WOOL SEASON PROSPECTS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 14, 12 October 1926, Page 11

WOOL SEASON PROSPECTS

A BUYER’S OPINION

GOOD, IF BRITISH COAL STRIKE SETTLED Dominion Special. Auckland, October 11. The opinion that the approaching wool season will be a good one if the British coal strike is settled was expressed by Mr. F. B. Clark. New Zealand wool buyer for Messrs. Francis Willey and Company, Bradford, and American firms, who returned by the Niagara to-day after a visit to his principals. Mr. Clark said that coal was costing between 200. and .500 per cent, more than in normal times, and this was a very serious state of affairs for English firms in competition with foreign firms, which were proceeding under normal conditions.

While Mr. Clark was in London in June and July, New Zealand medium crossbred wool was being sadly neglected, but finer sorts held their own against Continental competition. In August Russia came into the market and bought much medium quality, giving the market a healthier tone and tending to advance prices.

Asked whether he thought there was any likelihood of the coal strike being settled shortly. Mr. Clark said that he thought the approach of the cold weather in England would rouse the public against the miners, perhaps leading to a settlement. If the strike were not settled, he did not think- good prices would be maintained.

The bad position on the wool market in America was touched upon by Mr. Clark, who said that America was faced with the problem of over-production, and he left Boston with the impression that there would be a lull in buying on the part of American firms. This was serious, because .Americans bought up much of the best wools. OTAGO SHEEPMEN HOPEFUL Dunedin, October 11. The outlook for the coming wool season is bright. Sheepmen arc quite hopeful after the comparatively mild winter which was not accompanied by as heavy losses as usual. An abundance of good feed has kept sheep in the best condition. Tn view of such facts an excellent shearing is expected, with a dip greatly improved in weight and quality on last season's. Central Otago flock-masters arc particularly hopeful.