27 APRIL 1901, Page 16

A WAR ON RATS.

[To THE EDITOR OF TILE " SP ECTATOR."1 SIR,—Your interesting article in the Spectator of April 20th raises many questions and speculations. When I was in Fiji two or three years ago, studying among other things the decline of the native population, I was informed on good authority that since the annexation of the islands and the establishment of regular shipping communication the native Fijian rat at Suva had practically disappeared before the British rat, who had effected a landing after the manner you describe as characteristic of these vermin. Perhaps some of your readers can offer confirmation and explanation of this or analogous incidents.—I am, Sir, &c., National Liberal Club. SYDNEY MtLLIFAX.