EMBARGO ON WOOL TO UNITED STATES

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 18, 22 January 1916, Page 11

EMBARGO ON WOOL TO UNITED STATES

HON. A. M. MYERS ON THE

SUBJECT.

ANOMALY OF THE POSITION.

(IT TELBQRAPH—rRESS ASSOCIATION.)

AUCKLAND, 21st January. The report of the wool sales ,in London, published on. Thursday, stated that buyers from the United States and the Continent were operating. In view of the prohibition against exports of wool from the Dominion to the United States, representatives of the woollen trade con. sider that the position requires some explanation, and a statement on the subject'was made this evening by the Minister of Munitions.

An announcement was made in Auckland a fortnight ago by Mr. Myers that, in response to the request from the Imperial authorities, the Government would refuse to grant licenses for the export of wool .other than that already purchased to neutral or Allied countries, and that in future wool might be shipped to the United Kingdom. ( The general opinion in the woollen trade then was that if the prohibition had been applied to ensure adequate supplies for military requirements, neither the producer nor broker could offer any reasonable objection. The question was raised whether the prohibition against the export from the Dominions would apply to American representatives in London.

Remarking on the cabled report, Mr. Perkins, chairman of the Auckland Woolbrokers' Association, said the trade had certainly been surprised to learn that American buyers were still permitted to operate in London. The view taken in the -trade . was that if wool. might be bought in London for export to America the same privilege should be extended to local markets. The present. condition was certainly calculated to' encourage speculation. "I fully recognise th& anomaly of the position," said Mr Myers, when this view of the matter was placed before him. "Presumably the cabled report is correct in its statements," said Mr. Myers. "I would like tb observe, however, that the cable messages indicate that there was comparatively little New Zealand wools catalogued for the sales, and that crossbreds, which are mostly required for military purposes, were extremely scarce. The Government has done everything possible consistent with its duty to the Imperial authorities, and, as Minister of Customs, 1 have granted permits for export of no fewer than 53,000 bales of wool to , the United States. Our instructions are, however, definite. A cablegram has been despatched to the Imperial authorities asking for advice as to their wishes, and until a reply is received no more licenses for shipment to tha United States will be issued. As the cable message was despatched several days ago, it is anticipated that a reply will be received at any moment, which will enable those interested in the local wool trade to decide upon definite courses of future action. It is interesting to observe," Mr. Myers added, "that at the. last sale in Christ, church, notwithstanding that American buyers did not operate, tho _ market showed a rising tendency, which indicates that the demand in the Home market is strong. Having regard to the fact that there is at the moment a shortage of shipping facilities, the Government is anxious to clear up the present position. The matter is, however, .entirely in tho hands of the Imperial authorities. Exactly similar restrictions upon the export •of all classes o£ wool have, I understand, been imposed in Australia.",

Referring to the export of pelts, the Minister stated that up to the present, though permits have to be obtained as for wool, all applications for export to approved consignees in the United States have been favourably considered.