WINE AND SPIRITS.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 24, 30 January 1928, Page 12

WINE AND SPIRITS.

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, 28th January. A circuki- i^ued to the wine trade by the Southard Company, Ltd., who are recognised as one of the chief authorities, says the prospects of the trade are distinctly brighter. It is unlikely that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will disturb the wine duties this year, unless he is convinced that the duties on British wines should be raised to the level of Empire winei. It is also possible that he may be induced to raise the dividing line of •trength for low duty on foreign to that for Empire wine; namely, 27 degrees. The wine trade would welcome both these adjustments. Regarding exports of British spirits, Southards say: "Canada now is our best oversea customer, taking last year 1i447,000 ..gallons, compared with Australia's". l; 168,000." Until last year Australia headed the list, but; since she thought fit to increase the duties on imported spirits her own product has gained at our expense. We suppose it is only right. Charity should commence at home. But H seems rather inconsistent that the Commonwealth should penalise our products and at the same time we have granted Empire produce substantial preference. Tiiis treatment is scarcely just or in keeping with the policy they advocate of reciprocity."