RABBIT LEATHER

Southland Times, Issue 18818, 11 May 1920, Page 2

RABBIT LEATHER

NEW PROCESS IN USE. IMPORTANT RESULTS EXPECTED. The increase in the value of rabbit skins of late years and the consequent greater commercialisation of the rabbit is a matter of common knowledge (says the Sydney Sun). Hitherto, however, the actual pelt of the animal has boon wasted, as efforts to utilise it as leather have been fruitless The ordinary process of removing the fur has destroyed the pelt, which is usually torn to pieces and afterwards sold at a low price for making gelatine. After considerable experiment, Dr. Bottrcll, of Brisbane, has discovered a process by which the pelt of the rabbit can be turned into leather, while the fur can still be used as at present for hat-making purposes, etc. The skins are soaked in a chemical mixture which toughens the pelt and loosens the fur, which is easily removed. The pelts when tanned make a very flexible light leather, which should be in strong demand and should have the effect of helping to meet the leather shortage. The process ha-; been secured by a Sydney company, composed mainly of gentlemen with pastoral intcmsls, and some of lh'- samples of the trunted leather have been i commended by men engaged in the leather industry. The company has started works where the skins are soaked and the fur taken on. The pells are (hen sent to a tannery. The company expects to handle anything up to 100,000 skins a week, which would represent about. 25,00011) of leather. It is claimed that the fur is not damaged in any way by the process, and that hats of excellent, quality have been made from it.