GIN INDUSTRY IN N.Z.

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28699, 24 September 1958, Page 14

GIN INDUSTRY IN N.Z.

“No Monopoly Involved”

(New Zealand Press Association) Wellington, sept. 23. The three overseas companies involved in the gin industry to be established in New Zealand would produce nine brands of gin—-other brands could be produced on licence, the Minister of Customs (Mr Boord) said in the House of Representatives today during the second reading debate on the Distillation

Amendment Bill. Mr Boord said it was not intended at present to distil whisky or brandv because these spirits required a maturity period and no immediate relief to the overseas funds position would be achieved.

Mr Boord gave an assurance that there would be no monopoly in the gin industry. The intention was that three overseas companies and New Zealand wholesalers would have equal shares in the company formed to distil the “low wines” which, in turn, would be compounded by the overseas companies and sold under various brands.

Mr D. J. Eyre (Opposition, North Shore) said the value of the imports of gin in 1956 had been £325,000 and, in 1957. £350.000. It was interesting to compare this with imports of whisky valued at £l.B million in 1956. Was there any intention to distil other spirits? he asked. Mr Eyre also asked what effect local production of gin, which was to be welcomed as a new use for the country’s raw materials, would have on gin imports and the imports of spirits generally He said the Opposition was in agreement with the bill provided no form of monopoly was created. Mr Boord said the Government director on the board of the firm would watch to see that there was no overcharging and that the interest of privately-owned and trust hotels were observed. The bill was read a second time.