BRITAIN'S NEW BEER.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 156, 1 July 1916, Page 22

BRITAIN'S NEW BEER.

The latest phases of tie drink question (writes the Special Commissioner of an English. paper) arc the proposals of the brewers tv increase the price of beer ana stout, and the action of the Liquor -Control Board in introducing a non-aloobo:ic beer—that is to say, one containing less tfcan two per cent of proof spirit. Last week, when the announcement was first made in the "Weekly Times" as to this n?w drink, which wonld leave one in the condition of the farmer who, after drinkfas a considerable amount of c'.arot at tne i rent andit, found "he liad pot no forar- | «ier." we were to:d by one who had sampled Jt that it appeared to have be"i evolved from "German pas," '"liquid Ere," etc. pcriocsly, but I can personally vouch for the excellent quality of the new drink 1 had the privilege of sampling this week. TSiis 'Oeer was brewed nt Derby, and reminded mc of light laager. It was blessed ■with a good top, possessed a froth which strscfc to the glass, and leaves—anyhow, it did in my case—a comfortable feeling or warmth. It has several poims in Its favour. 1: will be sold during prohibited hours, apd, being free from duty, will cost less than tie ordinary bottled beer. I was told toe particular drink I sampled was already in big demand, though what its fntnre will be—that is, when normal times come round—it is difficult to tell, hir William Lever is interesting himself in this new beer, realising that i: is the very thing for munition workers, who, unable to get the <real article, will be content with a good substitute. Its future lies in the hands of the woritng-man. Soon we shall know whether he approves of it. In an interview wi:li the representative of one of the country's biggest brewers, I was informed that the brewers wen? compelled to pet up their prices owing to the bis increase in the cost of material:?, which amounted to from 8/ to 10/ per barrel more than in normal tiai«=. and to the dearness of labour, combincil with its scarcity. Bottled beers had gone tip a month ngo. It was told the increase would effect Burton much more than Manchester, where the beers are lighter, and strong ales would be practically prohibited. For inwhich, with certain imposts, brought it up k> the region of £7 10 . This price rendered it prohibitive to sell again at a profit. It was the opinion of a gentleman who has occupied a prominent position in tne "trade" for many years that the present *tvas a opportune time for The Teetotallers to capture tbe ririuk business, with tbe help cf the military behind them. He considered it would be Rind business on the part of the Government if They ■were to nationalise the industry, to buy it out at their price. They would be able tv get a very handsome return, and might ultimately secure a sum that would help Ypry rusterially to pay for the war. "And how would it affect you personally, supposing you were to lose your job"' 1 nskc.l. "Well, I should not mind if tney i::ire mc two-thirds of my present salary as a retiring pension. I should be content." he replied, with a merry twinkle in his eye. And J believed Mm. He is ) *iU—.* '"*""«"»*eal of many others.