AMPLE SUPPLIES OF SPIRITS: IMPORTS LIMITED

Evening Star, Issue 26152, 14 July 1947, Page 4

AMPLE SUPPLIES OF SPIRITS: IMPORTS LIMITED

Although evidence of availability can be produced to show that overseas merchants are not only willing but are anxious to supply New Zealand with stocks of spirits and wines, the Government has refused to grant import licenses in excess of 50 per cent, of the 1938 quota. The licensing schedule for the 1947-48 year is expected to be released within a week or two, but Dunedin merchants- are not hopeful of obtaining larger quotas. Whisky is the only beverage which cannot be supplied in greater quantity, because of a United Kingdom- direction that the bulk of the production must go. to hard-currency countries, but other overseas exporters are willing to deal in sterling currency.

“ No one wants a lot of spirits or wines, but the present position is just ridiculous,” a merchant told the ‘ Star ’ this morning. “ Apart from whisky, we can obtain all the spirits and wines we want if only we had permission.”

New Zealand’s import quota was 50 per cent, of the 1938 supplies based on a price, comparison. Some small increases had been permitted to cover higher costs, but the Dominion was not so fortunate as Australia, where the import licensing was based on a quantitive measurement. “ Prices generally are fairly reasonable,” it was stated, “but with the amount of money in circulation stocks could be sold at any price. The licenses are for such small quantities that the policy dictating merchants’ buying today is quantity rather than quality.” FRENCH BRANDY AVAILABLE. French brandy has been prohibitive in price until recently, when very satisfactory quotations had been received. stated an importer. A letter received from a famous French firm ' stated • We eve able to supply immediately 500 cases of cognac brandy and 2,000 gallons of bulk brandy. These quantities can. of course, be increased if necessary, as we are now in a position to supply much larger quantities. A London firm is willing to supply port from the vineyards of Portugal:— We are anxious to start business with you, says a letter, which offers supplies up to the fabulous quantity of 30,000 gallons. ENGLISH GIN. ’ ‘'Most of New Zealand’s gig now comes from Australia, but some small supplies have been imported recently from England. That more is available is indicated in the following extract of a letter from London:— While we appreciate your import control, now that we have reinstated our brand on your market ! we would like to take advantage of this opportunity to in'crease shipments. As a preliminary, the firm offers to supply 1.000 eases of gin, equivalent to. 12,000 ■ bottles A considerable quantity of sherry, is consumed in New Zealand and Spanish sherry, recognised as unequalled, is in abundant supply. From London again, comes this letter:— ' Quantities of each type available are practically unlimited. FRENCH CHAMPAGNE AGAIN. Each overseas concern seeks to reestablish trade with New Zealand, a trade that before 1938 was particularly good. An offer of French champagne, not imported into this country since the war, is offered, “ in the hope that your Government will grant an import license.” , • ’ Rum, a popular drink in Centra Otago and Southland during the cold weather, can also be obtained. A London house writes: We are able to offer you Jamaican rum. We have considerable quantities • available for immediate delivery in the five-year age category. French liquers can also be supplied: We can ship you any quantity you may require. . . . The date of shipment,is within 10 days after the receipt of your order. MEDICINAL PURPOSES.

Brandy for medicinal purposes is often hard to obtain. Buyers armed with medical certificates have frequently been told that bottles are not available. This was not because the stock was hidden beneath the counter or in a bond, as many people seemed to think, said an importer, but simply because it was not available. With the high price paid in duty, importers turned their supplies over as quickly as possible. Imports of spirits in 1946 totalled 310.000 gallons, "and there were 155.000 gallons of wines brought into New Zealand. In January of this year iin-‘ ports of brandy amounted to, 4,960 gallons valued at £6.457, gin, geneva, schnapps 16,885 gallons valued at £17,365, rum 309 gallons worth £472, and whiskv 14.196 gallons costing £26.288. Imports in the calendar year 1938 of spirits were 545,000 gallons, and of wines 199.000 gallons.