DEARER FURS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 335, 16 January 1937, Page 5

DEARER FURS.

Musquash Has Become Scarce

Wellington, Last Night.

Furs, which have already risen considerably in price during the past nine months, are about to undergo a further substantial increase, a Wellington furrier said yesterday. Just as the price of wool had lifted sharply, so was the marketing value of furs rising in obedience to the demand of changing conditions. The principal reason for the rise, it was explained, was that one of the best-selling lines—musquash—had suddenly become much scarcer. At one time the muskrat, from which the fur is obtained, was considered a pest in southern Canada, and a Government bounty was available to trappers for their capture. In 1934 and 1935 a plague seriously reduced the number of the muskrat species and the Government assistance was removed. In the circumstances trappers had been forced to demand a higher price and the. result was now being felt in New Zealand. Coats which formerly were sold at from 25 to 35 guineas, now command 45 guineas, ’