THE RABBIT PEST

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2117, 27 June 1907, Page 3

THE RABBIT PEST

THE THREATENED INVASION. NO CAUSE FOR ALARM. (Special to Times). Wellington; last night. In consequence of the rumoured invasion of the Gisborne district by rabbits crossing the Mohaka river, I ascertained to-day from the Department- concerned that a special report on the subject had been asked for from the Inspector iri charge of the Hawke’s Bay district, Mr. D. Ross. Exhaustive enquiries and a careful personal inspection of the lands immediately on the north and south banks of the Mohaka river was made by the officer, who on this tour, extending over ten days, encounteied a snowstorm in passing over the Maungaharuru range and spent a cheerless night in a lonely, whare among the 'hills, that there was no cause for the mild panic that agitated Gisborne settlers. It is certain that between Maungataniwha and the se* on the north bank of the Mohaka there are no rabbits while energetic action on the par„ ot the Hawke’s Bay Rabbit Board and its officers has more than checked tlieir advance on the south side. Over a vear ago rabbits were found on the east side of the Telioe river making down the Mohaka towards the bush intervening between that country and Putore. To anyone acquainted with the country this would give no cause for alarm as the bush barrier is several miles through and the country is very difficult. It is true that some little while ago Mr. CaHyon, of Maungataniwha called for tendeis for the clearing of a thousand acres of bush, and ill-informed persons immediately concluded that he was maki„<, a highway along, which rabbits, might) march with a view to infestui„ the still far-distant hills .and valleys of Poverty -Bay. Mr. Garlyon d.d not contemplate weakening the bush barrier by clearing towards the Mohaka river. Naturally he will do nothing to jeopardise his own property. The land said to , bo , l l a { ll Y m ' Jested, and the owners of which have hecn prosecuted,* is situated on the Ngarnroa river, many miles even from the Mohaka. Though the history of the rabbit in this colonyshould educate landowners to be quick in faking protective measure, ft niav be taken for granted that the officials of the Government are not; likely to relax their vigilance.