WOOL RESEARCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21910, 20 September 1934, Page 12

WOOL RESEARCH

OBJECTION TO LEVY SOUTHERN FARMERS' VIEWS PROFESSOR SPEAKS OUT [B* TELKGRAPH —PRKSS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, "Wednesday "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, after members had criticised the bill providing for a levy of 4d a bale on wool for research purposes. The committee decided that, while it approved of research, its sheep committee should be instructed to prepare recommendations in that direction. The incidence of taxation, it was contended, should be morn equitably spread. Mr. W. H. 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 in which it was proposed to raise the money had caused grave concern to sheep farmers.

Other speakers expressed the view that no further taxation should be levied until farmers wero in a 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 is costing much more than the levy will cost," he added.