THE WOOL EXHIBITION AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4161, 22 August 1881, Page 4

THE WOOL EXHIBITION AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

The International Exhibition of Wool and Woollen Manufactures, which was opened at the Crystal Palace some weeks ago, presented on June 28 a novel feature, sheep-shearing being performed in the afternoon near the Balloon Ground, in the presence of a large number of spectators. The work was done in a sheepfold, where were eeen representatives of some of the best ovine breeds hi the kingdom. The first shearing occupied exactly 25 minutes, when the animal appeared to jump out of his skin, and stared about as if it had lost its identity. It wbb immediately succeeded by another, and a moderate flook will before long have passed through the denuding process. Tho wool thus obtained — the first clip was about a Btone in weight— was afterwards taken to the Palace, where, in the wool department, it was to be at once subjected to the process of washing, opening, carding, spinning winding, drying, weaving, &c, so that with the exception of dyeing, for which there are no facilities in the building, it would probably within twenty-four hours be fitted for actual use. Theße rapid changes from the animal's back to readiness for human beings will, with favourable weather, be going on daily for some time to come. The wool exhibition, embracing such marvellous machinery in motion, is confessed by all the best judgeß to be unique in character, and unsurpassed, if equalled, by anything of the kind ever before seen. Some of the best specimens of Australian wools have recently arrived, more are coming, and there will no doubt be ample material of tho best kinds for the machinery to operate upon up to the close. In tho department of the Falkland Isles is the fleece of a wild animal which had not been shorn for ton joars. The list of jurors for the prize awards will be complete in a few days, and tho adjudications will be made about the end of July. — European Mail.