THE TRADE IN FERRETS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 283, 21 July 1888, Page 4

THE TRADE IN FERRETS.

Tire " Southland News," in an article on tb» larjft expenditure for ferrets, remarks : — "There has been a good deal of talk lately about the desirability of encouraging local productions, but it may be doubted whether any other has received such aid from a paternal Government as that of ferret raising. True, it is at present in but fewhands, those of oertain favoured individuals who having had what in sporting parlance is called the ' straight tip ' in advance, have taken time by the forelock and c made a corner ' in pink eyes. Some of them supplement their incomes by recourse to a somewhat ingeniousi ous expedient, familiar as they are with the habits of the little animals, which they find no difficulty in trapping after they have been, turned out at the countries expense. Under these circumstances readers will admit there is justification for the belief that the whole number contiacted for were forthcoming. Of course it would be impossible to brand ferrets in such a manner as to prevent a recurrence of the wholesale frauds which are said to have been going on for some years, but it would be next to impossible to prevent the recapture for breeding purposes of ferreta turned loose at the Government's expense. The worst feature of the business is that in secluded districts ferrets are regarded as a greater nuisance than rabbits, and that those settlers who are above taking a mean advantage of the Rabbit Department ar« just killing the ferrets as fast as they can* The impression long entertained by many that the existence ot the Department is a blunderthat it is neither more nor less than a cover for the exercise of political patronage, a mere refuge for hangers on of parties — is rapidly gaining ground." Apropos of this it may be remarked that a Parliamentary return bliowb that since January, 1887, 21,760 ferrets have been ordered by tho Stock Department ab an average pric«|of 7s 6d each.