FUR TRADE.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1926, Page 2

FUR TRADE.

A SATISFACTORY YF.AIt. DCNFDIN, April 24

Figures are now available which show that the fur season for the year 192-'5 has at least been a satisfactory

In an interview with Mi' Gerald Ble.ek, manager for 11. S. Black. Ltd., a reporter was informed that the number of rabbit e-kins exported from the Dominion for the year was 19,-80,20-1. valued at £843,-120. During the year, -prices were very firm, hut towards the close there was a drop from 20 to 23 per cent in hatters’ quality skins, which were bringing old at- auction during the nipjor portion of the season, but tlroped to .‘l7cl. “This.” said Mr Black, “ is a good figure and if rabbit skins do not come below that price vendors will not have much to complain about.” In 1922. “runners” and ‘‘smalls” brought from 9<l to lOd per pound in London, and during the major part- of last year this class of skin brought from 33d to ,‘l7tl. 'ln the same market towards the close of the year from 28d to 32c 1 was the ruling figure .which indicated a distinctive downward tendency. Another feature of last year’s market was tint <i uring the early sales the first does were worth more than the first bucks. To-day the position was reversed and bucks were worth more than does. In January, 1922. the first does were worth 10f)d per pound. In London tcwlny they were worth between 96d to IOOd, and in the interim the market had not fluctuated to any extent. “ As far as the fur trnde was concerned,” said Mr Black. “ New Zealand had been well to the fore. It was only in the cheap class of skins, which could not he deed, that other countries could aproaeh the product from the Dominion.

“ Imitation lines of mole and nutria ermine «aiul the introduction of Australian skins on the Xcv-’ Zealand market was having -a disturbing effect,” said Mr Black, “ and it was to be hoped for the sake of the industry that this would he remedied. These skins were coining into the Dominion as raw skins lend were being sold here as New Zealand skins. This was most unfair to the New Zealand trade, as the quality of the Australian product did not- compare with that of New Zetland grown skins. Indications of weevil had been found in them, and if it should spread to the South Island—it was already in the North—high prices now being obtained for locally produced skins would he a thing of the past.”