THE RABBIT WAR

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1925, Page 1

THE RABBIT WAR

EFFECT ON PRICE OF FELT HATS. LONDON, November 4. belt hats a’re likely to become much dearer. While the present abnormal demand lasts they cannot be cheap. In addition, the Very sources of supply are being threatened ill more ways than one, said a member of the firm of llecagli. the well-known London velour and hat importers, to the “Evening Standard.” “Oil the other hand, the suggestion that heavy rain lias been responsible for the fur shortage on account of the fact that thousands of rabbits have been drowned must he scouted. Bather the shortage is line to an economic, reason. The Australian and New Zealand Governments are making every effort to stamp out rabbits as a pest, and they are gradually succeeding. “When the rabbit pest is finally ’gotunder tbe outlook in the rabbit fur and felt market will he very dismal indeed. “At present the market is hardening and prices are going up. I do pot see how ii. can come down for a long time. In consequence, fell hats this winter will lie much dearer than last. “The quality of rabbit fur from Australia and New Zealand remains a.s good as ever, although there is always a shortage of the best- gramas. “Expensive lints arc made from uliat are known in the trade as mid-winter or final winter furs. In summer, rabbits, like domestic animals, shed their coats, and this has a divadvantage in felt manufacture.. “In winter the fur is healthier, and will stand the great compression which is necessary in the process of making the finest, hats. “Women are buying large numbers of wool fell lulls. Wool is scarce because it i.s wanted for .- ; many other purposes, and in consequence prices are beginning to soar.”