SHORTAGE OF DYES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3091, 23 May 1917, Page 6

SHORTAGE OF DYES

EFFECT ON WOOL TRADE AN OVERSEA IDEA OPPOSED The Wellington Chamber of Commerce met on Monday. There were present: Messrs. T. Ballinger, \V. J. Bridson, W. F. Cuthbertson, D. A. Ewcn, J. G. llarkncss, .1. t). Macßwan, James M'Lellan, J. F. Mills, H. W. Moss, C. E. Kichar.lson, and K. W. Walerhouse. Mr. F. \V. lUauton was elected president for ths year, and Mr. W. F. Cuthbertson vice--president. Tho following were elected new members :—Messrs. James A. Hannah, E. (lallichau, Tom A. Munt. ■Standing committees were set up as follow:—Hemp Committee: .Messrs. Ci. Shirtcliife (convener), G. F. Johnston, J. Macintosh, A. E, Mabin, 11. W. Waterhouse. Dairy Produce Exporters' Committee: Messrs, J. li. MaeFwan (convener), W. f>. Dennett, W. 11. Evatl, A. Gray, F. N. I{. Meadows, J. M. Muir, G. Shirtclill'e, S. Turner, li. W. Waterhouse. Trade Terms Committee: Messrs. W. 0. JJuthie (convener), AY. Allan, T. llallinger, W. J. Bridson, T. C. Dawson, 0. A ; Ewen, W..H. Lees, F. W. Manton, H. F. Moss. Legislation Committee: Messrs. YV, ,r. Rridson (couveuer), A. S. Biss, A. de B. Brandon, W. F. Cuthbertson, W. G. Foster, J. F. Mills, 31. Myers, C. E. .Richardson.

The question of the shortage of dyes was discussed. This matter arose from a communication from the Jute Fabrics Shippers' Association- of Calcutta, in which the opinion was sought of importers in New Zealand as to whether it was possible to arrange, in view of the shortage of dyes, to accept unstriped goods (woolpacks, etc.), the opinion being expressed that possibly in New Zealand the stripe served no particular purpose. The matter was referred to the New Zealand Wool Brokers' Association for an opinion. The chairman of the Wool Brokers' Association wrote on the subject, stating that stripes on woolpacks, etc.! are absolutely essential if the work throughout the wool stores of the Dominion is to be carried out satisfactorily, and with the expedition which is absolutely'necessary. A specially-marked woolpack, it was pointed out, say,es considerable time and labour, as it is necessary that the tare should be known at once for accounting purposes. The association trusted that the Chamber would put in the. strongest possible protest to the proposals. In conclusion, the association said:—"Of course some other method of overcoming the difficulty might be advised, and in that case mv nssociation would be very pleased indeed to receive suggestions from the Jute Fabrics Shippers' Association. It has occurred to us that it might possibly meet the position if the top and bottom pieces of the pack are specially striped or some other method of marking whereby the size and taro can be designated at a glance, ap<l we. commend this suggestion to the consideration of our friends in Calcutta. I may also mention that for some time • past tho woolbrokers have endeavoured to standardise the size and weight of woolpacks for use in packing tho New Zealand clip, ■ and 'hero again the members of the jute Fabrics Shippers' Association might be of assistance. If it could be arranged that tho manufacturers in Calcutta would only manufacture 42in. woolpacks, guaranteed 101b. weight, and 48in. woolpacks, guaranteed 111b. weight, they would be'fluito acceptable without special markings, but such would only be on the understanding that they would not manufacture any other size of woolpacks for the New Zealand market.' This appeals to us as probably the most satisfactory solution of the present difficulty, and my members would appreciate it if you- would pass it on for their consideration."

A communication was received from Messrs. Storer, Meek, and Co. asking the Chamber if it considered it advisable to communicate with harbour boards in New Zealand to the end that penal rates of storage be not enforced where importers can show that they cannot land their goods or did not know that their goods had been ianded owing to the documents not coming to hand consequent on tho uncertainty of mail services. Members of the council agreed that this difficulty arose, biit so far as Wellington was concerned the Harbour Board storemen usually rang up importers and acquainted them with the fact that goods were in the Harbour Board store and delivery had not been taken. Members pointed out that Harbour Board 6heds were primarily transit sheds, and not storage sheds.' The secretary was directed to communicate with the Harbour Board to see if storemen could be instructed to make it. a practice to acquaint importers of goods that might be unclaimed in those cases where storemen can trace the importer from the marks on the packages. "