THE SPIRIT TRADE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 51, 31 October 1913, Page 4

THE SPIRIT TRADE.

According to London correspondents j the very large export trade which been growing tip in Scotch and Irish j whiskies has received the first notable check for several years. During the eight months of this year the ship-, meats” are 199,553 gallons down, at j 6.127,055 gallons. Curiously enough, j practically all the markets have con-: tributed to the decline, an increase of. over 28,000 gallons to Germany being, of little importance, as it probably represents raw grain spirit, while another increase of 19,000 gallons to In-

dia likewise carries little significance, as the shipments to that market ate rather, erratic. The most striking falling off is one of 44,000 gallons to Australia, the New Zealand shipments 'being also down by 30,000 gallons. South Africa has taken 2-1,000 gallons less, the United States 11,000 gallons less, foreign West Africa 10,000 gallons le SSj British West Africa 6000 gallons less, and Cauda 6000 gallons less. A further substantial decline of 80,000 is recorded under the heading of “Other Countries.” 4 his declining

tendency is somewhat surpiusing, as the reports of those closely in touch with the various foreign and colonial markets for Scotch whisky are practically unanimous as to the improving outlook. What therefore is the real explanation?