MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4521, 23 October 1930, Page 2

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

MONTHLY MEET I NO. The monthly meeting of the Mafianvatu Rabbit (Board was held in the Board’s office this afternoon, presided over by 'Mr. B. G. Gower (chairman). Also present were-Trustees J. F. McKelvie, T. Graminer, R. Boswell, B. Grant, .J. F. McKelvie, F .C. liaikes, the Inspector (Mr D. R. Barron) and the Secretary (Mr R. Rangiheuea).

The Directoir-Gcneral wrote enclosing extracts from the Gazette, notifying Mr. D. R. Barron’s appointment as a noxious weeds "inspector as from September 15tli. —Received.

’l'lie 'Director of the Live Stock Division wrote acknowledging receipt of the Board’s request for postage stamps for statutory notices under, the Noxious Weeds Act and agreed to consider the request at the end of the financial year.— Received.

A formal resolution was passed adding a 10 per cent, penalty on all overdue rates.

Accounts- amounting to £46 16/1 were passed for payment. INSPECTORS REPORT. The inspector (Mr. D. R. Barvon) reported-as follows: — “During the past month I have boon engaged in the general inspection of properties in the Board area and now that the Board has taken over the control of noxious weeds have also begun interviewing landowners re the removal of gorse from their properties. v “The. weather diming the mouth has not been favourable for the carrying out of fumigation work on account of the windy days experienced, and the expected spring rains have not materialized to any great extent, the following gales of wind Imping dried up any moisture the land has received. On a number of properties traces of further breeding are to be found, and on such places fumigation must immediately be carried out. As pointed out on so many occasions personally to farmers, all work carried out in the breeding season will, save time and expense later on, and the destruction of one doe at the present time will save the work of destroying at least an extra half-dozen rabbits later on. Farmers should systematically at this tine of year inspect their properties at least once a fortnight to see that there are no burrows working or breeding taking place. 11 is the old grassy burrows which want careful watching, as it is in I here that the young ones settle. The. supply of ipollard ordered nearly a month ago has iiot yet come to hand owing to having to wait for a fresh batch to be made.

On a. number of properties visited gorse is either being grubbed or cut down, and where no work is being carried out and odd bushes of gorse are to be found farmers have been interviewee! and explained the policy which the Board intends to carry out in regard to noxious weeds. The experiments carried out in regard tox/fiflifbgkx^fiflffv mit by the Department on Campion’s line are being carefully watched, and from present appearances the plot of goirse which was burnt a hour four months ’before spraying is showing very satisfactory results.

During the past month I had occasion to prosecute a farmer in the Board area for failing to destroy rabbits, and the Magistrate, who was of the opinion‘‘that the rabbits were well in hand and should not he allowed to get away again, fined the defendant £5 and costs. During the coining month I shall lie engaged in general inspection work.