SYNTHETIC WOOL

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22464, 27 July 1938, Page 8

SYNTHETIC WOOL

CONCERN IN AUSTRALIA

Reference was made on this page recently to the receipt in Christchurch of a number of specimens of synthetic wool, bearing a wool content of from 40 to 70 per cent. Those with the higher wool proportion showed a remarkable similarity to the real article, and could not but impress examiners of the menace this product holds for the wool industry. On June 25 the New South. Wales Sheepbreeders’ Association discussed the position, and the danger of the encroaches of synthetic fibre was strongly stressed. “Only a fool could disregard the challenge of this fibre,” remarked the chairman of the gathering. Messages in the Australian papers have been describing the investigations of Sir Dalziel Kelly and Mr J. P. Abbott, chairman and vice-chairman respectively of the Australian Woolgrowers’ Council, into the problem of competition. Apparently they are convinced that the synthetic materials are a very serious competitor. “Indeed, the future for Australian wool is not bright,” said Sir Dalziel Kelly to the Melbourne “Argus” representative in London. The market seems to be ever diminishing, and with Mr Abbott, he intends to urge the Commonwealth Government to take up urgently the matter of increasing the sale and uses of wool abroad, and to spend more adequate sums on publicity. He explained that Courtaulds, Ltd., has established mills at Bradford, where the company is demonstrating that standard woollen machinery is quite capable of handling staple fibre satisfactorily. This is most serious for Australian woolgrowers, added Sir Dalziel Kelly, and, although Bradford is of the opinion that the mixing of staple fibre with wool creates more use for wool, and eventually a greater market for it, he cannot altogether subscribe to that opinion. After inspecting mills in Germany that are producing all woollen material for export, and also material with from 30 per cent, to 50 per cent, of staple fibre for internal use, he said that manufacturers have told him that they prefer to use all wool, but meanwhile they are developing artificial products astonishingly. It cannot be denied that there are mrounds for concern in the increasing output of artificial fibres, particularly in the totalitarian countries, where difficulty is experienced in arranging credits for the importation of raw material, including wool. Anxiety was expressed also by Mr- A. E. Heath, former Agent-General for New South Wales, about the menace of wool substitute’s. Mr Heath was called to give evidence in Sydney before the in Sydney a few days ago before the Arbitration Court in support of an application to remove the “prosperity loading” from wages in the shearing section of the wool trade. He had visited Germany many times m recent years and explained that artificial fibres were now used there for curtains, hangings, and clothing, and a fibre had been produced for use in carpet making. Mr Heath considered that the new fibres were equally competitive with wool and cotton. The Sydney cables last Saturday stated that measures to protect the Australian woollen and textile industry against the increasing competition of staple fibre and. other synthetic fibre imitations would come into operation last Monday Such goods will be subject to duty at the rate applicable to woollen piece-goods of the same description.

SHOW DATES

1938-39 SEASON

The following show dates for the forthcoming season have been arranged: — October 18 and 19— Marlborough. October 20—Ellesmere. November 3—Ashburton. November 10 and 11— Canterbury Metropolitan. ~ November 18 and 19—North Otago, at Oamaru. December 10— Wyndham. December 31—Amuri Cob and Pony, at Rotherham. February 7 and B—Dannevirke. February 14 and 15—Masterton. Secretaries desirous of having the show dates of their associations included in the aboye list are reauested to supply the information.