The Gisborne Herald. IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE TIMES" GISBORNE, TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1946. GERMANY’S SYNTHETIC TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21980, 26 March 1946, Page 4

The Gisborne Herald. IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE TIMES" GISBORNE, TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1946. GERMANY’S SYNTHETIC TEXTILE INDUSTRY

RECENTLY the scientific director of a trig German synthetic textile linn admitted that as yet there was no synthetic equal to wool or cotton. This is a statement of some importance to the wool trade. It is contrary to Germany’s pre-war claims that the production of synthetics made her self-sufficient in supplies of lextile fibres. Actually those claims were never confirmed In 19:38 Germany imported over 1,000,0(10 bales-of wool and made strenuous efforts to secure consignments during the war. Although the general position is satisfactory to the ■woolproducing countries, any lapse into complacency could prove a serious economic embarrassment: in the future, for it is known that other German firms have not yet given up hope of manufacturing a synthetic article which, so they forecast, will not only be cheaper than the real thing but also better. According to the Berlin correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald. Germany’s immense synthetic textile industry is at present being argued by the occupying Powers. The three European occupying Powers, rather than assist in any large-scale programme of credits and of importations to supply raw materials for the German textile industry, favour the revival in that country of the manufacture of synthetic fibre. The United States, on the other hand, points to the huge quantities of natural fibres already available and urges that these should be used first. An offer has already been made to supply raw American cotton to Germany on credit, the debt to be repaid by the exportation of about 40 per cent of the finished textiles which would result. American economists are urging that Britain should I endorse this policy and follow a similar course with regard to wool. | j Disposal of the Surplus Because of the magnitude of the stocks of raw fibres now stored in America and Britain and the equally vast unsatisfied demand for woven materials, the American attitude would appear to he the more logical of the two. Certainly it is the course of action that should make the strongest appeal to New Zealand and other wool-producing Dominions. Much prominence has been given in the news of late to the fact that so great has been the post-war carry-over of raw wool that Britain holds the largest stocks in her history and recently formed the joint organisation in partnership with the chief woolgrowing Dominions to stabilise the price and dispose of the surplus in orderly fashion. It was estimated when the scheme was launched that just on 14 years would he required to liquidate these stocks. Britain’s interest, therefore, as well as that of the woolgrowers, demands that every opportunity should he taken to pass this wool into consumption. To most people it will seem illogical to encourage the German synthetic industry at such a time. If there are German mills capable of handling some of the surplus raw wool why should they be fed with inferior and often costly artificial fibres? To restore the production of German synthetics, moreover, would itself necessitate the importation of chemicals and of wood pulp, besides making heavy inroads into the meagre supply of coal, available. It is estimated that 15 pounds of coal arc consumed in making a single pound of synthetic fibre and further coal would he required, of course, to complete the spinning and weaving processes. Since hostilities ceased the keenness of buyers in most countries to obtain wool shows the anxiety of the world’s people to obtain clothing made from the sheep’s staple. Furnishing goods such as carpets and rugs are also needed, and experience has proved that, for comfort and good wear, they are most favoured. Main Use For Synthetics Despite the much publicised qualities of synthetics, the chief use so far found for them is in the hosiery and a proportion of the women’s dress goods trade. In those items they have displaced silk and, to an appreciable extent, cotton. They provide goods with an acceptable appearance of sheen and quick-drying property after washing. If woollen hose in particular can he produced with those attractions and at competitive prices, supplying the additional quality of softness, the foot comfort of feminine wearers would he added to. That production of finished textiles should he lifted immediately to the highest possible level in order to make good the world’s tragic shortage is in the interests of all nations. This can be done by puffing all suitable manufacturing plant to work on the natural fibre which lies to hand and allowing a more gradual development of synthetic production to supplement it. Once the emergency is over, wool and cotton will have to meet artificial competitors on their merits. Politically, as well as economically, it would he easier for the Allies to deal with a Germany dependent on external sources for industrial raw materials, and any steps which might stimulate the dangerous policy of German self-sufficiency would be highly undesirable. One tiling is certain: Give the German scientists and industrialists half a chance and they will do their utmost to manufacture synthetic products calculated to make a wide appeal to consumers. During the war they were not able to experiment as much as they wanted to. It would seem foolish for the Allies now to do anything that might encourage them to new activities.