THE WOOL TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 January 1922, Page 8

THE WOOL TRADE.

A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK. The wool trade outlook for the coming year is very much brighter than it was this time twelve months ago, says the Sydney Morning Herald. With the possible reductioh of the London bank rate of interest to 44 per cent, the prospects for the new year are certainly favorable, and indicate a strong feeling of confidence. It is thought there will be an increased German demand for woo’, on a more settled exchange rate whether the present negotiations regarding the indemnity arc favorable or not to that country. It is certain Germany requires more raw wool, and it is thought that steps may be taken to prevent those sudden fluctuations which have made business so difficult in the past. In France also there is a demand for the raw product, and although the combing mills at Roubaix are working three shifts the demand exceeds the output, and the production is absorbed daily. The latest of Bradford news tells of a spirit of cheerfulness, with values on the whole exceedingly firm. The outlook is much brighter than for • many months past, and topmakers are now asking over 4s for 64’s tops to be delivered in March. It is interesting to learn that the supply of fine tops is barely sufficient to meet current requirements, and any increase in business .by spinners will bring about an actual shortage of tops of fine quality counts. The year 1922 will commence with business in primary production on a much sounder basis than was tfip cage this time last year, and although there may still be some financial complications, in the ihain the trade outlook for the coming year is distinctly favorable,

In Australasia during the month of Jannary the .quantity it is decided to catalogue for sale is 200,000 bales, and for February the approximate is a further 200,000 bales.

In London 200,000 bales may be offered at. the first, series, which commence on January 10. The actual quantities of free wool which it is arranged shall be offered will comprise 97,000 bales, made up as follow:—Australian, free wool, 52,000 bales; Nev/ Zealand, fj'pe wpql, 30,000 bales; Punta Arenas, free wont, 15,900 bglcB ; B.A.W.R.A. is shown as offering 98,fi()Q bales, which is the quantity they are entitled tp submit, but it has not yet been learned if I fie directors will avail themselves of |h« full quantity they arp entitled to. 1