RABBIT FARMING.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20448, 19 January 1932, Page 4

RABBIT FARMING.

WORK FOR DISABLED MEN. SOLDIERS' COMMITTEE INTERESTED. Tho Canterbury Disabled Soldiers' Civil Re-establishment Committee is interested in angora rabbit farming for disabled men, and at its mcctingjyestcrday decided to make further enquiries into the matter. The chairman, Mr H. Holland, M.l\, reported on a recent visit paid to two rabbit farms near the City, and said that he was much impressed with what ho had seen and been told concerning the industry. There was a good demand for angora wool, according to what he had been able to learn, and the rabbits bred rapidly. Canterbury wool was in great favour and it was possible to shear four times a year, instead of three times, which would return 10 ounces of wool per animal per year. The wool was worth 30s per lb. He understood that from two to five acres of land was sufficient for the farming of 500 rabbits together with the growing of foodstuffs for them. He suggested that a deputation from the committee should wait on the Commissioner for Crown Lands with a view to ascertaining if there was a possibility of obtaining land for the purpose. It was deeided to interview the Commissioner of Crown Lands in the matter. It was also decided to write to the Minister in charge of the Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Scheme (the Hon. E. A. Ransom) asking him if he would be prepared to receive a deputation from disabled soldiers who were desirous of taking up passion fruit growing in the North Island and to recommend that Mr Lead ley accompany the deputation as chief spokesman.

The meeting was attended by Mossrs H. Holland, M.P. (chairman), C. .T. Ronaldson, E. F. Willox, V. ]\l Robson, A. H. Parfitt, J Murphv, and W. E. Leadley (Vocational Officer).