The Wairarapa Daily. THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 1888. PROFESSOR THOMAS ON WAIRARAPA RABBITS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2936, 28 June 1888, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 1888. PROFESSOR THOMAS ON WAIRARAPA RABBITS.

We have received a copy of the interim report of Professor A. P. W. Thomas, on (the diseases affecting rabbits in this district. According to the Professor, our rabbits have unquestionably diminished in numbers during the past few years: (1) from poison, (2) trapping, (3) natural enemies, (-1) parasitic disease, caused by the bladder worm. The first method of destruction is considered by the Professor to be the main factor in the decrease. The diseases detected in the rabbits examined by the Professor are classified as follows(1) bladder worm, (2) disease of the liver, due to coccidia, (13) mange, ifcch, or scab, (4/ disease, tine to lice. The bladder worms are the larval tonus of tape worms, and the rabbiter's dogs were found to be infected with the latter. With tape-worm joints taken from the canines, experiments were made to infect healthy rabbits. The first animal so infected died in thirteen days, and a post mortem demonstrated the existence of about five hundred worms lodged in its muscles. The Professor gives an exceedingly interesting account of the manner in which the worm disease is communicated from the dog to the rabbit, and vice versa, thus completing a parasitic circle. About twenty per cent of the rabbits of this district are supposed to be suffering from a matured stage of the disease, but a much larger pro. portion is presumed to be infected. The disease which attacks the liver affects a still larger number, and is due to a minute parasite belonging to a group called " Gregarinida?" which are distributed everywhere with the droppings of the rabbits. In the neighborhood of Masterton eleven rabbits out of nineteen examined by the Professor were found infected by the coccidia. With few exceptions, too, our Wairarapa rabbits possess lice or mites, The Professor sums up his report as follows" The decrease of the rabbits in the Wairarapa has, in the first place, been due to the measures adopted by man, especially the winter poisoning. Certain parasitic diseases, however, have appeared in the district, have been largely prevalent, and have been useful in

keeping down the rabbits, Of the diseases, those due to a bladder-worm and a liver-parasite have been the most effective, whilst the rabbit-itch, or scab and lice, though widely distributed, have been operative in a minor degree only. If it too thought desirable to employ the diseases elsewhere there would be very little difficulty in propagating them. Whilst the diseases have been distinctly useful in the , Wairarapa they are nevertheless not of such a character as to render unnecessary all other methods for the destruction of rabbits; they must be looked upon simply as auxiliary means of destruction." It is a distinct advantage to have as a resident in Now Zealand a Professor who is an expert in parasitic diseases, In the present instance the scientific conclusions merely confirm the practical observations of the humble rabbiter; but it is very probable that the investigations of the Professor may yet materially assist the solution of the rabbit problem.

Pigeons, smoked fish and Stewart Ishnd Oystora can be obtained at Pryor Gilbert's shop, Queen street. Messrs Lowes and lorns add to their stock sale for 4th July, 520 fat wethers and 250 merino ewes in lamb, Notice is given of the intention of the Akitioßoad Boarf to make a general rate of 5-lOths of a penny in tho £ over all rateable property within that district. The application from John Stone Crimp for a publican's liconse at Pahiatua was refused at an adjourned meeting of the Licensing Bench held on Monday, objection being taken that two out of the ten signing the petition were not householders. The other day at the Liverpool Dog Show, a collie dog, catalogued at £IOO, was claimed by a large number of fanciers and was consequently put up to auction, when it reached tho high figure of £350, Mr Megston, Manchester, being tho highest bidder, A telegram from Durban, dated 25th Juno, states that severe fighting has taken place between the followers of the Zulu chiefs Ditmulu andUsibepu, The latter were defeated, and Dinizulu subssquently attacked a Britisli police post on the Zulu frontier. Tho Republican Convention have adopted General Harrison as their candidate for the Presidency. Mr Blaine declined to be nominated unless assured of the unanimous vote of the • party, which it was impossiblo to give, The eighth ballot gave Harrison a majority.

The Custodian of the Masterton Hospital begs on behalf of the patients to return thanks to the following ladies and gentlemen for their kindly gifts Mrs Penny, old linen and papers; Mrs Allsworth, poultry; Mr H. Beetham, pigeons; Mr W. Bagge, books; Mr John Rose, papers. Amongst, those who recently left Masterton for a trip to the Old Country was Mr T. Knight, who took passago in the "Kaikoura," The principal object of Mr Knight's visit to England was to seo bis mother once more, but unfortunately that pleasure will bo denied him, as by the last mail intelligence was received of the decease of that lady.

All farmers (says a contemporary) know tho difficulty of protecting a crop of turnip seed from the ravages of the birds. We present them with the following as most effective. Put three or four carcases of valjelesa sheep or a few rabbi's about tho field. This will attract hawks in large numbers, which will So scare the small birds as to keep them perpetually on the wing.

