APPEAL FOR BREWER

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23714, 12 August 1942, Page 5

APPEAL FOR BREWER

LIGHTER BEER CHANGE NO DECREASE IN DEMAND CP.S.S.) AUCKLAND, August 10. The necessity for providing an adequate supply of well-brewed beer in New Zealand was emphasised by a witness at a sitting of the No. 2 (Auckland) Armed Forces Appeal Board. The case was one in which the Auckland branch of New Zealand Breweries, Ltd., sought the retention of Allan Richard Sawbridge, a brewer, and the appeal was based on the grounds of public interest. Brewers were key men in the industry, said George Beresford, assist-ant-manager of the Auckland branch of the company. The company had for some time experienced great difficulty in carrying on, owing to the shortage of skilled men, and the position had been aggravated recently by the necessity for brewing lighter beers. This change in brewing would cause even the most expert and experienced brewers the utmost concern.

“I understand that some time ago the British Government exempted brewers’ maltsters and their foremen from service to enable a trained technical staff to be maintained,” said the witness. “It is submitted that the same principles are applicable in New Zealand."

In reply to the Crown representative, the witness said there had not been a slackening in the demand since the reduction of the alcoholic content. There might have been some change from beer to stout, but the brewery output was the same.

The appeal was adjourned for three months.