MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3710, 29 October 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, presided over by Tr.‘ B. G. Gower (chairman). Also present were Trs. AY. E. Barber, R. Boswell, T. Grammer, J. McKelvie, F. C. Raikes, 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. D. Fleming. A motion of sympathy, was passed to Mr. Barron (inspector), in the loss of his father. Accounts amounting to £55 Is Id, were passed for payment. The following remit was passed: —“That Rabbit Boards be empowered to compel owners of property in Rabbit Board areas, whose properties provide cover for rabbits, to burn such cover at suitable seasons of the year.” INSPECTOR’S REPORT. The inspector reported as follows : During the past month, I have been engaged in the work of general inspection. On the majority of the properties visited, - the area is in very fair order, especially for this period of the year when young rabbits bred in the early part of the spring are generally showing up. On some properties young rabbits are in. evidence, and this no doubt is due to the fact that the weather experienced so far this spring as compared with last, has been very conducive to the breeding of rabbits, and if a dry season does eventuate more work in regard to rabbit destruction will have to be carried out. At this period last year only tiie higher ridges were habitable for rabbits, the lower areas being too wet for breeding purposes, and the pest was consequently more easily dealt with. The only way to keep the pest under control during a dry period is to have a constant watch kept at all times, so that breeding is checked at the outset. The great mistake that is so often made by farmers is in thinking that once they have their properties clean, or at least under control, there is no need for further work. They then have to wake up to the fact later on that they have been resting in a sense of false security, and the necessary work which has then to be carried out is much more expensive and arduous than would have .been the case had they checked the pest at the first signs of breeding. ! ;'.M . On several properties inspected, on which pollard poisoning had been carried out, the resultant kill has not been as satisfactory as is usual in the spring, and other means will have to be taken if present appearances prove correct. Several more farmers have been persuaded to carry, out granular cyanide fumigation work, and this method of rabbit destruction is still giving satisfactory results. Up till the present time 100 farmers in the Board area have used or are using this effective method of dealing with the rabbit pest. During the coming month I will be engaged in general inspection work.—'■Adopted.