WOOLLEN INDUSTRY

Evening Star, Issue 26041, 4 March 1947, Page 6

WOOLLEN INDUSTRY

GRANT FOR RESEARCH

SHORTAGE OF SUITABLE PERSONNEL (P.A.) WELLINGTON, March 4. Tiio vvoolpack position as it affected the supply of packs for the season 1947•18 was fully discussed at the monthly meeting in Wellington of the New Zealand Wool Board, it was reported that replies had been received to various inquiries set in train by the board, and it was decided to press for further'information as to. the stock in New Zealand at a given time. The board’s next meeting will beheld at Christchurch at the end of March. Full discussion will be held with the New Zealand Woollen Mill Owners’ Association on the latest improvements in manufacture in the light of reports submitted by their representatives, who have just returned from overseas. At this meeting a deputation will be received from the Corriedale Sheep Society. The draft copy of the Sheepskin Emergency Regulations was discussed, and final decision deferred pending further discussion with the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board.

Advice was received that Dr Edgar Booth, chairman of the International Wool Secretariat, would visit New Zealand from April 21 to April 30. and it was decided to arrange for Dr Booth to meet- as many representatives of the industry as his limited time would allow. It was also agreed that any decision of the International Wool Secretariat budget for 1947-48 he held over until it was discussed with Dr Booth.

Approval was given for a grant to the New Zealand Woollen Mills Research Association for research on wool, this grant to be spread over three years. Regarding the training of shearers, it was decided that after receipt of reports of district meetings, the whole matter would be discussed in an endeavour to formulate a plan to cover the whole of New Zealand. At a meeting of the Sheep and Wool Research Advisory Committee to the New Zealand Wool Board, a report submitted by the delegation which visited Australia last year was further discussed. It was decided that the recommendations in the report should > be further considered, with a view to implementing them at ■an early date. Various aspects of _ research work at present being carried out were discussed, particularly as they related to a shortage of suitable research personnel. Alhrm was expressed at the number of qualified research workers who were leaving New Zealand. . A tribute was paid to the work of Dr P. It. McMahon, who was leaving to take up a position in Australia!