BRITISH SUPPLIES FROM AUSTRALASIA.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15001, 24 February 1919, Page 5

BRITISH SUPPLIES FROM AUSTRALASIA.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association^

(Received Feb. 24, 1.25 a.m.) London, Feb. 21

Mr Goldfinch, presiding at the Wool Council, said that owing to the epidemic in Australia and 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 no^provided for any sales to America through London. Mr Goldfinch paid a tribute to the handsome attitude of Australia and New Zealand throughout regarding t prices. It was obviously impossible to i i continue the British manufacturer s favoured position for obtaining supplies much below American lvalues. The department would, facilitate nrivate importing and free dealing, ensuring continuous supplies from all quarters, and- the use of influence as holders of Australian and New Zealand wool to stabilise prices somewhat be- • low tlie present level. He promised to consider "the Council's unanimous demand for an immediate moderate reduction of the issue prices, and the fixing of prices for eight months instead of a series of downward alterations. There Avould be an official announcement next week.

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