RABBIT ERADICATION

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3003, 25 February 1926, Page 2

RABBIT ERADICATION

The best method of rabbit eradication was given full discussion at the annual meeting of the Manawatu Babbit Board this morning.

Mr. Foster, of Taikorea, in reporting to the Board the result of a cyanide fumigation carried out on his properly recently stated an area of 2 acres was fenced in and fumigated, after which all the holes were filled in. When the area was inspected the following day only two holes had been opened up and these had beenopened from outside. Mr. Foster said lie noticed a newly trapped rabbit in the enclosure on inspecting the area afterwards and was of opinion that this rabbit and probably others had been placed in the enclosure over night by someone opposed to the Board. The demonstrations, however, was entirely satisfactory and no holes had since been opened. The only drawback was that cyanide fumigation was too expensive. * Trustee Gloyn considered poisoning twice a year the best method of rabbit eradication.

Trustee McKelvic: “Every man to his own property.” Mr. McKelvie said that properties differed and different methods of eradication were necessary for different properties. On his property the rabbits did not frequent burrows, but lived in the cover. He recommended strychnine poisoning. Fumigating was less successful in sandy tryMr. Foster said that he had tried every poison known, but without success on bis property. The Inspector said that the winter was the best time for poisoning around Taikorea. He considered the farmers should assist the trappers by subsidising them.

Mr Foster was accorded a vote of thanks for bis report ami (he discussion dropped.