IMPORTATION OF LIQUORS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 177, 16 April 1918, Page 6

IMPORTATION OF LIQUORS

MR. MYERS DISCLAIMS UESPO.\ TSIBILITI'. A question was asked by Mr. L. M. Isitt in the House of Representatives yesterday about the importation of alcoholic liquors,'and his question suggested that aomothing should be done to prevent the importation of so much useless goods in these days when shipping space is in. such demand for essential commodities. The Hon. A. M. Myers said he wisliedi to make reply at once, although he had not been able to heal' tlio question fully. "1 understand," ho said, "that the drift of the question was whether I, as Minister of Oustome. wouhl tike steps to prohibit the importation of spirits in such abnormal'quantities, to the exclusion of other essential goods. I should like to slate that as far as I nm concerned as Minister of Customs I have no authority in the matter at all. If goods arrive here, all I have to see to is that duty is paid on. them. I can assure the honourable gentleman that as far as that aspect of the matter is concerned nothing is left undone. I havo tgo high a regard for the Minister of Finance to permit interference with his surplus. Speaking of another aspect of the question, certain newspapers—with shall I say, prohibition proclivities—have assailed me for iu some way giving permission for the importation of spirits to the exclusion of other necessary commodities. I should like to give 'hat an emphatic den:*!. 1 have been approached for priority permits for the importation of Roods to no less a number than 6000, including seme for spirits. 1 desire to assure the House that in not one instance have I supported such an application. The auestlon as to the nature of the goods to be shipped to New Zealand is entirely in tho hands of the shipping authorities of the Mother Country. 1 should like further to supplement my remarks by saying that when I was asked to supply a list stating what class of. goods should be "iven priority of shipment from ban Francisco a list'vras supplied, and mints is not included in the list." (Hear, bear.)