NEW ZEALAND LAGS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 195, 15 May 1936, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND LAGS

“Shocking' Neglect” of Wool Research By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, May 14. A more progressive policy among sheep-farmers, particularly in the provision of research facilities, was advocated this morning by Mr. G. C. Warren in his presidential address to.the annual provincial conference of the North Canterbury. Farmers’ Union. Last season, he said, the wool industry returned £8,869,000 to the sheepfarmers of the Dominion and was recognised as tiie second largest source of national income. “Apart from a certain amount of research work, such as at Lincoln College,” said Mr. Warren, “this section of the industry is being shockingly neglected. All other sections of our primary and secondary industries have capable research committees or conn ells to deal with them; yet so far the sheep-farmers of this country have failed to be progressive enough to fall into line with them. It is pleasing to note that Australia is now taking definite steps to provide funds for re search and advertising to combat the menace of wool substitutes, and as the New Zealand Government has stated its intentions of doing something similar w e hope that in the near future a strong wool research council will be appointed here among whose members will be some of those who are prominently engaged in the industry. “We also cannot fail to appreciate that the Sheepowners’ Union is now giving the support and assistance that will enable the Government to carry out its intention with the best of goodwill and with the knowledge that those who know what is wanted will help it.”