WELLINGTON NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1927, Page 4

WELLINGTON NEWS

QUALITY OF NEW ZEALAND WOOL (Special to “ Guardian.’ - ) \ WELLINGTON, Apg. 23. Doth Bradford in England and Boston U.S.A., have complained of tho quality of New Zealand wool, the Boston complaint being vory outspoken. The Executive Committee of the Boston Wool Trade Association in their communique state that American buyers will be forced to discriminate strongly against clips which are poorly bred, irregularly ci’assed and carelessly put up. It is stated that the indiscriminate use of the Romney ram in breeding

has resulted in fibres of uneven length and quality in the same staple. This makes the close sorting of the wool impossible, with the result that the wool must bo valued at tho lowest of the qualities that are present. The American users of New Zealand wool prefer Leicester and Lincoln strain because they produce long staple, more lustrous and better spinning woof than Jlomney. The desire for a mutton carcase has brought about the use of rams which have a tendency to produce black hair* in the fleece of the offspring. It is impossible to sort out these black hairs, with the result that the value of the wool is depreciated. The Americans also bold the opinion that since the war New Zealand wools have not been classed as carefully as previously. There is also tho old standing complaint of branding sheep, and of tho jute wool-pack. The complaints of the Americans are not without justification. It is admitted that the majority of the rams used now are of Romney class, and white they do not breed the best wool, and do not breed the best mutton, they strike a good average he--1 tween the two. Tho Romney, however, suits New Zealand, and it is believed that the trouble is duo to there being too much breeding from old ewes, and not enough use lias been made of tlie best rams. The question of wool packs has been a problem for years, and many efforts have been made to find a pack that would Vie less troublesome than jute, but without success. Complaints have also been made with respeet to Australian wool, which is said to be deteriorating.

However, the Australian Sheepbreeders’ Association is moving in tho matter and according to latest reports tho Association lias adopted a proposal to establish a fund of £200,000, the interne from which is to he used in research. The money is to he obtained by a Vevv on the wool clip. It is necessary to bear in mind that tho trade, both in Bradford and the United States has made heavy losses, and these losses have not yet been recovered. This 7ms caused a feeling of irritation and there is a natural desire to blame some one for the losses, and so the growers are blamed. Tho unsatisfactory state of the trade in the two centres named is one of the factors menacing the raw material. However, every one will have a better idea of the wool prospects when flic sale at Sydney on August, 29 is held. DAIRY PRODUCE. AYedtfel’s review of the dairy produce trade for the year ended June 90th re not very encouraging. Danish butter secured the highest average top price during tlic sen son n.t 178 s JM per nvt or Its 9d above New Zealand, whose average was 103 s (id per ewt. A significant, feature, however, was the relatively high price of Australian butter, which stood at 100 s 9d per ewt or oniV 2s 9d per ewt below New Zealand, and Argentine secured 157 s lid. which is only 3s 3d below Australian and js below New Zealand. Obviously there ha j been a marked improvement in tho qualities of Australian and Argentine blitter. \Ve may be sure that that, these countries will strive for further improvement, and therefore New Zealand cannot afford to run any risks In respect to the quality of her produce, and that must he maintained at the very highest level. According to the Review the outlook does not promise any material recovery. Most producing countries are increasing their supplies white the position in Britain is such that any advance in the retail price would seriously chock consumption. The Review says: “Producers must face the position if they hope to get the industry on profitable lines again. The solution is to bo found, not in the direction of higher selling prices, but in lower production costs.” Reducing costs of production is easier said than clone, and it is difficult to know where a beginning is to be made. Increase in production would reduce costs, and efforts are being made to increase tlie output