THE RABBIT QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2071, 4 May 1907, Page 2

THE RABBIT QUESTION.

To tlio Kill lor of the Ttmks. Sir, —Tlio references to the above question appearing in your paper of „ lato would appear to have roused ~ local interest in the matter, and it , is satisfactory to find that the local u K;i rmers’ Union have deeideil to bring under the notire of tile (Jo- t vernment the seriousness to the dis- ( trict of an invasion of rabbits from ] the affected area, and the necessity for closer inspection. This action ] • i«, not boforo it is needed, as an Opotiki resident who rocontly visited Gisborne states that the rabbits are no only to ho found about the sand hills, hut have taken to the gullies at the foot of the hills, where they aro to ho found in considerable numbers. With the opening of the road to Opotiki they will have free access ■fp this ~ district if not checked in if me. The idea of a netting fence from Waikaremoana to the sea would lie good if that point were the only source from which we may fear invasion, hut we have rabbits from the Auckland district to contend with as well. The Agricultural Department appears to have absolutely failed not only to keep rabbits within hounds In infested districts, hut also to ! check their spread into clean districts, Canterbury is threatened, and 1 meetings of farmers have hoes held ! w itli a view to concerted action. The | iW’anganui district is in peril, as it is alleged rabbits are crossing the Itualiine ranges to that countiy, and South Waikato is said to he in a bad state. South Wairarapa, too, ap--1 pears to have a grievance, as the Agricultural Society in that diswict have passed the following resolution for discussion at the Agricultural Conference to he held in Wellington in July next :' ’’That the attention i of the Government he called to the fact that it has failed to suppress the rabbit nuisance in several important ; districts.” Force of circumstances lias exposed to public view this part of the Department’s work, and it is I ,questionable if it could stand the | ifimoli ght thrown on the other branches it is engaged in. From information gathered througtout the ■ country, the Department’s failure to ! carry out its proper functions is atI tributed largely to the political ckj ment entering into the appointment l of its officers. It is seriously alleged I that in many cases responsible ofiiceis are appointed to direct important work in districts who have never proved themselves successful admin- ! istrators, and that far move experienced and capable men whose services to the country have been invaluable are kept in the background and no opportunity given for their practical knowledge being utilised where it is most required. Be this as it may. the position of the rabbit pest alone should fully demonstrate, to the Hon. Minister the urgent necessity of making radical changes in his Department if he wishes to justify its existence. —I a ! m, etc., PROGRESS.