RABBITS PERISH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20016, 15 August 1939, Page 8

RABBITS PERISH

VICTIMS OF THE SNOW BENEFIT TO FARMERS STOCK LOSSES IN OTAGO In one respect the snow in Central Otago was undoubtedly a blessing in disguise. It’ is expected that it will have a marked effect on the rabbit pest. Landholders state -that literallytens of thousands 1 6f rabbits have been either smothered in their holes or have died of starvation.

Such development will be. doubly welcome in view of the favourable breeding periods rabbits have -enjoyed for the past two seasons; in fact, it may be regarded' as- one of Nature’s methods of preventing these prolific little breeders from getting entirely out of hand.

In most Central Otago districts the snowstorm took the form of whirling blizzards, which occurred some days after the coastal snows, and there are many thousands of -acres still carrying a deep mantle. Settlers in the worst affected areas have not been able to take stock of -then- losses even yet, let alone do anything very -much to rescue" or provide' adequate ~feed for snowbound sheep. Skis are coming into general use on a- number of stations, but all that most • flockowners can do at the moment is to await the thaw.

It is probable that one of the most serious consequences of the visitation will toe considerable mortality in sheep between now and shearing from starvation and' malnutrition, and in addition it is certain that the wool clip in the coming season will be a light one.