MONEY IN RABBITS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1928, Page 4

MONEY IN RABBITS

PIIE3QER INTERVIEWED.

During his Auckland visit the Prime Minister, lit. Hon. J. G. Coates, was interviewed by the editor of the “N.Z. Smallholder” on behalf of the “Milliori-a-Year’’ industrial rabbit movement. The following facts were put before him: The industrial rabbits are creatures of captivity, especially the Angoras. The food supply can he all homegrown, making the food bill almost nil. The wool revenue, on English i figures, is: Each Angora rabbit, lOoz. wool, 36s per lb. first grade, £1 per rabbit per annum. The buyers are Derwent Mills, Ltd., Matlock, Derby- | shire. The skin revenue from the fur breeds, on English figures is £5 per annum from the progeny otf one doe. If farmed in large netted runs (which is suitable for the fur breeds) there would occasional escapes but not enough to increase the rabbit pcs' by one 100,000 th. The Angora would perish it at liberty. The industry i« suited to financiers, working small ! armors, women and land lies, poor return: I incniyty itated soldiers. Minimum cariying capacity. 5 acres. SO!) Angoras, one woman's work with a helper; 15 acres. IGut) Angoras, on: an n and wife with a helper.

Present requirements: Order-ih-Couneil permitting immediate importation of the profitable British strains.

The Prime Minister said he already i assessed some information about the industrial rabbit movement. He would ask the Department of Agriculture to investigate the matter.