RABBIT SKINS
DECREASE IN SUPPLIES EFFECT OF FREEZING DEMAND VALUABLE INCOME SOURCE The fact, that the quantities of highgrade rabbit skins coming forward this year are considerably less —a decrease of about 30 per cent.—than has been the case in recent years suggests that rabbits are coming under control to some extent in the South Island. This has no doubt been brought about by the demand from the freezing works, which take up to 75 per cent, of available carcasses. This has not been the case in the North Island, however, and rabbits are on the increase in northern districts. Prices were up at Tuesday’s sales, especially for good winter skins, which are in short supply, with keenest demand for does. Last year the local firms did not get the skins as Canadian competition was particularly strong. The world fur market has been showing considerably lower demand, and prices, although rabbit skins have not been affected to the same extent as some other types of skin. Business has also been diverted to the New Zealand market by the conditions in Australia, where the hatmaking industry went ahead during the war. The demands of this industry, plus the export levy of Is 6d in the lb, has made competition by North American firms difficult, and has brought orders to New. Zealand which would previously have gone to Australia. Rabbits are a remunerative source of income to many men in country employment, and to schoolboys in their leisure time. A considerable trade in skins is done by the city firms with such trappers, although most of the skins received are second-grade because of inexperience in correct methods of treatment on the part of the consignors. However,. with a return of anything from 4d to 4s a skin, part-time rabbiters. who generally manage to collect a week-end bag of from two to five dozen, are making a substantial addition to their income. The value of rabbit skins exported from New Zealand for the 12 months eaided in December last was £1.451,301.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 26504, 4 July 1947, Page 6
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338RABBIT SKINS Otago Daily Times, Issue 26504, 4 July 1947, Page 6
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