OUR WOOL CLIP

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 19 November 1927, Page 12

OUR WOOL CLIP

WHAT WILL JAPAN NEED?

The influence of Japanese compcti tion for wool in tho world’s primary markets is recognised, and it is oh vious that economic conditions in Japan aro bound to play no small pan in determining the price of raw ma terial and in tho marketing of semi and fully manufactured goods. The de casting earthquakes of recent time* placed a severe strain on Japan’s fin ancial resources, and it is known that during the last year or two the textile industry has been in a precarious post tion. It is stated (says the “Textile Journal”) that Government support alone has been responsible for keeping several of the worsted mill* in operation, and we understand that the necessary assistance will be continued so long as economic conditions warrant it Last season Japan purchased about a quarter of a million bales of merino wool in Australia, and it seems probable that a similar quan tity will be required this season. There are over 500 combs at work in Japanese mills, and the spinning and weaving plants have been inereas°d enormously in recent years. A wid» range of worsteds and woollen cloths is being made, and tho Japanese mills are doing everything possible to de velop an export trade China, Indi* and the West Indies being aiming the most promising markets. The low cost of labour is an Important factor in thia connection, and we are informed that tho average operative receive* only 18s per week for a 10-hour day. The indications are that khen financial conditions become more settled, Japan will bo a formidable competitor in all but the very highest class goods.