SEARCH FOR MARKETS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26770, 13 May 1948, Page 9

SEARCH FOR MARKETS

AUSTRALIAN ENTERPRISE WOOLLEN TEXTILE INDUSTRY P.A. WELLINGTON. May 12. An outline of the steps being taken by the Australian woollen textile industry to increase exports and develop long-term and reliable overseas markets was given to-day by the Australian Trade Commissioner, Mr J. J. Murray. There are now more than 100 woollen and worsted mills in Australia, he said, and a considerable number of them were selling their goods in overseas countries. “Australia is now exporting large quantities of woollen and worsted piece goods, knitted cardigans, jumpers, socks, and yarn for the manufacture of woollen goods and hand-knitting wool," Mr Murray continued. “ Leading knitwear manufacturers have recently been discussing a joint marketing organisation. Their aim is to work together in developing permanent export markets. They are confident that the high quality and reasonable prices of their garments will attract large overseas orders.’ -

Printed woollen fabrics, men’s suitings, and ties which had been displayed in New York recently had attracted attention from both the trade and consumers.

Purchases of locally-grown wool for the Australian textile industry had reached the record total of 647,823 bales .for the year ended June, 1947 —a 50 per cent, increase on the previous peak buying in 1942. Mr Murray added that much of the manufactured wool would be exported to New Zealand, America, and Asia.