CLYDE.

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

CLYDE.

There was a very large and influential attendance at this meeting, W. Fraser, Esq., of Earnsclengh. was voted to the chair. The chairman explained the object of the meeting, and several gentlemen took part in a discussion as to the best means of coping with the peat. All agreed to poisoning during the winter months, afterwards trapping, shooting, etc, Owners should be compelled to work simultaneously, as without. combined action very little could be effected.—ln reply to a question as to the boundary between this County and the other Counties, the Inspector explained that an inspector’s jurisdiction under the present Act extended, all over the colony, and he would see that owners of land bordering on this County took proper steps to comply with the A ct. Several gentlemen agreed to start together on their boundaries on dates ranging f ram Match lsth te May let, ISMaod

continue as long; as rabbits would take the poison, afterwards trap, shoot, etc—A Tote of thanks to the chair was moved by Mr Turnbull, seconded by Mr Bell, and carried. CROMWELL. A well-attended and thoroughly representive meeting was held in the Town Hall last night, Mr J. Marsh, Mayor, in the ohair. fhe obj 3ct of , the meeting having been fully set forth from the chair, in answer to a question by several present, Mr Miles, the inspector, stated that in the event of- land holders agreeing to a defined and systematic cbuiseof action and anyone failing to comply therewith, he should certainly see that the provisions of the Act were strictly enforced against them. . Mr D. Howell (Mt Pisa) gave the result of his experience in mixing poisoned grain. -He was in favor Jof a general system of poisong being commenced from Ist April, trapping and other meane of destruction to follow. : Mr H. M‘Lean (Arclgour) concurred with Mr Howell. * •' Messrs Bethuno and Partridge (senior) were in favor of beginning poisoning not sooner than 15th April, the latter expressing himself as preferring the rabbit exterminator to follow poisoning. Mr Howell then proposed that poisoning begin about 15th April, This wia carried against an amendment by Mr H. Partridge, seconded by Mr John Tdwan, that the work begin on Ist May. Mr Maokellar spoke at some lengthen the subject before fhe meeting, urging simultaneous and continuous action. Mr Miles should be called upon to enforce the law in every case of negligence. He complimented the inspector on his action in calling the meeting. He would move—That this meeting has flxsd the date of commencing : operations on the understanding that the Inspector compels every landholder to com- , ply with the intention of the resolution.— 1 Seconded by Mr Olds, and carried - A complimentary vote to Mr Miles and the Mayor closed the meeting. HAWKA MEETINGThis, the last of the series of meetings, was held on February 5. There was a very large and thoroughly representative attendance. William Burnett, Esq., was voted to the chair. The chairman explained the object of the meeting. Mr W. Frazer, of Earnsoleugh and Hawea stations, urged simultaneous action between large and small holders. They should arrange dates to suit both parties, if the county was poisoned right through more effective work at less cost will be the result. Poisoning should not be let by runholders in contracts, as they (the runholders) lose R control over the men, who very often e poison in patches, and do not go thoroughly over the country ; and to make poisoning thoroughly effective this should be done in every case. Mr Robert Stewart, Wanaka station, endorsed Mr Fraser's remarks as to the necessity of united action being taken against the pest, also runholders should start early in the season to enable them to thoroughly poison their, runs. He will start poisoning on Wanaka station by the middle of March. Mr M ‘Carthy, was of opinion that the 2st May was early enough to start poisoning, as settlers could not have their crops in, and be ready before that date. Mr L McLean, was of opinion that rabbits will not take the poison before frost sets in, it was onlya loss of time and money l starting earlier The runholders and settlers here agreed to start poisoning on various dates ranging from March 15th to June Ist, The following motion was proposed by Mr W. Fraser, and seconded by Mr R. Stewart, and eventually carried - “ That this meeting is of opinion that in order to cope effectually with the rabbit pest, especially on the roil .her parts of the country, the Government be requested to supply as large numbers as possible of ferrets for the purpose of turning out on the country, and that the Inspector be requested to forward a copy of the resolution to the Colonial Secretary.” Mr Fraser, speaking to the motion, said ferrets were very useful for destroying rabbits, particularly during the summer months, when rabbits will not take poison. He knew a run in Marlborough province on which rabbits were very.numeious. Tli run was very rough and difficult to clear. They could not get poison over it. Ferrets were turned out on it, and in a short time made a very good clearance. There was no danger to be apprehended from their increase after being turned out, as they can be readily destroyed at any time. Mr W. Fraser proposed, and Mr R. Stewart seconded, “ That the Inspector be requested to draw the attention of the department to the fact that there are portions of this district so rough and almost inaccessible, that the cost to the lessee of destroying rabbits thereon would be too great for him to undertake without some assistance from the Government.”— Carried. Mr Fraser remarked that it would not he just for the Inspect rio enforce the Act in this country, as the cost 'of destroying is a total loss to the lessee If the Act be enforced on this sort of country, it will be thrown on the hands of the Government. He was of opinion that the Government should take the task of destroying entirely off the landholders, and do the work itself, and charge holders according to the area held. Mr T. A. Fraser asked that a depot for the sale of phosphorous should be opened in the district to enable settlers to get it when required. Mr Mr Miles, in reply, said he wonld send phosphorous- at once if anyone would undertake the agency at the usual commission. Ur James Dewar proposed, and Mr U. McLennan seconded: “That facilities should be offered by the Government to small laudho'ders to dispose of their rabbitskins.”—Carried. Mr W. Fraser suggested that settlers should combine and send their skins to Dunedin, and afterwards divide proceeds pro rata. A vote of thanks to the’l'chair was proposed by Mr W. Fraser, and carried.