1888 - 1938

• Shearers form unions to seek a uniform rate for shearing and better working conditions. After years of conflict between pastoralists and shearers, the early unions unite in 1894 to form the Australian Worker's Union.
• The first shearing machine is invented by Frederick York Wolseley. Wolseley establishes hia own Company in England and his design remains the basis of all subsequent shearing machines until well into the next century.
• From 1895-1903 during one of the most severe droughts in the history of European settlement, sheep numbers fall by almost half. It takes nearly 30 years for flocks to build up to the previous record of 106 million.
• When pastoralists begin to spread further inland away from river frontages, the practice of washing sheep before shearing has to be discontinued. Most of the clip is now exported as greasy wool.
• By the mid 1920's, nearly half the wool clip is still bought by Britain, but Japan and the United States are emerging as major buyers at auction sales throughout Australia.
• By the 1930's, wool represents over 62% of the total export value of primary products. Australia's fine wool is in great demand worldwide.
• In 1936 at the request of woolgrowers, legislation is passed requiring them to pay a tax on all wool produced and sold in Australia, the proceeds being devoted to wool promotion. The Australian Wool Board established.

 Source: The Woolmark Company