Record Fibre Output Last Year

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28264, 30 April 1957, Page 20

Record Fibre Output Last Year

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

LONDON, April 28.

World production of the chief industrial fibres reached a record level in 1955-56. a Commonwealth Economic Committee review said today. It quoted the. following figures for the year, with pre-war averages in parenthesis:— W 001—2,300 million lb (1,800 million lb). Cotton—l4,7oo million lb (11,600 million lb). Rayon—4,3oo million lb (1400 million lb). Nylon and other man-made fibres —600 million lb (100 million lb). The review said that output of industrial fibres in the free world rose by some 12 per cent, com-

pared with 1954-55. The estimated total of 28,300 million lb constituted an all-time record. The production increase was accompanied by a consumption increase, but was not sufficient to prevent a further rise in cotton stocks. Stocks of wool and jute, however, declined. The increase in output of manmade fibres rose by 37 per cent, during the year. BRISBANE WOOL VALVES FIRM (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) BRISBANE, April 29. The 16.342 bales on offer were fully cleared at the Brisbane wool sales today. Competition was keen, mainly from Japan, the Continent and the United Kingdom. Values were very firm on the closing rates at the April 11 sale in Brisbane, which was the last centre to sell before the Easter recess. At times, skirtings tended in sellers’ favour. The selection comprised almost 50 per cent, prematurely-shorn wool as a result of last year's shearing strike. Because of this, the average of 80.33 pence per pound established at the last sale is not expected to be equalled.