RABBIT FARMING FOR PROFIT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 579, 8 October 1932, Page 29 (Supplement)

RABBIT FARMING FOR PROFIT.

(By

“LAPIN.”)

Reminders. October 10—Executive meeting. October 15—C.R.8.A. inspection afternoon. C.E.B.A. Meeting-. The monthly meeting of the C.R.B.A. was held last Thursday evening, Mr W. G. Wright presiding. Correspondence was received from a North Island breeder asking for information regarding the rabbit industry. The following new members were elected: Mesdames C. A. B. Williams, A. E. Whitmore, K. Oppenhein, Misses Jean Ellen, C. Whitmore, J. Ragg, V. Stephens, Messrs C. Priestly, S. Elphick, S. Whitmore, IT. Haycock, C. Gutteridge, Harold Bailey, J. F. Stokes and L. Jackman. The treasurer (Mr H. A. Dawber) submitted the annual report and balancesheet, which was adopted. A talk was given by Mr W. G. Wright on “FurProducing Rabbits.” During the course of his remarks the speaker briefly traced the progress made by fur farming during the past few years and gave an outline of the considerable improvement in the breeding of fur-bearing rabbits. The origin of the new Rex rabbits was explained, and some interesting information regarding their first appearances in England was also given. The speaker claimed that Lady Watson, Lady Layland Barriitt and Captain Brumwell were the principal breeders responsible for the first consignments of Rexes received in England. A vote of thanks was passed to the speaker. Notes. Breeders are advised that a further consignment, of Angora wool will be dispatched by the C.R.B.A. on Wednesday next, and any breeder having wool to dispose of should see that it is forwarded to tho association’s depot, 158, Hereford Street, not later than Wednesday morning. An indication of the prospects for the future marketing of Angora wool is clearly shown by advice received from a well-known Christchurch breeder. This breeder reports that after negotiations extending over a lengthy period

he has received confirmation from a s British mill to guarantee to accept a * large quantity of Angora wool from 1 New Zealand breeders annually for a < period of five years. The present prices 1 paid by this mill are particularly satis- * factory, but future supplies will, of t course, be subject to any general market fluctuations. This breeder also reports having received. recently an offer j from an American firm to handle all , supplies of Angora wool and dispose of , same for a period of fifteen years. Unfortunately there is a substantial proteetlve tariff placed on all Angora wool < imported into the United States, and ( this fact may render the American ~ firm's offer of little value to New Zea- , land breeders, but the fact that at least ( one firm is prepared to accept wool over j such a lengthy period from even breed- , ers in tlieir own country, must give con- t siderable encouragement to all interested in the industry. Further details with regard to the English mill’s contract will be included in this column at ] a later date. A meeting of the executive of the C.R.B.A. will be held in the club rooms on Monday evening next at eight. Urgent business is to receive attention and all executive members are asked to be present. In addition to holding a number of field-afternoons during the coming year, the C.R.B.A. has decided to hold “ inspection afternoons,” the first of which will be held on Saturday next. All members and any persons interested are asked to meet at the club rooms, Hereford Street, at 2 p.m. Arrangements are being made for suitable conveyances, and a tour will be made of a number of rabbitries in the Spreydon district. Ample time will be allowed to enable the visitors to inspect the stock and ascertain some information as to the methods adopted by the proprietor of each particular rabbitry visited. Further information can be obtained from tiie secretary (Mr J. E. 11. Cox), 24, Quinn’s Road, Shirley. For the first time the Ashburton A. and P. Association has included a rabbit section in its annual show, which is to be held in November next. Much credit is due to Mr H. R. Hopwood, Ashburton show secretary for the C.R.8.A., for the fine work he has done during the past few weeks in making the necessary arrangements for the inclusion of this section. C.R.B.A. headquarters hope that a large number of entries will go forward from Christchurch, and arrangements have been made for

special conveyance at a reasonable cost. Schedules can be obtained from "Mr H. R. Hopwood. Mona Square, Ashburton, or from Mr J. E. H. Cox, Christchurch. It is to be hoped that the Christchurch members of the C.R.B.A. will rally round their country members for this show. . M t’l It Is understood that the new organisation formed in Christchurch for the advancement of rabbit fur farming is going ahead with preliminary details, and at a very early date full details will be supplied to readers, through this column, of the nature and objects of the organisation. The writer, in an interview with one of the supporters of the organisation, was assured that its principal objects were to protect rabbit fur farmers and to place the pelt production side of . the industry on a more secure footing. Answers to Correspondents. R.—The article on " Retarded Growth ” has been withheld until next Saturday.