Wool The Key To N.Z. Prosperity Prom Ship... ...To Store

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29746, 13 February 1962, Page 17

Wool The Key To N.Z. Prosperity Prom Ship... ...To Store

Far better than words in praise of wool is the 1962 wool awards collection which is celebrated in this supplement of “The Press.” The frocks, evening gowns and other wonderful garments speak for themselves and those who made them. . Their great variety shows the versatility of wool and, of course, it is wider still. Carpets are not shown here and, because of restrictions, the lightweight wools are scarcely represented. One man complained to me that there was no place for the good wool singlet which has preserved him through 75 winters. It is this great range of uses for wool which makes it a broad-based support for our economy.

The collection shows the fine “drape.” “hang” and “handle” of wool—things about which designers and others know far more than the fanner who merely grows it. In permanent creasing and in other ways, it shows some of the latest scientific advances. Most important of all. 1 think, it shows the care and skill which designers, weavers and cutters and sewers will lavish on wool.

When the workmanship is material with which he impeccable, it follows the works. This in many of the craftsman has faith in the garments is our own New Zealand crossbred wool. Its reputation is high all over the world but as farmers—and a farming nation—we must be steadily improving it.

The Wool Board’s contest is “in praise of wool.” Its aim is to encourage good design and craftsmanship and to secure for the public the greatest variety of mod-erately-priced, fashionable wool goods. Many have assisted the board’s staff: the Garment Council; the mills and manufacturers (whose 660 entries came from all parts of the country); ths judges; T.E.A.L. executives, and others. The collection will be seen in major towns and the garments will be widely sold. This has become a national affair—as a wool campaign should be.—Jack Acland. South Canterbury farmer and chairman of the Wool Board.