WOOL CLIP

Evening Star, Issue 23373, 16 September 1939, Page 14

WOOL CLIP

THE COMMANDEER PRICE EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT EXPECTED OTAGO'S STAPLE AFFECTED BY WEATHER An early announcement—possibly within a fortnight—is expected as to the prices that will be offered New Zealand woolgrowers for their clip, which, over and above that percentage required for internal use, will be taken over by the New Zealand Government for disposal to the British Government. No indication as to the likely .price can be advanced. Negotiations are at present proceeding between the two Governments The Otago wool clip will be one of the poorest for several years, as the severity of the winter has had a serious effect upon the staple of the wool, and this is very uneven, possessing definite breaks. The long period during which pastures were under snow, cutting off feed, is directly responsible for this unfortunate position. The clip is generally expected to be lighter than usual. The commandeer, which will come into effect this season, will mark the second occasion on which the British Government has secured all the Dominion’s clip under identical conditions. In December, 1916, a ‘ Gazette ’ notice intimated that it was for further supplies of wool to be obtained for the clothing and equipment of His Majesty’s forces and for other purpose of the war. Subject to certain regulations, including tne delivery of wool by owners “ as soon as practicable ” to the wool store of a Government broker, the whole of the 1916-17 crop was requisitioned. All wool in store on the date of proclamation *had to be examined, classified, and valued before shipment by expert valuers appointed by the Government and by the Government wool broker holding the wool. A supervising valuer was appointed to settle any difference of opinion as to values that might arise between the Government valuer and the brokers’ valuer. As in the present instance, full provision was made whereby New Zealand manufacturers could obtain their requirements. It is interesting to note that the purchase price of Australian and New Zealand greasy wool for 1916-17 was made tin the basis of the average prices realised during the 1913-14 season, plus 55 per cent. The first two years of the Great War, before the commandeer became effec tive, had a very unsettling effect on the. wool market, and it was not until the commandeer operated that the market became stabilised. This disruption wdl not bo in evidence on the outbreak of this war, the commandeer, in effect, guaranteeing a price for the first season at least. It is understood that not only wool, but sheepskins and hides will be emI braced by the terms of the commandeer.