ANILINE DYES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6313, 13 September 1907, Page 9

ANILINE DYES

ANILINE DYES. (To the Editor, "N.Z. Times.”) Sir, —I have read tho letter appearing in your Issue of this day over the names of Messrs Roeonhain and Bryce, as agents for Messrs Read, Holiday, and Sons, Limited, Huddersfield. As the representative of Messrs Leopold Cassells and Co., Frank9urt-on-Main (probably the most important firm of Continental aniline dye manufacturers), I cannot allow certain misleading statements to pass unnoticed. Messrs Rosenhain and Bryoo state that after they approached the Commissioner of Customs, and submitted the evidence of experts and others (kindly note others) the Commissioner decided upon placing dyes on the Preferential List, but since it having been proved that it would be detrimental to the woollen trade, he has reversed his decision. I think I will be able to show that the step was justified. Messrs Rosenhain 'and Bryce's statement a© to tho importance of the English aniline dyo industry will, I am afraid, subject them to some ridicule. The aniline dye industry, instead of being as painted, is one of the smallest of BngJish industries; iu fact, tho firm represented by Messrs Rosenhain and Bryce, and reputed to employ 4000 hands, are manufacturers of machinery used by cotton dyers, acetylene gas plants, crude chemicals, etc., aniline dye® being therefore merely a part, and perhaps a email part, of their products. . The fact of the English textile manufacturers importing quite 85 per cent, of their dye requirements from Germany is sufficient proof of the insignificance of the English factories. The reason of the extensive use of the Continental dye is well known. Tho Continental manufacturers employ only the best of scientists in their laboratories, and are the owners of all th-" principal patents for the suitable dye stuffs used in the textile industry. Woollen mill experts, when considering the purchase of dyes are not guided entirely by price; such other important conditions as levelling properties, fastness to light and milling, etc., have to considered. " The statement that seven large Continental manufacturers have combined and formed a trust, is utterly untrue, and almost too ridiculous to bo noticed. If further proof were needed, anyone can ascertain from any mill proprietary particulars of the severe cutting and*competition which exists between the various Continental manufacturers, in their individual efforts to secure the New Zealand trade. Messrs Rosenhain and Bryce state that since their entering the competition some twelve months past, they have been instrumental in reducing prices 50 per cent,, and yet further iu their letter affirm that unless they secure , some protection 'they will perhaps have to relinquish tho New Zealand trade. I would ask. is It likely that any sane business man would treat a supplier with such scant courtesy if he could show them quality being equal and prices 50 per cent, lower? Further, Messrs Rosenhain and Bryce state that until recent years this trade was entirely in the hands of English factories, etc. Why the change? Unless we are expected to believe that the various New Zealand mill experts are incapable, or ore placing their business with Continental manufacturers out of sheer generosity, then Messrs Rosenhain and Bryce's acknowledgement of the displacement of English dye stuff’s should in itself bo sufficient to prove the outstanding superiority of the Continental productS. Before taking Messrs Rosenhain and Bryce's profuse patriotic sentiments too seriously, I would like to ask the firm referred to if it is not a fact that they are Australian agents for a number of Continental houses? Ido not think it is necessary for me to place the matter before the Honourable t Premier, as I feel convinced that mill owner® have already supplied sufficient expert evidence to contradict the abov.. statements made.—X am, etc., J. E. SCHLOSS. Representing Leopold Gassella and Co.