the rate, and a P.N., payable on demand, is forwarded herewith, Avhich, it you decido to join in what the committee consider a public duty, please sign and return before the 15th September. The P.N. will not be presented for payment until the funds arc actually required, of Avhich fourteen days notice Avill be given. Mr Robert Dobson has kindly undertaken to act as honorary secretary and treasurer, to Avhom be good enough to send your reply. AY. R. Russell, Chairman.