A LOST HABIT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1930, Page 8

A LOST HABIT

AUSTRALIANS AND WHISKY

SYDNEY, July 24.

It is possible for a budget, or a succession of budgets,, to change the habits of a nation, particularly when the budget is the type recently foisted on Australia. For many years it has been the habit of countless Australians to drink whisky. Now many have turned 1 to beer, for • the simple reason that heavy duties have placed whisky beyond the reach of the man with a moderate income.

Quietly, but persistency a big effort is being made to induce the Federal Government to take off some of the heavy duties on whisky which have been imposed since November. Before that the duties were heavy enough, to make a “nip” a luxury. Now the price is almost prohibitive. Still a slight hope is being held out to lovers of their “Scotch” that the price will soon be reduced. It is believed that even the slight hope may be false If the price is to depend upon a reduction of the duties.

Figures given to the Minister for Customs the other day showed that the consumption of whisky in Australia lias fallen about one third. It was argued that the high duties were therefore defeating their object. It had been proved that people would not have whisky at any price, and unless the price could be brought within reason the importation would slacken away enormously, and the return from duty at the higher , rates would be less than it was at the lower rate. It did not appear as though the Minister was greatly impressed by the sorrowful picture of whisky drinkers turning to wholesome Australian beer. If he was impressed he did not say so. He merely oromised to refer the matter to his Cabinet.