MAX. We used to get a heck of a lot of wash out
of the hills from up here....in 1939 that's
when the rabbits got going madly here. They
eroded the country right through to Pericoe
......
They were that bad?
MAX. Oh, God, yes.
So it was more to do with rabbits, the river
sanding up, than farming practices?
MAX. Oh, yes. Definitely. It was. Look the rabbits
were that bad ....going down to log farm
there was an orchard, about an acre and a
half, and it had a paling fence around and
to catch some rabbits they took two or three
palings off there early in the night and
went out through the night and put the palings
back on and the next day they went out to
get these rabbits and they were piled up
that high in the corners they were getting
out over the top of the paling fence. There
was no grass and they'd sour the ground out
with their urine and that's when the ti tree
took over in this area. It spread like something
mad.
*** Excerpt from Max Sawers' interview in 'The Forgotten Corner Interviews'.
Rabbits, along with land clearing, closing
down of small butter factories and World
Wars 1 & 11, caused great changes in
the Towamba valley.
The first rabbits were reported around the
turn of the 20th century. Their devastation
of the soil was so dramatic that farmers
were forced to put rabbit netting around
their paddocks. Many were not in any financial
position to do this. As a result, good pasture
was eaten out and some farmers lost an income.
However, rabbit skins became popular and
most farmers and particularly school children
made a small income this way. The local skin
buyers did regular rounds of the farms collecting
skins and later rabbit carcasses. A rabbit
canning factory opened at Wyndham where carcasses
were processed.
September 30, 1898
* Sat. 8 Oct. will be the last day this year
on which the scalps of noxious animals will
be received and paid for at Wyndham.
'Northern Star'
16 April 1902
*
At Eden the invasion of the district by rabbits
appears to have commenced. For some time
past it has been rumored that rabbits have
been seen at Towamba, but proof positive
of their presence was forthcoming when Mr.
James Mc Donald, of River View, unearthed
a nest containing 7 young ones.
'Australian Town and Country Journal'
14 June 1902
* Over 1100 wallabies have been trapped by
Mr. M'Leod at Towamba since last Christmas.
Rabbits are also increasing very fast in
the district, and unless some steps are taken
to keep them down, they will soon be the
worst pest the district has ever known.
Oct 17, 1902
Burragate
* Rabbits have made their appearance here
already, several being seen lately. Burrows
have been found 10 feet deep, with young
ones in.
Sep 25, 1903
Burragate
* S. Sherwin of "Fairfield" dug
a rabbit burrow out on Friday and it contained
6 young rabbits.
Oct 27, 1905
Burragate
* Saturday last was scalp day but only between
500 and 600 scalps were paid for. Hares are
getting scarce, thus providing the wisdom
of paying for their destruction. On the other
hand, rabbits are increasing rapidly. Residents
state that "bunny" is actually
swarming hereabouts and no attempt is made
to check their inroads beyond a few shots
or a little amusement now and then with the
dogs.
November 10, 1905
Burragate
* Foxes have been paying attention to duck
ponds and turkey roosts lately. Mrs. W. Robinson
of "Fairfield" and others have
suffered severely from their depredations.
Aug 24, 1906
Burragate
* A meeting of landholders was held here
on Thursday afternoon to consider the rabbit
question. A syndicate was formed to purchase
a Hicks' Ideal Poison Cart and start operations
against "bunny" as soon as possible.
September 12, 1906
'Southern Star'
* Five poison carts are operating over Towamba
way, and already several dogs and poddies
have fallen victims.
September 30, 1908
'The Bega Budget '
* Mr. A. Binnie, of Towamba, inquired the
price of wire netting. He also stated that
he contemplated enclosing all his land with
wire netting, and inquired if he could cause
his neighbors to put up half the netting
or could he have it affixed to their fences.
Mr. Haslingden said, he did not think a contribution
towards fencing could be enforced unless
it was shown a neighbor benefited by the
fence. Mr. H. Bolman, of Towamba, applied
for a mile of wire netting. The application
was approved.
October 14, 1908
'The Bega Budget' (excerpt)
TOWAMBA.
Towamba, at present, presents a pleasing
appearance, everywhere being clothed in a
mantle of lovely green. Farmers are busy
with the plough, and dairymen are beginning
to smile once again. Some of our fanners
are fighting great battles with bunny. Mr.
Alex Binnie, of Log Farm, is fighting him
for all he is worth, and has just wire-netted
about 60 acres of his cultivation land to
cope with the pest.
October 28, 1908
'The Bega Budget'
The Rabbits.
Mr. Furness, Inspector of Stock, returned
at the end of last week from a fortnight's
inspection of holdings in the South. He states
that along the Towamba river trapping is
coming into extensive operation. Towards
Yambulla end in that locality and at Wangrabelle
rabbits are surprisingly scarce. The same
may be said at Nangutta. On all his properties
Mr. Wm. Weatherhead poisons continuously,
summer and winter; and his holdings are an
object les son in rabbit suppression. The
inspector states that in the Burra gate district,
when the farmers rea lise what a great factor
cleaning up the land is in rabbit destruction,
suppression on holdings will not be such
a formidable task. He did not see rabbits
in very great numbers in Wog Wog district.
At Bondi where only twelve months ago the
pest were swarming in millions the reduction
in numbers is marvellous, and rabbits are
comparatively rare. In some parts of Wyndham
district, through negligence on the part
of owners rabbits are numerous. In this locality
there have been in stances where men have
offered to do the labor of poisoning if per
mitted to collect the pelts. Skins are bringing
a fair price, and fair wages can be earned.
'It is a shame,' said the inspector,' to
see the fine lands in this Patures Protection
District given entirely over to the rabbits.'
Bemboka district is a sufferer in this respect,
though some owners are making a determined
fight of it. Still, so bad are the rabbits
in this locality that in one place they have
stripped the bark off whitethorn shrubs four
feet from the ground. Everywhere owners who
are poisoning com plain that simultaneous
action is not taken by neighbors. Poisoning
cannot be a success unless carried out systematically
and continuously. Where determined action
has been taken by a farmer right in an infested
area, it has been repeatedly demonstrated
that the rabbits can be kept down, and the
carrying capacity of the land more than doubled.
