THE TEA. DUTY.

Evening Post, Volume L, Issue 39, 14 August 1895, Page 3

THE TEA. DUTY.

» TO THX BDITOB. Sib — The tariff proposal to reduce the duty on bulk tea and penalise packet teas a penny per lb is moat absurd, and is calculated to benefit no one exoept a few large self-called tea blenders. The only packet teas coming into the colony are practically pure Ceylon and Indians, paokod in lead paokages of lib and Jib paokets and 51b and 101b boxes. The teas are pure and unadulterated, and are purohased by the class who are compelled to lay in their stock from week to week. To specially tax these paokages is simply playing into the hands of the so-called tea blenders, who import oheap China tea, or sometimes tea dnst, to mix with the above pnre teas, bo as to get a maximum of profit. If the Government think that any rednetion in tea short of 3d per Ib is going to be passed on to the consumer, they are mistaken, and that they have had their leg pulled by a few interested tea mixers there can be no donbt. Everything under a 201b package of tea is to be penalised. This means that the labourer and smalt settler pays it, whiUt the big station-holdor, who bus always bought his 501b chest, is to ba let off another 4s 2d, and by a Liberal Government, too. I am, Ac, Purk Tit.

Fresh informations have been laid against Constable Nestor, of Eketahuna, for perjnry alleged to have been committed in connection with the service of a summons. The ease is to be heard in Wellington next month. That lately heard at Masterton was dismissed on account of the absence of a material witness. Notwithbtandiwo all the oonntor, »t tractions, the Sale at Mr. C. Smith's, the Caen Draper, Cuba-street, ia having a thorough good run. The customers are just as keen after the Bargains to-day as they were the first day the Sale started. To-morrow Borne most extraordinary bargains in blankets, umbrellas, mantles, millinery, and dresa materials will be offered ; also, two bales of sheeting Blightly damaged, at 6d per yard. In the Clothing Department, men's and boys' overcoats are getting a start, and you can get one lees than. half price. — Advt.