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2 COTTO THE EFFECT OF iL - I jm George R. Smith, Opening and Picker Levester Robinson, right, Fiber Blender, motes which have been removed from c cotton must be as clean and free of trasl further manufacturing processes. LANCASTER DISCUSSES During the last few months, the price of cotton ? Clinton Mills largest raw material item ? has risen to over 90 cents per pound. To find out how the high prices, as well as short supply, have affected the Company, the Clothmaker recently interviewed Cotton Buyer and Classer A1 Lancaster. Exactly what has happened to cotton prices in recent months? What is the present situation regarding the cost of cotton? According to Lancaster, cotton has been well into the 80's (cents N nnirrc akih cli mvjn rIVI^CJ MIXU jn John C. Williamj Turner Rovine and Technician, and become Lydia Assi; inspect opening 4, discuss waste on otton stock. The portant to control w h as possible for is in excess of 80^ i control is even mori ; COTTON SITUATION per pound), and on some occasions, t has exceeded 90 cents. Cotton, a i year ago, was selling for about 30 j cents a pound. s The cotton markets fluctuate from two to four cents a pound 1 a day. "The current average price | per pound now," says Lancaster, < "is in the 80's. Different qualities, i however, can vary the price up to I 20 cents a pound. i In 1972 a bale of cotton would have had a replacement value , of < $150. At the present time, this i means that an identical bale would have a replacement value up to i CLOTHMAKER ORT SUPPLY >, left, Roving Operator, and Carl E. Drawing Technician, and who will ;tant Carding Superintendent March [ the floor. It has always been imaste, but now that the price of cotton aer pound, the need for proper waste 2 important. ? wo and a half times that of a year igo. This means it would cost aparoximately $375 to replace the ?ame $150 bale. Clinton Mills uses from 65,000 ;o 70 000 bales per year. The com- 4 3any purchases about zu.uuu bales if South Carolina cotton. The regaining bales come from California, Memphis, and New Mexico regions. Without a doubt, the high cost Df cotton fiber puts a greater need on improved waste control. The : a _r . _ *ii a. a. i importance 01 mis is illustrated in the accompanying photographs ^