Rat-Catching as an Industry

under his care.

Rat-Catching As An

INDUSTRY From a Special Correspondent LORD HOWE IS., Jan. 1.

THE gathering- of Kentia palm-seeds, which is the principal industry of this inland, will take place in March. The crop is only a fair one, compared with last year’s, which was one of the best for some years past.

Rat-catching is the next industry in importance. The total number of tails handed in for the October-December quarter was 4,370, the highest individual tally being 865. Tails are paid for at 4d each.

Lest any mainlander get the idea of coming here and trying his hand at ratcatching, let me say that the tails are only purchased from bona-fide islanders. About 15,000 are handed in each year.

The rats do much damage, chiefly by eating the palm-seeds.

The arrangements recently made by the Board of Control to provide for a succession of doctors to visit the island is greatly appreciated by the islanders. Dr. Alan Plashman, of Sydney, has completed his