MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3644, 28 May 1927, Page 2

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Manawatu Rabbit Board was held in the Board’s office on Thursday, and was presided over by Tr. B. G. Gower (chairman). There were also present:—TVs. W. E. Barber, D. Fleming, R. Boswell, J. K. McKelvie, T. A. Grammar, J. Gloyn and the secretary (Mr. Roore Rangiheuea). Mr. D. R. Barron (inspector), was also in attendance. An apology for absence was received from Tr. F. C. Raikes. CORRESPONDENCE was read and dealt with as follows : From Chns. Watkins, asking the Board to reconsider its decision re excluding his property from the Manawatu Rabbit District.—Resolved to instruct the secretary to advise Mr. Watkins that the Board has definitely decided to take no further action in the matter of excluding his property from the Manawatu Rabbit area as such action would create a precedent. Accounts amounting to £O4 17s 3d, were passed for payment. Resolved to authorise the inspector to obtain 2e/s of granular cyanide equal to 50/5 tins, it found necessary. Resolved to effect a lire insurance cover on the inspector’s desk. . INSPECTOR’S REPORT. The inspector reported as follows : “During the past month 1 have been engaged in the general inspection of properties, and also in following up the fumigation work being carried out with granular cyanide. In all cases where granular lias been used, results have been most satisfactory, and a fair amount of this material has been used during the month. A number of farmers are holding off rabbit destruction until next month when the simultaneous poisoning and fumigation will be carried out. Already strychnine poisoning with carrots lias been carried out with very good results on a number,of properties adjoining the Rangitikei river, and is still in progress on the properties below tliosa- already done. A good kill also took place on one of the islands in the river. “I would advise all owners who intend poisoning with strychnine, if possible, to get the work done by an experienced man, as the rabbits, to be caught, are very “shy,” and will require careful handling if good results are to be obtained. The main thing is to feed the carrot bait in a proper manner, and so educate the rabbits to eat and clean up the bait well for a number of nights before the strychnine egrrot is laid. No doubt..the present high price of skins will be a great incentive in the carrying out of this work.

“The district is in much the same condition as it was a month ago, with the exception of those properties on which poisoning or fumigation has been carried out, the properties so done have been greatly improved. “The circulars for the generalpoisoning and fumigation, together with the statutory notices, will be sent out to all landowners on the Ist of next month, and these will be followed up with personal inspection.” The report was adopted.