More processing of wool urged

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32774, 26 November 1971, Page 11

More processing of wool urged

A Government-sponsored company had already been set up to investigate the further processing of New Zealand wool to sliver, tops and yam before export, said Dr D. A. Ross, head of the products and processing department of the Wool Research Organisation.

He was commenting on a ’ letter to “The Press” by “Card,” who suggested there should be a national industry to establish such a processing industry. “ ‘Card’ is quite correct in pointing out the desirability of furtiier processing our wool in New Zealand before export,” said Dr Ross. “A major step in this direction had been taken by the scouring industry which now processes 40 per cent of the New Zealand clip before export. “As a result of recommendations by the Holden Committee in 1969, a Gov- ; ermnent-sponsored company was set up to investigate the

potential of further processing our wool to sliver, tops and yam before export. While I understand that this company has now reported back to the Government, its findings have not been made public. “Major problems to be overcome in the establishment of such an industry would be those of marketing and finance.

“The Wool Research Organisation is aware of the desirability of such a development both from a national point of view and as an insurance to the wool grower, that his fibre will be further processed. At the same time, wool, whether greasy, scoured, sliver or top, only has value when a manufacturer converts it into wool products which consumers can and do buy. This creates the demand and sets the price for the raw wool. “It is for this reason that a large part of the research and development programme in the new pilot mill at Lincoln will be on new and improved wool products,” he said.