RATS AND MICE

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22460, 22 September 1944, Page 5

RATS AND MICE

WOMEN S UNUSUAL TASK A young woman in a room full of rats and mice is an unusual situation and one that would be scarcely relished by the average young woman. However, at the Ruakura animal research station, Department of Agriculture, such an association of women, rats and mice is an everyday occurrence. In a specially heated room near the main offices rats and puce are being bred for use in resei.rch work. They number about 120 and vary from the size of small marbles to that of husky rodents the size of the large unpopular domestic variety. All are under the charge of young women, who appear to find their unusual task a congenial one. The rats and mice are part of a small animal colony that has been established at the Ruakura station to facilitate research activities in which it would be impracticable to use ordinary farm stock. The colony includes rabbits and guinea pigs. The rabbits are all former children’s pets cf various sizes and colours, which were purchased from their young owners in and about Hamilton.