CIGARETTE PRICES

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 94, 18 October 1934, Page 15

CIGARETTE PRICES

NEW SCALE NEXT MONTH

The principal cigarette manufacturers, find agents in New Zealand'are at pre-1 pent arranging a large-scale adjustment t>t cigarette prices which will result in lower rates to the public and a more [reasonable profit to retailors. ._ Theliew prices will come into operation, on JSTovember 1, when the delayed reductions in duty on cigarette's under the gevised Customs tariff become effective • Under the new schedulo, which is jiow being issued, retail prices will range from 5d to Sd a packet of 10, as against 6d to 9d formerly. The greater number will sell at- 6d a packet, •while two lines will retail fit sd. 3'obacco prices will be affected only to p. minor extent. ■ , To combat price-cutting, leading (nanufacturors some time ago issued p. sehedulo of minimum selling rates. JSTow that the' duty question has been settled and the reductions are to operate, fa, moro comprehensive scheme is being established with the same* object in view. Tho retail selling prices have been stabilised, and upon them the wholesale' and manufacturers' rates have been fixed. In the arrangement of those prices, certain readjustments have boon made, which accompanied by the- reduced duties, will not only make lower retail prices possible, but will also allow a wider margin of profit to all sellers of cigarettes.