11.—18

1889. NEW ZEALAND.

THE RABBIT NUISANCE (ANNUAL REPORTS ON).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Eeports forwarded by Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors to the Hon. the Minister of Lands (Stock Branch) in reply to the following circular: — (1.) What means have been adopted for destroying rabbits ? (2.) Have you any recommendations to make ? (3.) What progress has there been made? (4.) How many tenders have been accepted ? (5.) What did the whole of them amount to ? (6.) Number and description of reserves you will require to deal with, and the approximate area of such available for grazing purposes ? (7.) What quantity of phosphorus was used for Government purposes? (8.) What quantity was sold to private individuals? (9.) What was the quantity on hand on the 31st March, 1889 ? (10.) Number of prosecutions ? (11.) Number of convictions ? (12.) Number of dismissals ? (13.) Names of owners of properties dealt with under section 11 ? (14.) Number of ferret-breeders ? (15.) Have any ferrets been turned out by Government; if so, how many, and with what results ? (16.) Have any ferrets been turned out by private owners ; if so, about how many, and with what results ? General Remarks:

Auckland Disteict. Sir, — Sheep Inspector's Office, Auckland, 18th May, 1889. I have the honour to forward herewith the annual rabbit report of the Auckland District for the year ended the 31st March, 1889, together with replies from myself and Sub-Inspectors to the queries referred to in circular. The Auckland District is peculiarly situated so far as the rabbit is concerned. Poison cannot be used, as it would destroy the Maoris' pigs, upon which they principally depend for food, and the greater bulk of the rabbits are either on or adjacent to the Native lands. The improvement during the past year, especially since the bonus system has been adopted with the Waikato Natives, is evident, and should they continue to work as vigorously as has been the case the pest in Native country will be reduced to a minimum. Between the 31st March, 1888, and the 31st March, 1889, 65,877 skins at 3d., and 1,444 at 2d., were paid for to Natives, or a total of 68,321, with an expenditure of £835 9s. lid. in payment of skins for the year. The only natural enemies in this district are hawks and cats. The latter are pretty numerous, and are of great service. Were it possible, I should like to see ferrets liberated in the King country on the verge of the infested area. I have, Ac, Benj. P. Bayly, Inspector. The Hon. the Minister of Lauds (Stock Branch), Wellington.

(1.) Shooting, hunting with dogs, digging out, and trapping. The latter is the principal mode of destruction on private properties and Crown lands. (2.) That some measures be adopted by which blocks of lands held by absentees could be more easily dealt with in recovery of expenditure for destroying rabbits thereon, and that the bonus to Maoris for skins taken on Native lands be continued. (3.) Very good progress. The rabbits are considerably reduced on European holdings, and the decrease in the King country is very apparent, (4.) Nil. {%.), (6.), (7.), (8.) Nil. (9.) 251b. (10.), (11.), (12.), (13.), (14.), (150, (16.) Nil.