WOOL INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22270, 24 May 1934, Page 10

WOOL INDUSTRY

IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY NATIONAL SCHEME FORESHADOWED (Pee United Pbiess Association.) PALMERSTON N., May 23. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Mrs Forbes and Dr Marsdcu (Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research), arrived here last evening from Foxton, having journeyed during the day from Taranaki At Foxton Mr Forbes and his party inspected the new factory for fibre processing, and subsequently left this centre this morning. Mr Forbes and Dr Marsden attended the sheep breeders' annual meeting at Massey College, and in an address indicated that the Government was prepared to co-operate to the fullest possible extent in any movement for the improvement of wool. The party left for Wellington after aji inspection of the college. •Addressing the sheep farmers at the annual gathering at Massey College, Sir William Perry said that the exchange rate had greatly assisted the farmers. He believed that they would be able to employ more men than in the past. Every man who could afford it should engage additional labour and pay reasonable wages. The Prime Minister, after assuring the farmers of the Government's desire to co-operate in wool improvement, said that they had to examine every avenue for an improvement in our produce to keep in the lead with quality. There was still room for improvement. They must see that there was no deterioration. Though prices had improved, there was still leeway" to make up,, In spite of the statements that they no longer needed assistance and could dispense with the exchange rate. During the coming session the matter of a national scheme for wool improvement would be threshed out.. There was a tremendously wide margin between the low-price wools, and they should strive to fill that gap a better average level. Referring "to his visit to the wool research centre while in England, Mr Forbes said it was pointed out to him that New Zealand was not contributing towards the expense of this work as had other parts of the Empire. It was felt that New Zealand was leaning on them. He had assured them that this country would contribute, and New Zealand was now providing her share of the £2OOO, which sum had been agreed upon by the various governments in the interests of the country to assist able scientists to investigate the wool problems.

Mr Forbes also referred to the need of extension of the wool market to offset competition from rayon and artificial silk. It bad been suggested that £20,000 should be raised to provide a fund in the interests of the woolgrowers. New Zealand's co-operation was being sought in an Empire scheme. At a meeting, to be held shortly, New Zealand would be represented by the High Commissioner and efforts be made to have abolished the deduction of one pound per cwt at present made in wool for a draft, as this was a practice continued from 100 years ago, when there were faulty scales. He hoped that this deduction, or at least part of its value, would be applied to publicity research purposes.