CASTLEPOINT RABBIT DISTRICT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 630, 27 November 1880, Page 2

CASTLEPOINT RABBIT DISTRICT.

inspector's report,

To the■ Chairman of Trustees. Sib,—l have the honor to iuform you that I have made an inspection oi the following properties since the date of last meeting, vis., Messrs 11, and F. Maunsell's, where I found traces of rabbits in the ewe run. Mr Maunsell informed me that they had not been able to go hunting on this part of their property on account of the ewe 3 lambing, but that they intended to erect a cottage about the centre of their run and keep a man there for the purpose of killing rabbits. I again inspected theLangdale property

where I found numerous traces of'rabbit and also saw a good many. Mr Elder has two men at work killing; the average of their week's work being about 100 skins. Mr Elder informed me that he would put •n two molt men'if he ound leceisary which I advised him to do until he reduced the. number, killed per week to about 20. I have also inspected a portion of Sir. Morrison's property at. Mangapakeha, where there are traces of rabbits on most of tbe hill-tops. I have written to Mr Morrison requesting him to put on a man with dogs on the Blairlogie and Mangapakeha properties as no doubt the rabbits are coming from there into the Langdale property,

I have also passed through a portion of the Tea property, where there is a man kept constantly hunting; tho average of his' Week's work being about 25 skins.

I have also Mr Whisluw, he informed me that there was only a few rabbits on his property, which did not warrant his putting on a rabbit-killer, that his dogs occasionally killed one when he was out amongst the sheep, I have also inspected the Castlepoint property, where there is nodoubt that the pest is. increasing, especially about the Whakataki,' Mr Clifton has a man hunting, but not regularly, who delivered 69 skins to me a short time since.

I have also inspected the Mataikuna property, where there are traces of rabbits along the range in the centre of the run ; there is a boy at work killing on this property who is supplied with three dogs and a gun, he rarely kills more than two or three a day, and sometimes none.

I have also inspected the Ohonga property, where I saw traces of rabbits, but I did not see Mr Murray to get information. I believe there is no regular rabbit killer kept on the property. Before finishing my report I have to inform you that Mr Clifton has been trying for some time to obtain the services of a good rabbit-killer, and has requested me to look out for-a hand .to work on the two properties, viz., Matikuna and Cashpoint, I think there is ample work foe one man on eaqh of these stations, in fact, it is questionable if one man man will be sufficient to keep the pest in check on the Castlepoint property for some time to come. ' •

_ 111 concluding my report I would mention that there appears to be a general desire on the part of the landowners and occupiers of properties to comply with the requirements of the Rabbit Nuisance Act, but the: means for doing .so are very limitedfor instance, a good man is not to be had for killing rabbits, and dogs are even more scarce then men, in fact I have not seen a rabbit-dog for sale for months, and poison is of little use at this time of the year,.

I would also state .that I shall have oocoaio'ii to Visit all these properties in this district again within the next two months when I shall furnish you with another report on this matter. ' •T. r """ : 'lain,&o., " A. MoHcxchon, ' Inspector.