WOOL GROWERS

Southland Times, Issue 21428, 24 June 1931, Page 7

WOOL GROWERS

EMPIRE CONFERENCE

EFFECTIVE TEAM WORK NECESSARY THE BEST SELLING METHOD (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 8.20 p.m.) Melbourne, June 23. The Empire Wool Conference was opened by the Governor-General, Lord Somers. It includes delegates from England, South Africa, New Zealand and all the Australian States. The chairman, Sir C. Graham Waddell, in his inaugural address said the object was to discuss ways and means of putting the wool industry on a sounder footing and getting better results for growers. He hoped the conference would mark the beginning of effective team work among the wool-producing countries. . Australian growers had no faith in Government interference; they simply desired to work out their own salvation, but they ■ desired governments to constantly recognize the supreme importance of their industry and refrain from placing obstacles in the way. Mr G. N. Williams (South Africa) said: “Although our methods may differ, we have to define some basic principle. We pin our faith to co-operation. Forty per cent, of South African wool is sold through cooperative societies, which are fairly successful; certainly they are more economical, than selling through agents.” Die Lord Mayor of Melbourne welcomed the delegates. Mr B. Tripp (New Zealand) was among the speakers who replied. The conference passed a resolution expressing the opinion that the best method of selling wool was by public auction, and that the present low price of wool was not due to over-production. Mr W. H. Nicholson (New Zealand) contended that it would be a dangerous thing to admit that they were over-producing. The conference also recorded its opposition to the arbitrary fixation of prices.