IMPORTANCE OF WOOL

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26179, 1 August 1950, Page 2

IMPORTANCE OF WOOL

MINISTER OPENS PARADE “Let us remember that there is more to wool than its warmth, its durability and its fashion qualities. It is New Zealand’s staple product, and if wool values drop we will all lose,” said the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr C. M. Bowden) when he opened the New Zealand Wool Board’s production, “The Miracle of Wool,” in the Winter Garden last evening. Mr Bowden said wool played a very important part in the economy of New Zealand. About one-third of the national production was derived from it. Since wool was first produced in New Zealand it had earned nearly £700,000,000. This year it would bring in about £60,000,000, and that was a tremendous contribution to the national economy. Thousands of people in New Zealand benefited directly from wool, and its export meant that New Zealand could import the goods it needed. “Wool is one of the strongest ties in the Empire,” Mr Bowden said. Britain was a great manufacturer of woollen products, but New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa were among the greatest producers. It was raw wool that was playing a great part in the economic rehabilitation of Britain and the Empire. Mr Bowden said that because of the competition of new fabrics the promotion work of the Wool Board and the International Wool Secretariat was all the more necessary if wool was to maintain its leadership among the textiles. “After seeing this show I am sure that you will agree that it will maintain its superiority,” he said. Mr Bowden was introduced by the chairman of the board (Mr N. R. Jameson).