MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2903, 30 June 1925, Page 3

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The usual mouthy meeting of the above was held in the secretary’s office, last week, presided over by Trustee B. G. Gower (chairman). Also present were Trustees W. E. Barber, Boswell, Raikes, McKelvie, Gloyn and the secretary (Mr Roore Raugiheuea-). Mr. D. R. Barron (Inspector) was also in attendance. Apologies for absence were received from Trustees Grammer and Flemming. A letter was received from Messrs Barnao Bros., soliciting the Board to grant trappers permission to trap rabbits for the sale of the carcases. —Resolved to reply that the Board regrets inability to accede to the request owing to regulations governing the question of trapping. Accounts amounting to £lO9 17s lOd, were passed for payment. INSPECTOR’S REPORT. The inspector reported as follows: — At the beginning of the month I sent out the usual Statutory Notices' 1 together with a circular re general poisoning to all land-own-ers north of the Taikorea road and during the past month I have been engaged in the general inspection of these properties together with properties south of the Taikorea road. With a few exceptions poisoning has been completed on the southern properties while on the northern properties it is steadily being pushed forward. Taken right through, and despite a certain amount of bad poisoning weather, the work has been very successful and good results have been obtained —results which go to show in all eases that there is already a marked decrease in the number of rabbits in the Board area.

There is no doubt that if this systematic work is steadily continued, the time will not be far distant when the rabbit pest will be well under control. Everything depends on the individual working in harmony with the Board, and carrying out what is required.

In certain parts of the district where rabbits are more under control the natural enemy is asserting itself and during the month on one property, thirteen rabbits, which had been destroyed by either stoats or weasels, were found in one dav.

I would recommend the Board to have a poisoning of certain road lines in its area, which can be varied out provided that the uec-essary care is taken. I would also recommend that shooting on properties be prohibited, as in some cases, this has had a detrimental effect in poisoning. During the coming month I shall be engaged in general inspection work. —Adopted.