TRAPPING RABBITS IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3126, 28 July 1892, Page 2

TRAPPING RABBITS IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

The Governor and party drove out to see the result of the trap round Stoueydam, ou Amphitheatre Station, the property of the Hon. John Lackey. The trap was only completed the previous afternoon, and consists of wire netting round the dam, with cunningly contrived apertures, which admit entrance but prevent exit. This was the first trial of its efficacy. On arrival no less than 1532 rabbits were seen running in the enclosure. Mauy of the visitors entered the enclosure with sticks, aud proceeded to kill the rabbits. An exciting and pitiable scene of slaughter ensued, the rabbits being hurled through the air into the middle of the dam, and maimed, brained, jumped ou, and kicked out of existence. Many of those thrown into the dam succeeded in ' swimming to the bank, but only to be promptly crushed. They whimpered, j podged, got behind posts, attempted to hide under dead bodies of previous victims, but to no purpose, and before long they were all knocked on the head, thrown into heaps, and counted. Although recognising the necessity that the rabbits must be killed, the Governor did not appear to like witnessing the proceeding. On the property of the eame owner are four other traps of the same kind, anc. in four nights these traps caught 10,050 rabbits. These traps were started three weeks ago, and are working effectively. It is necessary for their succees that there be not a vestige of green erass, for if there is the rabbits do not trouble about the water. The cost of this one trap is about £12, the area enclosed being half an acre. The experiment was made under the management of Mr J. Hervoy, managor of Rncliwaroon Station.