Thank you Ainslie, yes I know from writing about hats for my Bidencope Book that rabbit skins were plentful at that time (and earlier) In 1874 3,858,372 skins were bought off the rabbiters and sent to England to be made into fur and returned to be made into hats at Bidencope's, valued at 3,525/3/10 pounds. maybe the rabbiters gave them to the Guides? to send with the other gifts they were sending to the front. Regards anyone with any suggestions. Irene > If Tasmania was anything like NZ in that era then there were plenty of > rabbit skins around!!! > > The Akubra hat was made from rabbit fur - and these 'grew' out of the > Diggers' slouch hats. > > http://www.army.gov.au/Our-history/Traditions/The-Slouch-Hat > > Cheers > Ainslie >

Hi again Irene and list. R.M Williams- Outback clothiers in Adelaide -made the slouch hats -and still do make boots, hats and clothing for the Stock and Station folk- and the general population who want such gear. I had two consecutive trips travelling through the US giving carving classes to folk I'd met on the internet 'carvers' list' (99 and again in 2000) I bought myself an RM Williams Arkubra hat before the first visit and could have sold it hundreds of times over!! It was great to get off a plane or train and have my next host family instantly recognise the hat! It saved them holding up a flag with my name on it! Cheers Ainslie.