CHALLENGE TO WOOL INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 228, 23 June 1936, Page 6

CHALLENGE TO WOOL INDUSTRY

Progress of Substitutes During Depression

WOOLLEN GOODS MUST BE MADE MORE ATTRACTIVE

(By Cultivator.)

With powerful rivals now threatening more and more New Zealand’s wool industry, in common with the wool industry in other countries, it w-ould appear that the time has surely arrived when stock should be taken of this basic industry and every conceivable means should be explored in an endeavout to place it on a sounder footing. Strong competition from powerfullyorganised rayon and artificial wool and silk industries has now to be faced; the position seems inevitable. These substitutes have during the slump years progressed to a remarkable degree, and production has increased year by year at an alarming rate. Wool growers must awaken to the position and set about removing the shackles that-are pinning progress.

Up-to-date machinery, highly-trained and expert management, coupled with the advantages-of a world-wide selling campaign, are factors responsible for having placed our wool industry’s rivals in sueh a powerful position. To combat this position it is most necessary for every one in the least concerned to pull strenuously together in perfect unison. This matter is not merely one of the individual grower’s concern; indeed, it is the concern of the people of this Dominion as a whole, in common with the people of other wool-pro-ducing countries. It should be insisted that the wool products New Zealand has to place on the market are of the best possible quality that can be obtained under the individual conditions. Contribution to Nation’s Wealth. There is little need to stress the big part played by the production of wool in New Zealand in contributing to the nation’s economic position. Normally, it is the country’s largest export, and in periods of gluts its quality is a specially material factor in the determination of the extent of its commercial absorption. An extra penny a pound represents in the vicinity of £1.090,000 in the national revenue. From this enlightening fact it can be readily seen what it means to the Dominion when inroads are made into our wool industry by the greater use of synthetic material's in preference to genuine woollen goods. j ' While it is felt in authoritative circles that the fast-expanding rayon and artificial wool and silk«.industries will not oust this country's wool industry. it is fairly generally realised that a great amount of harm can be done. The rate of expansion of these new industries gives just cause for considerable alarm. With the peoples of the world clamouring for beautiful and attractive goods the rayon and artificial wool and silk industries are progressing to such an extent as to become a decided enemy of our wool industry. Artificial wool yarns are being extensively used to brighten wool fabrics, and they give a special lightness and brightness to them that generally increases their saleability. Human Element to be Overcome. There is a strong human element to be combated in the matter of the use of articles manufactured from rayon and synthetic wool and silk. Price always -figures? largely in the minds of many people to the almost complete exclusion of quality, and it is because of this that an attractive article produced from some wool or silk substitute will find a ready demand even if it possesses a much lower’percentage of the qualities of serviceability to be found in the true goods. It is unquestioned that the synthetic substitute possesses neither. +lie durability nor the insulating qualities of the natural product, but primarily its price and secondly its attractive get-up are two outstanding features that hare gained for it universal popularity. Rationalisation withing the industry has enabled a very considerable reduction in production costs, and in consequence It is possible to dispose of the manufactures at a low price. - *■ . ' To break down the psychological element so that wool can crush down the invasion by substitutes, manufacturers of woollen goods must organise and present a united front in an effort to produce an article that will compare more than favourably with ite competitors both in attractiveness and in price. Science must be brought to their aid, and far wider publicity given to woollen products. All the principal wool exporting countries are awakening to the real seriousness of the position. The proposed legislation embodied in the Wool Industry Protection and Research Bill to be introduced by the Minister of Agriculture. Hon. W. Lee Marfin, in Parliament after the present mid-winter recess is aimed at the general'betterment of the existing position of wool. If this is passed through all its stages, as it seems quite probable it will be, a fund will be provided by a levy which it is intended to utilise in combating propaganda against the use of wool and in the prosecution of research. The general principles of the scheme are receiving the support oi sheep-farmers fairly generally.. Such a scheme is only in keeping with similar moves in Australia and South Africa. If all three countries carry somewhat similar legislation into effect, the fight ahead should be given a good start.