WOOL EXPERTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 149, 26 June 1931, Page 9

WOOL EXPERTS

VISIT TO THE SHOW USE OF “BENZOL TEST” Explaining the Benzol test and displaying several interesting wool exhibits, Air R. Waters and Air B. L. Elphick, of the Massey Agricultuarl College, will give a demonstration at tho Winter Show Grounds this afternoon at 2 p.m. Aluch has been heard concerning the Benzol test, and the instructing talk to be given by these two gentlemen this afternoon will attract a large number of farmers. Tho Benzol test is for tho discern ment of modulated wool fibre, that is to say, the discernment of hair in a fleece of wool. The genetics of modulated fibre have not yet been closely studied, but on present information it would appear advisable for farmers to select as far as possible against modulated fibre, provided in doing so the other equally important qualities, constitution, confirmation of the carcase, fleece, typo and density are not sacrificed. This subject will receive the fullest discussion this afternoon. The study of genetics of the various fibre types of the New Zealand Romney, which it is hoped will assist in arriving at a forecast of the nature of the adult fleece from an examination of tho lamb’s fleece, will also receive attention, in addition to the results of different feeding and environmental conditions, which, it is hoped, can be found to be accurately measured. Several exhibits will interest, the farmers, and amognst them will be those showing the various discolourations produced in wool by bacterial and other causes. There will also be an exhibit of the wools of various British breeds of mountain sheep, which will be of interest to the New Zealand breeders on account of the marked contrast with the wool grown in this country. Romney Marsh breeders will probably be interested in three English Romney Marsh fleeces selected by the Kent Wool Growers’ Bradford grader as being backward and greasy ewe fleeces. Several microscopic slides will also be shown . Farmers are advised to make the most of tho opportunity that is presented to them of gaining an insight to the research which is being carried on in their own country.