Throughout the district the more determined
fighters are going in for wire-netting, so
that their particular rabbit grievance will
be with their own land.
August 14, 1909
'The Bega Budget'
* A Towamba correspondent to the Budget
says the rabbit trapping industry has been
wonderfully flourishing this winter in that
locality. He alone has accounted for, and
sold 5000 skins, besides at tending to the
dairy. Same correspondent says strychnine
baits are not dangerous to stock. He saw
a bullock eat forty baits without any ill
effects. His opinion is that there is not
strychnine enough in 50 baits to kill one
beast.
October 30, 1909
'The Bega Budget'
Proposal to Can The Rabbit.
A LARGE AND ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING AT WYNDHAM.
In response to an advertisement which appeared
in the Bud set a very large and enthusiastic
meeting of farmers was held in the Wyndham
School of Arts on Satur day afternoon to
consider the question of establishing a rabbit
canning factory. Mr. T. Moore was elected
chair man, and he briefly referred to the
object of the meeting. Apologies for non-attendance
were received from Mr. Shipway, Burragate,
and Mr. Watson, Pericoe. Mr. Hutchinson (who
had a flattering reception) had great pleasure
in welcoming the large gathering which had
responded to the advertisement, and he was
sure this representative meeting showed that
they meant business. Certain resolutions
would be sub mitted and he was sure they
would be carried and promptly acted up on.
He had known the district and its people
for over a quarter of a century and could
claim amongst the latter some of his best
friends. Now that they had practically commenced
this movement he was sure they would not
rest until they had outed their common enemy,
the rabbit. Systematic poisoning had failed
to keep the rabbit down to anything like
harmless numbers, and in some cases at least
wire netting had also failed. They were now
face to face with one of two alternatives
- either to put the rabbit to commercial
use or give the rabbit possession. Various
objections have been urged against the canning
proposal, and one was that we could not get
sufficient rabbits to make a factory pay.
He, in common with many others held quite
a contrary opinion. It is generally admitted
that we could get 3000 per day, if necessary.
Some urge that if canning be the most economical
way of dealing with the rabbits, why haye
not factories been established in place of
freezing works. In answer to that he might
say that in other places on the railway line
rabbits are caught in millions and sent away
by rail to Sydney where immense sums have
been invested in large freezing works, and
then placed in cold storage. We have no such
facilities of transit here, and it is therefore
useless to talk about freezing. With regard
to the cost of tinning the rabbit, he had
not been successful in getting exact figures,
but he did know that the cost of a 2lb tin
in Melbourne is 7¼d, while in London it would
very likely be 8d. An average rabbit would,
probably, fill a 2lb tin, and assuming this,
the proportions may be worked out thus: Cost
of tin 1.25d; freight from factory at £2
5s per ton would work out at .48d per tin;
allowing 1d per tin for cooking and canning
say 3000 rabbits every day means that £12
10s could be spent in wages daily; label
.2d; freight to London, 5d per tin: commission
and other charges 1d per tin; cost of flesh
delivered at factory 1½ per tin; box to hold
4 dozen tins 1s, equals .25d per tin. These
charges give a total cost of placing the
2lb tin on the market at 6.18d per tin, or
a little under 6¼d, and which is sold at
8d. This gives a profit of 28 per cent, and
after a lowing the farmer 7d per pair at
the factory. [In his computations Mr. Hutchinson
appears to have overlooked the value of the
skin. - Ed. B.B.]
Mr. Hutchinson concluded a highly interesting
ad dress by making a strong appeal for support
to the movement. Mr. W. J. Moorhead J.P.
said as Mr. Hutchinson had been good enough
to mention his name in connection with the
present movement he might state that for
four years he had in his mind the idea of
starting a canning factory, but he could
never muster up courage to bring the matter
forward in a public way. Lately the question
had been taken up by one news paper and ventilated
in a practical way. There was no desire to
force the project on to the people, and they
did not want an exclusive proprietary company.
They wanted to see every man in this and
neighboring districts served by the factory
have an interest in the work of getting rid
of the rab bits which were their common enemy.
Every man, directly or indirectly, lived
on the pastoral, farming, or mineral industry.
The proposed scheme was not an impossible
one but highly practical while the cost was
reasonable. Preserved meat was common enough,
but so far no rabbit canning factory so far
as he knew had been established in the State.
He saw no reason why the project should not
be a success and he was sure the farmers
were prepared to find the capital. He thought
a supply of 1000 rabbits a day would be a
fair thing and that is calculated to return
a net profit of £5 5s a week clear of all
expenses. He thought the first step should
be to appoint a couple of delegates from
each centre to constitute an inquiry committee
as to the support likely to be forthcoming,
and to report to the next general meeting.
These delegates could collect information
of various kinds essential to the success
of the movement. He thought it would be better
to have the rabbits sent to a factory alive.
This might be against the law but he believed
that could be got over, for a dozen rabbits
in a cage would do less harm than on the
land. He thought large numbers of rabbits
could be caught in enclosed patches of barley
by means of automatic traps. He would like
to hear a general expression of opinion from
gentlemen present. After considerable desultory
and somewhat irregular discussion of a varied
nature it was moved and carried: 'That this
meeting select two delegates each from Eden,
Rocky Hall, Wolumla, Towamba, Burragate,
Wyndham, Candelo, Pambula, Nethercote, Pericoe,
and Cathcart, to collect information as to
the support likely to be accorded the movement,
and report the result to the next general
meeting.
The following delegates were duly elected.
Eden, W. J. Moorhead, N. Hutchinson; Rocky
Hall, Jas. Whitby, Robert Farrell; Wolumla,
Robert Scott, W. Vaughan; Towamba, A. Porter,
J. T. Mitchell; Burragate, Geo. Keys, James
Binnie; Wyndham, Thomas Moore, A. A. Young;
Candelo, H. Golden, Jacob Britten; Pambula,
James Buckett, J. H. Martin; Nethercote,
W. J. Swinnerton, A. Fourter; Pericoe, J.
H. Ryan, W. Watson; Lochiel, Terence Smith,
D. Hart; Cathcart, A. C. Stewart, J. Bo land.
Speaking to the resolution to ap point delegates,
Mr. Robert Farrell said he was thoroughly
in accord, with the whole movement. They
were now keeping rabbits instead of cows,
and he wanted to make the former pay for
his keep; and if they were successful enough
to get rid of the rabbits they could tin
beef, veal, and poultry; anyhow, they must
make the thing 'go' (loud applause). He was
sure the factory would be a success, and
they would soon have others springing up
in different centres. If the present movement
were taken up in an enthusiastic and unanimous
way he had no doubt whatever about its success.
