PEARL SHELL

Hokitika Guardian, 11 November 1933, Page 5

PEARL SHELL

THE AUSTRALIAN PRODUCT,

MARKET SOUGHT IN AMERICA.

Ur'tod Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

NEW YORK, November 9

The Australian Press Association learns that the pearl shell situation here ha,s assumed a character where there is a strong 'feeling in trade circles that a semi-monopolistic control of the American market keeps up the product at prices that are resulting in the active discouragement of many button manufacturers from the use of Australian shell, and in the continued growth of the use of substitutes, ,such as fresh water shells and synthetics. It is understood that efforts are being made here to enlist the aid of the Australian Government for the establishment of an agency in the United States as the sole outlet for Australian pearl shell, witli the output strictly controlled, m order to equalise the good and had seasons, and also giving a complete account to the Australian fishers of all of the income derived in America, and encouraging the wider use of pearl buttons. The matter is being officially laid before the Australian Government.