WOOL RESEARCH

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 47, 19 November 1936, Page 10

WOOL RESEARCH

New Zealand’s Action Commended OTHER COUNTRIES MOVING Dominion Special Service. Auckland, November 18. Fifteen years ago Mr. Bernard E. 11. Tripp, South Canterbury pastoralist and past-president of the Canterbury, Sheepowners’ Union, suggested that a levy should be made on wool to provide funds for research and propaganda to assist the industry. To-day he returned to New Zealand in the Rangitata from a visit to England well pleased that his original scheme, which be had consistently advocated both in New Zealand and abroad, has now developed and promises rich results, Mr. Tripp said that the Government could be congratulated on a levy on wool for research and publicity work, which was badly wanted throughout the world. Australia had passed legislation which would bring in about £75,000 a year for the purpose. The New Zealand levy would realise £15,000, South Africa had already adopted a levy up to 1/- a bale, and he thought that the Argentine would fall into line. Good funds should thus be established and it was possible that there would be unified work in the direction indicated. Although details had not been decided upon, manufacturers in England had offered to join in the scheme and he was certain that a very big market could he developed for wool by proper organisation. Such countries as Russia and China were potentially large buyers, the demand from China being already in process of development. Wonderful research work was already being done at Torrendon. near Leeds. Woollen garments were heing produced that would not shrink and which were smooth to touch. Much more work could be done at Torrendon with increased subsidies. Artificial wool had been pushed and advocated all over the world nt the expense of wool. It had gained a footing in the market because there had been no effective propaganda for wool, but that defect would he remedied'.

The outlook fo r wool in the coming season was very good. Practically all countries were short of wool, and if finance could be arranged Continental countries should be buyers.