HOP INDUSTRY

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1933, Page 15

HOP INDUSTRY

PEOTECTION SOUGHT. (Per Press Association.—Copyright.) WELLINGTON, This Day. . The protection of local hop-growing industries was sought by representatives of the Nelson District Hopgrcwers’ Association before the Tariff Commission yesterday. Mr A. Benjamin, chairman of tile association, said that two years ago 800 acres were under cultivation, but today the total was only 600. This reduction was due entirely to the restriction imposed on their hops in Australia and the extra duty imposed by the New Zealand Government on ale and

stout from England and Ireland. The latter duty had since been removed to a certain extent and trade had improved considerably. There was still room, however', for further improvement. Mr P. C. 'Hamilton, director of E. Buxton and Company, Nelson, said that New Zealand brewers used local hops only, so that an alteration in the present tariff on imported hops was not sought, but as a precautionary measure they requested the commission to allow the rate to remain as it was at present. “We ask the commission to give favourable consideration to a- reduction of duties on beer and stout brewed in New Zealand, ’ ’ he said/