INVASION BY RABBITS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2056, 29 April 1907, Page 2

INVASION BY RABBITS.

PROTECTION TO lIE ASKED r OR

Atliron tolled invnsion by ru hints was dealt villi at the meeting of the Earmers’ Union on Saturday. Mr. Lysiiar said that representations had been made to the Government twelve months ago anti the Government decided that if it became necessary they would erect a fence. Since then rabbits had increased in AVaikftrenionna, and it they were not checked or exterminated would come to this listrict. A 30mile fence, from the Lake to the sen, near AVairou, would he sufficient to prevent their, entering. Mr. Burns told him (the speaker) that at a meeting in AVairoa one of the Government officials who was present said the Government were moving!in the matter, hut nothing had been done. The local people should co-operate with AVniroa and Opotiki in combating the , pest. Ho considered the Government should put a special man at both Wairoa and Opotiki to. destroy rabbits. He thought the Government would act if approached. He was informed that the cost of a rabbit-proof fence would he £2O per mile more than an ordinary sheep fence. Even if this were doubled, it should be willingly paid for preservation. Rabbits were not here yet but they were coining closer every y °Tho following resolution was adopted “That more stringent steps should be taken by the Government to stop the increase or spreading of rabbits to this district from Onotiki, and from the southern side of AA’airoa, and that the Government should take prompt steps to have a proper rabbit-proof fence erected at the most suitable locality between the sea coast and Lake AA'aikaremoana. The position is becoming so serious that at least two skilled inspectors should he appointed to supervise the destruction of rabbits, one to lie sta. tioned at Opotiki and the other at AAkiiroa.” . .

Mr. Field said that a formal interview would he necessary. ITe heard from Opotiki that rabbits were coming through the hush towards Gisborne. Mr. R. M. Birrell said it wag no use waiting—the time to act was before the pest got here. Nobody wanted to wait till they were ruined.