The Marlborough Express PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1908. EXPERTS NEEDED.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 109, 9 May 1908, Page 4

The Marlborough Express PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1908. EXPERTS NEEDED.

In a recent issue we touched upon the need for instruction to small farmers in the growing of sheep and the proper handling and preparation, of wool for the market. Under the old squatter regime this was a lifelong study, and no effort or expense was spared, to produce wool that would command a high price in the market. The wool from the various large sheep stations was known and judged by its brand, and those.of established reputation were' always eagerly bought' up. To maintain an even quality, and if, possible .make each succeeding clip better than the last, involved a thorough knowledge of sheep and their habits^ and the -climatic conditions which best suited any, particular class of animal. Now all this is in danger of becoming a thing of the past; The large estates are being cut up for closer settlement^ aad the small farmer has not the knowledge of sheeprearing or wool production that was possessed by the professional sheep farmer.' His flocks are mixed, often very much so, and to him wool is just wool, without any discrimination as to class or character. Hence, mixed wool, ill-prepared, is now being placed on the market, and a' lower standard of price is the result. A Wairarapa correspondent makes the suggestion that the Masterton Technical School should include wool-classing in its curriculum. It has been pointed out that a class has already been commenced at Feilding, where seventeen farmers have handed in their names, and it is thought that something of the kind might be started in the Wairarapa. "Many in close touch with the wool business have stated that if woolclassing were taught in the Technical Schools it would be of great advantage to the farmers if they would avail themselves of the opportunity. Owners of big flocks had their own classers, but it was the small farmer who might learn a good deal regarding the packing of wool in something like its proper form.' r This is good advice so far as it goes, but something more is needed than instruction in the proper classification of wool: The small farmer requires showing how to grow the wool in the first place, and what sheep are best adapted for certain lands. The cutting up of large estates for the occupation of a sturdy yeomanry, is one of the best things that ever happened for New Zealand, and this excellent policy is likely to be pursued indefinitely. But, it'cannot- be expected that the men who take up these lands should be expert sheep farmers and wool classers, so hand in hand with settlement should go expert instruction in this highly profitable industry of wool growing in all its details.