POSSIBLE INDUSTRY FOR DOMINION

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 296, 10 September 1938, Page 10

POSSIBLE INDUSTRY FOR DOMINION

Visitor’s Suggestion RAISING OF FUR-BEARING* ANIMALS Dominion Special Service. AUCKLAND, September 9. The opinion that a profitable furfarming industry could easily, be established in New Zealand was expressed by Mr. C. C. L. Gaussen, an English fur-farmer, who arrived from London by the Tamaroa en route, to Australia. Such animals as mink would thrive in the New Zealand climate and a ready market for their valuable furs would be found in London, he said. Fur-farming had been introduced with great success in Canada, England and Norway during recent years. Although the number of farmers and the production of skins was rapidly growing, there was no fear of supply meeting the demand until at least 20 years. Even then, a market for the skin of mink would still remain for, because of its silkiness, hard-wearing qualities, and light weight, it would always be popular. Although he advocated breeding in captivity, Mr. Gaussen said there was little chance of mink becoming a nuisance in the wild state. Because of the value of its pelt, which at present ranged between £3 and £7, any stray animal would soon be trapped. The mink lived principally on a diet of fish and meat, being an enemy of small animals such as rabbits. It also ate birds, vegetables and cereals.