RABBITSKIN MARKET.

Otago Witness, Issue 2209, 2 July 1896, Page 27

RABBITSKIN MARKET.

Messrs Edward Thomas and Co., wool, sheepskin, rabbitskin, hide,- hair, and tallow merchants, Bond street, report as follows :— Skins are coming to hand freely, and fully three-fourths of supplies reaching Duuedin are pissing through our hands. This can easily be verified by referring to the export returns, and the fact, we think, speaks for itself, and shows that we give the best prices. We have no desire to blow 01UV.0WU trumpet, and simply make these remarks ns a set-off against incorrect reports published by some of the firms engaged in the trade. Wo are forry to notice so many consignments coming to hand in very damp condition, and also that several are so badly got up. This is a great mistake, for if rabbiters want to secure full, value for tbeir kkius they must pay more attention to drying and cleaning. Many of the manufacturers with whom we (for instance) do buiiness object to take badly-prepared lots. Fat is one of the worst enemies known to the trade, for when it melts and runs into the fur the latter ia serioisly depreciated in value.

As prices have for some time paßt bosn forced j beyond the London equivalent, and as ordera cannot now be obtained except at a reduction in. price, rates at auction this week were a little easier, 12Jd being top price for prime winter bucks and doo3, with a shade more for speoially prime lots. AufumiH nnd summers wero also in less nqueiif, but still ma c. prices leaving no ruaigiu for speculators.