World co-ordination

A very general description has now been given ol the wool science establishment in the three wool producing countries and of that in the United Kingdom, the United States and Europe, the northern hemisphere where the bulk of the wool is processed and where the emphasis is in textile problems. The IWS has been instrumental in bringing about a great measure of coordination of effort on a world scale through various means, a few of which will be briefly referred to.

Board meetings, held twice yearly, comprised of the chairmen and some members of the Australian. South African and New Zealand Wool Boards make joint effort in policy and top administration possible. At each of these meetings reports on research and technical development arc presented by Drs. Carter and Laxer and are considered in connection with the other reports on promotion. publicity and education.

Twice yearly meetings are held in Australia of the Research and Product Development Directors of IWS. Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, to discuss various scientific problems and to promote joint effort in different fields. For example, yellow colour occurring in wool from the fleece to the fabric is regarded as a drawback and scientists in Australia. New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom are jointly investigating it.

Through its "Wool Science Review" and a series of other publications the IWS endeavours to keen wool scientists in all countries up-todate in matters which concern the advance of the industry.

The IWS and the wool boards have facilitated visits of research staff to conferences and for special studies to other countries, in order that the spread of new knowledge and its rapid application may be ensured.

These examples will suffice to indicate that wool interests, through IWS. are very concerned with the need for joint and co-ordinated scientific effort to assist their very diverse and very scattered industry and are prepared to take appropriate practical steps to implement this policy. Especially since 1964. when the IWS was provided by the joint effort of Australian, South African and New Zealand woolgrowers with considerably increased funds, it has become the local point for co-ordinated action in the interests of wool, in the fields of research, development, promotion and marketing, and thus helps some 500.000 woolgrowers in these three countries to meet the very formidable challenge of the ten or twelve major manufacturers of man-made fibres.