WOOL INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22580, 19 November 1936, Page 14

WOOL INDUSTRY

GOOD SEASON PROSPECTS RESEARCH AND PUBLICITY SCOPE FOR DEVELOPMENT Fifteen years ago Mr. Hernard I\. H. Tripp, a South Canterbury pastoralist and a past president ot the Canterbury Sheepow tiers' I nion, suggested that a levy should be made on wool to provide funds for research and propaganda to assist the industry. Yesterday he returned to Now Zealand by the Rangitata from a visit to hngland, well pleased that his original scheme, which he had consistently advocated both in New Zealand and abroad, has now developed and promises rich results. Mr. Tripp said the Government could be congratulated on adopting a levy on wool for research and publicity work, which was greatly wanted throughout the world. Australia had passed legislation which would bring in about C 7.5.000 a year' for tho purpose. The New Zealand levy would realise .L 15,000. South Africa had already adopted a levy up to Is a bale, and be thought that the Argentine would fall into line. Good funds should thus be established, and it was possible that there would be unified work in the direction indicated, although details had not been decided upon. Manufacturers in England had offered to join in the scheme, and lie was certain that by proper organisation a very largo market could be developed for wool. Such countries as Russia and China were potentially largo buyers, the demand from China being already m process of development. Wonderful research work was already being dono at Torringtoti, near Leeds. Woollen garments were being produced which would not shrink and which were smooth to the touch. Much more work could be done at Torringtou with increased subsidies. Artificial wool had been pushed and advocated all over tho world at the expense of wool. It had gained a footing in the market because there had been no eflectivo propaganda for wool, but that defect would be remedied. The outlook for wool in the coming season was very good. Practically all countries were short of wool. and. if finance could bo arranged, the Continental countries should be buyers.