MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 50, 29 January 1932, Page 12

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) FOXTON, Jan. 28. The monthly meeting of the Manawatu Rabbit Board was held . this afternoon, Trustee B. G. Gower presiding. Also prosent were Trustees Barber, MoKelvie, Raikes, Grammar, Boswell and Gloyn. The inspector suggested that tho Government be asked to remit the duty on cyanide as this was fairly heavy, and a reduction in this direction would mako a big difference to the cost; The cyanide was used practically solely for the purpose of rabbit destruction and' this was in the interests of the country. It was decided'.to write to tho Minister of Internal Affairs asking that the duty be remitted, : and to soek the support of tho. Rabbit Boards’ Association in this connection.

The Department, of Agriculture wrote, acknowledging reoeipt of the board’s letter suggesting that tho Rangitikei River bed land bo leased and stated that as this was a matter for tho consideration of the Lands and Survey Department tho suggestion had been forwarded on to that department, Tho Commissipner of Crown Lands forwarded a copy of a plan of the Manawatu district and askod tho board to point out the areas in question in tho Rangitikei River bod. Tho inspeotor pointed out, however, that tho plan was out of dato and tho river had changed its course sinco the plan’s preparation and it was decided to ask that a field officer mako ah inspec, tion of the land in the company of the inspector with a view to reaching finality on the matter.

1 The Department of Agriculture wrote advising that tho next .election of Trustees to tho board would have to be held on the dato of the triennial election of councillors, the second Wednesday in May. next, and that in futuro the board shall comprise five elective members only, instoad of seven as at present. The secretary was appointed returning officer. V The inspector reported that ho had been engaged in the general inspection of properties both in regard to rabbit destruction and the clearing of noxious weeds. The weather for the most part.-of the month 'had been very dry and as in the previous period had been most suitable for breeding, but evidenco .of this was not so . great at tho present time, and it was taking place in only odd places. Stoats have become more noticeable lately and no doubt had boon of groat advantago in checking, tho increase of young rabbits. Tho district on the wlwlo. was m very fair order. Ho thought' tho conditions were better than they wore this time last year. Notwithstanding this fact a .fair amount of pollard poisoning was necessary at tho present time. It. was most important that this work bo carried out immediately as it was from properties such as theso that the rabbits came later to the clear country. A certain amount of fumigation had been Carried out wherever necessary. A plant brought in for identification at the last mooting proved to bo priokly lettuce—a. plant whiob spread rapidly and which was an irritant as far as stock, were concerned; All tho plants on tho Bainesso Road had been pulled and tho spread would be kept fn check. Less clearing of noxious weeds has taken place on account of other seasonal duties having to be carried out. Spraying was carried out at the end of December on the experimental block of onethird of an acre of gorse at Makowhai and results so far were fairly satisfactory. Further spraying would have to be dono on this plot owing to tho great variety of weeds and "long grass experienced.—The report was adopted and accounts amounting to £46 10s passed for payment.