WOOL GLASSING.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 2 April 1910, Page 3

WOOL GLASSING.

A DOMINION NEED

(Specially written for the "Chronicle.")

The need for tlie most modern methods in wool-classing in Kew. Zealand has long been felt apparent by thoughtful persons, though no really practical steps have been taken in tlie matter. But that tihe country is at last beginning to awaken to the necessity of the case is demonstrated by the action of the Wellington Education Board in deciding to proceed with wool-sort-ing classes. In South Africa practical steps have already been taken, and the Governments of the various colonies are watching those steps with the liveliest interest. It must not be forgotten that with all its vast potentialities as u sheeprearing country Sew Zealand has a formidable competitor in South Africa. Certainly ten years ago the dominion had little to disturb the eve n.tentir of its way, but the last decade has witnessed a great transformation. In those days England was importing little wool from South Africa. To-day she is br-coming one of her best purchasers. The old type of Boer, who existed in pre-war days, has made way for an intelligent class of colonial farmer, who has the money, tlie resources and the enterprise of the New Zealand farmer, and he has the advantage of being three weeks nearer the great home market. Within the past two or three years , the farmer in the Transvaal and the Orange Free State has made sheep rearing his principal business, and the magnificent pasturage of the sub-continent—es-pecially the Free State—brings him into serious rivalry with his New Zealand competitor. The Government, as has been said, recogj nise the importance of the question vjm\ as a direct result they are en- ' couraging the farmers. Tlie railways charge a lower freight on sorted- wool, and growers who try to get the lower freight for unsortell clips are punished by heavy, fines or inprisruiment, This measure has been in force in the Transvaal and Orange River States since October Ist last, and many of those who handle South African wool are .hoping that Cape Colony and Natal will take similar steps to encourage farmers there to put their wool into better shape than is now customary before offering it for sale. In the Traansvaal and Orange River the Governments are appointing officials to examine the wool and stamp it according to quality. This examination, however, is not compulsoroy, but the stamped wool will be carried on the railways at a lower freight than that charged for iwisorted and unstamped wool. A survey of the South African papers demonstrates that the supply of wool'in that country is •increasing', and a glance at the Home papers is sufficient to show theb its quality is becoming valued by Home people. When the writer was in the "Free. State a few months ago nothing was more striking than the way in which farmers were attending to their flocks, and in conversation with London buyers he was told that it was going to fetch better prices in the near future. If N'dw Zealand to maintain her position in the Home market, she must speedily adapt herself to the altered state of things caused by the enterprise of . the South African farmer,