APPRAISAL OF WOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25111, 30 December 1942, Page 2

APPRAISAL OF WOOL

SHIPOWNER'S COMPLAINT (Special) AUCKLAND. Dec. 28. A woolgrower who has raised sheep on the same station near Auckland, and has had his clip graded by the same man for the last 30 years, stated yesterday that the appraisers, who, before the commandeer, were buyers at the auctions, had been instructed by the authorities to tighten up their grading standards. The grower contended that his fleeces were of very even quality and had scarcely deviated from year to year. The appraisal for AA grade this year was 17d per lb, compared with 15id last year. A grade was appraised at 15id, against 14d. and B grade 14:,'d, compared with 13d. The grower pays all charges into store and the Government pays the commission. On top of the Government's present retention of the 15 per cent, advance conceded by the British Government, and an increase in overhead costs fully 25 per cent, above those of 1941, a stricter grading method would mulct the sheepowner to such an extent, it was contended, that he would inevitably receive less for the same quantify and quality of wool than was returned last year.