MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.
ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Mana - walu Rabbit Board was held in the secretary’s office this afternoon ■presided over by Mr. B. G. Gower .(chairman). Also present were: Trustees W. E. Barber, F. C. Rallies, 11. Boswell, ,J. Glovn, A. Cook, J. R. McKelvie, T. A. Gra'minar, and the secretary (R. Rangiheuea), and inspector (D. R. Barron). Tv. B. G. Gower was unanimously re-elected chairman and Tr. W. E. Barber treasurer. ANNUAL REPORT. The chairman’s annual report was read as follows: — “I have the honour to submit for your approval my fifth anual report and in doing so feel that you will agree with me that the result of operations during the year has further justified the existence of the Board. The pest that menaced some of the most productive grazing lands in the district has greatly diminished, and we sin'cerely hope that, at no distant date, with the hearty co-operation of the settlers the pest will no longer threaten in any alarming manner. “I am pleased to state that, throughout the district the settlers recognise the wisdom oUcombined efforts consistent with the instructions issued by the Roard, and, as we have spared >no pains in explaining methods by means of circulars and demonstration and in recommending the latest and best means for the destruction of the pest, it now only remains for the settlers to continue to act in concert with this Board to obtain its objective.
“From a cursory examination of the various properties in the district I think, I am justified in stating, that, in so far .as the existence of the pest is concerned, they are 90 per .cent. t more free front rabbits than at the time when the Board was constituted.
“Owing to the dry spring the breeding of rabbits had been abnormal when compared with previous springs and this necessitated greater efforts oil the part of the settlers to carry on the .work of destroying the pest.
“As in the previous year the Board has continued the practice of retailing granular cyanide to farmers at half cost .but if the Board still consider this departure advisable it will only be a matter of time when the rate will have to be raised accordingly. “The annual conference of Rabbit Boards held at Feilding was again of much educational value and it is pleasing to note that the efforts of the Executive have been successful in having the Rabbit Nuisance Act placed on the Statute Book, its operation taking effect as from the Ist instant.
“Since the last annual meeting lupins have been listed as a noxious weed by the controlling authority and as this action is of paramount importance in regard to the harbouring and destroying of rabbits it is now a question for the Board to consider the advisability or otherwise of .Rabbit Boards enlisting control of noxious weeds in their' respective areas. “During the past year three informations have been laid against property owners for failing to destroy rabbits and in each case fines have been inflicted. I sincerely hope that in future there will not be any necessity for further prosecutions and that farmers will give tho Board and its Inspector every assistance in carrying out the good 'work already begun. Personally I am of opinion that the farmers realise the benefits- that are now obtaining by simultaneous and united efforts to eradicate the pest. “I am glad to be able to state that, under Section 31 of ‘The Rabbit Nuisance Act, 1928,’ powers havej been invested in Boards to include rabbit infested areas adjoining those oi' regularly constituted Boards when found necessary. The procedure is simple and I hope that this Board will not be called upon to take advantage of this section of ihe Act.
“For some time past the Board has made repeated efforts to have the protection on hares removed but so far the Department of Internal Affairs has not seen fit to accede to the Board’s request. However we have been assured that should any settler 'wish to destroy hares he may do so after having- made written application to the Department for the required permit. I hope to still pursue our endeavours lo have the protection removed. “The Board was strongly of opinion that the introduction and importation of Angora and Chinchilla rabbits should not be allowed by the Government and entered a strong protest through the member for the district but we were finally assured that no harm would eventuate through such importation.
“I am pleased to note that research in pasture! lands is being taken up by the settlers in the Oroua Downs district of the Board area subsequent to the improved conditions obtaining. This in itself means that cover for rabbits will be non-existing and I feel sure that the Board will do all in its power to assist the Department where possible in any work carried out in the area.
“1 think the time is opportune when the Board should seriously consider tho question of cleaning certain areas with the funds at its disposal, a notable' case in point being the islands in the Rangitikei river-bed. This matter has come before the Board on a number of occasions and I flunk the tuge is
now ripe for action and consideration. “During: the past year the Government Representative on the Board (Mr. David Fleming) retired from the .service on superannuation and the vacancy has been filled by the appointment of his idepartmental successor (Mr. A. Cook). I take this opportunity of placing on record my appreciation of the good work done in the formation and administration of the Board by Mr. Fleming during his term of office. “The thanks of the Board are due of Tr. F. C. Raikes, the Board’s nominee on the Executive, who has undoubtedly rendered invaluable services during the year and to its Inspector (Mr. D. R. Ban'on) who has, from year to year, conscientiously administered the policy of .the Board in a satisfactory manner. “In conclusion I desire to . thank! the . members for the loyal support accorded me during the year and for the very keen interest evinced in the work and I sincerely hope that the current year will mark a further era of progress. The report was adopted.
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Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3901, 31 January 1929, Page 2
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1,048MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD. Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3901, 31 January 1929, Page 2
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