THE RABBIT PEST.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2740, 20 November 1894, Page 4

THE RABBIT PEST.

The second meeting of the landholders interested in checking the spread of the rabbit pest in South Canterbury was held in the Geraldide Connty Council office, 'limaru, on Saturday. There were present—Messrs C. G. Tripp (in the chair), W. Hay, R. Mackay, G. Hamilton, E. KichardaoD, E. H. Cameron, W. Grant, T. Teschemaker, F. LeCren, R. H. Rhodes, E. Elworthy, A. M. Clark, J. S. Rutherford, T. R. Seddou, A. Hope, H. Smith, and H. R. Parker and Mrs Parker. The chairman in opening the meeting spoke of the constant spread of the rabbit?, which are now to be found more or lobs all over the district. He had been told by a person who crossed the Orari bridge that he counted ten in the riverbed. He for years urged the Government to legislate to give them power to deal with the pest. County Councils can now raise and spend funds on the bird pest on the plains, and there ought to be the same powers to deal with the rabbits. He called ou Mr A. M. Clark to give the meeting some information. In reply to Mr Elworthy Mr Clark said the resolution passed at the previous meeting had not been sent to the Minister of LaDds. It was hoped to have a meeting with him and show him the resolution, but the meeting could not be arranged. It was no use sending the resolution till the members of the Government got together, and they were all over the country just now. He produced a map showing the present fence and certain suggested lines for new fences on practicable lines for the subdivision of the whole of South Canterbury. These lines were suggested by Mr Marchant, who prepared the map. The map was examined and the lines discussed. Some parts of the lines, it was asserted,* were impracticable through snow or other causes. One line was drawn from the existing fence to the sea between the Pareora and Otaio ; another from this fence along the top of the Hunter range, etc., to tha lower end of Lake Tekapo ; one from this at Burke's Pass to the Rangitata at Peel Forest; another line from the head of Lake Tekapo to the Rangitata along Forest Creek. The chairman proposed, and Mr Seddon seconded a motion that the Government be petitioned to erect at once certain rabbit proof fences. The lines suggested being all in the north part of the district, southern representatives objected j strongly and the chairman explained that he left it to them who knew the district, I to make additions to the motion.

Mr R. H. Rhodes suggested certain lines for the southern district, and these having been incorporated the motion was put and carried as follows :—" That this meeting being representatives of farmers of South Canterbury, petition the Government to erect at once a rabbit proof fence from Knight's run, north of the Rangitata, to Stew Point, and from thence crossing the Rangitata and across Aclaud's Saddle of the Mount Peel range to the head waters of the Hewson; following under the range thence to Burke's Pass, and joining with Mr Seddon's rabbit :eace at Burke's Pass; from Burke's Pass through Lockhart's Saddle down the Hakateramea Valley; thence to the bend of the Waihoa; thence in a southerly direction to join Mr A. McLean's fence; also a short cross fence from the Haldon Saddle to join the new fence ; a short line of fence, about 3 miles, from Mr Seddon's fence to Lake Tekapo ; and a feuce from the head of Lake Tekapo up the Macauley to the glaciers."

la the course of the discussion on his motion the chairman said the northern lines totalled about 70 miles. They must also seek to assist North Canterbury, or the Government would not help them, and the Macauley fence and the fence north of the Raugitata were meant to do that. He believed that one year's rent of the country affedted would erect the fences. Mr Clark showed on his map about 140 miles of main and cross fences, and he estimated that the fencing would cost about £7O per mile, so that £IO,OOO would do it, and it did not seem a great deal in comparison with the benefit to be gained. He had gone carefully into the matter of the area of pastoral leaseholds between the proposed back fences and the freehold country, and he made it 843,250 acres that would be enclosed. They should have information of this kind to lay - before the Government to show how great the benefit would be, and then if they came to the conclusion that it would be the proper thing to subdivide the country, they should have practical men from among themselves go over the country and report on the best lines.— (Hear hear.) Mr Parker agreed with all that Mr Clark had said, and spoke also of the pastoralists' claim to a share of the sheep tax, which is absorbed elsewhere. It would be hard if they had to pay an additional tax for rabbit fencing, though he would not say that in the last resort he would object to it. Mr Richardson strongly approved of a commission. At a meeting like this each thought of his own int&i'esjfc, jjrhile a commission representing different parts of th.Q district could consider the things fairly, and he thought it would be a good thing if Mr Scaifa, the rabbit inspector went over the country with them. It was necessary to have the country gone over, as each man know his own neighbourhood I 1 but not the rest, and the Government woniu have more confidence in any requests for specified fences if they knew that the lines had been carefully selectod. It was resolved on the motion of Messrs Richardson and Elworthy—" That a commission be appointed to consist of Messrs E. H. Cameron, R. H, Rhodos, and W. Hay, to report on the lines of fence suggested, deviations they may think better, and that the Government be asked to allow Mr Scaife to accompany the commission." Mr Clark recommended that the commission take a map with them and mark the lines as they proceded. Mr Parker thought that if the Government were to erect the fences the inspector should approve of the iines, but if the settlers had to erect them the inspector should have no say iu the matter. The meeting, however, was generally in favour of the inspector accompanying the commission. In reply to a question Mr Clark said : he had not yet been able to get Mr Senile's report to the Department. He had applied to Mr Flatmau about it. Mr Flatman sail he would do all he could to help them, and would attend the meotings if possible, but he could not get down to this one. It was agreed that those present should guarantee tha expenses of the Commission, and of procuring a surveyor's return of acreage of runs and small grazing ruus to be benefited by the proposed fonces. A vote of thauks to the chairman terminated the meeting.