COMMERCIAL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18067, 19 April 1933, Page 4

COMMERCIAL

COTTON MANUFACTURERS JAPANESE COMPETITION There have been many references lately to effects on the Manchester cotton trade of low-priced Japanese goods. At the annual meeting of J. F. and H. Roberts, Limited, a Manchester company with extensive business in Australia, the chairman, Mr. P. C. Fish, declared that Japanese cotton and artificial goods in the Australian market were a menace to Lancashire manufactures because the competition could not be met. “We have had samples sent home which illustrate quite clearly that Japan’s prices beat us by more than 75 per cent.," Mr. Fish said. "In fact, the raw material used in the manufacture of some of these particular Japanese goods could not be purchased even by Japan for the price at which the manufactured goods arc landed in Australia. Therefore, it goes without saying that Japan must bo losing heavily on the transactions, and it is reasonable to suppose that the mills in Japan are heading for disaster. Unfortunately, in the meantime many legitimate traders are forced out of business.”

QUESTION OF WOOL PRICES

UNIVERSAL PROBLEM

SYDNEY, April 6,

Winelicombe, Carson, Limited, report:—“The stronger wool market latterly experienced has been confirmed by a slight upward movement, in rates for merino tops in Yorkshire. Average 04’s tops recently quoted at 22L1 are Id pci'; 11). higher than the figure ruling in early April last year, and Hd per lb. above the figures ruling during the latter half of that month. A year ago prices were on the descont, and have recently boon on the ascent.

“The experience is assuring because the clip in .all centres has passed rapidly into niamififtc hirers’ hands. A mid-February report from Durban, South Africa,. stated that supplies in that quarter would be completely exhausted in a few weeks. Exports from lArgoiif ilia and Uruguay hacc been made much more rapidly than for some time. From October 1 to the end of January, shipments from the Argentine were 26 per cent greater than a year before. The strong demand for the raw material despite the heavy purchases made during the past seven months is an assuring indication, showing that the raw material has been passing into consumption and that consumers have reasonable confidence in future business.

“Japan’s continued activity has no doubt been a surprise to many English and European users. The opinions were expressed that Japan’s orders were for military purposes, and would wane, and that her purchase last season of 628.000 bales in Australia was beyond her needs .and would result in her buying operations showing a decrease during the current selling year. Both those ideas have proved astray. Shipments from Australia to Japan to the end of February were 472,412 bales, being 31,453 bales greater than 12 months before, and her purchases in March were very extensive. Consumers abroad should realise the fact that consumption of wool by the Japanese establishments is now definitely established on a large scale. When conditions in the East are more settled, there is little doubt that she will endeavor to popularise her goods in other eastern quarters, and the figures at, which she can produce fabrics should assist in making her bid for trade successful.” ONIONS FOR CANADA A shipment of Canterbury onions will be loaded on board the Canadian Leader this week for Canada. Those arranging the cargo, although definite that a largo quantity will bo shipped, cannot state yet exactly what the actual total will be. There have been shipments to Canada in previous years, and one of an experimental nature was sent from Lyttelton in the second week of March this year. It consisted of 6200 bags. It is claimed that the present time is a favorable one for shipment. Under the rearrangement of tariffs at the Ottawa Conference and the New Zea-land-Canadian treaty, New Zealand onions arc admitted free of Customs duty, but with a 3 per cent, excise charge. It is the off season in Canada for onion growers, and previously foreign onions were purchased. Very few shipments have been sent to Eastern Canada, but several have gone to Western Canada previously. VICTORIA’S BIG FRUIT CROPS MELBOURNE, April 1. In the record pack of canned fruits in Australia this year it was ascertained from the Water Commission yesterday Victoria would 'produce 76 per cent of this quantity. The Goulburn Valley canneries at Shepparton, Ardniona and Kyabram are now treating approximately 76 per cent of Victoria’s output, and these three factories will have the distinction of j treating 60 per cent of the whole Australian output this season. J

Tn the dried fruits industry Arieforia is also achieving excellent results, as two-thirds of Australia’s production of this product will this year come from this State. It was ascertained yesterday that the Australian production will he 72,000 lons, of Which Victoria will he responsible for 46,000 tons. The State record crop was 73,000 tons, in 1929, and it was 58,000