WOOL RESEARCH DISCOVERIES

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27735, 12 August 1955, Page 7

WOOL RESEARCH DISCOVERIES

WORK IN BRITAIN AND N.Z. RESULTS thought likely TO BE REVOLUTIONARY (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, August 11. professor N. B. Speakman, professor of textile technology at Leeds University, arrived in Auckland last night with news of discoveries that may revolutionise the wool industry. The results of the discoveries, he said should be seen within five vears. The main discovery, for which New Zealand research had paved the way, was in how to produce to order wool of specific types and qualities by controlling the breeding and feeding of sheep. Leeds University, Professor Speakman said, found the final answers, but basic research at Massev Agricultural College by Dr. F. W. Day made it possible. “We could not have done it without his work." he said. Professor Speakman will discuss this development with Dr. Day and also with scientists at Canterbury Agricultural College. Lincoln. Then, at a world-wide conference of wool scientists at Sydney this month—the first ever held—he will read a paper on these discoveries. He expects that the knowledge will he made available to farmers through the agricultural colleges, the Ruakura research station and the Department of Agriculture. The trouble in the past, he said, was that various persons involved in handling wool —producers, manufacturers, and so on—had talked about wool qualities in vague terms, and there had been no co-ordination. One of the first steps now would be to eliminate that.