524 Journal of Agriculture. [10 Aug., 1910. 



THE WOOL INDUSTRY. 



The flocks in Australia and New Zealand have increased during the 

 year by 6,179,614 head, the total being now 115,525,581 head, a higher 

 number than at any period during the past 16 years, and approaching the 

 record of the year 1891, when the figures reached 124,991,920. 



Not only have numbers increased, but the sheep continue to improve, as 

 is shown by the fact that though there were more sheep to shear 16 to 20 

 years ago, the past clip has easily exceeded all previous records. The actual 

 oversea shipments of wool during the twelve months have amounted to 

 1,921,705 bales from Australia, and 512,938 bales from New Zealand, a 

 total of no less than 2,434,643 bales, or 816,861,665 lbs., valued at 

 _;^33, 128,496, an increase of 146,539 bales, or 60,271,502 lbs., and in 

 money value of ^7.177.584. as compared with the record clip of the pre- 

 vious, 1908-9. season. This result is all the more striking when it is realized 

 that the 2.000,000 bales limit was reached for the first time in the year 

 1906-7. and that the past year's figures are nearly double those of the year 

 1903-4. There could be no better proof of the marvellous recuperative 

 powers of this country, from which the exports of other products have 

 increased in almost like manner. Buyers should be in good heart to lift 

 the coming clip, and Australasia will put a good one before them. 



The outstanding features of the buying for 1909-10 were undoubtedly — 



1. Support accorded to crossbreds. 



2. Scope of the American demand. 



3. Concentration of the world's buying power in these markets. 



It is believed that every manufacturer of wool throughout the world 

 now realizes that — 



1. Australasia has attained the position of the principal wool pro- 



ducing country of the world. 



2. The selection of wool submitted to public auction at the colonial 



centres is greater and better than in any other market, no less 

 than 77 per cent, of the total production having been sold 

 locally during the past season ; and that 



3. To .secure a satisfactory share of the Australasian clip he must 



be represented by some buyer on this side. 



He is also aware of the Australasian facilities for inspecting, purchasing 

 and shipping wool, which it is claimed are more up-to-date than at any 

 other centre. 



While it is advisable to warn our flockmasters that they must go on 

 improving their flocks, because to stand still is to go back, woolgrowers 

 can still congratulate them.selves upon Australasia producing a greater 

 quantity of wool than any other country, and, further, that for all round 

 excellence and value per lb. the production of Australia and New Zealand 

 is as yet not approached by any other country. 



It is also flattering to know that other countries are endeavouring to 

 emulate Australian and New Zealand methods. Argentine breeders are now 

 good buyers of stud sheep, mostly British breeds, from New Zealand, while 

 Uruguay and South Africa have come to Australia for merinos. Wool 

 warehouses on the colonial plan are being built in America, and an attempt 

 is being made there to sell wool on Australian methods, instead of on 

 "sheep's back" or country railway platforms. Wool manufacturers are 

 continually advising growers in other countries to class their clips as is- 

 done in Australasia, not to tie the fleece with string, &r. 



