COURSE ON WOOL HANDLING

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27733, 10 August 1955, Page 16

COURSE ON WOOL HANDLING

WANGANUI REQUEST TO LINCOLN COLLEGE A course for woolshed workers on the handling of wool from the table to the press, with particular attention to correct skirting, has been requested in a letter from the Wanganui provincial executive of Federated Farmers to Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln. The Wanganui executive considers that there is a very high annual loss to the producer and to New Zealand through poor skirting, and believes that workers taking a course and a certificate of ’efficiency could receive financial recognition by a new clause in their award. This inducement should bring an improvement in the preparation of the Dominion’s wool clip, the letter said. When this request was cnsidered by the Board of Governors at Lincoln yesterday morning, the Director (Dr. M. M. Burns) said the college sheared about 5000 sheep a year, staggered through the season to provide material for the shearing courses held in association with the Wool Board, which were a first obligation. Although ke admitted the need for better presentation of fleece wool, he could not see how the college could manage the extra course under existing conditions. Perhaps regional farm schools could be organised for this purpose at big sheds in various parts of the country. Mr C. Hilgendorf said he would not like to see the board reject the scheme definitely. The Wool Board and Federated Farmers had been impressed with the results of shearing instruction, and perhaps the college might be able to work out some fresh arrangement with the Wool Board. Better handling was necessary. The chairman (Mr W. H: Gillespie, M.P.) said there were difficulties in conducting such courses on farms. It was agreed to watch developments and co-operate if possible. t