THE RABBIT NUISANCE IN SOUTHLAND.

Evening Star, Issue 4217, 1 September 1876, Page 3

THE RABBIT NUISANCE IN SOUTHLAND.

The Select Committee of the House ef Representatives, which was appointed to consider the aboye subject, have (acVepMine to the ; ?NvP. Times 5 ) reported that sthey have carefully studied the reports pi inquiries into the subject made in the Australian ©olonies, New Zealand, and elsewhere; they have also examined a sufficient number of witnesses to confirm beyond doubt the facts of the case.:; The mischief already done is most serious; and is increasing, and unless somer effectual remeily; be adopted, is likely to increase. The Committee recommend that a Bill should be -introduced into the Legislature without delay, to establish inexpensive machinery by which owners and occupiers of land may be compelled to keep, in check the increase of rabbits on their holdings. The Committee are of opinion 'that such a Bill might'be extended so as to include pigs and other noxious animals. further think that a grant of money for the purpose of introducing weasels, as a natural check, into the country would (if the object were attained) be of very gr;»t service. Jhe Committee call the attention of. the House especially to the evidence of Captain Walker Conservator of State Forests, showing that forest-planting by the G overnment will be a useless expense if raVnts are allowed to multiply uncontrolled in the neighborhood of plantations.