CHINCHILLA PELTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 842, 10 December 1929, Page 7

CHINCHILLA PELTS

GOOD MARKET FOR FUR REVIVAL IN HOME TRADE The Moawhango Rabbit Board recently decided to inform the Minister of Agriculture that, on account of the serious collapse in Chinchilla pelt prices, there was a danger of rabbitbreeders in New Zealand liberating their stock to become a pest to the farmers. This matter was discussed at the Auckland Fur Club’s meeting last evening, when it was announced there was no foundation for this fear. It was stated that an excellent market existed for first-class Chinchilla pelts. Practically no first-class pelts of these valuable animals were yet being marketed in New Zeaeland. but a parcel of Chinchilla pelts, which had been classed second grade by the owner, were recently sold by auction in Wellington at 5s 6d each, while some fourteen-weeks-old baby Chinchilla pelts received bids of 3s each.

Authentic reports of a remarkable revival of the demand for Angora wool were received, four notable illustrations being given. America was bidding for the whole of the British output, Messrs. Berry and Co., the Huddersfield weavers, had offered to buy the British output at 23s a lb first grade and give a two years’ contract, the big Derwent Angora mills had resumed full buying, while Xinthin and Matthews, who recently entered the business on a basis equivalent to 29s a lb first grade, were now appealing to their 3,000 suppliers not to desert them now the revival had come.

It was decided to hold a large meeting of rabbit-keepers next month to discuss rabbit green-feed and to examine good and poisonous plants with the help of an experienced botanist.