Speculation On Budget Changes

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30768, 4 June 1965, Page 17

Speculation On Budget Changes

[By our Grocery reporter]

Next week Mr Lake will present his Budget to Parliament but so far little has been said about possible alterations to duty or sales tax.

Most in the grocery trade; in the past have gambled on the outcome of these taxes, especially duty. There is little likelihood of an increase in the price of cigarettes, even when most sell for 2s 6d for j 20 and the half-crown is fast disappearing. Sales tax could be removed. Few items bear this tax which has a nuisance value where wholesalers are concerned. Carrots and Peas.— Some time ago quick-dry processed vegetables began appearing, beginning with peas. Now (Jrest Foods are adding carrots and peas to their range, available in a 2soz packet, retailing at 2s 4d and enough to serve four. This latest range was popular in a Wellington market-test and sales of quick-dry foods have been increasing in popularity. Frozen and canned vegetables could possibly be affected. Canned Fish Dearer.— Soon after Norwegian packers increased their prices of sild sardines, English canners found that costs were higher because of difficult fishing conditions. Now they have raised their prices also. New Tobacco.— Godfrey Phillips (N.Z.) are now marketing a Four Square Tartan Mixture. This is another brand of Dobie and Son who have been producing fine tobacco for more than 150 years. Tartan Mixture, which is a roll pouch pack, will sell at 5s 9d for each 2oz of pipe tobacco. Coconut.— A shortage in the desiccated coconut market could be possible, as the markket is extremely high with no sign of downwards trend. A shipment from Tonga is expected in July, but this will be priced from the time of shipment and could be more expensive than at present. American Peanuts.— The price increase issued for South African peanuts, the most popular on the New Zealand market, has brought them into line with other comparable markets. Quotations are now coming from the United States, and these are slightly cheaper than South African prices. Razor Blades.— The release of

I razor blades from import control has brought a great many new brands on to the market. Advertising campaigns for at least Hye brands of stainless steel blades will be underway soon and this could perhaps affect the electric razor business. Soap Prices Up.—Levers, New Zealand, advise that because of the cost of tallow and coconut oil, they have had to increase, the price of Sunlight soap to 2s 6d, a rise of 2d, and the price of Lux Flakes to 2s, a rise of Id.