Kentrenchmcnt was going far enough surely, when the Government stopped the supply of firewood to tlio country policostations, But now wo hear they have added the proverbial last straw, and after this current month the station officers will have to find themselves in candles at their own cost, otherwise prisoners, where such an operation is necessary, will haye to be searched in the dark. Tlio chanoea are the police will refuse to lock any one up unless candle onds are found on Ins person,

At the opening of the Reichstag at Berlin on Monday last the Emperor William promised the introduction of legislation to afford the working classes further protection, and that an endeavor would be made to equalise the unhealthy social contrasts existing. The Emperor further stated that he would sternly oppose all attempts which might be mado to undermine public order, and would endeavor to maintain peace abroad ns far as lay in his power. He was far from desirous of using his army in offensive wars, and would uphold theAustrian-ltalian alliance regarding it as the foundation of the European equilibrium. In concluding his speech the Emperor said he would carefully cultivate personal friendship with the Czar and friendly relations with Russia. The speech was received with manifestations of great enthusiasm by the Reichstag. The European Mail of May 11 contains the following" A report lias been circuited that whilst a gang of men were engage"l on May 5, in dismantling some premises in New Bond-street a roll of Ciiuvas was discovered in the corner of a disused cellar, and this, upon examination turned out to be the portrait of the Duchess of Devonshire, whicli was cut out of its frame in May, 1870, and disappeared under mysterious circumstances It will be remembered that Messrs Agnew purchased the picture at the Wynn-Ellis sale for 110,000, some three week's before it was stolon. In reply to inqniries at Messrs Agnew's, at Scotland Yard, and elsewhere, no confirmation has been obtained of the story of Ihe recovery of the picture. Messrs Apnew stated that the last they heard of the matter was about three or four years ago, when thoy received from America a communication enclosing, in proof of the power of the writer to restore the missing painting, a piece of canvas which purported to bo a part of it.

A Government return just issued of Native lauds purchased in the North Island since April Ist 18S4, gives for the Wairarapa district 7*2,428 acres in the Mangatamoka block at a total cost of £2G,233 13s fid, the title for which is eoniplcte. Of blocks to which the Government title is not yet complete there are the Wairarapa Lakes containing 24,600 acres upou which has been paid £1,325 13s lid, there is a balance yet to pay of £IOOO. The Hapuakorari Reserve contains 1,000 acres, a payment of of £ls has been made upon account of this, leaving a balance still unpaid of £235 These lands nre passed through the Native land Court. There nre also two blocks of 1000 acres each in the Wairarapa, Aheatua and Ukiwhenua that have not yet passed through the Native Laud Court. The Durchase money of eacli is £2OO, and £2O has been paid on accountThe balances yet unpaid are the estimated sums, competed at the - same acreage rato as the payments already made, which would be required to complete the purclidso of the blocks, supposing the wholo of the owners to be willing to soil, and Government desirous to buy,

St John's Cathedral Church, Napier, is, to be lighted by electricity on the accumulator system, the batteries being charged by tho Herald dynamo and engine.

The Troasurer of the Masterton Hospital acknowledges receipt of the following subscriptions Mrs Luxford, Fat Point, £1 Is; Mr F. W, Hales, Flat Point, £1 h, and employes £0 ss. Tho Masterton Philharmonic Society held a very successiul rehearsal of H.M.B Pinafore, Thoy got on very well with tho choruses, and tho piece when put upon the boards will without doubt draw crowded houses. In the House of Representatives yesterday, the Customs and Excise Duties .Bill was resumed in Committee, and the tariff further amended. The Bill was reported, and the consideration of amendments set down for Friday, Napier telegrams state' that very exaggerated reports having been set afloat regarding the damage to the harbor works by the late gale, the Harbor Board held a special meetingycatorday to recoi ve a report from tho Engineer on the subject. He estimates the total damago at under £SOO, and that Mr Fallon's contract is not on the Board. About thirty couples attended the opening of tho Masterton Football Club's Private Quadrille Assembly at the Temperance Hall, on Tuesday evening last, md a most enjoyable evening was spent by all present, it is intended to hold these assemblies weekly. Charles Marklmm, who attempted to murder his wife, Laura Markham, at South Richmond, near Melbourne, on 27th April, by shooting her with a revolver, was tried on Tuesday, and the jury returned a verdict of Guilty, witli a recommendation to mercy. The judge p»B3ed sentence of death,

The Masterton delegates of the Wairarapa Rugby Football Union have given notice for discussion at tho next meeting of delegates: That the Referee have power when cal'ed upon to suspend any player using foul language in any Union match, ondthafc any player refusing to leave the ground when requested to do so by the Referee for a breach of this rule, the (earn playing such member to forfeit the match to their opponents.

