Wool Board Seeks More Imports Of Woollens

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30171, 1 July 1963, Page 13

Wool Board Seeks More Imports Of Woollens

Restoration of the 25 per cent, cut made in woollen fabric imports in 1962 was sought by the New Zealand Wool Board when it approached the Government last month. Better facilities for the transfer of licences from other fibres to wool were also sought, but on both matters the board has yet to learn the outcome, says a statement issued recently by the board. The 25 per cent, is the minimum the board considers necessary to restore in some measure, the ground lost by wool in recent years. Last year, supplies of wool fabrics to New Zealand fell by more than 11 per cent. By 1962 imports of wool fabrics were 36 per cent, lower than in 1956. Local output over six years had increased but the net result was still a loss of 1.5 per cent., which amounted to 122,000 square yards.

Between 1956 and 1962 the population increased by more than 300,000. resulting in the amount of wool fabrics a head of population declining by 15.3 per cent. Although local mills almost matched the quantity of the less, they could mot provide the variety in colour and texture, which is essential if wool were to retain its fashion popularity, the board says.

The restriction of wool imports caused the public and garment manufacturers to become dissatisfied with the range and variety available. thus creating the opportunity for a egreat expansion in imports and usage of synthetic fibres. Imports of synthetic fabrics competitive ■with wool were 3.1 million square yards higher in 1962 than in 1956. In 1956 synthetics were one-third of the volume of available wool fabrics while last year they were three-quarters. The reputation of wool in New Zealand had suffered because New Zealanders did not see the range of modern fabrics embodying new weights and textures and the new easy-ca re processes available overseas, the statement said.

Wool yarns have not been in such a serious position and in this field local production has expanded considerably. However, the restrictions on wool yam and the 483 per cent, rise in manmade fibre yarn may well have deprived wool of additional markets. Range and Variety In a survey conducted among 3000 housewives who did not know it was sponsored by the wool industry. 85 per cent, of the women thought wool best and most economical for themselves in winter, 60 per cent, thought it best for their husbands. 72

per cent, for their children. Nearly a quarter were dissatisfied with the range and variety available, compared with only 3 per cent, dissatisfied with synthetic fibres.

The strong unsatisfied demand was confirmed by clothing manufacturers and retailers. “The board considers it a paradox that restrictions are creating here the best opportunities for fibres that threaten the interests of woolgrowers," the statement said. Protection Although the board believed the exchange position was now no real obstacle to reasonable imports of wool fabrics, protection for the local mills was heavy. "The board approves reasonable protection, but it has contended that this high level has not been warranted.”

A recent newspaper leading article had said that it was “ridiculous" to export raw wool and buy it back at higher prices in the form of clothing and garments. The leading article said the wool industry should be devoting its attention to encouraging and developing the processing and manufacture in the country so "New Zealand wool can be turned into New Zealand products by New Zealand labour at competitive prices."

The board was fully behind the development of New Zealand mills, the statement said "It believes the way to achieve this is not by attempting to cover the range of wool textiles, but by concentrating on those lines which they can produce economically and perhaps sell competitively overseas." If wool were to compete successfully with synthetics it must match them in variety. For variety at economic prices, the retail market must be able to draw on the output of many mills, perhaps in many countries.

“If we sometimes buy back our own wool, we are buying it back with added qualities . . . New Zealand has an interest in encouraging these wherever we sell our raw wool, for they are part and parcel of our trade and prosperity.” the statement concluded.