THE WOOL INDUSTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 June 1928, Page 8

THE WOOL INDUSTRY.

The remarks made by the president of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, Mr. C H. Weston, at the annual meeting of the body, taken in conjunction with the report presented by Mr. Quentin Donald, president of the Wool Research Board, have a bearing on the subject of wool culture and the future of that industry. Mr. Weston's view is that the sheep farmer, who lias had such fluctuating fortunes, can now look towards the future with a certain amount of optimism, as the prices he is now getting for his wool and his lambs, as well as for his old sheep, will allow him to build up the standard of his flock. Considering that the value of last year’s wool-export was well on the way to seventeen millions sterling as compared with the previous year's total of -about twelve million, the importance of aiming at and maintaining a quality of wool that will meet the requirements of the manufacturers is obvious. At the same time, Mr. Donald's report, which was drawn up in conjunction with Mr. A. 11. Cockayne, director of the fields division of the Department of Agriculture, conveys a serious warning that New Zealand wool is deteriorating. One suggested cause of this deterioration is that the hair-like ■ structure of rough wool is a Tegular feature of Romney and Romney cross wool, though it is said to be also common in all long breeds. This fact, stated Mr. Donald, pointed to the remedy lying along the lines of selection and management rather than alteration of breed. It is only natural that the wool buyers view wih disfavour excessive quantities • of hair, thickened hips and short fibres. There appears, however, to be marked difference of opinion as to whether structural defects in fleeces are largely influenced by climatic conditions, breeding, or a combination of both. There ean be no two opinions as to the soundness of Mr. Cockayne's opinion that pnre-wool animals always produce pure wool, though Condition, amount and spinning quality will vary. Romney breeders appear to have recognised the valuable results likely to arise from the proper scientific study of wool structure, as they have voted £lOO for three years to tiie Department of Scientific Research by way of aiding this branch of research, which is undoubtedly a pressing need. The fact that the high prices ruling for wool will tend to increased competition in other countries cannot be ignored. Moreover, it is of prime importance that all produce exported, from the Dominion shall be of the highest and most reliable quality, so that when definite complaints are made by overseas consumers no pains or expense should be spared in a thorough investigation in order to remedy defects.