LIQUOR DUTIES

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1930, Page 6

LIQUOR DUTIES

DECISION OF THE TRADE. . .

WILL REVENUE DECREASE,

(By Telegraph—Per Press Associating' WELLINGTON, July 31. . Mr P. Coyle, the Official' Representative of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association remarked :—“Representations have been made to the Government pointing out that an investigation had indicated that the recent increase in the duty is not likely to' have the effect ol increasing revenue. In the event ol any modification oi the tariff . proposals respecting liqour the Trade will be only too pleased to give the public; the beiulit of any reduction.” ~

Asked if leading Scotch whisky .firms were likely to .establish branches in New Zealand for bottling .purposes similar to those . established in ... Ags-. tralia,' Mr Coyle said that-he was. not. in a -position- to .state, the : intentions 01.. firms concerned.;/,-

•itof erring "to the: beer dutjq Mr Coyle, said 'that •»the Budget - estimated > the revenue -for the-' current: year; ate £610, ? 000, against. £622,935 last year,, a -de-.. crease of nearlyb£S,COO. -vPractically four months of 'the financial year had gone, in- which the old duty had operated. \[f last year’s output 'wakmaintained, the increase of a halfpenny a gallon would produce £27,00C* approximately. On the face of those figures, either the Minister was anticipating a lean period, or was budget-; ing for a surplus, said Mr Coyle.