The question of the factory site was discussed
at considerable length, and it was finally
decided that it would be wise to leave its
consideration until the delegates made their
reports at the next general meeting. Many
speakers thought it would be unwise to include
places which would very likely secede and
form factories of their own. Candelo was
mentioned as a likely place to have its own
factory, and Mr. W. J. Collins of 'Collinswood'
in a commendably public-spirited way said
no matter what Candelo might do in the future,
he would support the present movement, and
he was sure others would do the same. This
sentiment was loudly applauded.
Mr. George Keys thought, that when considering
the question of a site it would not be wise
to include those places which would be almost
sure to start factories of their own in the
event of the pioneer factory proving a success.
Mr. Farrell: The factory would not cost very
much and we should be men enough to find
all the money, if necessary. At the same
time he appreciated the spirit of those farmers
at a distance who were willing to help the
experiment. Mr. Hutchinson said they could
not do anything more until next meeting when
the delegates would make their reports. A
vote of thanks to the chair man and Mr. Hutchinson
closed a most enthusiastic meeting.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Monday 17 January, 1910
THE RABBIT PEST.
PROPOSED CANNING FACTORY.
CANDELO- A public meeting convened under the auspices
of the Candelo Agricultural Association was
held in the School of Arts for the purpose
of discussing the rabbit-canning proposal,
which is regarded as the only means of effectually
combating the rabbit pest which is largely
on the increase throughout the district.
Mr.G Porter, vice-president of the Agricultural
Association, occupied the chair. Mr N Hutchinson,
general secretary of the proposed Eden, Bega,
and Monaro rabbit and meat canning company,
addressed the meeting, and read a communication
from the Agent-General for New South Wales
and from various other sources relative to
the canning project and the probability of
a demand for rabbit flesh in the home markets.
Mr. Hutchinson, who has laboured strenuously
in the interests of the movement for the
past couple of months purely for the benefit
of the rabbit-infested district, placed some
valuable facts and figures before the meeting.
The demand for canned rabbit in the old country
is rapidly growing, whole fur skins have
sold as high as 3/7 per lb. At the conclusion
of Mr Hutchlnson's address the following
resolution was carried - "That in the
opinion of this meeting, the only means of
effectually combating the rabbits is to market
the flesh and skins on a co operative basis
". The prospectus of the proposed company
is now in readiness, and an active canvas
for shares will be entered upon throughout
the district. It has been decided that the
seat of operations of the company shall be
within a radius of three miles of Wyndham,
which is generally considered the most central.
Trapping and poisoning have failed to suppress
the rabbits, so that the establishment of
a canning factory appears the only means
of ridding the district of the pest.
The Southern Record and Advertiser
Sat 11 Feb 1911
The people of Burragate are working hard
for the establishment of a rabbit canning
factory there. The provisional directors
have secured the services of a Mr. Inglis,
canning expert, recommended by the Victorian
Department of Agriculture, to report on the
best methods in building a factory. Mr. Inglis
arrived from Melbourne by the s.s. Sydney
on Monday morning, and proceeded to Burragate
the same day. This gentleman has had a large
experience in exporting to the London markets.
Mr. H. A. Kraanstuyver has been appointed
as canvasser for shares in the proposed factory.
February 18, 1911
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
* The establishment of canning works at Towamba
is now a dead cert. Nearly the whole of the
allotted £3000 shares at £1 each have been
sold, and the opening ceremony of the factory
is expected to take place in April. The industry,
it is claimed, will be the means of distributing
about £500 a week throughout the district.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday 13 April, 1911
RABBIT-CANNING FACTORY.
BEGA. Wednesday.
* A project of much interest to landowners
in (the southern districts has just been
launched at Wyndham. A company has been formed
with the object of establishing a rabbit
canning factory. Over 3000 shares have been
taken up. Shareholders have fixed a site
for the factory, and the building will be
expedited, so that operations may begin this
winter. Inquiries made show that canned rabbit
will be purchased in any quantity by the
British Admiralty. A Victorian expert, previously
engaged in the canning trade has been assisting
the movement, and will act as manager. Rabbits
are overrunning the country in which the
factory will operate. The movement is primarily
to rid the land of the pest and should the
venture prove successful no doubt other factories
will be opened in adjoining rabbit infested
localities. The capital required is, only
£1200.
April 22, 1911
'Southern Star'
THE RABBIT CANNING FACTORY.
It is a matter for satisfaction all round
that the Rabbit canning Factory in the southern
end of the district has at last taken de
finite form, and the plucky promoters are
to be congratulated on the consummation of
their efforts. It is somewhat of a reflection
upon the larger and more wealthy centres
of the district that it was left for the
small localities of Wyndham and Burragate
to launch the first substantial project in
these parts to cope with, or at least minimise,
the greatest pest we have yet encountered.
And in this connection it is interesting
and significant to recall the fact that it
was one of the smallest of the outlying centres
that showed the way down here with the co-operative
making of butter. South Wolumla launched
out in that direction at a time when the
dairymen of Bega, Candelo, and other bigger
centres were looking askance at the mere
mention of the dairymen controlling the business
themselves. Yet they were soon glad to fall
into line, and it is not too much to say
that the project just launched at Wyndham
will be the forerunner of similar movements
in the larger centres, which are just as
much in need of such action as the Wyndham
district is. All honor is due to the plucky
promoters, and everyone is hoping that success
will attend their efforts.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday 22 June 1911
SOUTH COAST AND MONARO.
FAVOURABLE WINTER PROSPECTS.
RABBIT CANNING FACTORY.
(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.)
