THE WOOL YEAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22523, 14 September 1936, Page 5

THE WOOL YEAR

SURVEY OF INDUSTRY HIGH AND STABLE VALUES "MOST GRATIFYING PERIOD" "From a marketing standpoint the sheep industry in Australia during the past year has experienced one of the most gratifying periods in its history," said Mr. H. Bell, chairman of directors of Winchcombe, Carson, Limited, Sydney, at the annual meeting of shareholders recently. Higher prices fof wool and sheep had been obtained, but it was. doubtful if a more stable range of values for wool and stock had ever been enjoyed. "If we glance back to 1932," Mr. Bell continued, "when the clip sold at an average of B£d per lb. in Australia, and sheep and lambs were worth about, one-third of their present-day value, we unquestionably have the right to assume that wc have emerged from the depression. The value of all other primary products has also risen appreciably since those dolorous days. "Though uncertainty exists regarding the volume of Japanese wool-buying in Australia this season," he continued, "there is no doubt that a demand will be experienced for every bale the Commonwealth grows this year and the j years ahead. Russia and China are potential extensive users of wool. Nature has given Australia singular advantages both in climate and soil to grow wool and maintain sheep of high standard. She is more richly endowed in that respect than any other country in the world. The welfare of the sheep industry should be paramount in her national policy." Mr. Bell said that, in New South Wales, considerable agitation was proceeding for the stimulation of closer settlement. With existing numbers at present in the country about 10 per cent of the Australian clip is bought by local manufacturers. Twice the population would make the mills in Australia most influential buyers at the sales, with decisive effects on wool values, in addition to supplying a remunerative outlet for larger quantities of rural products. "For five consecutive years the Australian clip has totalled over 3,000,000 bales," concluded Mr. Bell. "Ten years ago the total was 2,000,000 bales, and on occasions less. Australia may have neglected her opportunities in some directions, but she has not done so in the sheep industry. For a long period wool-growing was almost wholly centred upon, but of late years in the Commonwealth the fat lamb industry has displayed remarkable expansion. I consider that this distribution of activity is wise within limits, as it is undesirable to be over-dependent on one class of product. In the year ending June 30 last, the Commonwealth exported 4,800.000 carcases of lamb."