Time to take handson approach to rabbit issue

WITH reference to your article (ODT, 21.10.20) concerning problems with rabbits on the Otago Peninsula.

Prior to the Otago Regional Council becoming involved, control of rabbits on the peninsula was undertaken by the Saddle Hill Pest Board and carried out by two staff dedicated to peninsula control activities (mainly poisoning and night shooting) directed by the board foreman and overseen by the board.

Keeping rabbits down to an acceptable level was always difficult due to the low natural mortality rate of young bunnies in areas such as Sandymount and the Clearwater Flats. In addition, control was difficult around builtup areas where shooting and poisoning could not be undertaken for safety reasons.

The board’s ability to coordinate control activities so that adjoining properties were dealt with simultaneously aided control greatly, but there were still times when rabbits reached unacceptable numbers.

The advent of calicivirus has probably had some beneficial effect but needs to be augmented by poisoning and shooting.

The ORC will need to have a handson approach with peninsuladedicated staff to organise and carry out control if the present problem is going to be resolved.

D. Lyders

Berwick

Hospital chapel

I AGREE with Dr Peter Strong (Letters, 28.10.20): ‘‘Giving succour to others is a commitment and privilege for all, and that we do it together is an exciting prospect.’’

The envisaged hospital chapel for Dunedin can be shared by all who provide succour.

Chaplains of all denominations or faiths should be welcome to share the chapel.

One brand does not have a monopoly on all the truth.

I am grateful for the chaplain who came to give my daughter the last rites last year and for the time of quiet and peace I found in the hospital chapel.

We all need to care for each other and allow others to minister to their own.

Winton Davies NZ Hospital Chaplains’ Association past president

Wanaka