THE WOOL SITUATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11763, 25 February 1919, Page 5

THE WOOL SITUATION.

Australiau-N.Z. Cable Association Loudon, February 23. Mr Goldfinch, presiding over the Wool Council, sa.d that owing to the epidemic in Australia and the shortage of coal in New Zealand, stocks in England would not reach a comfortable level before July. It would probably be necessary to limit purchases for Belgium, France and Italy in view of America’s contract with Australia and New Zealand. Our import programme had not provided for any sale to America through Loudon. Mr Goldfinch paid a tribute to the handsome attitude of Australia and New Zealand throughout regarding prices. It was obviously impossible to continue British manufacture in the favoured position of obtaining supplies much below American values The Department propossd to keep prices as far as possible equal to that of cheaper supplies, from any part of the world. The Department would facilitate private importing aud free dealing ensuring continuous supplies from all quarters, and would use its influence, as the holders of Australia and Now Zealand wool, to stabilise prices somewhat below the present level. He promised to consider the Council’s unanimous demand for an immediate moderate reduction in issue prices and fixing prices for eight months, instead of a series of downward alterations. There would be an official announcement next week.