He referred to the action of the Agricultural Department, through its inspectors, in prosecuting farmers for failing to keep down rabbits at Greenfield and Balclutha. He characterised the action of the magistrate in suggesting to one farmer that his wife and daughter should help in the destruction of the rabbits, and in imposing the maximum penalties as un-British and unfair. He pointed out difficulties under which farmers were working through being unable to get labour on account of the war, and moved that the council telegraph to the Acting Prime Minister protesting against this unfair business, and suggesting that the whole of the operations of the department be suspended during the war, and the officers forced into productive work. Cr Clark, in seconding the motion, said that this was persecution without a doubt. The men should be employed on productive work. The inspection of noxious weeds and rabbits had not done the slightest bit of good. Cr Boyd agreed to support the motion provided the latter portion dealing with the officers of the department was deleted.
The Rev. Mr McIntyre gave the Dunedin Presbytery a short sketch of the history of Bible-reading in State schools, going back about 12 years, when classes were formed in several suburban schools. Three years later the movement was extended, and from that time on to the present the lessons in the schools had been kept up. Every effort had been made to further extend the classes, and it was a pleasure to realise that this year Bible lessons would be given in all the public schools in Dunedin. This year they would be giving to over 4000 children a lesson in Bible knowledge once a week for half an hour. Instead of opposition, they were now finding every encouragement, and the committees were unanimous in approving of the Bible lesson. He appealed to all ministers not taking part in the teaching to do so, and moved - ``Express thankfulness to God for the success attending the day school Bible classes in Dunedin; cordially commend the movement to the prayerful sympathy of parents; express our appreciation of the helpful interest in the work shown by head masters, teachers, and school committees; and, further, resolve that a committee of Presbytery be set up to watch over and foster the enterprise, which committee shall report on the progress of the work at least once a year.'' The Rev Mr Trotter seconded the motion, which was carried, and reference was made to the excellent work of Mr McIntyre in forwarding the movement.
A Press Association telegram from Christchurch states that the Hon. Mr Russell (Minister of Internal Affairs) made the following statement yesterday:- ``The attention of the Government has been drawn to a large number of women who are leaving New Zealand at present for the Mother Country, and it has been decided that restrictions be imposed on these in future. It has, therefore, been decided that in future passports shall not be issued to women, except in cases of exceptional necessity. The policy restricting the departure of men will be still further tightened also.'' - ODT, 7.2.1917.
