MR FORBES IN PROVINCES

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21510, 27 June 1935, Page 11

MR FORBES IN PROVINCES

ENGLISH END OF WOOL BUSINESS SEEN MORE EMPIRE TRADE URGED (UXITEC PRESS ASSOCIATION" —BY 11LECTB1C TELEGUAPH—COPYRIGHT.) (Received June 26, 7.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 25. The Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr G. W. Forbes) returned to London last night after official visits to Bradford, Leeds, and Sheffield. At each city he was a civic guest. On Friday morning Mr Forbes had a round-table conference with leading members of the British Wool Federation and the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, when there was a free exchange of views on wool problems. General reference was made by Bradford representatives to the increasing competition to which crossbred wool in particular was subjected by synthetic textures and the need for an organised effort to protect and improve the position of the Dominion's wool industry. Mr Forbes stated that investigations were in continuous progress in New Zealand to improve wool without detriment to the quality of fat lambs. Other references were made to the necessity for preventing the use of indelible marking fluids. Mr Forbes was then taken by Mr Arthur Sims over the up-to-date top-making factory of Cooper and Triffit, which was built, by the enterprise of two New Zealanders, Messrs Sims and Cooper. Here also Mr Forbes was shown samples. Bradford wool-users expressed keenness to give every possible assistance to the development of a suitable pack, but they must be satisfied that the fibre would not get into the wool more than it does in the case of jute packs. Mr Forbes told of the great importance to New Zealand of developing new uses for flax and said he felt assured that Bradford people would give sympathetic consideration to the matter. Mr Forbes then attended a luncheon given in his honour by the Lord Mayor and Corporation at the Town Hall. Afterwards he left by train for Leeds, where he was the guest of Mr H. S. Clough, chairman of the wool research organisation. Research Station Early on Tuesday morning he paid a visit of inspection to the Torridon wool research station, where he spent a considerable time in an inspection of the laboratory work and discussions with wool experts, particularly about the investigations to make wooi non-shrinkable and also new fabrics for motor-car upholstery, moquettes, and a new process to prevent the yellowing of white flannels. He was then the guest of the Lord Mayor and aldermen at luncheon at the Town Hall. Afterwards he left by car for Sheffield. On Monday visits of inspection were paid to Walker and Hall's cutlery works, the Trade Unionist Sheep Shears Co-operative works, Burden and Ball's works, and Hadfield's famous iron and steel works, where sections of the new Molvneux dredue are being manufactured. At Sheffield Mr Forbes was also the guest, at a luncheon given at the Town Ilall by the Lord Mayor and aldermen. This was a particularly large and enthusiastic gathering, and the Prime Minister was presented with a magnificent case of cutlery inscribed, "From the people of Sheffield."' Mr Forbes then returned to London by the evening train. In his speeches at various functions Mr Forbes particularly stressed the great desirability of the fullest measure of Empire trading, for only by disposing of her'increasing output could New Zealand extend her purchases. There couJd only be progress by increasing consumption and permitting the natural development of output.