WOOL FOR CANADA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 February 1940, Page 9

WOOL FOR CANADA

9 IMPORTS MADE THROUGH UNITED KINGDOM. MOVE TO CONSERVE SUPPLIES. OTTAWA. Canada imports practically 80 per cent of her wool requirements, mainly through the United Kingdom from Australia and New Zealand, and at the outbreak of war, stocks in the Dominion were at a low level. Immediate steps were taken to allocate the availablewool supply in accordance with the need, and an embargo was placed on the exportation of wool rags and waste. Manufacturers were advised against using wool for civilian needs where such wool was required for military needs. The Hon. N. A. McLarty. Canadian Minister of Labour, in a recent radio broadcast, told of an agreement reached with the British Wool Controller for obtaining imports and of the regulations put in force in connection with the domestic supply. The British Government, which had purchased the entire Australasian wool clip, released 750.000 pounds of wool which was urgently needed in Canada, and, later, another shipment of more than double this amount. Through the co-operation of the cooperative societies, representing the farmers, and also the wool dealers, the Wartimes Prices and Trade Board fixed a price of 45 cents a pound for domestic wool, and substantial quantities, which have been held in stock for some months, were now moving to the woollen mills, where they will be used in the manufacture of socks, clothing and other military woollens. A scarcity of crossbred wools still exists in Canada, and Mr McLarty stated that “for some time to come wools of these grades must be used with the strictest economy.” If it had not been for the prompt action taken by the board, he'said, bearing in mind the inevitable and widespread demand which would have undoubtedly followed the outbreak of war. the price of wool in Canada would necessarily have risen to unwarranted and unprecedented heights. In normal times Canada uses more wool per capita than any other country, and in war time the demand for war contracts and for general uses is considerably greater.