NEW ZEALAND FUR SKINS.
The following communication on a new industry has been forwarded by the Agent-General:— 113, Queen Victoria street, London, March 25,1880. FUR-SKINS FROM NEW ZEALAND.
Sir, —Since I wrote to you on the above subject, a large business has been done in rabbit-skins, and I am to-day enabled, not only to corroborate the statements' made in my letter of the 25th February, but to prove the importance . of this article by statistical facts ; the trade in felt hats is, increasing every year, and it is not as some may think tossed about by the caprice of fashion. No ; the consumption of felt hats is increasing steadily, and new ground for the sale of this manufacture is continually found. For example, Japan has become a strong buyer, and is continuing the introduction of felt hats._ As I mentioned in my last, felt is made of rabbit and hare skins. Ten years ago none of these were imported from Australia ; at the present time close upon a million’dozen per annum are brought over, and although from year to year this quantity becomes larger, prices do not abate, 3s per dozen being about the average to-day ; and while the best English and French rabbits are being selected for furriers’ purposes (muffmaking, &c.), which otherwise would with the rest go for feltmaking, there is no chance of skins becoming cheaper. I would advise shippers to sort the skins well, and to pack the black and silvery ones in separate bales. Opossums keep ; in good demand, 4d to Is being freely paid, according to size and quality. Penguins, about 1200 skins, fetch from Is 4d to Is 6£d. ' Sealskins.—The tone of the market remains favorable.
I remain, &c., . Gustav Ellis. Sir Julius Vogel, Agent-General for New Zealand.
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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2255, 9 June 1880, Page 3
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295NEW ZEALAND FUR SKINS. South Canterbury Times, Issue 2255, 9 June 1880, Page 3
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