RABBIT INSPECTOR'S REPORT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3934, 9 October 1891, Page 2

RABBIT INSPECTOR'S REPORT.

The following report was presented by Inspector Mackay to the monthly meeting of the Wairarapa North Babbit Board on Thursday :

inspector's report,

Masterton, October 7th, 1891. The Chairman North Wairarapa Rabbit Board, Masterton.

Sir,—l have to report that during the past month I have visited the worst infeoted portions of the district, and with a few exceptions find; that the rabbits are less numerous than they have been for some years. But with the fine season we ore having 1 anticipate a large increase of the pesc uuless settlers make the . most strenuous efforts. The rain during the middle of last month destroyed fr number of youngones in the burrow?. Bi-sulphide of carbon is beiDg used on several stations, and I am satisfied it is one of the best means of destroying rabbits in the burrows, especially about river or creek banks, where the

burrows are very large. It is found to be most effective when exploded by throwing a match on the carbon after it has been introduced into the burrow. It is noticeable that wherever underground water exists rabbits are more or less numerous, and I must impress on settlers the necetsity of adopting means to destroy these harbours of refuge. A considerable amount of trapping is being dene; this can hardly be avoided on damp country where poisoning has not been effected. I have not, however, heard of any stoats or weasels being caught in the traps. I find that in many instances settlers are not following up tho work of poisoning with sufficient vigor. There appears to be an impression that because the pest is lower than it was last year sufficient has been done. lam perfectly convinced that on a great many places if after poisoning the work of destruction was oontinued for three or four months little or no poisoning would be necessary next winter, and thuTl think is the end the settlers ah-Ald ~, trv and attain. With regnrd to natural enemy, I have heard Of a number of instances where the young, rabbits have been found killed by'' them, and I feel sure that where the rabbits have been well got under, ' and the country suitable, a great deal of good work is being done by them. In the northern end of the district where the pest is exceptionally well under I think there can be no'doutit that the natural enemy is gaining the ascendancy for the labour employed could never have kept tho pest so well under. In conclusion I may state that I consider on the whole the rabbits are much less numerous than they have been for tho last four or five years, and I be'» lieve a number of settlers hold the srooe opinion. I should be pleased if the Board would ask the Chief-In-spector of the Colony to visit tbxdistrict and report on its state, for I feel sure it will compare most favorably with any other rabbit infected district in the Colony.