On the far South Coast the prospects for
the winter are better than has been the case
for several years, and plenty of natural
grass is available. In many instances the
paddocks are waving with it. As a result
of many lean years the farmers financially
have a lot to pull up, but the favourable
conditions now prevailing should go a long
way to encourage them in the future. The
corn crops in many parts were not quite up
to the usual standard, on account of the
extensive rains in the months of January
and February, when the crops were in flower.
At Pambula the butter supply continues to
increase. Cattle are in good condition, but
farmers state that the whole of the southern
parts are overstocked, and unless foreign
buyers come in there is no outlet for them.
There is a big demand for pigs, and it seems
strange, with the natural advantages enjoyed
here, that the matter of pig-raising on a
big scale has not been taken up before this.
The dairyman must have pigs to consume his
milk after separation, as only the cream
goes to the factory. Having no pigs it has
naturally to go to waste.
On Monaro, landholders consider the present
season the best experienced for some years
as regards natural fodder. Dairying is not
gone in for to any great extent. If the farmers
went in for rugging and housing their cattle
in a severe climate, such as Bombala has
in the winter, better results would be assured.
There are a number of large station properties
in this part, the principal being Gunningrah,
Buckalong, Bibbenluke, Maharatta, Aston,
Koorang and (unreadable). Maharatta and Bibbenluke
(unreadable) and 26,000 acres respectively,
have been surveyed, and will be available
for closer settlement within a few months,
but the residents state this will be of little
use without a railway. The reason no doubt
why dairying is not extensively carried on
at Bombala is on account of the expense of
bringing the product to the market, as the
nearest port is about 50 miles distant, over
mountainous roads. The advent of a railway
to Bombala would tend in a great measure
to encourage this industry, for which the
district has every natural advantage. At
the present time the locality is mainly dependent
on sheep breeding and the wool Industry,
it being estimated that no less than 20,000
bales went out last season, practically the
whole of which was shipped to Sydney market
for disposal. The sheep are principally merinos,
which thrive to excellent advantage in this
district, both as regards wool and mutton.
As a result of the closer settlement scheme
of the Government, some 15,000 sheep and
1300 pure shorthorn cattle from Maharatta
Station were recently disposed of. The herd
was established over 40 years ago, the foundation
being high-priced imported stock, which had
been kept pure by the frequent Introduction
of fresh blood from the best studs. The sheep
disposed of were all pure Wanganella and
Burrawang blood, and noted wool-cutters.
The vast expanse of cleared, undulating country
extending for miles as far as the eye can
reach, the major portion of which is in the
hands of a few stations, approximately totalling
100,000 acres, is the most startling feature
of this district. With its natural advantages
and the establishment of closer settlement
on this vast territory the district should
become one of the most flourishing in the
State. A feature that must eventually play
an important part in the development of this
part of the State is the construction of
the Cooma to Nimitybelle railway, which is
nearing completion. The earth works are well
forward, and rails have been placed in position
for a distance of about 15 miles out of Cooma
in a total length of 23½ miles. The municipal
council at Bombala has been moving lately
in the matter by urging the Government to
commence the railway extension on the second
section from Nimitybelle to Bombala, a distance
of 40 miles. The reply received from the
Works Department was to the effect that the
Government had not yet decided when the extension
would be commenced. The reply has occasioned
much disappointment, as it is claimed that
the establishment of this railway would be
the means of opening up a lot of fine property
now in the hands of a few, and give an impetus
to wheat-growing and farming of all descriptions.
There are hundreds of thousands of acres
to be developed, and it is asserted that
the district has thus been kept back for
many years for want of a railway. Although
the land at present available for wheat growing
is very limited, the progressiveness of the
district is demonstrated by the fact that
the town possesses an up-to date flourmill,
the full output from which is disposed of
locally.
Cathcart, Rocky Hall, Wyndham, and Bemboka
are small centres of a scattered district,
and rather sparsely settled. Unfortunately
this part of the country for a few years
past has experienced adverse seasons, with
the result that a good number of the settlers
have gone elsewhere. It is confidently expected,
however, that with favourable conditions
settlement will increase. The district being
practically wholly dairying, everything depends
upon the rainfall. Round about Bemboka, Bombala,
Cathcart, Bega, Candelo, Pambula, and other
centres the rabbit has become such a nuisance
that it was recently decided to establish
a rabbit canning factory at Wyndham, near
the town, the opening of which will take
place early in July. The financial success
of the venture is already assured on account
of a great number of the farmers having shares
in the company.
This will turn what has hitherto been considered
a pest into a revenue-producing commodity,
as an unlimited market is already assured
for the product. The building is finished,
and is composed of iron, with concrete floors
throughout. It is expected that at the outset
quite 40 men will be employed in and about
the factory, and it is hoped within six months
that employment will be found for 100. It
is expected that 2000 pairs of rabbits will
be daily dealt with for five days in each
week, and it is stated that one firm in England
alone is prepared to handle all the tinned
rabbits that can be turned out during the
next five years. The British Admiralty is
also expected to be a large purchaser. Mutton
and veal will be also dealt with. When the
works are in full swing employment will be
found for six expert tinsmiths, three skinners,
and 60 or 70 trappers. If there should be
a falling off in the supply of rabbits during
the summer months store cattle, sheep, and
poultry will be dealt with.
Round Burragate the country is excellently
adapted for trapping operations, and this
part is within easy distance of the factory.
All these combined factors should tell in
favour of the trapper making good wages.
Already many applications have been made
to local landholders, and no trouble is experienced
in getting the necessary permission to trap
with- out a bonus. One fur dealer at Wyndham
recently packed and despatched from that
centre six bales, each containing about 400
lb of rabbit skins, the number in the parcel
totalling about 30,000. This is an enormous
quantity of skins, the bulk being obtained
by trappers and poisoners operating on the
holdings of farmers living in the vicinity
of Pericoe, Towamba, and Burragate.
At Nimitybelle some splendid yields were
recently obtained from experimental potato
plots. Eight varieties were planted, six
being manured with 4 cwt of manure per acre.
The whole yield averaged well over eight
tons per acre, and in three instances the
splendid yield of nine and a quarter tons
was obtained. The area sown with frost-proof
potatoes without manure yielded over ten
tons to the acre. Some farmers throughout
the district had an average of about-seven
tons per acre.
