COMMERCIAL FUR TRADING

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1930, Page 7

COMMERCIAL FUR TRADING

VARIETIES OF RABBITS. EMBARGO. ON IMPORTATIONS. DEPRECATED. CHRISTCHURCH, August 4. The removal of the present restrictions on the importation of certain types of fur-bearing rabbits in order produce an adequate variety for the furriers, was sought by a deputation from the Canterbury Rabbit Breeders’ Association which waited on the Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, oil Saturday morning. Air R. W. Hawke, M.P. who introduced the deputation, said that commercial rabbit farming, though quite a young industry as far as New Zealand was concerned, could, if developed along the right lines, become ol great value to the Dominion. The men engaged in the industry, However, were handicapped by certain restrictions that had been imposed and they wished to have those restrictions removed in order that they might be able to develop the industry more fully.

WANT EAIBARGO LIFTED. Air W. E. Simes said that the members of the Canterbury Rabbit Breeders’ Association wished to be given greater security in regard to the tenure of their licenses, and also desired to have the l embargo against the importation of certain special breeds lifted. At present -the Government issued licenses for the importation of Angora and Chinchilla rabbits, but other breeds were not allowed to be imported. Conpetition from other countries was particularly keen, and in order to establish the industry on a proper basis in New Zealand it was necessary that other breeds should be developed here. A large amount of capital was already invested in the industry, said Air Simes ,and as the work was easy and could be undertaken by delicate people and by women, it should he possible to develop it and make it quite an' important primary industry The members of the association were prepared to confer witli any departmental’officers that the Government might appoint for the purpose. He pointed'out that they were not asking for any financial assistance 1 , but simply for the removal of certain restrictions which handicapped the development ot the industry.

“NOT A MENACE.” > Mr E. F. Willcox, secretary of the Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ Association, said that the Rabbit Breeders’ Association had a Membership of over thirty, Most of whom were parti* ally incapaeiated returned soldiers. The industry was particularly suitable for partially disabled men and ho had not doubt that this class of men would make good at rabbit farming provided the law did not debar them from breeding the right kind of rabbits. There was not the slightest doubt that these breeds of rabbits would not prove a menace to the country as they could be bred only under enclosed conditions. He hoped to see the industry develop, as it would result in the successful repatriation or returned soldiers win were now living on the economic pension or were engaged in dead-end occupations. Mr H. A. Dawber, a poultry farmer, referred to the value of rabbit farming as a side-line for small holders, such as poultry and fruit farmers. BREEDERS’ OFFER. Mr W. Wright, president of the Rabbit Breeders’. Association, read a letter he had received from Messrs van Osselaer and Morison, Ltd. the principal firm dealing in rabbit fur and pelts, stating that they were prepared to take at a payable price to the breeders all the fur pelts that they could produce provided the right type of rabbit was bred. The breeds the firm specially wanted were the Blue Beveren and the Sable, fo r which they .said there was an almost permanent market. Under the present conditions there was simply no chance of developing the industry as other industries had developed. PRIME MINISTER’S REPLY.

Mr Forbes said that there hail been a good deal of prejudice against the importation of rabbits for commercial farming, because the ordinary rabbits had cost the country a great deal of money. The deputation would understand the anxiety of the farming community regarding the introduction of new breeds of rabbits, because of the trouble they had experienced in the past. “I can tell you that the Minister of Agriculture has got the position in hand now, but there is pretty strong opposition to any widening of the permits already given,” the Prime Minister added. He recognised that the particular rabbits which the deputation wished to import would thrive only under special conditions, and lie did not think they would be likely to become a pest like the Silver Grey rabbit had become.

The restriction had been imposed because of the feeling among stock owners that they did not want to be faced with any risks of new breeds of rabbits over-running the country. He was very pleased to bear that the industry was getting established. At one time, owing to the drop in the price of rabbit wool and pelts, it looked as though it would be very difficult indeed to do any good at rabbit farming. He recognised that the development of (ho industry might prove of great value in assisting partially disabled. men, to rehabilitate tjioxnselves.