A NEW INDUSTRY

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12615, 27 November 1926, Page 4

A NEW INDUSTRY

RABBIT-FUR WOOL POPULAR IN ENGLAND. Mr Leu McKenzie, who is at present in England, has been visiting the various industrial centres, and during the course of his inquiries respecting tlie consumption of New Zealand products had his attention drawn to a new’ wool that was being manufactured from rabbit fur. This wool is becoming exceedingly popular in England, and attractive displays are being made of the article in the drapery establishments. The wool is called “furida,” and can be obtained in various shades. The Duchess of York has accepted for her daughter, Princess Elizabeth, a complete set, of dainty garments knitted in “furida,” and nil extensive trade is being done in goods made from this class of wool.

Mr McKenzie points out that a new avenue of trade, on an extensive scale, is open to New Zealand, and one which should make it necessary for the Government to amend its ideas of the wholesale extermination of rabbits, especially in the South Island where the fur is of better quality than in the north. Thdre is, he added, a good demand by fur manufacturers for New Zealand rabbit skins, and the advent of the new industry will immediately increase the demand. Undressed rabbit skins are worth 3d.