MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3556, 30 October 1926, Page 3

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Manawatu Rabbit Board was held in the secretary’s office on Thursday, presided over by the chairman (Mr B. G. Gower). Also present were Trustees F. Raikes, Gloyn, McKelvie, Boswell and the secretary (Mr R, Rangiheuea). Mr D. R. Barron (Inspector) was also in attendance. Apologies for absence were received from Trustees \V. E. Barber, Flemming and Grammcr. CORRESPONDENCE was rend and dealt with as follows: From the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, expressing its appreciation of the good work carried out by the Board in-reference to the destruction oif rabbits-. —Resolvetf to acknowledge with thanks that body’s expression of appreciation. From Mr H. A. Prebble, setting out certain complaints in connection with the work of destroying rabbits, in which he pointed out that he had done everything possible. —After hearing both sides of the argument the letter was received. From the Department of Agriculture drawing the Board’s attention to section 44 of “The Finance Act, 1926” re the matter of unauthorised expenditure and travelling expenses incurred by delegates ' attending Rabbit Board conferendes'. — Received.

From the Audit Department, returning the balance-sheet for the year 1925, duly audited and passed. —Received.

A vote of sympathy was passed to the relatives of the late A. P. Francis, chairman of the Kiwitea Rabbit Board, and the Rabbit Boards Association in their recent bereavement.

Accounts amounting to £B9 3/wero passed for payment.

INSPECTOR’S REPORT,

The Inspector (Mr D. R. Barron) reported as follows on his activities during the past month: — During the month I have been engaged in the general inspection of properties in the Board’s area. The work of inspection has been greatly retarded owing to the continuous rain and the flooded state of the country. This has also kept back a certain amount of work in regard to the destruction of rabbits but this has not been so serious, from the farmers’ point of view, as breeding, in a number of localities, has received a set back. The district, as a whole, at the present time,'is in very much better order than at this period last year. Some parts of the country are in very good condition at present, notably that portion of the district north of Taikorca road, and west of Kellow’s line. The Orona Downs district is also in fair order. Tn other parts of the area, conditions are not so good as in the districts mentioned and in these localities, more especially constant endeavours must be made to get rid of the pest.

During the month I had occasion to lay informations against two land-owners in the Board’s district for failing to destroy rabbits, and these eases are set down for hearing at the next sitting of the Magistrate’s Court in Foxton. As directed at last Board meeting, I made, an inspection of that portion of the Manawatu district adjacent to the Board’s southern boundary. After due consideration of the matter, I would not recommend the bringing of this portion inlo the Board’s area as I consider this country can he adequately dealt with under the existing conditions. During the coming month I will send out the usual Statutory notices required under the Act, to all property owners, and follow these up with a personal inspection. Adopted.