RBBIT BOARD.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3910, 11 September 1891, Page 2

RBBIT BOARD.

Inspector's Report-

The following report of the Inspector was read at the meeting of the North Waitarapa Babbit Board held on Thursday:— Sib. —Since my last report poisoning operations have practically been completed, although a little patch work is still going on. From the Overseers' reports it will be noticed that taking the district as a whole the work of destruction has been well carried out. Great care will have to be exercised on several properties to prevent the pest again assuming serious proportions. In fact, throughout the district, settlers must take most active steps during the next two or three months as the rabbits, owing to the very favourable season, are increasing very rapidly. With regard to extra supervision, the four Overseers, have received notice that their services will net be required after this date. Keeping in view the probability of a very favorable season for the increase of the pest, and the carelessness of a number of owners in not taking efficient steps, I would ask the Board to seriously consider the necessity of retaining the services of two of the Overseers for another month or two.

I regret to say that I have had to prosecute two settlers for neglecting to destroy the pest, and I fear that several other informations will hare to be laid unless more efficient steps are immediately taken. It is most difficult to make many owners see the economy of making strenuous efforts to reduce the rabbits at this particular season. Many who have had a good poisoning think that little if any further steps are necessary. Some again hare an idea that they are being harshly treated if asked to keep the pest below the minimum •f previous years. These Bottlers forget that the main object is to keep on reducing the rabbi's lower and lower until such time as the natural enemy will hold the balance of power. Ferrets have been liberated during the past month on the following pro* perties . —Glenburn (68), Glendher (12), Flat Point (56). A number have also been kept for breeding purposes. The animals were introduced from Kaikora by Mr F, A 1 core. I have carefully examined some country where the underground water courses have been cut in, and bisulphide of carbon used in the burrows, and I cannot but express my opinion that the result is most satisfactory. The country I allude to I have never known so free of rabbits for the last ten years. It will be noticed in the Overseers' report that they speak also favourably of the case of bi-sulphate. In conclusion I may for your information state tbat the central portion of the district is the worst infested, and requires most attention, the northern and southern ends being exceptionally clear of the pest. Tour obedient servant, Thomas Maokay, Maßterton,