MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2839, 29 January 1925, Page 3

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

L .ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Manawatu Rabbit Board was held this morning, presided over by Trustee B. G. Gower (chairman). There were also present: Trustees J. Gloyn R. Boswell, D. Fleming, T. A. Grammar, F. C. Raikes and the Inspector, M. D. R. Barron. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs W. E. Barber and J. F. McKdvie. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. Gentlemen, —I have the honour to submit for your approval the first annual report of the Board, and in doing so feel sure that you will agree with me in that the constitution of the Board by the settlers was a step in the right direction. The rabbit pest was menacing some of the most productive grazing land in the Manawatu and the loss to settlers was annually increasing. While some settlers were consistently taking protective measures to deal with the pest, their work was being nullified by the indifference of others, whose lands provided ample breeding facilities. The pest can only be eradicated by the combined efforts of the settlers in their earnest endeavours to carry out the Board’s policy. I am pleased to report that there is every indication of such co-operation. The Board and its inspector have spared no pains to explain and provide the best methods for the destruction of the pest and it only remains for settlers, to act in concert and on definite lines to consumate the objective.

The thanks of the Board is due to all those who have worked so energetically to form the Board and I desire to extend thanks to members for their hearty co-operation since its inception. Statutory Meetings.—The -first statutory meeting of the Board was hold at Sanson on the 14th day of May, 1024, when I was duly elected chairman and Trustee W. E. Barber treasurer. Since then the Board has held 7. statutory meetings and in addition two meetings were held by the specially appointed committees of the Board to deal with matters of urgency, the attendance being as follows Trustee B. G. Gower: Statutory 9, Special 2, Total 11; W. E. Barber 8,2, 10; F. C. Raikes, 9 fl, 9; R. Boswell 8,0, 8; ,T. Gloyn: 7, 0,7; J. F. McKelvie: 7,1, 8; T. A. Grammar: 7,0, 7; D. Fleming: 7,1, 8

Interim Secretary. —Mr. A. K. Drew, who was responsible for the initial work in connection with the constitution of the Board was appointed interim secretary, and the Board, I feel sure, will place on record his invaluable services. Meeting Place. —As decided, all statutory meetings up to the present arc held in the Pacing Club meeting room at Foxton on the 4th Thursday in each month. Travelling Expenses. —During the year representations had been made to the Department concerning the question of allowing Trustees their travelling expenses, and I am pleased to state that this important matter has been satisfactorily consummated. Bank Overdraft.—ln passing, I have to thank the Trustees for their guarantee at the bank, which enabled the Board to carry out its various financial operations, more particularly when finance was most necessary. This obligation was, however, satisfied as soon as the rates were levied and received. Rabbit Boards’ Conference. —We are indebted to Trustees McKelvie and Raikes for their detailed report on the Rabbit Boards’ Conference, held some time back at Feilding, which enabled the Board to formulate a concrete schedule of duties for those applying for the position of - Inspector. Inspector’s Appointment. —In this connection 120 applications for the position were received, and after careful consideration by both the Department and the Board, the position was filled by your present Inspector, Mr D. R. Barron. Native Lands. —In justice to the rate-payers, and in common with you, I am naturally pleased to observe that the provisions of the Act are in operation on Native Lands as well as European lands because if the former were exempted the Board’s efforts against the rabbit-pest would have been in vain. • Acreage Basis Rate. —The ratepayers are to be congratulated on carrying the poll for tlie'rales to bo levied on the acreage basis as in my opinion it is the most equitable method in the circumstances. General Poisoning.—The result of the' first general poisoning, as recommended by the Inspector, and sanctioned by the Board, has yet to be aseprtained. In some pases good results have been reported. It is tc be hoped that all future endeavours to combat the pest will be satisfactory and general throughout the district. Fumigation Demonstration. —The use of carbon bi-sulphide as a means of destruction has been amply illustrated by the Inspector to many of the farmers in the district and judging by the number of tumigators on order the effectiveness of this method has been fully realised. Rangitikei River Bed Land. — Much has been done in the endeavour to ascertain the ownership of this popular haunt for rabbits, but. unfortunately I have not been able to reach finality iii this matter. Some unknown individual seems to sidestep the issue in every possible way. I .am, however, pleased to report that the matter is now receiving attention from Inspector Fleming and his Department. Dophpess the Department will have some data for the Board in the very near future. Lupins.—lp drawing the atten-

tion of the Manawatu Count.” Council to the alarming spread of lupins which, in my opinion, is a dual pest on rabbit country, I anticipated, more activity from the Council in this connection, but all that was done was to order the County Engineer to trim the lupins back on the County roads. Rate Roll. —The rate-roll, in many cases, has been unsatisfactory, due no doubt to the numerous changes of ownership and to the paucity of advice, in respect to the current changes obtaining. The effectiveness of the roll is difficult to obtain as it will take much time and expense to adjust some of the errors therein contained. Despite these defalcations the office has collected by Avay of rates the sum of £642 3/7 out of the aggregate total rates of £715 6s thus leaving the difference beween these two amounts as outstanding rates for the year. Prosecutions. —The inspector had occasion a few days ago to prosecuted three farmers for failing to destroy rabbits and in each case a fine was inflicted by the Magistrate. It is unnecessary for me to point out that the policy of the Board is definite, unerring and contained in the provisions of the Act and is far from being harsh and those evading such provisions must he prepared to bear the consequences. I sincerely hope that the recent court proceedings will indicate that the Board is in earnest in its endeavours to fulfil the purpose for v’hicli it was brought into being.—Adopted. CORRESPONDENCE, was read and dealt with as follows: From the Commissioner of Crown Lands re Moulden and Forlong’s property.—Received. From E. R. B. Gemmills, re rates due from him. —Received. From Rangitoto Rabbit Board, re Con f eren c e.—R ecei ved. From same, re attendance to proposed Board. —Resolved to accept the Rangitoto Board’s invitation to he present at their meeting on the 2yd pros. Pollard Poison.- —Decided to write Mr Lawrence and request him to bring his prices for a single 281 b. tin in line with the Government price. Accounts amounting to £lB7 17/2 were passed for payment.