AUSTRALIAN PRODUCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10685, 31 December 1925, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN PRODUCE

THE MARKET FOR WOOL. MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. TRADE COMMISSIONER'S VIEW. (Per Press Association— Copyright.) (Received This.. Day, 9.55 a.m.) LONDON, December 30. Mr R. W. Dalton (British Trade Commissioner in Australia), in an annual report, remarks that the development of manufacturing industries bv a system of high protection is intensified by the draft of population to the cities, and will probably continue to do so. This aspect in Australia s life has considerable interest and importance from the economic viewpoint, and must be taken into account in considering organisations for development of trade. . Regarding the suggestion for the control of wool, Mr Dalton says that, despite the break.in.the market, probably the majority of the more, conservative growers doubt the advisability of re-instituting which are considered unnecessary and undesirable in ordinary peace times The people are beginning to 'realise that there is a real possibility of the introduction of substitutes for wool, and it is time that wool values were stabilised at a level which will permit the growth of consumption and remove any desire to adopt substitutes ■ which may ultimately become serious competitors with wool. Mr Dalton advocates that a delegation from Bradford visit Australia to place before growers Brad. ford's real viewpoint and the desirability for stabilising values at as low a price as possible, -consistent with adequate returns to growers and the others concerned. , . Australia's most important industries are those connected with metals ana. textiles wherein there have been raraa developments, particularly in iron, steel, and woollens. Tnese had. and still have, to face very serious competition from imported goods, and conse- . quently have been unable to work with - the success which should be assured to them. There have been -persistent re- , quests for increased protection for < these industries, and these are likely to be granted. . A number of branch factories ot • British firms established' in Australia in some outstanding cases'-nave been , unsuccessful, due partly to over-capi-talisation, high production,; costs, uncertainty of labour conditions, and the r. fact that the home market" did not prove large enough to a'bsero'the pro- ,- ducts of works whoso efficiency'demands . considerable output.