MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3811, 28 June 1928, Page 2

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. The usual monthly meeting of the Manawatu Rabbit Board was held in the secretary’s office this morning, presided over by Mr B. G. Gower- (chairman). Also present were Messrs F. C. Raikes, Gloyn, D. Fleming, \V. E. Barber, J. F. McKelvie, Boswell and the secretary (Mr. R. Rangiheuea). Mr. D. R. Barron (Inspector) was also in attendance. An apology for absence was received from Mr. T. A. Grammar. MOTION OF SYMPATHY. , A motion of sympathy was accorded the Inspector in his recent bereavement. INSPECTOR’S REPORT. The inspector reported as follows : For the first portion of last month I have been engaged in general inspection work, while during the latter part I have followed up with personal inspection the Statutory Notices sent out to landowners on the sth tJtine. (With the statutory notice I sent out a circular advising a general poisoning and fumigation should be begun on the 13th inst. —fumigation on the clear country and strychnine carrot poisoning on the “cover" country. On the majority of properties visited since the latter date, work has either been completed or has been commenced. The owners of properties inspected who have not made a start with the necessary work have been written to and a completion of that work requested immediately. As pointed out i;n the circular this is by far the most suitable time of the year for rabbit destruction either by means of fumigation or by poisoning, and it farmers would take full advantage, of it, there should be very little trouble in keeping down the pest from the spring onwards. The present season has been such a mild one that the breeding of rabbits has not ceased right through the winter, and unless diligent steps are taken at present there will be a material increase in the number of rabbits in the spring. Farmers must realise that although they may have what seems to them only an odd rabbit or two, it is still their duty to carry out the requirements of the Act, namely, to destroy all rabbits within the shortest time possible. During the month I have had occasion to lay an information against a landowner in the Board’s area for failing to destroy rabbits, and the case will come on for 1 leaving at the beginning of next month. During the coming month I shall continue to follow up with personal inspection the notices and circulars recently sent out. • The report was adopted. STOATS AND FERRETS. Mr F. C. Raikes asked if the Board allowed the destruction of stoats and ferrets. Mr McKelvie said that a proper-ty-owner was allowed to destroy anything doing damage on his property. The Inspector said that the Act provided that permission had to he obtained before such animals could he destroyed.

Air Fleming mentioned that stoats appeared to be very scarce in the Board’s district now, but the Ihspector said that they were still fairly plentiful in the back country. The Rabbit Boards Association wrote relative to proposed amendments to the Rabbit Nuisance Act. Air F. C. Raikes reported on the conference, which had dealt with the matter, and the letter was received. Accounts amounting to £BB 3s 8d were passed for payment. It was decided to write the Alanawatu County Council, asking them to forward the Inspector a copy of changes of ownership of properties in the Board’s area. INSPECTOR FLEMMING’S RETIREMENT.

At the conclusion of business the Secretary said that the meeting was the last which Air D. Fleming, Government representative on the Board, would attend, as at the end of the month he would retire on superannuation.

The Chairman, in moving that Mr Fleming’s resignation be accepted with regret, said that the Trustees desired to take Die opportunity of placing on record the Board’s appreciation of the good work done by Mr .Fleming. He had been fully acquainted with the Act, and had assisted materially with the formation of the Board, irlis long experience in rabbit destruction had been very useful. On the .Board he had been the Government representative, and held a fifty-fifty representation, but at no time had he shown his authority. He had always worked as an ordinary member of the Board. He wished Mr Fleming every success for the future, better health and many years of prosperity in which to enjoy it. Mr \V. E. Barber seconded the motion, and referred to Mr Fleming’s long years of service. He had personally known Mr Fleming since his appointment in Palmerston N. many years ago. He had been the most courteous inspector lie had ever been associated with. Mr Barber referred to Mr Fleming’s arduous duties as inspector prior to the formation of the- Board. He had then a big district to attend to, saturated with rabbits, but for all that lie had carried out his duties pleasantly with all concerned. Mr D. R. Barron referred toi the valuable assistance Mr Fleming had given him at the inception of the Board, when he had been a . £f new chum” to the district, and endorsed

the previous speakers’ remarks, and wished Mr Fleming health and happiness for the future. Mr Gloyn said that the eradication of the rabbit pest in the Manawatu was practically due to Mr Fleming’s efforts. He had been almost solely responsible for the Board’s inauguration. Mr Fleming thanked the members for their kind remarks, and said his association with the Board had always been pleasant. In his opinion the ratepayers were very fortunate in having such a fine Board of Trustees as at present, and they would he wise to re-elect them for many years to come. They had a good working knowledge of rabbitwork, and were very enthusiastic over their work. He felt safe in saying that the Manawatu Board was obtaining far better results than any other Board. They had done splendid work in reducing the pest in the Manawatu. A good deal of this was also due to the excellent work of the Inspector, and the Board could congratulate itself on having such an efficient inspector as Mr Barron, and also on the good work it had done. *

At the conclusion of business Mr Fleming was tendered a complimentary dinner by members," at which he presented with a Loewe pipe.