B.A.W.R.A. TO WIND UP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16911, 9 December 1922, Page 12

B.A.W.R.A. TO WIND UP.

DECISION WELCOMED AT HOME. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. (Reoeivcd December 9, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON. December 8. B A W.R.A.’a decision is welcomed in wool ciroles and by Australian pastoral and financial companies, which are generally of the opinion that B.A.W.R.A. having fulfilled the functions for which ii was formed there is no use in maintaining it. .. „ One leading wool merchant sa-id: lhere ii ii feeling of relief in Bradford, where B.A.W.R.A} was regarded as a monopoly favouring the growers rather than the Intereete of the trade. Consequently there

was unreasoning and perhaps unjustifiable prejudice against 8.A.W.R.A.. hut it is admitted that B.A.W.R.A. carried out a policy limiting supplies according to the needs of the trade in a most satisfactory and considerate manner. Sir Arthur Goldfinch stated that he was personally glad at the shareholders' dcUnder the bead lines: ” The Doom of B.A.W.R.A.—Sir John * Higgins’s FairyTale?." the “Yorkshire Post” says: " The decision was reached after the meeting had listened to the voice, of the chairman, Sir John Higgins, .wlio delivered another speech, which firmly established his reputation, for fantastic .conceptions hi the form of commercial fairy talcs. Sir John Higgins and those acting with hie: bad been compelled to disclose what undoubtedly had been the real motive lehiml a.ll that they liad done from 'he commencement. The-]* thought that they would be able to permanently fix 8.A.W.R.A., or a similar association be tween Australian woolgrowers and wool buyers and the users, to exercise thi function of regulating supplies and prices The scheme Sir John Higgins placed before the meeting causes one to review in u severely sarcastic frame of mind, some of the assurances given to wool buyers and users during the past two years about B.A.W.R.A.’s purpose being only to realise aud carry over wool, and thatthe directors desired to do that a-s speedilv as possible. Those concerned in our wool trade and textile industries are thankful that the woolgrowers so pronouncedly voted in favour of buying and selling wool, and being allowed to revert to prewar methods, and that values should be decided by the Taw of supply and demand, uninfluenced by artificial factors, such as an entirely unnecessary association acting as middleman and controller.” Sir John Higgins’s suggestions regarding re conditioning and appraisement make one wonder if he knows . anything at all of the wool trade, and textile industries, however much he may know of the business of wool-growing.

The “ Yorkshire Observer ” says :—” One after another the various soliemes for the control of the wool industry died a natural death, because nobody really wanted them except their promoters. Now B.A.W.R.A.J the last, phage of control, has heard ifte death knoll. There has been no gymnaiJhy on this side for Sir John Higgins in bis various attempts to make B.A.W.R.A. a permanent body. His special nleaditg has become almost ludicrous. So fflrr’ as this country is concerned it is do a fitful whether* a dozen people could*"’be foinid to support the continuance of 8.A.W.R.A., and now Australia, which.. was regarded a-* J3.A.W.R.A-'s 'Btrongjaold, mustered a beggarly fifteen supporters for Sir John Higgins, out of 800. These figures tend to confirm the idea that the agitation for th»* retention of B.A.W.R.A. originated with and has been fostered by specially interested parties. There are now under 1,000,000 bales in B.A.W.R.A.’b hands. When this is disposed of the association will quickly cease to exist. Everybody concerned, except Sir John Higgins and his handful of supporters, will welcome the day when the pre-war methods of supply and manufacturers’ distribution will be restored, free and unfettered.