FUR INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 6 October 1936, Page 5

FUR INDUSTRY

KEEN CORONATION DEMAND.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright;

LONDON, October 4

Furriers anticipate that a decided fillip will be given ther trade by the demand lon Coronation robes next year, and in several quarters reports have already been made that there will he a shortage of the more valuable and rarer furs, with a consequent increase' in price. At present dealers in “raw” furs have noticed no unusual demands ulpon their stocks, and are cautious when forecasting a rise in price. General opinion is that an accurate review of the position cannot be made until next January, when it is anticipated that many orders will lie made.

It is believed unlikely that prices for New Zealand and Australian rabbit and opossum skins will show a sharp rise, mainly because this type of fur will not be much in demand for Coronation purposes. In addition, supplies are adequate, for the Continental demand, particularly from Germany and Italy, is reduced to a minimum. Lack of /cash and Government restrictions have reduced demands from those two countries, and only the cheaper furs are sought. Where German buyers mi edit formerly place an order for £20,000, they now buy only about £SOO worth of fur. At the moment it is thought likely, that should an unusually heavy run be made on fur, price s for New Zealand produce may rise anything from J per cent, to 10 per cent.