Members of the Eden-Bombala Railway League
in discussing the Decentralisation Commission
report referred to the commissioners having
apparently dealt with the subject of decentralising
the existing volume of traffic only, and
had not taken into due consideration the
developmental effect of the proposed railway
to connect the port of Eden with Southern
Monaro. It was pointed out that Eden already
possesses in an ample degree the facilities
requisite for shipping produce. The league
has since resolved to co-operate with kindred
bodies continuing the agitation for the construction
of a railway linking up this port with the
main line system at Bombala.
![]() |
![]() |
|
Rabbit Canning Factory at Honeysuckle Creek,
Wyndham. Opening ceremony. July, 1911 Ramsey family at front right. |
Rabbit Canning Factory at Honeysuckle Creek,
Wyndham. Opening ceremony. July, 1911 |
June 27, 1911
'Northern Star '
* Recently Mr. De Costa, fur dealer, packed
and despatched from Wyndham six bales of
rabbit skins, totalling 30,000. The bulk
of them were obtained from trappers and poisoners
operating in Pericoe, Towamba, and Burragate.-Bunny
is evidently making himself felt, around
Bega.
July 8, 1911
'The Bega Budget'
Rabbit Canning.
WYNDHAM FACTORY OPENED.
On Wednesday last the much discussed canning
factory was opened at Honeysuckle, just outside
Wyndham. The day was beautifully fine, and
hundreds of people came from all parts of
the district for the opening ceremony.
The reason the factory is out of the town
is because it is more convenient for trappers
to bring in their rabbits from southern parts.
The situation is an ideal one right beside
a permanent supply of water, and just across
the creek from the building is a large ferny
hill which one would expect to see 'alive
with rabbits.' The walls and sides of the
factory are of galvanised iron, and the presence
of a plentiful supply of substantial round
timber greatly minimised the cost of construction.
The rabbits, which, of course, are cleaned
by trappers, are received at a convenient
platform by an ex pert, who carefully looks
over the bunnies and rejects any doubtful
ones. The ears and feet are chopped off and
bagged for shipment to Melbourne where they
are converted into glue. The skinner, who
had a reputation of being able to do 400
an hour, then gets to work. Many ridiculed
the idea of such a record, but once he started
it was soon seen that it could easily be
accomplished. He first parts the skin a little
from the flesh in about the centre of the
rabbit, hangs the carcase by the middle on
a hook, and gives the skin one pull and the
rabbit is ready to be cut up. The same man
is an expert in this department also, but
can do about twice as many animals in the
time. Five hits of the chopper is all that
is required, and bunny falls in pieces into
a huge tub of brine. The flesh is treated
to two or three courses of brine of various
strengths, and is really pickled before being
put into tins. The article is tinned before
being cooked, only a pin-hole being left
in the tin. This is soldered while the contents
are hot, and the cooling process causes the
vacuum so well known to people in the trade.
With the addition of an attractive label
the article is ready for market. All the
tins are manufactured on the premises, and
some surprisingly simple labor and time saving
machinery is in use. The tin is cut to size
by a guillotine, and is then turned and made
the shape of a tin, so that every tin will
be exactly the same size. A tinsmith gets
the tin round an iron cylinder and the edges
are easily soldered. The bottoms fit exactly,
and are soldered by being turned round in
the solder so that just the edge is touched.
But it is the machine that cuts the lids
that is a surprise packet for the average
onlooker. With it one man can cut 1500 complete
lids an hour with the edges turned. It is
worked by a 3-h-p. engine, and must have
enormous power to do the work it does. Situated
a few yards from the factory is a shed in
which boys are engaged in putting the skins
over wires to be dried, and the place contains
hundreds in the drying process. Through the
boat not calling and the machinery being
thus delayed, the factory was not quite in
full working order, but the men worked all
the previous night and up to one o'clock
that morning in order that the public might
see how the rabbits are treated. A number
of tins from the first batch were opened
and placed on the dinner table. Everyone
was anxious to taste it, and asked for 'just
a little please,' but in many cases the order
was repeated minus the 'little please.' There
is not the slightest doubt that the article
has a very present able appearance and is
extremely palatable. In fact, one man re
marked that he had tasted stewed rabbit,
curried rabbit, baked rabbit, and boiled
rabbit, but they were all put in the shade
by canned Wyndham rabbit. It is far superior
to much of the preserved beef sold in this
district. Some poultry and beef were also
in the pickling stage, but so far none has
been turned out ready for market. In about
a fortnight's time the first shipment of
rabbit will be despatched to an English firm,
who, it is thought, will take the whole output.
On the day of the opening a lot of rabbits
were brought in and one cart-load from Rocky
Hall way was said to contain 750 pairs. Of
course there are very few professional trappers
in the district yet, and most of the bunnies
are caught by amateurs. One young fellow
with 60 traps has averaged 10s 6d a night
since the factory opened. The price of 5d
per pair is a very good one when it is considered
that that price will rule the whole year
round. The Pambula band was on the ground
and enlivened the proceedings by their selections.
Altogether a most enjoyable time was spent
by the visitors, and if the factory is only
half as successful as the opening ceremony,
then a new and flourishing industry has been
established in the district which will benefit
the farmer and business man alike. A large
crowd then assembled at the rear of the building,
where the official opening ceremony took
place. Mr. Thos. Moore, chairman of the directors,
mounted a large copper beside the boiler
and ad dressed the gathering. He said he
regretted there was not a more capable speaker
in his place on such an important occasion.
He had to apologise to the visitors for the
state the factory was in, but it was no fault
of the directors. The weather was against
them, and the boat took their machinery back
to Sydney, thus delaying them at least a
week. Although the place did not look much,
it could not be put up without difficulty,
and every day brought its own trouble. This
was pretty well the first rabbit canning
company in N.S.W. There was no doubt that
Mr. Hutchinson did more than any of them
in bringing the factory into existence, and
he was the backbone of what the people saw
that day. It was 18 months ago since the
movement was started, when times were bad.
