H.—3Ba.

1900. NEW ZEALAND.

RABBIT INDUSTRY (NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED IN).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 3rd July, 1900. Ordered, " That there be laid bofore this House a return showing—(l) The number of persons employed in the oolony in trapping, conveying to freezing-works, and freezing rabbits on 31st May last; (2) the gross amount of revenue received by the Railway Department for (a) carriage of rabbits, (o) carriage of timber for making packingcases for rabbits, and (c) carriage of coal to freezing - works for use in freezing rabbits, for the year ending 31st March."—(Mr. E. G. Allen.)

(1.) The number of persons employed in the colony in trapping, conveying to freezing-works, and freezing rabbits on 31st May last: No information available. (2.) The gross amount of revenue received by the Bailway Department for the year ending 31st March, 1900, for— £ s. d. (a.) Carriage of rabbits ... ... ... ... 6,454 7 7 (b.) Carriage of timber for making packing-cases for rabbits ... 886 1 10 (c.) Carriage of coal to freezing-works for use in freezing rabbits : The Bailway Department has no means of ascertaining how much of the coal carried by rail to freezing-works was used for freezing rabbits. The above return is compiled from information supplied by departments. Hugh Pollen, Colonial Secretary's Office, Under-Secretary. Wellington, 25th August, 1900. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), 17s.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington,—l9oo. Price 3d.]