NEW FABRIC

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 170, 2 May 1935, Page 5

NEW FABRIC

WOOLSTRA FROM GERMANY.

INVESTIGATION IN BRITAIN.

QUESTION OF COMPETITION.

(United Press Association—Copyright). (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, May 1. -Though he made no detailed. investigation into woolstra, Mr D. H. Wilson (director of the Wool Industries Research Association, Leeds) informed the Australian Press Association that a limited range of fabrics was examined, with the following conclusions: The ratio of wool fibre in them varied from 50-50 to one in two. Cloths spun as worsteds have a "good handle." They are attractive but have a dull appearance. The only inherent advantage is their silky "handle" for fancy effects, but their wearing properties is definitely inferior to those of wool owing to a tendency to rub up, stretch, become baggy and easily crease. Bradford manufacturers express the opinion that woolstra may find a definite place in the industry, but mainly on account of the price of wool relative to that of artificial products stable price. At the moment, however, they are unable to compete with woollen fabrics owing to the low price of Botany yarns. If the latter rise 25 per cent., mixed fabrics would then be in a position to compete successfully.

A London cablegram dated March 12 stated: Mr A. E. Heath (N.S.W. Government official representative in London), on his return from the Leipzig Fair, issued a grave warning as to the extent of Germany's development of, a substitute called woolstra, which is a mixture of wool and board pulp containing wool in percentages varying from 30 to 50 according to the clotii required. "Germany frankly wants our wool, but is unable to arrange credits to buy on the former scale. There is no antagonism toward Australia but merchants point out that in the year ended June 30 last they sent us only £2,000,000 worth of exports and took £7,250,000 from Australia. Nobody pretended that woolstra was as good as woolv but iJjr as strongly,impressed;with the, exten? to which the nation,: under, stress, uses it willingly. Merchants say that it supplies are available they could be sold six months ahead. I do not want to create alarm. There is no great immediate menace, but the seeds of a real menace are there. Those disparaging woolstra ought to remember the quality of early rayons and artificial silks."