WAR ON RABBITS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 38, 18 May 1915, Page 3

WAR ON RABBITS.

County Council Discussion. Another discussion took place at tbe meeting of tbe Franklin County Council on Thursday as to the necessity of instituting active steps for the wholesale slaughter of rabbits throughout the County. Cr Lockwood reminded members that the Rabbit Inspector had waited on the Council and asked tbe members to form committees in the various ridings to deal with tbe pest. Cr Henry considered that the Council, as the highest local body in the district, should take steps to eradicate rabbits Some settlers poisoned rabbits while others did not so act. He suggested that a small rate should be etruck over tbe whole County to defray the cost of dealing with the pest. The Chai'man explained that it would be first necessary to form a Rabbit Board before striking a rate. Cr' Lockwood instanced the case of farms in tbe Hunua district which had lessened in value owing to rabbitß and blackberries. He contended that the district was too large for one inspector to control.

Cr Renall said that a Government Rabbit Inspector had authority to enforce regulations concerning the extermination of rabbits. Ihere had been no necessity in the Wairarapa district, with which he was previously acquainted, to form Rabbit Boardß. The inspector insisted on Bettlers acting at one and tbe same time, the result being satisfactory. It struck him that the matter of poisoning was in its initiative stages in tbe Auckland province. The trouble would be arrested if inspectors used their authority and made settlers kill rabbits. They could also use their authority in connection with the blackberry pest. Cr Henry asked how the Government could enforce its authority. Cr Renall replied that inspectors were empowered to enforce the killing of rabbits. One settler in tbe Wairarapa wbo had failed to comply with the instructions of an inspector was fined on three successive occasions £5, £2O aud £SO, and was on the last occasion reminded by tbe Magistrate that if he appeared before him again he would fine him £SOO, and then if he failed to pay the fire he would give instructions to have his property sold to satisfy the fine. He (Cr Renall) advocated tint the Government shoold be asked lo enforce regulations dealing with rabbits.

The chairman stated that the Council had already done so. Cr Motion explained the manner in which the matter was dealt with in his district. A committee was formed to deal with a limited area, «nd the secretary notified settlers that poieoning in the district would commence on a specified date. If they failed to comply with the notice the Inspect-r was informed and he woul J use fn authority and l*y poison or td" farme. The Echeme had pri\ed cffe-tivp, ard to hlo mind wot Id wirk will throughout the Coutty. Cr Renall ictimat d thi.t it would be far more satisfactory if the inspector issued the notices. He would be in a position lo get those settlers fined who refused to a.t.

Cr W ilcox mentioned tbat he had had occasion to inform the inspector of a settler who would not poison rabbits, but the inspector failed to ait. He suggested that Councillors should form committees in their districts to cope with the evil. The Chairman expressed the opinion that members would be engaged for a whole month if they bad to form committees to deal with the situation. He gave notice that he would again bring the matter up for discussion at the next meeting of the Council on a motion he intended to propose for the establishment of a Rabbit Jtoard.