NOTES AND COMMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15889, 9 April 1915, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

THE WOOLLEN INDUSTRY. I QriTE a number of problems are troubling the woollen and worsted industries at the present moment, remarks tho I/onuon Times, and in view of the importance of pro\ii!tn;( clothing for our army mid the armies of our allies, they deserve serious attention. The position as it has existed for some, weeks, constitutes a severe rritii vivni of those who, when the question of I prohibiting the export cf raw material eni lircly was raised last September, took on themselves the responsibility of telling the Government there would be no dearth of wool That there is a dearth is proved by the fact that 40's crossbred tops, which were at 151/1 per lb. at the beginning of September, are now (at. the end of February) making about 22d, and all grades of crossbred tops have advanced in value in much the same proportion. The position has been considerably aggravated by difficulties of transit in the United Kingdom which, were never anticipated. in spite of urgent appeals (■> Government depart ments and to dock and port authorities there has continued to be very serous delay in the discharging of cargoes of wool, and when the wool lias found its way into the hands of railway companies the confusion ha--, become worse. In Bradford for some time past owners of wool, bnanse the lailway companies could not deliver wool which has arrived in the. city and district, have been sending their own horses, waggons, and men to the stations. They had sorters, combers, and spinners unemployed, and manufacturer.* had machinery standing idie by reason of delay originating in the delivery of the raw material. Not before it is necessary, therefore, has the Government apj'rinted a committee to deal with this congestion.