Wool Conference

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 160, 9 July 1938, Page 2

Wool Conference

IMPORTANCE TO DOMINION THE SYSTEM OF SELLING LONDON, June 13. The importance of the International Wool Conference from the point of view of the Dominion farmers was commented upon by Mr .H. M. Christie, M.P., chairman of the New Zealand Woo! Council, who attended it as a member of the executive committee of the International Wool Secretariat this week, Mr F. S. Arthur, New Zealand’s representative on the International Wool Secretariat, Mr 11. Hill, chairnan of the New Zealand Wool Buyers* Association, and Mr N. Wright, scientific liason officer at New Zealand House, also attended the conference, this being the first time that New Zealand has been represented at such a conference. Draft Allowance Not Discussed Mr Christie said one of the important subjects discussed was the system of selling wool in NeW Zealand: There appeared to be very littlo opinion favouring an alteration, particularly after ] Mr Arthur had pointed out that wool interests in the Dominion had recognised the desirability of reducing the maximum offerings to 24,000 bales at any one sale. The question of the New Zealand and Australian action regarding the draff allowance on the sale of wool was not discussed, Mr Christie said. This might appear to be surprising, but in view of the fact that legislation had already been passed by both Dominion abolishing the allowance discussions had been held in private among the foreign wool buyers as to their attitude. At the present stage it was impossible to sa> what their policy might be. The general opinion seemed to be that since the abolition was an accomplished fact it was a matter for buyers themselves to decide what provision they would make internally to meet this change. Secretarial's Good Work "1 have found that the work of the Secretariat has created a very good Impression among the various textile interests and the trade generally,** Mr Christie continued. “They seem to ba pleased to be able to deal with a body officially representing the growers, and it is quite clear that the Secretariat is

acting as a very necessary liaison between producers and manufacturers. “I have found, in the course of my I conversation,** said Mr Christie, "that the textile interests, as much as ihe sheep farmers, deprecate the violent fluctuations in the price of wool which have 'wcurred within recent years. They welcome the work of the Secretariat toward effecting what improvement it may be possible for them to contribute.**