WOOL PRICES RISING.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 154, 30 June 1919, Page 5

WOOL PRICES RISING.

DESPITE BIGGER SUPPLIES, STATE COAX SUGGESTED. STANDARD CLOTHING SCHEME, (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, June 29. At the adjourned meeting of the Wool Council, Sir Arthur Goldfinch, Director of Raw Material, stated that an abundant supply of wool was the surest way to secure cheapness. The Government had fulfilled its duty in this respect. Unfortunately, the increased supply of combing wool had 'been accompanied by a steady reduction in the supply of tops. It would be a grave responsibility to any section of the trade delaying or preventing & larger output of tops, of which a weekly; supply of 22,000,0001b was imperative. The output of tops -was now 17,000,0001b, compared with a Tninmnvm of 19,000,0001b when the supplies of wool wera at their lowest. Under such conditions the Government's industrial efforts to arrest the rise in prices would have little effect. Sir William Eaynor, failing to find a seconder, •withrdew a motion to revise the issue prices. Apparently nobody was prepared to incur the unpopularity of recommending the Government to sell its property at full varue. The Labour representatives moved to abandon immediately the auctions, introducing Government control throughout, and also to establish a departmental committee of inquiry into the entire woollen and worsted trade. Speakers to the motion protested that prices were rising despite the fact that

stocks were increasing, yet every section of the trade disclaimed profiteering. A worker could not afford £3 for a. boy's suit. A resolution moved by Sir Aigthur Goldfinch demanded an inquiry as farreaching as the coal commission. It also proposed to anticipate the commission's report by immediate national control. The council could not hope tm obtain authority for such action. . Sir Arthur Goldfinch urged the resumjtion of the standard clothing scheme <>• a voluntary basis. The Labour representatives declared that the voluntary system would break down. There must be compulsion throughout, otherwise the burden would be borne by the most patriotic trades. The Government representativee announced that Sir Auckland Geddeg was prepared to secure Parliamentary sanction for the steps necessary to reduce the s excessive prices of woollen necessaries. The motion was negatived by 17 votes to 13. It was agreed to appoint a committee representing all. interestsHo consider the whole-hearted revisal of the standard clothing scheme.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.)