DISABLED SOLDIERS

Evening Star, Issue 21004, 19 January 1932, Page 6

DISABLED SOLDIERS

• ——♦ SUGGESTION FOR AID A LIVING IN ANGORA RABBIT FARMS [Special to the ‘ Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, January 18. Further details of a scheme for enabling partially disabled soldiers to obtain a living by breeding Angora rabbits, and supporting themselves by the sale of the wool were discussed at a meeting of the Canterbury Bisabled Soldiers’ Re-establishment Committee today. Mr H. Holland, M.P., chairman, said that in company with Mr Ronaldson he had inspected the farms of two of the leading breeders in Christchurch, and had been very much impressed with what he saw and the possibilities of returned soldiers making a fairly easy living, commencing with a small amount of capital. He had been informed by a breeder that, according to advice received from the manufacturers, there was practically an unlimited demand for rabbit wool. That produced in New Zealand was equal to any produced in the dominions. Manufacturers were now asking for wool two and a-half inches in length, instead of three and a-half inches, with the result that the work involved in shearing would be greatly reduced. Mr C. J. Ronaldson said he considered the scheme an excellent one for absorbing the labour of returned soldiers.

“ I think it is worth while to attempt to settle a number of men in this occupation on plots of two or three acres, large enough to grow feed for 500 rabbits,” said Mr W. E. Leadley. “ The scheme would provide work for those men who, from physical causes, are unable to work full time.’ ’

It was decided that a deputation interview the Commissioner of Crown Lands on the question of abandoned poultry farms being taken over by disabled soldiers fox - the purpose of breeding Angora rabbits for wool.