Who is to Pay for Research in Wool?

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 221, 21 September 1934, Page 8

Who is to Pay for Research in Wool?

ATTITUDE IN CANTERBURY. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 19. "You have all expressed approval of research, but you want somebody else to pay for it,” declared Professor Alexander, Director of Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, at a meeting of the general committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, this afternoon, after members had criticised the Bill providing for a levy of 4d a bale on wool for research. The committee decided that while it approved of research its sheep committee should be instructed to prepare recommendations to the effect that the incidence of taxation should be more equitably spread.

Mr W. If. Nicholson said the proposed levy would affect only one section of the primary producers, although there were other sections vitally concerned. Research was not opposed, but the manner iu which it was proposed to raise money had caused grave concern to sheep-farmers. Other speakers expressed the view that no further taxation should be levied until tho farmers were in the position to meet past commitments. Professor Alexander said there was no' question about the losses that sheep-farmers were suffering through diseases in their stock. "Their inexperience and lack of knowledge are creating much more than the levy will cost,” he said.