WOOL PRODUCTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23437, 29 August 1939, Page 5

WOOL PRODUCTION

NEW SEASON'S OUTPUT AN INCREASE EXPECTED TRADE ACTIVITY SATISFACTORY [from our own correspondent] LONDON, Aug. S Although it is yet too soon .to give any accurate idea of wool production in the 10.19-40 season, the Imperial Economic Committees in its 00l Intelligence Notes, says that from trade and weather reports it appears likely that tlie aggregate output of Australia, New Zealand. South Africa, Argentina and Urugufyv, the live chief e::port

countries, will be somewhat above that of 1938-39.

Australian indications are that there will be an increase of about 3 per cent. A material decline in New Zealand and South African output is thought unlikely in view of the keen demand lor crossbred. In estimating supplies to the market, it is emphasised that account must be taken ol: the relatively small unsold stocks left at the end of the 1938-39 season as compared with

the previous year. It is stated that this reduction will offset to a great extent any increase *

in this year's production. Very little wool remains unsold in Now Zealand, South Africa and Argentina, and stocks in Australia are well below last year's levels.

Interesting comparisons in the distribution of wool shipments from 4 New Zealand in the past two seasons aro given, the 1037-38 figures being shown in parentheses. The totals in millions of lb., actual weight, are:—United Kingdom, 10G.2 (152.3); France, 37.3 (17.8); Germany, 13.4 (15.3); Belgium, 19 (5.12); United States,* 12.9 (4); Japan, 7.6 (13.5); Italy, .1 (.2); other countries, 42.2 (33.5. Total, 291 .S (241.7).

Trade reports and available statistics indicate that the activity of the wool textile industry in July was back to the relatively satisfactory levels of 1937.