SEVENTY years of history will come to an end today as the last bales of wool are sold in Newcastle.

As has become tradition the Italian mills were dominating the buying of the superfine offering.

On Tuesday prices across the board were 2 to 3 per cent dearer but fell back 1 per cent yesterday, although 17.5 micron fleece remained firm.

Leasee of the selling facility, AWH Pty Ltd, announced the closure of the sales last month due to "unviable costs".