MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3000, 18 February 1926, Page 3

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT.

The Chairman’s report to be submitted to the anual meeting of the Manawatu Rabbit Board reads as follows:—“I have the honour to submit for your approval the second annual report of the Board, and in doing so feel that you will agree with me that the constitution of the Board by the settlers was not only a step in the right direction, but has been justified by results. The rabbit pest that menaced some of the most productive grazing lands in the Manawatu has greatly diminished, and I sincerely hope that at no distant date with the hearty co-operation of settlers, that the pest will be practically exterminated. lam pleased to state that the settlers throughout the district recognise the wisdom of combined efforts consistent with the policy of the Board. During the year we have spared no pains in explaining methods and providing the latest and best means for the destruction of the pest and it now only remains for the settlers to continue to act in concert with the Board to obtain its object.

“Rangitoto Conferencel desire to publicly place on record my appreciation of the Rangitoto Rabbit Boarcl’fe invitation to be present at. a conference at which matters of mutual interest were discussed and in the exchange of views relative to a comprehensive restrictive policy. Those present gained much useful information. Such conferences are condusive to sound policy and improved administration. “Rabbit Boards’ Conference:— The annual conference of rabbit boards, held at Feilding during the year was of educational value. As the report of its deliberations appeared in many of the principal journals circulating in the district, it is unnecessary to review the various matters discussed.

“Rate: —It is unnecessary for me to remind you that the rate struck for the year was reduced from 2d to per acre except to say that I am hopeful of making a further reduction. This matter will need your careful consideration.

“Refusal to pay Rates: —There are one or two ratepayers in the area, who are not conversant with the constitution of the Board and who refuse to pay rates on the plea that their properties are free from rabbits. For their guidance I would point out that refusal to pay rates renders them liable to the penal provisions of the Rating Act. “Tangimoana Visit: —The official visit to Tangimoana township was both pleasurable and profitable to those who participated. The partments, nursery and tree planting operations indicated the time is not far distant when the bulk of our waste and unproductive lands will be reclaimed and made revenue producing. Rabbits on the property directly under the management of the department were conspicuous by their absence and this in itself was most gratifying. I am sure members will join me in complimenting the Department in its project and particularly Major Read, the responsible head. In conjuction with Major Read the party also made an inspection of Mr. J. F. M’Kelvie’s model homestead, were the party was most hospitably entertained.

“Railway Lands: —The question of eradicating gorse and lupins on railway lands between Motuiti and Rangiotu is still under consideration and I am hopeful that the work suggested will be carried out. “Appreciation: —I would like to place on record the Board’s appreciation of the co-operation of the various local bodies concerned in the destruction of the rabbit pest throughout the district. I would stress the fact that despite minor set-backs, and the objection a few settlers within the Board’s area we continue to show good results, and have convinced the sceptical that our operations are meeting with success. We appreciate the Farmers Union’s official thanks for our work, and also those ratepayers who have recognised the good accomplished. I hope (hat during the coming year, to show even better results. “Election: —In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the election disclosed that the ratepayers endorsed their confidence in every member who was previously returned to the first Board of Trustees, and I desire to take this opportunity of publicly thanking the ratepayers for their renewed confidence.

“Dog Tax: —The matter of having the tax on the bona-fide rabbit dogs reduced, has been referred to the Manawatu County Council and in its deliberation the question has been deferred until a later date.

“Bank Guarantee: —Owing to the buoyancy of the Board’s finances, I have decided to cancel the Trustees’ guarantee at the Bank, and I am certain that, under your sound administration such will not be required.

“Highway Poisoning:—Several of the main highways were given their fair share of treatment with phosphorised pollard and strychinine poisons, and if the Board’s examination of this important departure counts for anything then its result is highly satisfactory. “Horse and LupinsDuring the year representations by your Board were made to the Mauawatu County Council to have the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act applied to orowths which harbour rabbits, and It is satisfactory to know that where possible the County Council has assisted the Board. The question of declaring lupin a noxious weed within certain a,reas is a con-

tentious one, but it eradication to prevent the harbouring and breeding of rabbits, will have to be given further consideration.

“Trapping:—Trapping for the ;ake of the carcases has been urged during the year and in isolated eases permission has been granted. I have no hesitation in saying that the regulation governing this question could be waived at all reasonable times if trappers carryout their work systematically and conscientiously, but some trappers exempt does in young and undersized rabbits. The trappers’ should, in every instance assist in eradicating the pest. “Cyanide Dust: —'Cyanide dust is n new introduction from across the Tasman Sea and from my own personal observation I am satisfied that it has come to stay and regret that the settlers aire not availing themselves of the opportunity of seeing the dust in action during the various demonstrations, which have been afforded them. “Thanks: —The thanks of the Board arc due to its Inspector, Mr. D. R. Barron, who has so far administered the policy of the Board in a most satisfactory manner. His untiring efforts are appreciated by the Board. We also appreciate the secretary’s endeavours in the department controlled by him. “The thanks of the Board are also due to the Foxton Harbour Board for the use of its office and meet-ing-room.