ABOUT BRER RABBIT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19136, 2 April 1924, Page 3

ABOUT BRER RABBIT.

KEEN HUNT THIS SEASON. INDUSTRY’S GREAT GROWTH. It is estimated that, before the winter is ended, soniewhere about 3000 men will be pursuing Brer Rabbit in Otago and Southland, either for the whole or part of their working time. When it is considered that 2000 women and children may be said to be dependent to a varying degree on the activities of these men it will be apparent to what an extent this industry has grown in the country, one of the main sources of production. The season has opened promisingly so far as prices are concerned, and this, combined with the returns secured last year by those engaged in the calling, has resulted in an even greater interest in the prospects for those following the calling than in the past. , In these circumstances it is of interest to recall that the rabbit was at first a welcome guest to these shores, that it was taken under the wing of the Government and gazetted “protected”; but the kindly soli and climate resulted in such prolific breed-

ing that in some cases holders of runs were almost ruined and driven off their properties by the rodent, which eats out of all proportion to its size. There followed the importation of the animal’s enemies the weasel, the ferret, and the stoat they in their turn being protected. Now the rabbit is considerably less numerous than of yore, but its enemies are increasing alarmingly in some districts, and doubtless the time is not so far distant when war upon them will receive official sanction and encouragement. It is not so very long since “a rabhitskin coat” was looked upon as something “cheap and nasty” in some circles, but so rnuen has the treatment of skins

improved within the past few years that it is no easy mattery except perhaps for the expert, to tell the rabbit-skin garment from that made of much more expensive furs. A representative of the Daily Times was shown various imitations of black seal, beaver, mid mole prepared in London from New Zealand skins, and they loft him little short of the frame of mind described as “thunderstruck.” The work was certainly beautiful to a degree, and representatives of it have been prepared for the Wembley Exhibition where it is certain to make a considerable impression among those who have not looked upon the humble rabbit as a rival of the leas accessible animals. It may bo noted mat the export of the skins has fallen away greatly, although the value has increased remarkably. In fact, the number of skins to be sent overseas has decreased by about 55 per cent, {in 1893 there wore 33,000,000 skins exported), the present average being about 14,500,000 skins annually. Dqring the war period there was a striking increase in values, nearly £75,000 worth of skins being despatched in the 1919-20 season, but since then the average has declined to about .£450,000 per year. So it will bo seen that the drastic steps taken to destroy the rabbits, other developments such os closer settlement ( and the wire-netting of farms, while to some extent keeping the pest in check, have not by any means affected the returns. "The scarcity of low-priced furp suitable for ladies’ garments, the wonderful improvements scientifically applied for transforming skins into attractive and beautiful furs, and the universal desire of the gentler sex for furs, indicate" (said a leading exporter to a Daily Times reporter) “a continued strong demand for best New Zealand winters, whilst the vogue of the straw hat being past there is produced an insistent demand for the lower grades of skins from which are made the finest felt for headgear.”