TESTING WOOL

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30144, 30 May 1963, Page 11

TESTING WOOL

Objection To Change

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) PADMA (Majorca), May 27.

The International Wool Textile Organisation’s annual conference decided unanimously yesterday to protest against a change to a new American method of wool testing. It was held that the system —a microscopic method of appraising woollens aimed at replacing the so-called visual method—would hamper the free flow of the world’s wool trade. It was stated that the visual appraisers had sat in sole judgment of what is pure wool, but the United States now proposed microscopic testing for import duty levy purposes. The deadline for such a protest was last Saturday, but it was submitted that the conference, attended by 470 delegates from 19 countries, could not present its views on the matter earlier than yesterday. Auction System

Sir William Gunn, of the Australian Wool Board, speaking of the possibilities of sweeping changes in the auction system of selling wool, said; “There is no alternative to auction.” He admitted, however, that “this was the time for a reform to protect the interests of sellers as well as consumers.” Mr J. Acland, of New Zealand, told the conference that 97 per cent, of the New Zealand wool production being exported to the Northern Hemisphere. Five additional auction sales will be held this year in New Zealand. Mr Acland said New Zealand had in the last 10 or 12 years increased its output by 200 m lb.

He predicted production would rise further if world market prices rose to provide inducement.