WOOL SUBSTITUTE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 2 May 1935, Page 7

WOOL SUBSTITUTE

LIMITED RANGE OF FABRICS OPINION OF BRADFORD MANUFACTURERS (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 2nd May, 9/10 a.m.) LONDON, Ist May. _ Though lie made no detailed investigation into “woolstra”, Mr D. H. Wilson Director of the Wool Industries Research Association at ‘Leeds informed the Australian Press Association that a limited range of fabrics were examined with the following conclusions: The ratio of wool fibre in them varied from 1 in 1 and 1 in 2. Cloths spun as worsteds have a “good handle” and are attractive hut have a dull appearance. The only inherent advantage is their silky handle for fancy effects, but their wearing properties arc definitely inferior to wool owing to the tendency to rub up., and stretch and become baggy, and easily crease. Bradford manufacturers express the opinion that it may find a definite place in the industry, but mainly on account of the price of wool relative to the artificial products and more stable prices. At the moment, however, they are unable to compete with wool fabrics owing to the low price of yarns. If the latter rise 25 per cent mixed fabrics would then be in a position to compete successfully.

Professor Übbelliohde, of, Berlin, admitted in November of last year that German attempts to manufacture a wool substitute from artificial silk had proved unsatisfactory, but a new method had been found on reinforcing artificial silk threads with flax, which would be grown on a huge scale in Germany.