N.Z. Gin Production Cuts Liquor Bill

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30108, 17 April 1963, Page 14

N.Z. Gin Production Cuts Liquor Bill

In 1962, when New Zealand gin first came on the market, New Zealand’s bill for imported spirits was reduced by nearly £600,000. Imports of gin were negligible last year, and imports of other spirits—particularly whisky —were also reduced.

Details of New Zealand's imports of spirits in the last two years are shown as follows in the Abstract of Statis-

* Excluding “other." Production of New Zealand gin began late in 1961, and retailers received their first supplies early in 1962 No gin was imported in the latter half of 1962, and for the last 12 months imported gins have been almost unprocurable. The local product sold readily from the time it came on the market. Production in the calendar year 1962, according to a recent Gazette notice, was 360,329 (proof strength) gallons, of which 283,906 gallons was taken out

for consumption in New Zealand.

Consumption of gm in New Zealand, as measured by imports, averaged 247,000 (liquid) gallons per annum in the seven years to 1959

With the addition of last year’s gin production to imports of all spirits, a total of 911.000 (proof) gallons was available for local Consumption, compared with the previous year’s 1,010,000 gallons (all imported). There was little fall in the amount of liquor available in total and. in addition, the gin drinker benefited from the lower price charged for the local product. This reduction in price was made possible by the lower duty charged on the local product —90s a proof gallon, compared with 120 s for all imported spirits.

The main loser since the introduction of the local gin has been the Government. The total duty on last year's imports and local production released for consumption was just under £sm, compared with a little more than £6m the previous year.

tics:— Whisky isaa Current doProof mestic gals, value 000 £000 502 1.262 1961 Current doProof mestic gals, value 000 £000 639 1.610 Brandy 82 129 134 205 Rum 42 52 36 51 Gin 1 2 201 166 Other — 78 — 82 627* 1.521 1.010* 2.114