BRADFORD TOPS

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26319, 13 January 1951, Page 8

BRADFORD TOPS

BIG INCREASE IN PRICE Prices for tops in Bradford reflected the remarkable rise in wool values last year, says a report from the Australian firm of Winchcombe, Carson, Ltd. In December, average 70’s Merino tops quoted at 25s 6d per lb sterling ‘currency, were 100 per cent, higher than a year ago The price fo 64's at 240 d showed a similar rise, and fine crossbred 56's at 179 d per cent - medium 50’s crossbred a J j were 173 per cent., and coarse 46's at_ 154 d were 180 per cent. Higher. The demand for raw maternal for defence clothing has stimulated the rise in crossbreds,” says the statement. "Apart from that aspect, those types a vear ago were relatively cheap compared with Merinos, and a levelling up in prices for them looked certain. A similar change has occurred in rates for Merino skirtings, which have advanced to a greater degree than values for fleece wools. When wool becomes more costly millmen. anxious to keep their selling figures within a specified range, seek raw material supplies which cost less. That demand brings a more decided upward movement in values for the lower grades. In the United States, millmen are endeavouring to curtail their selling figures or goods. This effort takes the form of procuring a greater quantity of standard weaves and colours, thus procuring a moie limited range of lines and styles. By improved machinery equipment, the individual work will be rble to accomolish more a day than previously. In men s clothing some 14oz two-ply worsteds will be replaced by 13oz single fill lines. A saving of 20 cents a yard in mill prices for goods is expected from this economy. The higher cost of woo) is being freely blamed for clothing prices, but manufacturing and distribution costs are the lion’s share of retail figures. Present conditions, however, are influencing millmen to exercise their ingenuity to keep costs down.”

BRADFORD TOPS QUOTATIONS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. January 11. Bradford tops arc quoted as under:— Merinos: 70's, 312 d per lb; 64’s, 298 d; 60’s. 280 d. Crossbreds: 56’s, 220 d; 50’s, 174 d; 46's, 1700.