THE WOOL CLIP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19807, 24 May 1934, Page 3

THE WOOL CLIP

IMPROVING ITS QUALITY NATIONAL SCHEME TO BE CONSIDERED By Telegraph—Press Association PALMERSTON N., May 23. Addressing sheep farmers at the annual gathering at Massey College, Sir William Perry said that the exchange rate had greatly assisted the farmers. He believed that they would be able to employ more men than in the past. Every man who could afford it should engage additional labour and pay reasonable wages. The Prime Minister, after assuring farmers of the Government's desire to co-operate in wool improvement, said that they had to examine every avenue for improvement of our produce to keep in the lead with quality. There was still room for improvement. They must see there was no deterioration. Though prices had improved, there was still leeway to make up, in spite of statements that they no longer needed assistance and could dispense with the exchapge rate. During the coming session, the matter of a national scheme of wool improvement would be thrashed out. There was a tremendously wide margin between the low price of wools. They should strive to fill that gap with a better average level. Referring to his visit to the wool research centre while in England, Mr Forbes said that it was pointed out to him that New Zealand was not contributing toward the expense of this work as had other parts of the Empire. It was felt that New Zealand was leaning on them, but he had assured them that this country would contribute. New Zealand was now providing her share of the £20,000, which was the sum agreed upon by the various Governments. It was in the interests of the country to assist able scientists to Investigate wool problems. Mr Forbes also referred to the need for extension of the wool market to offset the competition of rayon and artificial silk. It had been suggested that £200,000 should be raised to provide a fund in the interests of the wool-growers, and New Zealand’s cooperation was being sought In an Empire scheme. At a meeting which would be held shortly, New Zealand would be represented by the High Commissioner. Efforts would be made to have abolished the deduction of one pound per cwt at present made in wool for draft, as this was a practice (Continued from hundreds of years ago, when there were faulty scales. It was hoped to have this deduction, or at least to have part of its value, applied to publicity for research purposes.