RABBIT BOARD.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3941, 17 October 1891, Page 2

RABBIT BOARD.

A special meeting of the North Wairarapa Babbit Board was held yesterday afternoon to appoint a Returning Officer, (Inspector Drummond having resigned) and transact other important business. There were present Messrs W. H. Beetham (Chairman), Groves, Moore, Maunsell, Murray, and Inspector Drummond. Inspector Drummond stated that he had no reason for sending in his resignation beyond his not wishing to act.

I The resignation having been accepted, the Chairman tuoved that Mr Harcomb, the Secretary, be appointed Returning Officer. Mr OJrovds seconded, —Carried. Mr Groves said there appeared to be a general feeling amongst settlers around Masterton that they should join the Board. They did not, however, wish to be taxed for stoats and weasels. He would like to know what steps should be taken to include these settlers in the district.

The Chairman explained that the boundaries would have to be altered.

Inspector Drummond did not think they could alter the boundaries before the coming election. Mr Maunsell said it appeared to him that the Board had been formed for the specific object of importing stoats and weasels.

Inspector Drummond thought that large Boards were desirable. At the same time he heard that i petition was being circulated in the district, trying to " squash " the Board aB at present constituted. Mr Moore had also heard a good deal of complaint about the Board. The Chairman stated that any alteration %>f boundaries after the forthcoming election would necessitate another election.

Inspector Drummond did not think they could do anything in the matter. The question was then allowed to drop. Mr Murray pointed out that at last meeting the Board had not given notice to its staff.

Inspector Drumraocd said the Btaff could retain office under their present appointments. The Chairman : The staff has been appointed by the Board. It is not necessary to re-appoint them. Inspector Mackay wrote, requesting that Mr Bunny be instructed to appear as counsel in the Elder appeal case.

Mr Maunsell: It is these heajy legal expenses which choke people off the Board. Of course we cannot help it. The Chairman thought there was no use taking notice of the growling of ratepayers. They hud to take action when necessary. It was resolved that Mr Bunny be instructed to appear for the Board. The Inspector was empowered to engage the services of Mr (3. J. Freeth as interpreter when necessary. The meeting then adjourned.