WOOL AND THE COST OF CLOTHES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 235, 30 June 1919, Page 5

WOOL AND THE COST OF CLOTHES

. IMPORTANT DISCUSSION AT THE 'WOOL COUNCIL " IS THERE PROFITEERING? By Telceranli-Proas Assoeiatton-CopyrlsM , (Rec. June 29, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 28.

At the adjourned meeting of the Wool Council, Sir Arthur Goldfinch (Director of Eaw Materials at the War Office) stated that an abundant supply of wool was the surest way to secure cheapness. The Government had'fulfilled its duty in this respect. Unfortunately the increased supply of combing wool had been accompanied by a steady reduction in the supply of .tops. A grave responsibility would attach to any section of the ■trade delaying or preventing. a larger output of tops, of which a weekly supply of 22,000,0001b. was imperative. The output of tops was now 17,00l),00&!b. compared with the minimum of 19,000,000 when the supplies of wool were lowest. Under such conditions tho Government's industrial efforts to arrest the rise in prices would'have little effect.

Sir William Kaynor (senior partner, Hurst and Co., wool merchants), failing to find a seconder, withdrew his motion to revise the issue prices. Apparently nobody was prepared to incur unpopularity in recommending the Government to sell its property at .'its full value. The Labour representatives moved to immediately abandon the auctions, introducing Government control throughout, and also moved for a Departmental committee of inquiry into the entiro woollen and worsted trade. The speakers protested that the prices were rising, in spite of the fact that stocks were increasing, and yet every section of tho trade disclaimed profiteering., A worker could not afford to pay .£3 for a boy's suit. , Sir Arthur Goldfinch saw that the rcso-' lution demanded an inquiry as far-reach-ing as tho Coil Commission's. It also proposed to anticipate the commission's report by immediate national control. The council could not hope to obtain authority for such action. He urged the resumption of the standard clothing scheme on a voluntary basis.

Tim Labour members declared that the voluntary system would break down'. There, niuf>t be compulsion throughout, otherwise tho burden would bo borne by th° most patriotic trades. The Government representative announced that Sir Eric Geddes was pre-

pared to secure Parliamentary sanction for the steps necessary to reduce the excessive prices. of woollen>necessaries. The motion was negatived by seventeen votes to thirteen.

It was agreed to appoint a committee representing all interests to consider a whole-hearted revival of the standard clothing scheme.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.