The directors thought they would canvass
for shares themselves, but only one man did
any good. They therefore held a meeting and
decided to abandon the project. There was
no man more indignant at this than Mr. Hutchinson,
who said the factory meant everything to
the district. That gentleman kept on writing
and enquiring, and collecting whatever information
he could. Then the Pambula Dairy Co. thought
of dealing with frozen rabbits, but the idea
did not materialise. Then Mr. Hutchinson
and Mr. G. Keys called a meeting at Towamba,
and he (the speaker) was put on the Board
of Directors. There were only a few more
meetings before the prospectus was issued
and a canvasser put on. Then Mr. Ingles gave
them all the possible information about canning;
in fact, their case would have been hopeless
only for him, for he told them everything.
Mr. Keys, at his own expense, took Mr. Ineles
all over the district, and for this the community
was very thankful. The speaker wishes to
mention the capable canvasser, Mr. Kraanstuyver.
It was hard for a man to make the public
believe that canning was going to be what
it was. As soon as 3000 shares were taken,
a site for the factory was selected, and
he believed it was in the right place. He
trusted the landholders and trappers would
work amicably together. If they were not
going to support them, what was the use of
them building. The trappers had an industry
for themselves, and if they wished to utilise
it they would be paid a fair price for rabbits
the whole year round. The speaker concluded
a fitting address by thanking the employees
for working day and night in order to allow
the public to see the factory in working
order. Mr. N. Hutchinson could scarcely find
words to express his deep appreciation for
the honor of formally opening the factory.
The idea of canning rabbits arose out of
a casual conversation, between Mr. L. Diversi
and. Mr. Jno. Bo land two years ago, and
the latter suggested that they might find
someone who could wield a pen to take the
matter up. The first letter the speaker wrote
was to a Wyndhamite, Mr. Goldberg, and that
person took the trouble to interview a number
of farmers who all fell in with the movement.
Since then he wrote a lot of letters, and
he had to thank the press for publishing
them. They had met all kinds of opposition,
but he could not understand a single farmer
standing aloof from the movement, and using
his influence against it. In reply to a letter,
the Agent-General in London stated that skins
were sold at 3s, 7s a lb., and some of these
were bought in their own district for 8d.
They would send their skins direct to London,
and thus save all the middleman's expenses.
They wanted the money distributed in this
district. When he found out what price they
could get for canned rabbit, he knew they
were on solid ground, and for every rabbit
caught he estimated that sixpence would be
brought into the district. This meant a very
consider able sum when it is remembered that
thousands would be caught every week. He
had forgotten a lot he had to say, but there
was one thing he would like to emphasise.
He heard that some of the landholders meant
to charge trappers a royalty. If such were
the case it would be a shame, and he hoped
the farmers would not take up such a selfish
attitude. He thought that if any did they
would not only go down to their graves un
honored, but with rabbits tied to their toes.
Two men who had been closely associated with
the speaker, and who had stood out prominently
all through, were Mr. Keys and Mr. Moore,
and without these two they would never have
opened the factory. At this stage Mr. Moore
handed Mr. Hutchinson the first tin of rabbit
turned out at the factory. Mr. Hutchinson
was very thankful for the present, and would
keep it and hand it down to posterity. He
hoped it was only the fore runner of great
things for the dist rict. Mr. Hutchinson
then broke a bottle of wine over the boiler
of the South Coast Canning Company. Mr. W.
A. Kneen then called for three cheers for
the Company which were lustily given. Mr.
Ingles, the manager stood in the centre of
a cart-load of rabbits to make a speech.
He said it was 26 years ago since he opened
a canning factory in Victoria, and had since
been associated with six other factories.
That day he had much pleasure in opening
another factory. When he first saw the possibilities
of the district he did all he could to help
the canning movement, and hoped it would
develop into a much larger concern, and that
beef, mutton, poul try, and other articles
would be treated. It would be an object lesson
for the whole of the neigh boring districts.
There were many trials and difficulties,
but they had all been mastered. The people
must help the Company. For the sake of the
farmer he would like to see the rabbits disappear,
but the factory would not close up for they
would deal with other kinds of meats. One
English firm alone would take all the rabbits
they could put in tins, and would make liberal
advances. Many were surprised at the small
cost of the factory, and that nearly everything
was paid for. He had to thank the people
and directors and also Mr. Hutchinson for
many kindnesses and considerations. It would
have been wrong if someone else but the latter
had opened the factory. He hoped the concern
would be a dividend paying one, and that
it would effectively cope with the rabbits
and be the means of circulating money through
the district. The guests then sat down to
an excellent luncheon - in fact, it was as
good as many banquets - which was provided
by the Wyndham ladies. After the inner man
had had his requirements fully attended to,
a toast list was quickly gone through. Mr.
Ingles proposed 'The Factory,' and said there
was a general feeling that the Co. should
go ahead. He hoped there would be no friction
between the landholder and trapper. They
would pay a fair price all the year round
for rabbits. The whole community should join
in helping the Company, and then everything
would go with a vim. Mr. G. Keys proposed
'The Shareholders,' He said he was asked
to do a little canvassing, and was successful
at Pambula, Wolumla, Candelo, and especially
Bega. He hardly met with a refusal. It would
be surprising to many to know that the business
people supported the movement better than
the farmers.
Mr. C. Parbery proposed 'The District,' and
expressed pleasure at being present. A great
change had taken place in the district during
the past 40 years. It was then practically
a squatter's run. The place had since been
closely settled, and butter and cheese factories
had sprung up in various parts. Then the
rabbit came and things looked gloomy, but
now they had a way of coping with them. He
was glad Bega had assisted the establishment
of the factory. If it was a success no doubt
others would be started elsewhere. The people
of Wyndham deserved a lot of credit for their
enterprise, and he would be pleased to see
it turn out a huge success. Dr. Clouston
proposed 'The Imlay Shire Council.' He said
that some time ago he got bogged and that
bog was named after him, and ever since he
had been asked to propose this toast wherever
he went. Some day he would tell the Councillors
what he thought of them. He was pleased to
see such a large crowd present, and it showed
the people took a great interest in their
factory. Cr. Baddeley responded, and said
that at one time when they had about eighteen
feet of rain in six hours, Dr. Clouston tried
to drive his motor through a bad bog and
got stuck, and the 'place had been immortalised
as Clouston's Bog.' The place had been fixed
up since and there would be no more bogs.
