‘Slick operators’ threaten goats

Press, 14 May 1984, Page 9

‘Slick operators’ threaten goats

PA New Plymouth Too many “fast buck” entrepreneurs could swoop on the New Zealand Angora goat and mohair industry and destroy its solid base, said an accountant, Mr David Russell, on Saturday: _ ...

Mr Russell told 200 people at Mohair 84, the annual seminar and meeting of the mohair producers of New Zealand, that there was evidence such entrepreneurs were moving in, with livestock prices stepping outside economic reality. Market conditions, where demand exceeded supply by such a vast margin, would give rise to excessive prices he said. “Further, industries in that state attract the slick operators who have no longterm regard for the general good of the industry. Slick

practices, including unsubstantiated claims about the future of the industry, the sale of defective livestock, and a host of other unsatisfactory situations could occur unless the industry itself imposes strict self-regula-tion.” He said there was a critical shortage of pure Angora stock and an abnormal demand and very high prices for it this year. The Mohair Council has begun rigorous registration and inspection schemes and organised a pool for marketing produce. Mr Russell said, “If you are prepared and able to stick to the high principles that have guided you this far, then the industry will prosper. If you relax at all the whole industry will fall into disrepute and you will lose what you have striven so hard to establish.”