UPHOLSTERY FOR CARS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23830, 9 June 1939, Page 11

UPHOLSTERY FOR CARS

VALUE OF WOOL FABRIC MANUFACTURERS’ SUPPORT (From Our Own Correspondent) LONDON, May 4. Popularising the use of wool upholstery for motor cars is now receiving the full attention of the International Wool Secretariat. Manufacturers have promised financial support, and a substantial contribution has also been offered by the Worsted Spinners’ Federation in Bradford. For some time past the Secretariat have been steadily progressing with a policy for increasing the use of wool upholstery. As it was regarded as a most important branch of the Yorkshire industry, it was felt that manufacturers might reasonably be invited to contribute to a co-operative fund with the Secretariat. Personal visits were paid to a number of leading manufacturers, and in practically every case the suggestion was greeted with enthusiasm. Eventually 20 manufacturers met members of the Secretariat in London, when proposals were discussed in greater detail; at this meeting the Secretariat was offered full financial support. It is hoped that a group representing the upholstery manufacturing trade will be formed. Believing that the success of the scheme would also benefit other sections of the Yorkshire industry, the spinners were approached. In Bradford, members of the Worsted Spinners’ Federation were addressed by Mr F.

S. Arthur, the New Zealand representative on the Secretariat, and Dr Clunies Ross, the Australian representative. The support subsequently offered by the federation is considered by the Secretariat to be of the greatest significance, since it shows that they regard the work of the secretariat, as benefiting all sections of the Yorkshire trade as well as aiding directly the manufacturers of motor car upholstery. At present the fine.upholstery■ cloth for luxury cars is made chiefly with merino wool. Fine crossbred is likely to be used in the harder wearing types of cloths more suitable for mass production and general utility, a fact that will be appreciated by the New Zealand farmer. Upholstery in American and French cars is largely of wool cloth. Railway carriages and motor buses in Great Britain are also upholstered with various types of wool fabric, the cloths having been subjected first to most rigorous tests for durability. Transport authorities are satisfied with the comfort and general satisfaction given. In their approach to the motor trade in Great Britain the secretariat has encountered no opposition to wool fabrics. The reservation was. however, that until it could be shown that there was a public demand for wool upholstery they would hesitate to make changes. The secretariat will now give its attention to (emphasising the value of . wool upholstery. This will be done by advertising and consultations with the motor trade. It is felt that in wool-producjng countries such as New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, there should be no reason why this type of fabric should not be used in cars, if only from motives of self-interest.