HAND TO MOUTH

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 63, 16 March 1933, Page 14

HAND TO MOUTH

WOOk BUSINESS REVIEW

H. Dawson, Sons and Co., Ltd., the well-known wool brokers, after reviewing the last London sales, referred to the continuance of ,a hand-to-mouth policy in; the wool market.. They : stated that , ""the merchant hesitates* to place orders,", although, cloth shelves;'are lightly stocked; but he expects the manufacturers to hold stocks. The latter' then passes on the responsibility to his yarn suppliers, who in -turn expect the ■ topmaker ox wool buyer to carry the burden. - Meanwhile the season is advancing, and some' now begin to think " that a possible surprise may be in store before long for those" who continue a hesitant policy. ' ■ "There has been one feature in London worth noting—the demand has never weakened forv strong warp combings. . . . Japan lias been a. heavy buyer of these sorts in the overseas markets, and it appears that Home and Continental buyers are now being compelled to secure some of these -wools in London—and have paid a' sound.advance oh December rates. Anyhow, whatever weakening in merinos has obtained, it has 'been on weft or faulty wools which give a poorer tear in top." l . '

Touching on the crossbred position the firm remarked: "In crossbreds, excepting for. good halfbreds, the market has undoubtedly weakened.' The medium grades 48/50's opened with strong Continental inquiry, but owing'to lack of Yorkshire support prices could not be fully, maintained, while lower ■ and preparing sorts have been comparatively neglected for some time past and show yet no sign of improved values.". • ' '