LANCASHIRE COTTON TRADE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 48, 20 November 1928, Page 10

LANCASHIRE COTTON TRADE

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT EXPECTED NEW ARTIFICIAL FIBRE BEING CULTIVATED | (British OtHcinl Wireless.) Rugby, November IS. An important development of the Lancashire cotton trade is expected as a result of tlie cultivation on a commercial basis of a new artificial cotton fibre product. The valuable qualities of the new plant were discovered' by two English scientists, who in South America were attracted by the singular construction of a certain bird’s nest. They watched tlie bird collect what appeared to be a common weed, soak it in a pool of water, and weave it with its beak. Tests showed it to contain an iron compound, and scientists, after eight years’ experiments, have succeeded in producing it on marketable lines. Between three and four million pounds of this artificial cotton are now being grown in Essex and Sussex, to be available in July to cotton spinners at the fixed price of 6,1. per pound, representing an immediate saving of at least 4d. per pound on what they are now paying. Weaving houses in tlie north and the Midlands are reported to have tested the new product, and are satisfied that it possesses a soft and lasting sheen and lustre. It is claimed that the low price is possible owing to many valuable by-pro-ducts that are obtained. including parchment, light building material, and a drug from the steins, leaves, and roots of tlie plant. A corporation has been formed to market the product.