The balaiice-slieot of the '.Union Insurance Company shows that after making provision for readjusted losses there is an available balance of £22,88 H 18s Bd. The Directors recommend that £IO,OOO be devoted to tho Jpayment of the usual dividend of 10 per cent., LIO,OOO to be placed to the credit of the re-insurance account, and L788318s 8d to be carried forward to next year. A female visitor from the Empire City who is a stranger to these parts, was lod?ed in tho lock-up this morning Under the influence ot drink she conducted herself in a most disorderly manner in Bannister-street, and endeavored to assault anyone who came near her. 'J'wo constables conveyed her to the Station House, where she continued her yelling and screaming, but will have time to quiet down preparatory to an interview with the Magistrate. . In the Legislative Council yesterday Mr Hart moved, that in the opinion of this Council, in the present financial position of this Colony, it is the duty of the State to bring in aid of the revenue a substantial tax upon the profits derived from the use of the totalisator at race meetings, The Attorney-General expressed surprise that anymeniber should desire to legalise gambling for rovenuo purposes. He believed that while the totalisator had been abused, it had still been the means of suppressing bookmakers. After discussion an amendment was carried that the question be relegated to a Special Committee.

In moving his amendment in the House of Commons censuring the administration of the Government in Ireland, MrMorley said the policy of coercion had failed, and that the magistracy were utterly incapable of fairly administering the law. He said that seventeen members of the House of Commons had been imprisoned under the Government administration in Ireland and at the present time there were forty political offenders confined in a single gaol, He challenged the justice, expediency, or wisdom of the course adopted by the Government in dealing with affairs in Ireland, and also the statements that their Irish policy had been a success. He charged the authorities with provoking outrages by the manner in which they treated offences committed under the Plan of Campaign, which, he asserted, had done no substantial injustice. Mr Goschen replied that when Mr Gladstone resigned the Premiership there was little respect paid to the law by the Irish, and love for England was declining. Mr Dillon ho said was an agrarian, and not a political prisoner, The true reason of the Opposition being indignant at the policy of the Government was, lie thought bocauae the Plan of Campaign had boon defeated. Oil the motion of Mr W. O'Briiiii the debate was adjourned. Workiko-Men.— Before you begin your heavy spring work after a winter of relaxation, your system needs cleansing and strengthening to prevent an attack of Ague, Billions or Spring Fever, or some other Spring sickness that unfits you for a season's work. You will save tiiue, much siokness and groat expense if you will use one bottle of Dr. Soule's American Hop Bitters in your family this month, Don't wait. "Burlington Hawkeve," A Good Housewife.—The good housewife when giving her house its spring renovating, should bear in mind that the dear inmates of her house are more precious than many houses, and that their systems need cleansing by purifying the blood, regulating the stomach and bowels to preyenb and cure the diseases arising from spring malaria and miasma, and she must know that there is nothing that will do it so perfectly and surely as Dr, Soulo's American Hop Bitters, the purest and best of nicdioiu'es. "Concord] N, H. Patriot. 1 The honourable member _ for Kimiara evinced a large amount of wisdom in the debate on the new tariff in supporting the increased duty of 25 per cent oil trimmed millinery, He said tlmt the bonnets and lints locally trimmed were as pretty, if not prettier, than any imported from London or Paris; and, added the honorable member, in a line ({low of enthusiasm," this can easily be proved by a single visit to Te Aro House, Wellington, The honourable member is to be thanked for the justly deserved compliment to our abilities, He only slates in the House what the ladies of Wellington have said in their homes and among their friends, tlmt choice, charming, attractive, and elegant millinery our own special make is to be at all times obtained at Te Aro House, Wellington.

This season is no exception to others that have preceeded it, We never had a greater profusion, a choicer selection or greater taste displayed, We. have never had richer material, more graceful styles, more varied shades of colours, and more brilliant results than m our millinery for the present winter season, at Te Aro House, Wellington, Wellington ladies have always well patronised our millinery department, and it now only remains for our legislators to do the same. With the honourable member for Kumara leading the van, and followed by every member of the House, there might be a grand selection made by each to take to their wives, their cousins, their sisters, or aunts, specimens of artistic skill from the millinery department at the Wholesale Family Drapery Warehouse, Tc Aro House Wellington,-Apvi,

Mr\T, J. Cattle, of Opaki, advertises for sale 60 acres of turnips. 1 The Napier Borough Council has decided to raise a loan of £7OOO, secured on aßpecial rate, to build a sea wall and widen the Marine Parade.

MrG.M. Park, one of the most experienced officers in tho Telegraph Department, is we learn, to be promoted from Mastorton to the cable station at Nelson, His numerous friends will be glad to hear of his good fortune. He will be missed in thia town by the Horticultural Society and other local institutions iu which he has been wont to take a keen interest.

Commenting on the success of the Sydney Loan the Sydney Morning Horald says: •' flew Zealand has never yet been unable to meet her engagements. She has entered on an ora of retrenchment. She has promised , not to go into the money market again for tho next''throe years. Under such a policy as this, with a territory so fertile, and possessing climatic conditions favorable to a measuro df production perhaps larger than any colony, we shall be greatly surprised if New Zealand is not soon in a much more prosperous condition than she has occupied for years past."