WOOL SUBSTITUTE

Southland Times, Issue 25275, 3 May 1935, Page 7

WOOL SUBSTITUTE

GERMAN PRODUCTION AN EXAMINATION OF FABRICS INFERIOR MATERIAL (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, May 1. Though he made no detailed investigation into the new German “Woolstra”’ substitute for wool, Mr D. H. Wilson, director of the Wool Industries Research Association, Leeds, informed the Australian Press Association that a limited range of fabrics, was examined with the following conclusions: The ratio of wool fibre in them varied from one to one to one to two. Cloths spun as worsted have a “good handle” and are attractive, but have a dull appearance. Their only inherent advantage is their silky handle for fancy effects, but their wearing properties are definitely inferior to wool, owing to the tendency to rub up, stretch, become baggy, and easily crease. »■ Bradford manufacturers express the opinion that “Woolstra” may find a definite place in the industry, but mainly on account of the price of wool in relation to artificial products which are more stable in price. At the moment, however, they are unable to compete with wool fabrics owing to the low price of Botany yams. If the latter rise 25 per cent., mixed fabrics would then be in a position to compete successfully.