THE WOOL CLIP

Otago Witness, Issue 3276, 27 December 1916, Page 11

THE WOOL CLIP

VALUERS AT WORK. A commencement was made on the 18th with the valuing of the local wool clip, and although the full details of the scheme have not yet been definitely arranged, it is reasonable to assume that the scheme will work out to the satisfaction of all parties, and more particularly to the grower, who is the most vitally interested. Bin lots are being dealt with first, but a good many bale lots have also come under the valuers' notice. Speaking generally, the wool is in better condition this year than it was last. The wool is better grown and sounder in staple than was the case with that submitted for inspection in 1915-16. This satisfactory state of affairs is due to favourable climatic cond.tions. The wool is also clean, which is accounted for by the absence of heavy winds in the spring. Mr Walter Hill, New Zealand president of the Wool Buyers' Association, is at present in Dunedin in connection with the initiation of the scheme here, and as a gentleman with a thorough knowledge of the wool trade, his presence will doubtless give confidence to growers. On Monday, 18th inst., the Brokers' Committee and Growers' Committee met Mr Denny, the supervising valuer, in conference. Samples of wool were submitted and the basis of valuation was discussed.

The method so far proposed for arrival at value will be as follows: —(a) Brokers and valuers will first of all fix average samples of wool representing each of the grades. They will fix a sample as being the mean average of super merino, with a value of 20£d, which is the average between 18£d and 22£d. Any super merinos submitted for valuation will be compared, and if the quality is above the average will be priced at higher than the average price, and if lower will be valued below the average. Medium grades and inferior grades will be similarly treated. Other kinds will be worked out the same way, and super wool of extra quality may go higher than the prices named in the schedule, if they show exceptional merit, while exceptionally inferior wools may have to be taken at below the minimum. (b) In the event of the grower still considering that he has not been placed on n proper basis, he can prefer his complaint to a local board, consisting of representatives of the Otaso A. and P.Society, Farmers' Union, and Sheepowners' Union. If the grower wants an independent valuation ho can obtain one at his own expense, but the Government say thevdo not hold themselves bo;md to accept this. (c) Growers must understand that although the basis of price agreed upon with the Imperial authorities is o 5 per cent, over January, 1914, prices, they are not just goin" to get 55 per cent, over their gross prices realised at that sale and no more. Each lot will be valued on its merits, in accordance with quality, breed, condition, etc., so that if a man had inferior wool in 1914_ and superior wool this season, his forthcoming clip will be valued in accordance with its grade when it is displayed, and be priced as coming under that grade. The values of crossbreds are lower than last year from Id to 2d per lb; 1 alfbreds are about equal to last year; merinos are from 2d to 3d better; and p-'eces are, if anything, from Id to 2d lower than last year's prices. It has to be remembered that the Imperial Government are paying all expenses, including brokers' fees, storage, valuators' fees, therefore the growers will receive net cash, the only deductions being railage to their agents' store for display, insurance from sheep's back to store if any, and anv spec : al attention they may give instruction about, such as re-classing, or binning mixed bales, fadges, or bags, etc. A scheme is now being consid( red for th" holding of regular fortnightly valuations, with limited catalogues, to enable the work to be dono smoothly, systematically, and snt ; sfaetori!y. The number of bales to be dealt with in Dunedin on this occasion will be in the vicinity of 7000. Messrs J. T.' F. Mitchell and F. J. Loughnan, representatives of the Invercargill Woolbrokers' are at present in Dunedin in connection with the valuations in that centre, which will commence on January 4.

TERMS OF GOVERNMENT PURCHASE. WELLINGTON, December 21. A proclamation gazetted to-night declares that all the present season's wool clip is requisitioned on behalf of his Majesty's forces for the purposes of the war. Ihirtynine firms are scheduled as the agents of the Government, to whom owners shall, as soon as practicable, deliver the wool at one of the following ports:—Auckland, Tokomaru Bay, Gisborno, Napier, Wanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, and Chrietchurch, there to be examined, classified, and valued. The Government will pay for all wool as valued a sum equal to the value placed upon it, plus 55 per cent. If any owner fails to deliver or accept payment for wool under these provisions such wool will be subject to seizure. All the wool already shipped for export under a Ministerial permit will bo purchased by the Government on terms equivalent to those afoiemeiitioned in accordance with the valuation made by the Government in the United Kingdom. Payments for requisitioned wool will be made on the basis of the following scale of 'dualities and values representing the

average for New Zealand wools in the season 1913-14: Per lb. d. d. Superior merino combings ... 12 to 14j Medium to good merino 93 to 11£ Inferior merino to 9j Superior halfbred 12 to 14 Medium to good halfbred ... 9| to 12 Inferior halfbred 9 to 10 Superior crossbred to 12 Medium to good crossbred ... 9 to 11 Inferior crossbred 72 to 9 Lincoln and Leicester 81 to 10£ Lambs, good 11 to 13 Lambs, medium 9 to 102 EXPORT OF PRODUCE. WELLINGTON, December 21. The produce entered for export last w T eek was valued at £479,34-3, including: Butter £ 26,718 Cheese 93,693 Frozen meat 29,055 Gold 21.548 Hides 10.866 Flax 17.494 Wool 265,753