SHEEP AND WOOL.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12426, 19 August 1933, Page 3

SHEEP AND WOOL.

MEETING AT TINUI. After hearing addresses by Mr J. E. Hewitt and Sir William Perry a well-attended meeting of farmers at Tinui approved unanimously the sheep and wool improvement scheme. The resolution passed, the text of which is given below, is the same as that passed at a meeting held in Masterton on July 31. Mr J. M. Laing, chairman of the Tinui branch of the Farmers’ Union, presided. The meeting was arranged by the Wairarapa Provincial Executive, and the Provincial Secretary (Mr Jas. Watson) attended. The speakers of the day outlined and described the proposals on the lines of their addresses m Masterton and afterwards answered many questions. Asked whether certification of sires would not put the purchase of certified stock beyond the reach of the farmer, Mr Hewitt said that prices, as now, would be fixed by the purchasing farmers, according to supply and demand. In emphasising the merits of the scheme, 'Sir 'William Perry said that the New Zealand wool clip used to secure recognition as the best in the world, but the same could not be said of it to-day. Mr H. Bennett asked why some of the most noted stud breeders of New Zealand received very little more per lb for wool than individual flock-owners; Mr Hewitt said that in order to raise prices it was necessary to improve the average standard. Sir William Perry, amplifying the same point, observed that wool buyers were instructed from day to day as to the average price they were to pay for the class of wool they were to buy. On a given staple and yield, they were left little margin to pay more on account of superior quality. The national average of quality must oe raised to secure the best prices. Mr Bennett asked whether th© raising of the standard for rams would not result in a great shortage of suitable rams and in exorbitant prices being demanded for those that were available? Mr Hewitt replied that the process of improvement would be too gradual to lead to such results. Nlr Jas. Andrew asked whether breeders other than Romney breeders had been definitely invited to participate in this scheme? In replying, Mr Hewitt stated that Mr H. B. Stuckey, a Southdown breeder, was a member of the provisional committee. Although no ciefinite invitation had been issued to other breeders, it was open to all breeders to take part. If the Romney breeders had taken the initiative, more power to them. Mr H. G. Groves: “Should you not have research at the manufacfaeturmg end?” Sir William Perry: “Not bv this committee, but the committee will get into touch with the research undertaken by Bradford and other manufacturing centres.” It was moved by Mr I?. S. PilMr D. H. Speedy seconding: that we reaffirm the resolution passed at Masterton on July 31 ” The Masterton resolution * read: ihat to finance a sheen and wool improvement scheme the Gov-ern-ment be asked to pass legislation enabling the imposition of a levy of not more than 3d per bale on all wool grown in the North Island, or in the Dominion if the South’ Island wishes to come into the scheme. Further, that the Government be asked to pass an empowering clause to the Meat Board Act giving the board discretionary power to subsidise any such levy to an extent that may be rendered necessary by circumstances and that the total sum accruing be administered by a committee set up bv the sheep farmers.” ‘ One farmer said it appeared that au improvement had to come through the sire. It seemed to him that it was iip to the breeders to put their own house in order instead of calling on the farmer. Mr Jas. Andrews said he could not understand anyone who did not favour progress. It was evident that something must be clone, and he favoured the proposal before them. ivi/r 11. Bennett imported a touch of humour into the discussion bv observing that the amount of the levy was only threepence per bale, and if the shearers were instructed to go a little closer - to- the Imdy, they would easily secure the threepence worth. The motion was carried unanimously.—Age.