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was made by the Department of Imperial Government Supplies, and the following analysis is taken from them, as referring to fleece wool produced in the Dominion of 36's to 48-50's, hoggets inclusive : — Percentage of Total Wool. Grade. Per Cent. AA .. .. .. .. .. .. 0-75 A .. .. .. .. .. .. 19-25 B .. .. .. .. .. .. 74-SCH C .. .. .. .. .. 4-50 J>Bo D .. .. .. .. .. .. 1-OOj There are, unfortunately, no similar analyses to compare the position since 1918, but all the evidence seems to show that the position is definitely worse, and the figures seem to confirm the statement of the buyers that we are producing too much of inferior grade. Evidence on the question may be adduced from the trend of average prices for New Zealand's crossbred wool over the past twenty years, compared to the trend of prices of similar wools grown in overseas countries such as South America. To obtain an exact comparison, much investigation would be required owing to the many factors involved, but a study of the relative table given in Dalgety's Annual Review, 1933, page 130, is not reassuring : — Report of Chairman (W. T. Hammond), Wellington Association, Ist November, 1933. I have been asked my opinion as to whether or not there has been any deterioration in the quality of North Island wool during the past few years. At one time there were a considerable number of super clips coming in for sale in the various North Island centres, but nowadays the number of these has fallen very substantially, and it is only here and there that a really super clip is exhibited. The quantity of wool of a kempy and hairy nature catalogued has certainly grown during the past years, and if anything can be done which will improve the all-round quality of North Island clips this must certainly prove to be of great advantage to the growers. It may possibly be of interest for the writer to mention that whilst he was in Invercargill a particular client who possessed a first-class lot of Romney ewes found that the wool was becoming stronger and more kempy every year. After consistent inquiry, we were able to supply him with fine-wool Romney rams, and the result of this was that the progeny showed marked improvement. Working upon more improved lines than those outlined, we can visualize a very great improvement in the quality both of the wool and of the North Island sheep. Report of Wool-valuer for Dalgety and Co., 31st October, 1933. Overseas buyers who attend our Dominion sales have voiced the opinion that the North Island wools have gone back considerably, and that at times it is difficult to secure sufficient supplies of what is termed super spinning style Romneys. The chief defect in our wools is thinness of staple with a tendency to hairiness. The colour also is not nearly so good as was the case a few years back. Report of Mr. A. E. Mabin, of Levin and Co., Ltd., dated Ist November, 1933. I have to give my opinion that, speaking generally, crossbred wools in the North Island are not what they were several years ago. Super crossbreds and high standard clips are oecoming scarcer every year. Several causes are assigned, but, whatever the cause or causes may be, there is no doubt that the quality of much of the crossbred wool now being produced is below the old-time standard. Extract from Report of Messrs. Wright, Stephenson, and Co., Ist November, 1933. Speaking generally, the wool-clip of the North Island as a whole has shown considerable deterioration during the past ten years. A smaller proportion of the total clip now consists of well-bred, well-grown sound wool of style and character. At the same time, we consider that even off purely breeding and wool growing properties (as distinct from fattening and mixed farms) there is not now the same proportionate output of the higher grade wools, showing character, style, and brightness. It is unnecessary at this stage to discuss in detail the factors responsible for this deterioration of the average crossbred wool, but they may be summarized as follows:— (1) Subdivision of properties, resulting in a multiplication of owners and clips ; the latter showing, as a result of differing ideals, lack of standards as guidance, often a shortage of working capital, and, perhaps, on the average, less expert knowledge, considerable variation in style and grade, as compared with the large " even " lines of earlier days.

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