OUR YORKSHIRE LETTER

Otago Witness, Issue 2666, 19 April 1905, Page 8

OUR YORKSHIRE LETTER

(Fkom Oira Own Correspondent.) BRADFORD, February 17. CHARACTERISTICS OF CROSSBRED

WOOLS.

In dealing with crossbreds we have a totally different article to consider to that of merinos, for here is something more tangible and solid to face the ordeal which every fibre of wool has to endure before it reaches the finished fabric. I have been asked many a time if it were possible to card, comb, and spin a blend of wool in which merinos and crossbreds had been mixed together. This is absolutely impossible — impossible from the standpoint of the machines, and most impracticable from a business standpoint. Even if 40*s crossbred were worth as much as a 60's Botany it would then be altogether unworkable, while as to the final results nothing but disaster would attend such a mixture of two opposite materials. When a man buys wool he must always first consider its special fitness for the article he intends to produce, and with each grade of wool filling its own particular sphere it would be most inadvisable to attempt to force it to do what Nature never intended. In the several varieties of wool which Nature has given us we see a most wise arrangement, and that arrangement i bound to result successfully if it is strictly adhered to. Crossbred wools are heavier in the fibre and more bulky in circumference than are n>erinos; hence the two classes can only be dealt with separately and put to the special purpose for which they are fitted. Th-ere is no doubt that pressure of circumstances has to a large extent been the cause of crossbreds coming to the front, but whether or not they are hero to stay for an indefinite period it is hard to say.

There is littl* doubt that wools ranging from 36's to 46's quality have come to the front with a vengeance since the lowest point was touched in November, 1901, but how long they are going to maintain ~t heir present position is somewhat difficult to say. The general public no doubt took up the eoarser-mado fabrics because of their cheapness, but to-day that fact can no longer be held out as an inducement for further patronage. It is the opinion of the most expert men in the trade that the real value of the crossbred article is to-day greater in proportion to its manufacturing qualities than what merinos are, and the present drop of l^d per lb in the coarsest descriptions has been sufficient to generate a feeling of extreme cautiousness and nervousness. Nobody can dispute the usefulness of crossbred wools ; they have supplied the million the last three years with some very fashionable and cheap garments, but at present prices it is very problematical as to how long they will maintain their present position. Stodks are undoubtedly \ery low, but the pressure upon the market, caused by the extraordinary consumption through the Eastern war, has to a. large extent been withdrawn, and, to my mind. Ihe future course of crossbred prices will be largely shaped by future events in Russia and Manchuria.

The last three years crossbred wools have been played by European and American manufacturers for all Ihey are worth, and it remains to be soen if popular taste is once more going to revert to the merino. 1 question very much a very extended patronage for the fine fabrics so long as n.erino price 3 remain where they are. Even growers of this class of wool must admit that values are fairly high, and so long as this obtains we are not likely to see the million supporting high-priced fabrics. The fact is remarkable that such centres as Huddersfield, Dewsbury, and Batley are very busy to-day at the expense of the finer fabrics made in Bradford and district, the coarser " Chevioty "' fabrics produced in the heavy woollen district of Yorkshire lending themselves more to a heavy species of adulteration than the fine fabrics of Bradford. Still there is room to-day in the world for all the merino and crossbred wool that is available, and I maintain that it is not so much a question of price of the garment as an increased purchasing power on th& part of the million, and, given this, all grades of wool will be maintained at a price acceptable and payable to the grower. PRICES FOR COARSE CROSSBREDS

STILL SAGGING.

The Home wool market this last week has continued to present a very quiet front, and little has transpired to indicate a firmer tone in coarse crossbreds. Everybody is now holding off; and, satisfied that for the time being no higher values can prevail, users are determined to buy as little as possible. I do not know that things are any weaker, but among topmakers there is a more ready disposition to accept the lower values offered. The best maker of 4-o's tops will to-day accept 15d; while 14Jd is a more regular price, and some ev&n talk of a farthing less still. All "vim" has now gone out of the market, and the loss which holders are having to face is naturally not welcomed. A" policy of firmly holding on to the raw material would gladly be adhered to if there was any sound prospect of recovery, but it is now felt tlTat supplies are quit© adequate to meet all pressing needs, while peace prospects in the Far East are considered to be improving. The n.arket feels to-day the want of the outside pressure caused by the heavy Japanese war orders, and in the event of peace values for orossbreds will inevitably fall. The greatest weakness is found to be in con. neotion with anything below 46's quality, and the ci'itical state which has been created is quite sufficient to put everybody in a very cautious attitude. Consumption is maintained^ Jjut little new, business is being

put through. Export yarn merchants are buying precious little, while German offers are such as to put out of court the possibility of doing business. It is very patent; lhat business "is now going to be confined for some time to come to merely supplying existing needs, and the next two months will test materially tho position of crossbied<=.

Merinos continue to maintain their stand* ing very cieditably, and here there is a decided show of strength. Some topmakers still press very hard for 24|d for a super 60's top, but it ia possible to buy a creditable article- at a farthing less. Mohair is ri.thor inactive, but prices are maintained.Manufacturers of lustre dress goods are very busy, which is rertainly a good point in favour of mohair.