THE WOOL TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 110, 6 November 1933, Page 10

THE WOOL TRADE

CALL FOR CO-ORDINATION

NEW ZEALAND'S EXAMPLE

(From <fThe' Post's" Representative.) LONDON/October :3.

Lord Barnby, speaking at Leicester, made reference to the. need for the Wool Industries Research Association at Leeds to be put on a more, stable basis. The j association, he said, had proved itself capable of giving real service to members, / and to the wool textile industry as a ■whole. "'■,'■■ ■ "The association,' however, .he continued, "is supported by funds raised' on a -Voluntary basis. ' It would seem right that'it should receive proper recognition by being put on a more stable and> authoritative basis. In that way all would contribute their -equitable proportion ;without: any unfairness and undue strain on the patriots through evasion-by the selfish, and a. proper income would be assured available for whatever purposes it may be decided are most advantageous to the interests contributing collectively." Publicity'offered great opportunity for all' concerned —wool growers and wool manufacturers. They ought to be enconraged by the example of New Zealand. Wool growers there, who had probably Buffered more than any other growers because of low prices, decided that action was necessary. DOMINANT IMPERIAL LINK. "The New Zealand Sheepowners' Federation," said Lord Barnby, "secured a grant ' from the New Zealand Government, and sent a representative over J;o this country. That representative is now here trying to enlist enthusiasm in a cause of collective action. 'It would seem logical, in our own interests, that the United Kingdom industry should show, response to this move. Wool is the dominant Imperial link. Its , value to the Empire from a wool-growing and ■ wool-manufacturing point of view in the capital\invested; and the value.of its product, perhaps exceeds any othep < single item other than wheat. It is right that funds .should be available for development. " , ; -"Immense is the field and scope for improved sheep breeding, improved get-up of wool for the market, and widening of 1 the field .of manufactured distribution. . Here there should surely be collaboration. We ought to encourage the move towards Imperial action. All the Dominions should do thsir share, and we, naturally, ought to do our share also." NEED FOR FAIR TREATMENT. < Japanese competition was receiving the attention, of ;the ..Government, and. the home .industry should insist on fair treatment. This was another example showing the need for a strong central body in the industry which could make itself felt. The organisation of all branches of the wool textile industry should be examined, £jaid Lord'Barnby, who suggested ithat coordination should be effected between all sections. \ \ ■ " *' "In these days,"' he added,/ "there are rapid changes of the status quo which involve Government "action. • It is natural' that, the Government Departments Concerned, in weighing up negotiations, with foreign countries on tariff matters, examine the relative power of different United Kingdom industries from the angle of. expediency in concessions, or sacrifices.. For that reason we should mobilise our own interests, , collectively, thus ensuring the greatest strength to get the best bargaining power. / ' ; "The major part of the wool textile industry, of course, .is in the. West Riding of. Yorkshire, but that does not disregard the. importance of the Midland hosiery industry, the Scottish woollen industry, the West of England industry, and, of course, blankets, felts, and flannels. They all have their important position." y