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SIXTY MILLION
POUNDS
FOR AUSTRALIAN WOOL
Supplies and Consumption
Winchcombe, Carson Ltd. report:
Though wool values have been on a
lower basis this season than lost sen
soon the wool shorn in Australia will
again realise over £60,000,000, and the
sheepskins CNpnrlcd will add considerably
to that total. The sheep has undoubtedly
been the nation's standby.
The recent ' rains in New South Wales
and Queensland have to a great extent
assured the growing clip in these
States, and they produce more than
two-thirds of the wool Australia grows.
Provided nothing arises to upset the
wool market the outlook for the, 1929
j clip can, therefore, be regarded as far
I curable. It is interesting to note where
the sheep of the Commonwealth are
pastured. The following figures show
the number in each State at the latest
date at which the totals were issued:
New South Wales.. 52,700,000
Queensland. 10,6 12,85
Victoria.'. 15,557,007
West Australia. 8,477,480
South Australia. 7,5 2,345
Tasmania. 1,005' 000
North Australia. 6.000
> Total.'102,830,277
When stock totals run into millions it
is remarkable how numbers increase up
to a certain point. To-day the Australian
total is 35 per cent, larger than
it was in 1020. If our flocks kept on
advancing at that rate the size of the
clip would be' embarrassing. But nature
stops in and gives a check. For the
last four years sheep totals have been
fluctuating about the 100,000,000 mark
and judging by that experience, will
not go beyond that level to an extent.
That is desirable for excessive wool
supplies would drive values down.
Consumption of wool, however, has
not a fixed limit. It is largely a matter
of its cost' and the resulting price at
which goods can be sold. In 1922, when
wool prices were relatively low the world
used 3.005,000,00011' of wool. " But in
1921 when values were extreme consumption
was 334,000,0001b. lower.
The current, range of values Is most
moderate and should certainly give an
impetus to the use of the sheep's
staple. It appears most probable that
the world's current clip will pass readily
Into manufacture despite the fact
that it is the largest grown since the
war.
Experiences at this week's Brisbane
auctions fully reflected the selling conditions
ruling in Sydney during Alaren.
Any change in values was in owners'
favour. Competition was keen and well
distributed Sydney sales resume next
Monday and continue until May 3.
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