1.—5

78

APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A. Instructions referred to in Mr. Cooper's Evidence. (Vide page 25, question 691.) (Circular No. 4.) Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 28th April, 1886. From information which has recently from time to time reached the department, the Colonial Secretary has reason to believe that the increase of rabbits throughout the colony is going on at the present moment at a rate quite as fast, if not faster, than at any time previously, and that this applies to districts in which the existence of the pest has not been known, or at all events has not been reported by the Inspector in charge. I am accordingly instructed to inform you that it is Mr. Buckley's desire that the instructions which have been from time to time given to all Inspectors, directing them to use their best endeavours to eradicate the pest, shall be strictly carried out, and that the provisions of "The Eabbit Nuisance Act, 1882," shall be rigidly enforced on all occasions without respect of persons or fear of any consequences that may ensue from a strict and impartial discharge of his duty by any ■officer employed by the Stock Department. I have, &c, G. S. Coopek.

APPENDIX B. Besolutions referred to in Mr. Eraser's Evidence. (Vide page 64, question 1791.) "Sib,— County Chambers, Clyde, 26th May, 1886. I have the honour, by direction of the Chairman, to forward copy of resolutions passed by this Council at a meeting held on the 26th instant: — " 1. That the responsibility for keeping the rabbits in check on occupied Crown lands devolves primarily on the occupiers thereof. " 2. That, in consequence of the low value of rabbit-skins, in conjunction with the ruinous price for produce of all kinds, it is impossible for the occupiers of land to bear unaided the entire cost of destroying rabbits effectually throughout the year. " 3. That the Government should defray a certain portion of the cost of abating this evil, as, apart from the consideration which it should have for the prosperity of its settlers, it is directly interested in the rabbit question as the landlord of a valuable estate, which is gradually but surely being depreciated. " 4. That for the foregoing reasons the Government be respectfully requested to recommend Parliament at its present sitting to grant a bonus of Id. per skin on all rabbits exported from the colony. "5. That, in the event of this bonus being granted, the provisions of the Eabbit Act should be enforced most stringently against all occupiers of land who fail in their duty to continually keep the pest effectually in check. " 6. That more efficient measures should be adopted for the future in regard to destroying rabbits on unoccupied Crown lands and reserves." I am further directed to solicit your influence and support in the matter, with a view to the resolution being given effect to by the Legislature. I have, &c, John S. Dickie, Clerk, Vincent County Council.

APPENDIX C. Summaey of Payments made during last Einancial Year for Destruction of Babbits on Crown Lands, exclusive of Agents' Wages. £ s. a. £, s. a. Wairarapa North ... ... ... ... 57 10 0 Wairarapa South ... ... ... ... 112 3 1 169 13 1 Kaikoura ... ... ... ... ... 75 0 0 Timaru ... ... ... ... ... 40 9 10 Oamaru ... ... ... ... ... 99 7 3 Waikouaiti ... ... ... ... ... 103 15 0 Dunedin ... ... ... ... ... 246 0 0 Maniototo ... ... ... ... ... 6 17 9 Vincent ... ... ... ... ... 349 0 0 Lake ... ... ... ... ... 536 18 2 Tuapeka ... ... ... ... ... 550 7 0 Clutha ... ... ... ... ... 420 10 6 Southland ... ... ... ... ... 463 4 5 Wallace ... ... ... ... ... 656 15 4 — 3,548 5 3 £3,717 18 4