MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3683, 27 August 1927, Page 2

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING.

The monthly meeting of the Manawatn Rabbit Board was held in the Board’s office on Thursday, presided over by Trustee B. G. Gower (chairman). Also present were: Trustees W. E. Barber, R. Boswell, F. C. Raikes, J. Gloyn and the secretary (Mr. Roore Rangiheuea). Apologies for absence were received from Trustees J. K. McKelvie and T. A. Grammer. Accounts amounting to £62 7s 2d, were passed for payment. It was resolved to request the Government Inspector to serve all property owners adjoining the Manawatu Rabbit Board District with notices to immediately destroy rabbits in order to prevent the pest from overrunning the Board’s area which is now in good order. INSPECTOR’S REPORT. The inspector reported as follows : During the past month I have been engaged in general inspection work, more especially on those properties where fumigation is the best means for the destruction of rabbits. Work has been somewhat hampered by the amount of wet weather experienced during the month, but the heavy rains have themselves been a great deterrent as far as breeding is concerned, as the amount of water lying on so much of the land in the district will have to disappear before breeding to great extent will take place. Pro- l perties are in much the same condition as they were a month ago, although some have been further improved by having cyanide fumigation earned out. Seventy-seven farmers are now using this material, an increase of thirteen during the past month, and in all cases the work has been satisfactory. This easy method of controlling the pest is going a long way towards cleaning up the country on which there is no “cover,” and I would impress upon farmers the need of constant work at all times so that their properties y:an be kept in their present condition. On a number of ■ properties very little work is required, but a: steady watch must be kept in order to see that no increase ' of the pest takes place. At this period of the year I have always sent out a Spring Pollard poisoning circular to landowners ir. the Board area, but this year I do not consider this necessary as I can now communicate directly with all owners whose land would be benefited by such a poisoning, j At present I should say the usual poisoning circular will have to bei sent out in February, but at present I think the best work can be done in seeing, by personal inspection, on what country a pollard poisoning would be of benefit. During the past month I have had to send out a “final” notice to one. landowner in the district, but am following this up with a personal inspection. I am pleased to report that the necessary work required has been carried out. —Adopted.