OPOSSUM SKINS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30145, 31 May 1963, Page 13

OPOSSUM SKINS

Optimism On Prices (N.Z. Press Association) ,NEW PLYMOUTH, May 30. "In spite of a drop in prices, I do not think the boitom has fallen out ot the opossum skin market,” a New Plymouth skin dealer, Mr J. G. Armstrong, said tonight. Rather, I think the fall has brought prices back to a realistic level.” Mr Armstrong returned to New Plymouth today after a brief visit overseas, during which he investigated the opossum skin market in England, and attended two auction sales of skins in London.

Only 20 per cent, of the 150,000 skins put up for auction had been sold, and ;t addition, a further 200.000 skins arrived at London after the closing date, and were not even entered. However, many of the unsold skins would be bought by private treaty and most >1 the remainder would be entered in the next auction, he said.

Mr Armstrong suggested two major reasons for the tall in prices: At the closing sale of last season, the demand was a little greater than the supply, and this had pushed prices up to a high level At this month’s auctions, there had been a definite oversupply and buyers could be more selective. The bulk of the skins on offer were summer-killed, which were lighter in the pelt, and a quite different fur quality to w nter fur*, and were less sought after.