MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4443, 24 April 1930, Page 2

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Maliawaln Rabbit Board was held in the .secretary's office this afternoon, presided over by Trustee B. li. (tower (chairman). CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REPORT. The chairman (Trustee B. G. Cower) reported its follows on the Board’s activities during the past year -| have the honour to submit for your approval my sixth annual report and in doing so fee] that von will agree with me that the result of operations during the year has further justified the existence of the Board. The post that menaced some of the most .•productive grazing lands in the district has greatly diminished, and we sincerely hope that, ill no distant date, with the hourly co-operation of the settlers the pest will no longer threaten in any a limning manner. "I am pleased to stale that, throughout the. district the settlers recognise the wisdom of combined efforts consistent with the instructions issued by the Board, and, as we have spared no pains in explaining methods by means of eiri ulars and demonstration and in recommending’ the latest and host moans 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 tbe various properties in the district, l think 1 am justified in staling, that, in so far as the existence of the post is concerned, they are 99 per cent, more free from rabbits than at the time when the Board was constituted.

“Owing to the dry autumn the loeeding of rabbits had been abnormal when compared with the ; revioiis spring and this necessitated greater efforts on the part of the settlers to carry on the work of destroving 1 he pest. “In order to keep the rate down to a minimum you -will doubtless agree with me that the discontinuance of the practice of retailing granular cyanide to ratepayers at half cost: is a step in the right direction. "The annual conference of Rabbit Boards held at Feilding was

again of much educational value and it is pleasing to note that, the ell oris of the executive have been blessed with the Rabbit Nuisance Act being placed on the Statute Book, its operation has, so far, been quite satisfactory. “From current reports I have ascertained that no less than eight Rabbit Boards have assumed control of the noxious weeds eradication. The time is not far distant when from economic circumstances the remaining Boards-will have to fall into line with those who have already taken up the work. In view of the position as at present obtaining 1 shall be glad if you will give the matter due consideration for the near future.

“'flic question of autalgamution ** * cent ralisaiioii of control with the object of lessening administration expenses is of vilal’imporlauce and as the Association at its next eon--1 e roller will have milch to say on the matter of amalgamution-in-gi iieral and as we are part and parcel of the same body lam naturally nations In receive vour ri.il.adored opinion at the earliest, possible date. The proposed Jink-ing-iip of the Manawatn and lioroaenuu areas is a step in the right direction and in time to come the

ratepayers will receive tile benefit of lower costs in administration.

“Ibiiiiig I lie past year one informal ion had been laid against a ,•• roperl \ owner for failing to destiny rabbits and a substantial line

had been indicted. 1 sincerely hope that in future there will not. be any necessity for further prosecutions and llull farmers will give the Board and ils inspector every asistanre in carrying out the good n.irk already begun. Personally, 1 am of opinion that the farmers realise Ihe benefits that are now obtaining by simultaneous and united efforts to eradicate the pest. “I am glad In he able to state that, mider seel ion 31 of ‘The Rabbit Nuisance Act, 1928,’ powers have been vested in Boards to include rabbit infested areas adjoining those of regularly constituted Boards when found necessary. The procedure is simple and I hope that lids Board will not he culled upon to lake advantage of this section of the Act,

"The Itangiiikei river-bed land has from time immemorial been a hoi -bed for rabbit breeding and as it is— so In speak, No Man’s Land’ much concern in regard to the effective. eradication of the pest from ibis source lias undoubtedly alarmed every member. Your recent action in engaging a rabbifer to carry i,at the initial work of destroying rabbits is to me highly commended.

"The late Mr. A. Cook who represented the Government so ably and well and who rendered the Board every assistance possible by iiis advice and action passed away during the year, and I take this op portimity of placing on record not only my appreciation Of the in- \ ala,ible services rendered but my sincere sympathy in the loss sustained in particular bv those nearest and dearest to him and in general by this Board. "The thunks of the Board are due to 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. Barron 1 who has, from year to year, conscientiously administered the policy of the Board in a satisfactory manner. “In conclusion 1 desire to thank

you for the loyal support accorded me during the year and for the very keen interest evinced in the work and 1 sincerely hope that the current year will still mark a further era of progress." .