WOOL INDUSTRY.

Northern Advocate, 19 January 1920, Page 4

WOOL INDUSTRY.

GROWERS' GRIEVANCES.

THE IMPERIAL COMMANDEER

SUGGESTED COUNTET.'-ACTTOX

The chairman of the Marl bo rough Woolgrowers ' Committee requests publicatioir in the " Advocate'- of the following letter, as published in the "Pnstorial Review ' ? : —

,sj r> —The above subject is of such vital interest to the woolgrowers of Australasia that I will ask you to give room in your columns for some discussion on the question. I have ventured to enter the lists so that it may perhaps lead to others, sharing the same views, also expressing their opinions on the question of the abolition of tho draft charge. The following statement, failing information upon the point, is based upon the terms made, by the Imperial Government with the New Zealand woolgrowers. Thu estimate is a rough one. It may be right or it may be wrong, but it is something there abouts and sufficient to show that we arc paying annually a considerable sum for nothing in return. Since these terms were made the Imperial Government extended the commandeer, adding in addition to this price a half-share of the profits of the transaction. We have been told by the New Zealand Premier that he is informed by the authorities at Home that this half-share will probably bo a substantial sum. So the total of £72.1,32:5 will bo still further increased.

Pre-war rate or value of N.Z. wool estimated to average Is 3d per lb. (Government valuation made by N.Z. woolbrokers and accepted by conference of wool-growers). Commandeered as above with 55 per cent, added (above i« estimated at N.Z. prices, being unaware of prices realised in Australia): —

.Australian production (about), l,007,?.ol bales; New Zealand (about), 581,531 bales; total, 2,488,802 bales; weight of each bale estimated at 3cwt., total weight equals 7,46G,55(5cwt.; draft at lib per cwt. equals, 7,46G,5861b5.; value at pre-war average of Is 3d per lb, £4(56,0(51; value at average siaco wool cominandoercd, viz., above rates plus 55 per cent., £723,325.

The wool-growers should- consider whether the present state of affairs should continue, or whether the time has come to call a halt and refuse to pay this tribute. The latter seems" the only course to take for mnny reasons, some of them being:—

1. The charge for draft is arbitrary and ridiculous, the only justification for it on the part of the brokers or buyers is that it is an old custom, or "tho custom of the trade."

2. That conditions have now changed. The wool-growers are face to face with now and great responsibilities such as taxation for tho costs of the war, enhanced wages, a great increase in the cost of all necessaries.

3. Tie intolerable position of obedience on the part of the woolgrowers to the exactions of a body of men who have not the shadow of light to demand this tribute.

If the answer by the wool-growers be a refusal to no longer submit to this imposition, how is this refusal to be carried out?

By the force of "The United Woolgrowers of Australasia"—Tho forco of a common interest.

How is this to be obtained? It is suggested that a committee bo formed for this purpose and that this committee should circularise every agricultural and pastoral association and other kindred societies in the Australasian Dominions, putting before them the whole question and requesting them if they be in favour of this cause to choose a representative or representatives to a central body. This corporation can then elect an executive to deliberate upon this question. This executive should have full powers to bring, if necessary, the whole question before a court of law to ascertain if the brokers have the right to retain, for their own use, a portion of the wool consigned to them for sale?

To negotiate with the London brokers for the. absolute abolition of this deduct ion with a stipulation that there must be no increase to the present charges, Failing any result, "that the executive negotiate with the Dominion brokers and business men to take up the business in London (some foreign brokers might; be included), excluding the charge for draft." '' That a co-operative society or association be formed by the wool-grow-ers to include the Dominion wool-brok-ers and business men to take up the business." if something of this kind be adopted it would be to the benefit of the country generally in keeping a large sum for circulation at home. It would be an immense benefit to our wool-growers and business men. These alternatives are only brought forward to suggest some of the many ways by which the London brokers might be successfully countered, if they n re not amenable to reason. That the foregoing or something on these lines is "The Force" that we can call into being if we uni'.o. Such a union might have very far reaching effects. NO JUSTIFICATION. In an editorial (Dec. 16) on the subject the "Pastoral Review ,, says: "The question of 'draft' or buyer's 'perquisite' of one pound per cwt. on all wool purchased, which has long iiocii a thorn in the side of grower. o , is again brought under notice by a correspondent, Mr Teschemaker-Shuto of Nov.- Zealand, in this issue of the 'Review.' That there is no justification for the 'draft' in these drtys we have often pointer! out. In olden time when weighing was not the matter of accuracy thai it is now, there may have been some excuse for it, but conditions have altered, and there is absolutely no call on the grower to give away some threc-qnVrtcrs of a million

he can raise in these times.

tralia, Now Zealand, and the 'Cape' should make a united protest. Numerous resolutions, protesting against the imposition, have been passed by graziers' organisations in the Commonwealth, but unless their just claims are pressed, growers are likelr to reap little benefit from 'resolutions.' Control is going to cease next ycai, and while ..vo do not believe for a minute that I heiv will be an immediate reversion io the open market—such is indeed impossible under the circumstances —an excellent opportunity will arise for the wool-growers to prefer his request for the abolition of 'draft. , There is

hound to be some form of organisation in connection with the disposal of the clip, and to cover the transition period that will follow 'control.' Nothing has yet been formulated; but 'draft' is one of the phases that can very well be dealt with, and we believe that if growers' representatives take a firm stand on the subject at the conferences that are sure to be held for the purpose of devising a modus operandi in connection with the sale of our wool, they will be successful iv securing a repeal of the objectionable custom. New Zealand and South African growers should take the matter up simultaneously with Australia."