Spectacular Year For Woolgrower

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30511, 5 August 1964, Page 11

Spectacular Year For Woolgrower

“The past year has been a spectacular one of the New Zealand woolgrower,” says the annual report of the Wool Board. “Wool prices were the highest for more than a decade, the International Wool Secretariat board met for the first time in this country and the final preparations for the

secretariat’s £l3m-a-year research and promotion campaign were completed. In February the Wool Board announced the decision to increase the levy to 23s 6d a bale or 0.84 d per lb to enable New Zealand to meet its full share of the secretariat’s budget.

“Economically the year was notable for the levelling off of farm production costs, the 1963 Budget provisions aimed at stimulating production and heavy imports which did much to nullify the nation’s increased export earnings. The Government has already reacted to the overseas exchange position by announcing that the 1964-65 import licensing budget has been fixed at 90 per cent of 1963-64. “During the year the Government made a number of decisions which vitally affected the farming industry. It etablished the Agricultural Development Conference . . .

In December the Government announced the wool “freeze” scheme which enabled woolgrowers to pay voluntarily up to a third of their current wool cheque into a retention account. In March the Tariff and Development Board began its inquiry into import licensing and tariff treatment of woollen goods. “On the world front there has been evidence of the increasing confidence of the textile industry in the activities of the secretariat—in its promotion campaign, its technical services and the introduction of the Woolmark programme. The industry is making a large monetary contribution to campaigns for wool. In New Zealand wool

promotion was stepped up with wool garments and fabrics starring in fashion parades in cities and towns throughout the country. “Against these reassuring signs of wool’s increasing endeavour can be set the sobering announcements of lower synthetic prices and the

continuing pressure of the chemical fibre companies to extend their share of the market.” Chairman’s Message

In a message accompanying the report the chairman of the board, Mr J. Acland, says that within two to three months the Woolmark symbol will make its first appearance and wool promotion will “take a great leap forward” in all the main markets for wool. “It is for this we have been working during the last three years. The planning has been sound. The secretariat has the strength and efficiency to spend our funds effectively and the prospects of success are good. The support of the wool processing industry and the obvious high standing of the secretariat is immediately apparent to the visitor overseas.

“But it is one thing to study your industry’s situation and plan accordingly for its sound future, and quite another to confront your people with the bill. The bill is large, but I can assure woolgrowers the price of procrastination would be for higher. The last year has shown to me more clearly than ever the need for determined action. And we are not a moment too soon.

“The board has been anxious to do the best for the grower knowing well the pressure of other farm costs. The new levy is the minimum to cover home and overseas commitments in the coming five years. We have taken action to safeguard the Wool Commission’s funds and we are changing to a more equitable method of levy. We have strongly urged the need for measures to further stimulate production. “I would like to thank the woolgrowers for the support they have given in the last year. I know they have had to take much on faith in the months past However I am sure events will show this faith has been justified. We cannot expect the coming year to bring forth all the fruits of our planning and spending, but there will be a great deal of work done which should begin to bear results.”