COLONIAL WOOL

Southland Times, Issue 19346, 11 September 1924, Page 7

COLONIAL WOOL

TRADERS AND GROWERS MEET NEED FOR CO-OPERATION VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTED (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, September 10. (Received September 10, 7.5 p.m.) Woolgrowers and spinners met for a heart-to-heart talk at Bradford, at the invitation of the Chamber of Commerce. There was a representative attendance of Australians and New Zealanders, including Sir Thomas Mackenzie. In welcoming the guests, Mr Akroyd said that the spinnera did not desire to dictate but sought the co-operation of the growers in meeting traders’ requirements. NEW ZEALAND WOOL. Mr Akroyd opened a discussion on the deterioration of some New Zealand wool as a result of the Romney cross producing coarse hairs, and lowering the value of the finer fibres. Spinners were of the opinion that the Wensleydale was the best ram to meet New Zealand’s dual wool and meat needs, but several growers dissented, as they claimed that better results were now accruing from Romneys. Coming to Australian defects, Mr Akroyd drew attention to the harmful results in recent years from the introduction of the Vermont strain. The Conference considered the marking of sheep with tar, etc., and producers welcomed an announcement by Sir Henry Whitehead that experiments were proceeding with a new solution which, it was believed, would stand the weather without damaging the wool. A representative of the Bury hat manufacturers mentioned his inability to buy any Australian or Cape wool owing to the presence of tar, which experts were often unable to detect until the final of the 16 processes through which the hats go, had been reached. QUESTION OF BANK DRAFTS. Mr Harry Dawson claimed that a 32 days sight draft was virtually equivalent to 30 per centum per annum, while 90 days draft was equivalent to an export tax of 3g to 4J per centum in Australia and 2i to 3j ,in the case of New Zealand. Alluding to anxiety in regard Mr S. M. Bruce’s proposed action, Mr Dawson said that the serious aspect was the banks stating, in connection with the issue of credits, that it would be optional for the banks to negotiate bills under them. Mr Fairbairn, summing up, said the exchange trouble was due to a shortage of banking facilities. PROBLEM OF WOOLPACKS. Mr Walter Andrews raised the question of woolpacks. Referring to Merinos, he said that the Overseas Dominions produced wocl of which they ought to be proud, but which was packed abominably. He suggested that the trade might help growers by returning them the bags, which should be systematised. Mr Walter Andrews urged Australia to adopt packs made of wool instead of fibre. The latter caused damage to the extent of £500,000 annually. A woollen pack would cost less and the buyers would be prepared to pay half the cost cf them. Sir Wm. Priestly complained that the wages of menders and burlere amounted to 51 per cent, of the total wages, whereas 30 years ago burling was not needed. He appealed to producers to see that their wool was free of blemish No man had any right to send wool to England unless he had every confidence in it. He explained that the present packing system produced jute faults as well as burls in wool, causing considerable loss.

Mr Andrews said that he believed a business arrangement could be reached whereby specially prepared bags could be returned to the producer and used several times, resulting in a saving of hundreds of thousands sterling. SHORTAGE OF -WOOL. A note of alarm was sounded regarding the world shortage of wool. Mr Dawson urged increases in stocks within the Empire, which presented great possibilities, notably South Africa and Westralia. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, of New Zealand, urged conservation of trade within their own people. He said Britain was again taking the bulk of Denmark’s butter, although Denmark in wartime diverted her butter to an enemy country. He emphasised amid cheers that New Zealand never gave Britain preference under duress; it was always voluntary. Mr Dawson also spoke of the need for arresting the shrinkage in wool production, which at present was 1,000,000 bales below’ needs. Various speakers emphasised the tragedy of the Argentine supplanting Australia, New Zealand and Africa. The debate was adjourned.