CHINESE AND THE TOBACCO TRADE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 872, 19 July 1910, Page 3

CHINESE AND THE TOBACCO TRADE.

THE CONSUL INTERVIEWED.. The Chinese Consul (Mr. Hwang) was waited upon yesterday by a deputation from the Wellington and New Zealand Tobacconists' . Associations, . consisting of Messrs. J. .B. ' Speed (president), R. W. . .Armit (of the , Wellington • 'executive), and H. F. Allen (secretary )to discuss certain Mpects of the tobacco trade. As showing tho thoroughness of the Consul's methods, the deputation found him perfectly acquainted with every point, and Mr. Hwang informed them that he had called together, the Chinese shopkeepers and had discussed the question with them.' The Consul listened attentively to what Mi. Speed had to say, and finally promised, on behalf of his countrymen, that they would not sell tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes after 8 p.m. on Mondays,. Tuesdaysy Thursdays, and Fridays; lifter 1 p.m. oh Wednesdays, and, 10.30 p.m. on Saturdays (provided others- did not). These are the hours fixed for retail tobacconists under tho Statute. Before leaving the' deputation handed to Mr. Hwang a copy of the proposed tariff, which led the Consul to remark that in somevdistricts in China prices were regulated in a similar manner. The meeting throughout was most amicable, iinu'the members of the deputation left with the assurance that what was right and fair would be done, 'and highly impressed with the courtesy. and friendly demeanour of the Consul for China.