VEGETABLE FIBRE AND WOOL

Evening Star, Issue 14514, 4 November 1910, Page 1

VEGETABLE FIBRE AND WOOL

The International Committee convened to deal w>th the subject of vegetable fibre and wool have just itsued a brief report covering the past year. They state (reporte our London correspondent) that during the past twelve montlifi there has been considerable improvement in the condition and packing of wools offered in the London market Buyers in the ooloninl market.'; also report that in Melbourne and (Jeclong 6afisfa.ctory advance has been noted, itticl many of the larger growers in Victoria, New Zealand, and especially in .South Africri, h;i\e jesponded in a. mo.it, gratifying manner. Unfortunately, in Xew South Wales, South Australia, and West- Australia there hits not yet been much response to the reasonable request that this valuable commodity should lie properly packed. The evil which arisn; from the use of cheap jute wool packs is one. which involve* tenons depreciation tc the raw wool, and so long as it reuiaim the fearful loss of labor, time, and which i.s incurred by the manufacturere will ultimately and always bo a charge m (lie value of the :;iw material. Many spinners ajid manufacturers (both Continental and English) arc more keenly alive than ever to the geriousnefis of this evil, and many have pledged themselves to give perference in future to wools which are carefully packed in bales which have been tested and i-ecommended by the Committee. There have been two classes of woolpacks recommended, not only on account of freedom from loose fibres (which >a the main • •onsideraiion), but alio because of their moderate cost:

1. A paper-lined pack which quite obviates tiie danger if thoroughly and m>eurcly lined. J.'heee are fip&ciafly suitable for scoured wooLs and for the iiiie.-t ;i.erino grrasies. and they can be procured at a-ii approximate cost of 3s 9d per bu£, f.0.b., London, mibjeet to maxkrt variations. 2. A close-woven, strong, unJined pack, made of the beet material.

The Committee gratefully acknowledge the willing and generous co-operation uf some of the larjje colonial growers, and state that in their opinion a steadily increasing preference will be shown, by consumers for clips that are packed according to the recommendations wliich have been issued, and that in these times of quieter demand this preference will bo much more iii.uked than up to now. The French Association of Spinners are canvassing these and kindred questions very keenly, and have invited the Committee to co-operato in a conference which will take place- next year in Roubaix 10 consider what further steps can be taken in these matters. The Committee note with satisfaction the improvements which have been made in the Jyondon warehouses for dealing with loose fibre and for the more careful cutting of hales, and express the hope that the efforts of the warehouse-keepers will continue to secure the assistance and cooepration of buyers, especially of thu younger section, who may not be quit* cognisant of the importance of thete efforts.