He would specially mention Mr. Keys in connection
with the canning factory, for, if anything,
he was an enthusiast, and if he took a thing
up he put his heart and soul into it. He
hoped the industry would be of great commercial
value and also be the means of reducing the
rabbits. Mr. R. Farrell proposed 'The Press,
and said that in the establishment of the
factory the district papers gave great assistance.
Some went to the trouble to write leading
articles, while they all had something to
say. The toast was responded to by Messrs.
W. A. Smith (on behalf of the 'Star' and
'Standard'), L. Sheehy ('Magnet'), J. Wilkins
('Voice'), and E. Boot (Budget). Mr. J. McCabe
proposed 'The Ladies,' and said that if anyone
went hungry that day they de served to do
so. Mr. Jas. Cochrane responded on behalf
of the ladies, and thought they deserved
great credit for the excellent spread they
had provided for the guests. Mr. Parbery
proposed the health of 'The Chairman,' and
Mr. Moore in responding said the result of
the opening was a great pleasure to him.
What he had done in the past was now nothing
to him, for he felt quite satisfied at the
way everything had passed off.
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
Thursday 20 July 1911
* The rabbit-canning factory at Wyndham on
the South Coast, which was opened this month,
has been kept busy, tho supply of rabbits
being plentiful The matter of purchasing
a motor lorry for tho purpose of bringing
in rabbits from the far-distant centres is
now under consideration.
July 26, 1911
'The Bega Budget'
* Arrangements have been made for the carting
of rabbits from Candelo and Tantawanglo to
the Honeysuckle canning factory.
Some persons are said to be making from £3
to £5 a week down Towamba way out of rabbit
skins.
'South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus'
28 July 1911
T O W A M B A.
Business here is progressing, and money is
not scarce. The telephone direct to Eden
is being erected. Corn pulling is nearly
over, and would have been over long ago,
only labor is so scarce - scarce is not the
name for it; you can't get it at any price.
The rabbit absorbs the lot. (The rabbits
are very plentiful, and although thousands
are being poisoned, their numbers are not
perceptibly less. Skilful trappers should
be able easily to supply the canning factory
with all it can handle from the country lying
between Lett's Creek and Burragate. The idea
locally is that poisoning pays better than
sending carcases to Wyndham. As it is the
trappers are making big wages.
September 2, 1911
'Southern Star '
WYNDHAM ITEMS.
About nine tons of canned rabbit left the
factory last week for shipment, and at present
four teams are loading. Even bullock teams
have been requisitioned, Mr. Dave Farrell's
taking 120 cases. The delay in the shipment
of the canned rabbit was due to the label
having to be altered or added to, the word
'Australia' having to be put on. Mr. Hobbs,
preserver at the factory, had the misfortune
to meet with an accident off a bicycle on
Saturday last, breaking his collar bone.
Dr. Clouston is in attendance.
Record loads of rabbits are still coming
into the factory at Honey suckle. Mr. A.
Twyford, carrier from Candelo, got stuck
on the Myrtle Creek mountain on Sunday night
with 12,000 rabbits on. The roads have been
very bad about here since the last rain.
Lochiel and Pambula are beginning to send
good supplies to the Factory, but Candelo
and Wolumla are going to beat the Rocky Hall
loads.
September 8, 1911
'The Farmer and Settler'
UTILISING THE RABBIT.
South Coast Canning Factory.
Within five weeks of the opening of the canning
factory at Wyndham, on the South Coast, N.S.W.,
it is estimated that 30,000 rabbits had been
treated and 20,000 tins put out. The factory
site is admirable, as it is by the side of
a permanent water supply, and is accessible
by roads from all directions. Expert hands
are engaged in skinning, cutting up, and
treating. The ears and feet are not wasted,
but are shipped to a factory in Melbourne
to be converted into glue. The skins are
stretched on wires and dried in sheds. There
are hands busily engaged in making tins for
the reception of the rabbit flesh. Trappers
received 5d. per pair at the Factory, which
is equal to 1/- per lb. for skins all the
year round. If the trapper delivers without
having to pay carriage the price is equal
to 1/3 per lb. for skins. The policy of the
factory is not to market to Sydney, but to
go to London. It is understood that a five
years' contract has been entered into with
an English firm to take the output, which,
in addition to tinned rabbit, will include
canned beef, mutton and veal.
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
Thursday 28 December 1911
* The directors of the rabbit canning factory
at Wyndham have received word that the first
consignment of their product has realised
a satisfactory price on the London market
September 11, 1912
'The Shoalhaven Telegraph'
BEGA.
Wyndham Rabbit Canning Company is in rather
a bad way. The deficiency to date is £1300.
September 13, 1912
'The Bombala Times'
Wyndham Rabbit Canning Company.
The directors' report, showing the operations
of the above company from its inception to
June 30th, 1912 is to hand. Expenditure during,
that- period was £4405 13s, and the deficiency
is set out at £1300.
The report and balance sheet are to be presented
at a meeting of share holders to be held
at Wyndham on 14th inst. The report sets
out that 1763 cases of boiled rabbit to date
were sold in London for £1633 15s 7d ; 770
cases were sold at a profit of £46 18s, and
903 cases at a loss of £47 12s 6d ; 90 cases
realised. £83 1s 9d without advance, 246
cases were, sold on the Sydney market for
£216 10s 11d. The audit by James Robertson,
Russel Crane and Co, has been taken from
the inception of the Company in April, 1911,
to June 30th, 1912. No depreciation has been
proved to meet the reduced value of buildings
and plant, which in the directors' opinion
have depreciated to such a small extent that
it is impossible to say how much. Canning
operations have not been resumed since November,
due to the un satisfactory state of the market;
also, monetary difficulties had to be faced.
Arrears of calls have increased to £513,
and action has been taken against several
to recover arrears. Shareholders who came
forward generously and paid in advance their
calls to 13s, enabled the directors to pay
all outstanding liabilities and £200 off
the overdraft, rescuing the company from
liquidation. Inquiries to lease and purchase
the factory have been received; also a proposal
to install a plant to distil eucalyptus oil
on a share basis. These matters are for discussion
by shareholders with a view to defining action.
