THE WOOL LEVY SCHEME

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18253, 23 November 1933, Page 10

THE WOOL LEVY SCHEME

AUCKLAND COMMENT POVERTY BAY DECISION In a. sub-leader on the wool improvement scheme, the Auckland Herald ln' deciding to support the wool improvement scheme without any reseivations in tho matter of levy, the Poverty Bay Farmers’ Union has given a new lead to a national cause. lne decision means recognition by an nnpoi tant sheep farming district that the Dominion cannot afford to allow the drift toward deterioration to continue. Tlie whole question was reviewed in a comprehensive manner by the 1 rime Minister in a statement recently presented to Parliament. In this report information upon all aspects of the wool trade was marshalled, not tho least valuable contributions being those winch revealed the extent of the lack of knowledge. “Much remains to be done in the hero of research, and investigations may have to be continued over a period oi years before the fruits of scientific knowledge appear throughout the sheep country, particularly of the North Island. But it is evident in the reversed decision of the Poverty Bay farmers that aJi«w spirit is becoming active, possibly aided by Mr. Forbes’ report. The problems which face those engaged in research,, w marketing, and in manufacture are not to be allowed to discourage the farmers of this district from taking the immediate practical steps which are within their power toward raising the standard of their clips. . ; , “Other distircts may yet have to bo convinced that any improvement, no matter bow limited in scope, is worth while, but with prices vising, the suggested levy will not be a burdensome price to pay for the dissemination ok knowledge, the establishment of standards, as far as possible, in regard, to gives, and all the other beneficial factors that may arise for co-operation. Legislation on the subject lias been asked for, but compulsion should be avoided u possible. Tim industry is large enough and progressive enough to set about putting its house in order without control measures that inevitably breed hosbis report, Mr. Forbes mentioned the work of the Imperial authorities in the matter of collecting statistics and in the setting up of a committee of advice in regard to the utilisation of crossbred wool, and stated that although some support came from .South Africa, Australia and Canada, no organisation bad been established in New Zealand' which could speak for the industry, and thus take part in this liaison. It is not creditable to the Dominion that this should be so. A great issue is at stake, and it is to be hoped that the way will soon be cleared for energetic co-operation.’