HIGH WOOL PRICES AND EFFECT OF USE OF SYNTHETICS

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 September 1950, Page 5

HIGH WOOL PRICES AND EFFECT OF USE OF SYNTHETICS

LONDON. Sept. 7 (Recd. 7pm).— The fears of wool producers that the high prices now ruling for wool may influence manufacturers to turn to an increasing extent toward synthetic fibres are exaggerated but to some extent well founded, says Professor J. B. Speakman, of the textile department of Leeds University, in an article in the “Yorkshire Post.”

A gradually increasing use of synthetic fibres in conjunction with wool must be expected, said Professor Speakman, because such blending had been found to give textiles special advantages. For instance, the increased wearing properties of wool-nylon mixtures were now well known, and to the incentive of special merit must now be added the additional incentive of lower cost. The skill of wool manufacturers was such that even if as much as 25 per cent of synthetic fibre was mixed with wool the customer would have diffi-ulty in distinguishing between th< '"r.ded fabric and pure wool. Supplementing Professor Speakman's comments, the "Yorkshire Post” adds that, although few members of the public realise the fact, the wool textile industry has been using artificial fibres for many years, not so much to reduce cloth and clothing prices as to provide pleasing patterns and effects. Some dress fabrics and men’s fancy cloths already contain as much as 50 per cent of synthetic fibre. It is significant, however, that whatever claims may be made for artificial fibres, no Government has yet suggested that the cloth made for service requirements should be anything but all wool. One of the great barriers to the increased use of artificial fibres in conjunction with wool is inadequate supply of synthetic materials.—(NZPA Special.)