The Minister replied that he had received a number of resolutions - some asking why action was not being taken against persons for not carrying out the destruction of the weeds and the rabbits, and others asking why such prosecutions were being gone on with - and a report was being drawn up on the question.
He wanted to say to the settlers that it was in their interests and the interests of the country generally that there should be no need for any prosecutions.
There were many people in New Zealand to-day who realised the disaster the rabbit pest caused in the olden days, and it appeared to him very necessary that the rabbits should be kept in check if possible.
It was being pointed out to him by certain people that it was not much use their trying to cope with the rabbit pest if the neighbours did not do their share.
However, when the report he was having compiled came before him, said the Minister, he would be better able to make up his mind as to the course he should pursue.
•The annual statement of affairs of the Electric Gold Dredging Company gives the date of registration as September 2, 1899 and the nominal capital as 26,000, the whole of which has been subscribed.
The present number of shareholders is 267, and the company employs 20 men. The amount of gold won during last year was 1640oz 7dwt, valued at 6423 12s 2d, making the total amount won since registration 61,928 oz 19dwt 7gr (value not stated).
The amount expended on operations since the last statement was 5642 8s 2d, and the total expenditure since registration has been 113,829 3s 6d. Dividends have been paid totalling 133,892 10s.
The company has cash in the bank amounting to 3310 17s 8d, and there is in hand the sum of 12 13s 11-1/2d. There are no debts directly due to the company, but there are debts due by it amounting to 419 5s 1d.
•The death of Mrs E. M. L. Studholme, aged 79 years, has occurred at her home at LeCren's terrace, Timaru. Mr Michael Studholme was the first pioneer to settle at Waimate, as far back as 1854.
The deceased lady married on April 18, 1860, and experienced all the vicissitudes of the early days. The late Mrs Studholme was well known for the many benefactions she bestowed on Waimate, and she evinced a keen interest in Anglican Church matters.
Mr Studholme predeceased his wife in 1886, and seven years ago Mrs Studholme took up her residence in Timaru. Mrs Studholme leaves three sons and three daughters, survivors of a family of 10, to mourn their loss - Mrs A. Boyle (Christchurch), Mrs Barker (Woodbury), Mrs M. Innes-Jones (Te Kuiti), Mr E. C. Studholme (Waimate), Mr P. Studholme (Studholme Junction), and Mr H. Studholme (Birchwood).
•The Anderson Bay Ratepayers' Association, which was mainly instrumental in bringing about the amalgamation of the Anderson Bay district with the city, has now directed its activities into a particularly estimable channel.
The members of the association have decided, in cases where gardens in the district have got into disrepair, or require attention, and lack such attention through members of the family having gone to the front, to turn out, and do the necessary work.
The gardens will be looked after till ''the boys come marching home.''
- ODT, 8.2.1917.
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