THE WOOL TRADE

Otago Witness, Issue 3612, 5 June 1923, Page 10

THE WOOL TRADE

AMERICA’S HEAVY FURCHASES. (Fiion Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, April IS. Reviewing the situation of the wool trade, the correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that the American Woollen Company, which is the biggest combine in the world, employing 35,000 hands, are working their machinery at 100 per cent, of its capacity, which lias never been done before. Other firms in America are also very busy, and the West Riding of Yorkshire still seems to be in the worst position of any textile area. There is no harmony whatver between the advance in the raw material and the general inertia in consuming centres. The further one gets away from the raiv material the worse things are found to be, West Riding firms being greatly handicapped by Continental exchanges, and the lower overhead charges on the Continent compared with those at Home. As a result of the disadvantage thus involved, Bradford dress goods manufacturers have lost a large part of their spring trade, and West Riding mills in many cases arc far from being busy. Some of the leading dress goods manufacturers are running short time, and there are hundreds of looms standing, a condition of affairs which is very different from what existed a year ago. This state of matters lias brought about the initiation of a publicity campaign, the object

o,f which is to educate the public of this country on the subject of the wearing capacity of different makes of cloth.

Speaking generally, the position of noils, laps, and wastes is quite sound and healthy. A large trade is being done with America and the Continent, particularly Germany, though with regard to the Continental trade difficulty is being experienced in getting goods through the occupied area.. Kotwilhstanding. assurances that British goods will go through without having to bear the 10 per cent, duty imposed by the French military authorities, great difficulty is. being experienced in this respect. Strong representations need to bo made through the Board of Trade about the many obstacles which are being put in the way of free access to German markets, for in consequence of this the export trade of this coutnry is suffering severely.