THE WOOLLEN INDUSTRY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2171, 29 August 1907, Page 4

THE WOOLLEN INDUSTRY

DEPUTATION TO THE AIINISTER OF CUSTOMS. QUESTION OF COTTON ADULTER. AION. Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 28. A deputation of woollen manufacturers waited on the Hon. J. A. Millar to-day to request the retention of a shilling per lb duty oil raw cotton. If this duty were removed it was pointed out that it would ho nil inducement to some manufacturers to turn out shoddy. The reputation ol New Zealand woollens had been built up on pure wool. Last year 7,0001 b of raw cotton was imported and practically all used to adulterate woollen goods'. After stating these facts Mr. P. Hercus, manager of tho Kaiapoi Co., suggested that mills should bo encouraged in the production of the pure article. Tlio Alinister remarked that the duty was originally imposed under the belief that New Zealand manufacturers agreed not to use it. Experts advised him that a certain percentage of cotton improved tho manufactured articlo. Samples of colonial woollens had been tested and found to contain cotton. He produced specimens. Ho hail not altered the duty fearing that some mills might linvo to shut down, ns. ho knew two would if a prohibitive duty wero enforced. He thought tho law should require a truo description of materials stamped on all goods. Ho had prepared tho Bill on tlio linos of that operating in Australia and hoped to bring it forward this session.