EXPORT OF WOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16121, 8 January 1916, Page 5

EXPORT OF WOOL.

NONE TO NEUTRAL STATES, ?f HOME GOVERNMENT'S DESIRE STATEMENT BY MINISTER. The uncertaintv of the wool-buyers in the South, as to whether they will be allowed to export to the United States any wool which they may purchase at next "week's sales in Christchurch, is now ended. It, is clear that the Imperial Government ■wishes no wool to be exported to neutral countries, and that the New Zealand i Government is acting in accordance with this desire. The Hon. A. M. Myers, who, as Minister for Customs, has the granting of permits for the export of wool from New Zealand, made the following statement yesterday :— ''The Imperial authorities having now definitely intimated their desire that the export of wool to neutral countries should bo prohibited, the New Zealand Government, of course, is now giving effect to their wishes. Every effort up to the present has been made to consider operating interests as far as possible. All applicants for permits in regard to wool purchased at the varies local sales alreadv held in Auckland, Napier, Wellington', Christchurch. Timaru, and Dunedin, have been granted the necessary permits to export to neutral countries, but * e hare now arrived at the position that we mu;t carry out the Imperial Governments de sires. Owing, however, to- the very large requirements for military nurpeses which exist in the United Kingdom, and which have necessarily created a strong demand for our wool, the market should still continue strong, and ensure satisfactory prices being still obtained." Mr. Myers pointed out that there is stiH no prohibition upon the export of wool to the United Kingdom. I is, however subject to the license system instituted some months' ago, under which licenses are granted for the shipment of wool to approved consignees. But in reg3r to the future, all export to neutral countries is, in accordance with the Imperial Government s request, absolutely prohibited. EFFECT ON LOCAL PRICES. STRONG DEMAND IN ENGLAND. IBT TELEGSAPH.— PBESS ASSOCIATION.! Wellington, Pridav. The Prime Minister. Mr. W *. Mass*-}-, stated to-day that the control of the export *of crossbred wool or other material larjrelv required for war purposes rests with the Imperial authorities, who have instructed the ]\ew Zealand Government that export to neutral countries must be prohibited. We have endeavoured to arrange matters with as little inconvenience as possible to all concerned, but our instructions are definite. Needless to say I regret the necessity that has arisen for this, but the strong demand and good prices ruling in Britain should ensure satisfactory prices being obtained here, l will endeavour to obtain permission for wool already purchased at wool sales to be shipped and I do not anticipate much difficulty about this natter."