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Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 159, 28 March 1916, Page 3

RABBIT PEST

The president stated that the meeting had been called to deal with the rabbit pest He pointed out that the increase of rabbits in the dinrict msde it imperative for general poisoning to be adopted or they woull have to go in for netting,, which would be a ccstly item. In the pa-t, ha s'id, rabbits had cot been a pest there and people were apt to get asathetic when they had to go to work and put to expense to deal with a question that had not been felt before. The matter of poisoning would have to ba done universally or it would be no use. It was not fair for one man to poison ard his neighbour not. By forming a special committee there could be general supervision as to whit was being done

Mr S Hill said that the only way to deal with the pest was to form a committee whose duty it would be to see that poisoning was systematically carried out. The Inspector's advice was to adve'tiss a date when poisoning was to commence and anyore who did not proceed to the satisfaction of the committee would be dralt with by the Inspector Mr Bilgrim did not think poisoning should be made compulsjry. He had no rabbits on his place and seldom saw one, and asked why he should be cimpelled to lay poison. It the settlers would clear their property of furze and harbour for rabbits there would be no need of poison.

Mr Henrv faid for the sake ot the general good all should uuite, and those that have no rabbits shouli c rtainly assist Mr Johns urged that the clearing of noxious weed 3 would crtainly do a lot to help get rid of the rabbits. He had no rabbits on his place, and yet co'ild show a patch ot carrots that we-e getting eaten out by neighbouring one?, and ho was quite willing to vigorously assist with the poisoning campaign Atter same further discussion it was proposed by Mr S Hill, seconded by Mr J Henry, ana carried: "That the meeting recommended the formation of a committee to deal with the rabbit pest over the area of the old Maukq Koad Board district." The following settlers were then elected on the committee:—Messrs W Finlay, chairman, K Johns, secratarv, Bell, Litchfield, Howe, Henry, J W McLarin and S Pilgrim The secretary was instructed to write to the Inspector for lull particulars as to their powers, the cost of poisin, the most effective and various other matters. A 9 soon as a reply is received a vigorous onslaught will be adopted, in which all are requested to cooperate