THE RABBIT PEST MEETINGS

Dunstan Times, Issue 1136, 8 February 1884, Page 3

THE RABBIT PEST MEETINGS

BLACKS. The first of a series of meetings throughout Vincent County, convened by Mr Miles, Sheep and Rabbit Inspector fir Vincent County, was held at MTntosh’s hotel on Friday evening last. There was a fair attendance of landowners. J. Stronach, Esq., Matakanui, was voted to the chair. Mr Miles having explained the object of the meeting, the chairman, in a very practical address, explained the magnitude of the question they were met to discuss, and urged upon all interested the necessity of united and continuous action against the peat. In reply to a question as to how poison should be mixed, the chairman stated tnat from practical experience he found the following mixture to work—viz., ’ IRb phosphorous to every 1001b of grain (wheat preferred), with a little salt, the mixture to be thoroughly air-tight until required for nsa ; when removed, to be put in kegs, as if put in bags it loses its strength.—The following snggeations also met with approval: That rnnholders should supply small landowners with poi-oned grain at first cost, and that publicity through the local papers should be given by the Inspector when all are required to start poisoning. The following motion, suggested hy Mr J. C. Chappie, and ultimately proposed by Mr Laidlaw, seconded by Mr Harrington, was carried unanimously That after hearing the several speakers, more particularly the chairman, Mr Harrington, and Miles, it is desirable tha* poisoning should—commence on the Ist May, 1884. and that after the poisoning season is over the rabbits should be kept down by dogs, shooting, etc., and simultaneous action be taken on all boundaries.