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Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 254, 15 July 1918, Page 8

Much uneasiness is felt in the rabbitskin trade in Dunediu over the decision of. Ihe American aullionties that raliliitskins are classed as furs, for furs are in the list of luxuries, and their importation is forbidden as a matter ot national economy. The only- exceptions recognised so far are skins from- Canada and those Hint were shipped from other t'riemTiv ports prior to Jlay 13. Such skins are accepted by the Washington war authorities, No others are admitted. This excludes New Zealand niter May 13, and Hie operation of the restnelinii is quite sure, since no skins can be exported to the United States without a license from Washington signed by the Consul in New Zealand. The whole question lias.'however, been raised, aud, as the exporters have a strong argument in the fact Ihnt rabbitskins are wanted in \merica to keep Iho hat-mills going, there is reason to hope that the pre-war conditions as to shipping will be reinstated. Further advices are anxiously awaited in Dunedin, Ibe headquarters of the New Zealand trade. ■ Discussing the snowed-in sheep in Canterbury, "Agricoln," in the "Farmers Advocate," states that sheep will live tor fivo or six weeks without feed provided that tltov do not lako to eating each other's wool, but at fho end of that time they are naturally very weak, and it (hero is a rush of growth in the spring it is almost impossible to preve.il them living olf ihen.