THE WOOL CLIP.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15751, 18 November 1916, Page 8

THE WOOL CLIP.

AMENDED OFFER FROM IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT. (special to "the press.") WELLINGTON, November 17. Tho Government has received a cable message from tho Prime Minister (Mr Masaey). in which ho conveys the terms of an amended offer on behalf of the Imperial Government for the purchase of New Zealand wool. The terms of this offer are at present confidential, but they will no doubt be communicated to the wooigrowers in duo course.

Tho first offer of tho Imperial Government—an advanco of 4o per cent, on 1913-14 values —was rejcct<?d on tho ground that it was inequitable. It has not been alleged that it was inadequate or stingy, although somo growers at the conference who voted reject it may have had this idea in mind. Tho prices of last season indicnto that for war purposes wools classed as "inferior" of very muclr less value than the finest wools, for the difference in values between high grade and Jow wools has tended to diminish. Tho offer nf a 45 per cent, increase on prewar prices did not provido for this payment on that scale, and tho growers of the less fine wools, if they are right in assuming from the prices paid that their product is of proportionately more valuo to the Empire as compared with finer wools than before the war, have some justification for their decision 10 reject the Imperial Government'scoffer. The new offer is on a different basin, which may prove more acceptable. It is. understood, however, that the proposals made by the wooigrowers in conference have not been accepted by the Imnerial Government. While the negotiations are going on, fillip- are on our coast ready to load wool. These ships must be used to their utmost capacity, and persons or firms who have wool to ship are being allowed to ship it, subject to an undertaking that the wool must be subject to any requisitioning scheme subsequently agreed upon. Long before the ships reach their destination tho matter will bo settled. In no circumstances can any wool bo taken to any destination except to tho United Kingdom.