SHEEP AND WOOL

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 50, 28 August 1934, Page 7

SHEEP AND WOOL

IMPROVEMENT" MW;

MR. FORBES DEFENDS BILES

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHEISTCHUECH, August 27.

A defence of the Sheep and Wool Improvement. Bill now bofoi-o tho A, and P. Committee of the Houso of Representatives, authorising a Jevy oa wool for investigation and publicity^ was made by the Prime Minister (the? Et. Hon. G. W. Forbes) tonight. Although ho said ho was pleased to note the support of some sections of sheep farmers, Mr. Forbes pointed out that there was a big responsibility, on those who were opposing this opportunity for wool producers to combine for action in the interests of their industry. Prom the criticism which tho Bill had mot there was evidently somo misunderstanding of its intentions and provisions. It was not in any way a Government-controlled scheme, but leffc whatever action was considered necessary entirely in tho hands of the wool growers themselves. The Bill made provision for a fund which . was being placed at the disposal of a committed on which the industry itself predominated, seeing that wool growers comprised five of the Committee of seven. The remaining members, drawn from, the Departments of Agriculture and Kesearch, associated with tho Committee, ensured that it would have at its disposal aU the resources of these Departments, i Producers must realise that Germany, Italy, and other industrial countries promoted the use of synthetic products manufactured by themselves instead of wool, and at present they were usingl every effort and were calling in tho best brains possible to achieve that end. USB OF THE FUND. , Briefly, what was aimed at was the provision of a fund which might ba termed a-wool defence fund, which! would ,be placed in the hands of au organisation representative of the industry itself, to be used to safeguard, the interests of wool against the onslaught of alternative textiles and to increase its use in other directions. Tho period of the duration of the Bill was set down as five years. He felt t.hati tho small amount required by the levyj of 4d per bale represented but a trivial proportion of the extra amount which, wool growers were receiving by way; of increased returns through the rato of exchange. It made available, however, a. fund which could be used for; publicity and for the acquisition of information regarding improvements likely to be beneficial to the industry. Thei levy was unlikely to become a burdea upon growers. The average size of tho New Zealand flock\ was about 1000! sheep, and the levy therefore payable by the' ordinary sheep farmer would amount to only a few shillings. Such a charge could not be regarded as onerous* CO-OPERATION ASKED. A committee had been set up in London to promote an Empire-wide programme in connection with wool. He* had received a letter from' Lord BarnbyJ supporting. tho suggestions and asking for the co-operation of New Zealand and other Dominions with Great Britain: in this programme. At present, in a world abounding in: international obstacles to trade, iti would be satisfactory if at least New; Zealand and Great Britain could, cooperate on problems affecting the welfare of both. One of the difficulties appeared to be that sheep farmers, did not realise sufficiently that there were several definite problems for improve* ment, but he would point out that a! very large proportion, fully 80 per cent., of the woo] received prices fully 2d per pound less than superior grades. The! loss to the country in this direction! alone was approximately- £1,500,000. ' The legislation proposed in the Bill provided for.the. investigation ,of these* problems by a competent Committee and empowered the Government on their; recommendation to provide funds for; dealing with these problems. The funds were provided for any approved purposes designed to increase' the demand, for wool or "for the investigation, col* lection, and dissemination of informa* tion .relating to sheep and wool." A STRONG CHALLENGE. Mr. Forbes said he was in full agree-* ment with the North Canterbury Farmers' Union regarding the importance o£j disease problems in the South Island, and. in addition, he felt that nutritional problems in many districts exercised ai profound interest on the returns received by the sheep farmer. all types and classes of wool jiniformityj was highly desirable, and he felt that there was a very strong challenge indeed in this regard from synthetic fibres. In conclusion, - the Prime Minister] stated that he had had ample opportunity during the last few years to sod many sides of the problem. In consequence, he felt that his responsibility) to the industry amply justified his introduction of tho measure, which would enable it to undertake active steps M effect such improvements in all aspects of the industry as would enable it taj combat successfully the competition; which seemed probable in future. Th« matter was, however, in. the hands of the industry itself. He had no intcn* tion to force the Bill on to the indus* try if a majority was against it.