WOOL FOR BRITAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19859, 1 February 1928, Page 12

WOOL FOR BRITAIN.

FINER QUALITY IN DEMAND. 9 HIGHER PRICES IMPROBABLE. The increasing demand for finer -wools and the improbability of wool prices attaining a higher level than now obtains, were matters discussed by Mr. J. Hinchliffe, proprietor of woollen and worsted mills in Derbydale, near Iluddersfield, England, upon his arrival from Sydney by the Marama yesterday. Mr. Hinchliffe said although his firm used little New Zealand wool he recognised the great improvement in the quality of the New Zealand product during the past 20 years, particularly respecting the preparation of the clips through more efficient classing. "All wool is very dear at present, but I cannot visualise any further appreciation in values," said the English manufacturer. Rather, he believed, it would decline somewhat in price, in spite of the fact that there was no risk of cotton supplanting wool in the make-up of clothing. Mercerised silk was, within limits, a competitor with wool, but in the hot countries of the world, where there were vast populations, increasing quantities of woollen clothing were being worn, people realising that it was healthier than cotton. Finer wools, he believed, would bo iii increasing demand, for people were coming to realise that it paid to buy materials of the better quality, since it cost as much to make up a garment of high grade as of low grade cloth, and the former gave wearing advantage. Incidentally, Mr. Hinchliffe regarded this trend in Britain as an indication that the spending power of lh® public was increasing. Apart from this, it was apparent that British industry was once again forging ahead. "Australia as a selling market is now of little use to the English manufacturer, on account of the high protective tariffs imposed." said the visitor. "I am confident, however, that the amount of protection afforded the mills there will have a reactionary effect in the long run.' Relatively few employees, he explained, were engaged in the industry in the Commonwealth and there were too many mills to permit of economical operation.