The buildings and plant of the company are
valued at £1227.
January 31, 1913
'South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus'
CANDELO
Mr. H. Keogh, of the firm of White LTD.,
Sydney, arrived at Eden last week, and made
a tour of that and Candelo and Wyndham districts
with a view of ascertaining the prospects
for establishing a rabbit freezing works.
Mr. Keogh is very favourably impressed with
the district, and if terms can be arranged
with the Wyndham Canning Coy. it is almost
certain that the company will commence at
Wyndham; but if not, it is likely that they
will build a factory near Candelo.
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
Thursday 24 April 1913
RABBIT CANNING.
FACTORY CLOSING UP.
* BOMBALA.-At the half-yearly meeting of
the Wyndham rabbit-canning factory the balance-sheet
showed a loss of £70.- It was decided, after
discussion, to call a special meeting for
May 17, to consider the advisability of winding-up
the company, and to appoint a liquidator.
![]() |
RABBIT CANNING FACTORY AT WYNDHAM. 1910.
NOTE RABBIT CARCASSES ON CARTS. Photo courtesy C. and G. Clements |
![]() |
Rabbit Canning Factory Crew, Wyndham c1910 |
April 24, 1913
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
RABBIT CANNING.
FACTORY CLOSING UP.
BOMBALA.-At the half-yearly meeting of the
Wyndham rabbit-canning factory the balance-sheet
showed a loss of £70.- It was decided, after
discussion, to call a special meeting for
May 17, to consider the advisability of winding-up
the company, and to appoint a liquidator.
April 26, 1913
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
* Rabbit trappers are said to be almost as
numerous as rabbits over Towamba way. Mumps
are available round town just now. Mr. Jas.
Underhill and Mr. R. Farrell, two progressive
Rocky Hall farmers, have completed wire-netting
their properties. A Rocky Hall farmer is
asking £40 for the right to trap rabbits
on his property for five months.
November 12, 1915
'The Cobargo Chronicle'
*
At the half yearly meeting of shareholders
of Towamba Dairy Co., to be held on 20th
instant, one of the subjects set down for
discussion is a proposal to incorporate rabbit
freezing with the Co's operations.
March 2, 1918
'The Southern Record and Advertiser '
* Towamba correspondent to the Eden paper
says. 'It is rumoured that a rabbit canning
factory is likely to be erected here.' Only
a rumour, we guess. The thing is about as
unlikely as anything the imagination could
suggest.
February 22, 1919
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
* Mr. David Binnie, Towamba, lost 20 cows
the other day, through them eating poisoned
rabbits.
July 22, 1927
'The Southern Record and Advertiser '
* A rabbitskin stealing case has been engaging
the attention of the local police during
the week. The parties operated at Towamba,
and the skins are alleged to have been sold
in Candelo. Warrants have been issued for
the suspects.
'Magnet' March 1929
* Towamba lass trapped rabbits but couldn't
kill them so father obliged next morning.
She put them in a box overnight.
18 October 1929
'The Farmer and Settler'
LONG-FURRED RABBIT
New Type Found in the Towamba District
*
A report from Eden (N.S.W.) states that long-furred
grey rabbits have made their appearance in
the Towamba district. The skin of one trapped
recently on Mr. Logan's property has fur
of a length and quality equal to that of
the imported Angora, rabbits.
PERICOE
'Magnet' April 12, 1930
* Trappers have commenced trapping in spite
of the low price prevailing for skins but
Pericoe always does its best to get rid of
the pest.
'Magnet' January 31, 1931
* Now that rabbit skin prices are rising
the bunnies are receiving a good deal of
attention while we also appear to be the
Mecca of skin buyers. So frequent are their
visits that one resident often displays on
his gate "No rabbit skins today."
ADVERTISEMENT
All Kinds of Skins Wanted
Through life's many ups and downs
While fickle fortune smiles or frowns
'Tis always known that W.N. Stone
For highest price stands out alone.
Phone 3. Eden
![]() |
Skin buyers at Towamba Store. Vic Littley
(white coat) and Billy Stone. No date. |
BURRAGATE
'Magnet' July 4, 1931
* Rabbit skins are 3/6 per pound this week
for which we are all thankful.
'Magnet' July 28, 1934
RABBITSKINS
Pitt, Son & Badgery wired us on Wednesday.
125 tons offered today. The market was weaker,
values being on an average 1 penny to two
pence lower.
Quotes: Winters to 39 pence. Racks to 15
pence. Best heavy pelts to 70 pence. Others
to 44 pence. Does to 28 pence. Damaged to
20 pence. Smalls to 14 pence.
'Magnet' June 1, 1935
* Rabbit trapping is now in full swing and
prospects for the season seem bright. Our
genial friend Mr. W. N. Stone is still buying
and as usual is well to the fore.
'Magnet' August 17, 1935
RATES AND RABBITS
Hilarity went hand in hand with sympathy
at Imlay Shire Council's last meeting when
a letter was received from a Towamba rate
payer through his solicitors with a cheque
in reduction of a fairly large amount owing
for rates.
His letter which covered quite a lot of ground
complained of his valuation, spoke of the
shire valuer (Mr V. Grant) as a "well
paid Imlay Shire tourist" and referred
to the time, "when Mr. Rodd (the clerk)
put my rates up".
Rabbits, it appeared, were also a large cause
for complaint. He had spent a lot of money
trying to eradicate them, for others nearby
were doing nothing, hence the part payment
of rates. Councilor Lee suggested sending
a receipt and advising that the rate could
not be altered.
Councillor Wiles "He has his remedy.
Councillor Mitchell "Yay, he can appeal."
Councillor Mitchell said the ratepayer in
question was to be pitied and he felt very
sympathetic for all Council could do was
to advise the solicitors of the facts and
allow time for payment of the balance.
Councillors Lee and Wiles strongly favoured
stipulating for definite monthly payments.
The President suggested starting them from
November and added, "He's making nothing
from us now.'
Councillor Wiles, also sympathetic but added
humourously, "No, but he's just paid
the pound. It's wonderful what you can find
if you feel in the right pocket." (laughter)
Finally on the motion of councillors Mitchell
and Lee he had been given three months in
which to meet the balance.