A RABBIT JOKE.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXIII, 6 December 1920, Page 4

A RABBIT JOKE.

WAIKATO FARMER HOAXED. All Te Awamutu is laughing over a 1 rabbit joke (says the “AVaikato Times”). As everybody knows, John Bunny is enthroned in certain areas near Te Awamutu, where he has ousted the farmer from his land, administers that gentleman’s estate, and disposes of his pastures to his (John’s) own internal satisfaction, 'l'ho owner 'is, : nevertheless, held by law responsible for John’s presence, and the recent, fine inflicted at Hamilton on a New- ‘ stead fanner for failing to rid hi? • land of rabbits has been causing landowners in Te Awamutu no small concern. When, therefore, a “traveller” called on a certain well-known settler .with an “absolutely certain rabbit exterminator,” neatly done np in a packet, which he stated would, if the directions were carefully followed, kill every rabbit on the place, the farmer readily handed over the requested guinea for the specific. It was not until the evening, in the presence of his family, that he opened the parcel, when, after removing half a dozen covers, he beheld a small piece of noosed whipcord, and the following instructions: “First catch the rabbit. Place his head in the noose and draw the loose end of the cord quickly towards you. Pull noose tight round hit. neck and don’t release until the rab bit is dead.” Legal advice brought; no satisfaction. It merely cost the hoodwinked fanner a further guinea, for he was told he had no remedy in ! law, as no misrepresentation had beermade, for if the instructions were acted upon the bunny family would undoubtedly be exterminated.