SUPPLIES OF WHISKY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 28 October 1941, Page 6

SUPPLIES OF WHISKY

SHORTAGE IN NEW ZEALAND RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS Christchurch, This Day. Compared with the importations of j - whisky in 1938 there will be a quan- ) titative restriction of 82A per cent, for t 1942, it was stated this morning by an - authority on the subject, "People grumble now about difficulty over procuring whisky,” he said, "but next year ' they can look forward to whisky being J available only for medicinal purposes. 1 The position regarding other spirits is \ substantially the same, and represen- . tations are being made to the Govern- | l rnent to permit of the importation of j r greater quantities. As far as whisky is j • concerned supplies are available in the j 5 United Kingdom if only the necessary - licenses were granted by the Govern- I ■ ment.” It will be recalled, he explained, that j I restrictions were first imposed in Jan- j I uary, 1939, on account of the internal j • economy of the country going askew, i At the end of the first half year ship- j t pers of spirits from the United Kingdom ; agreed to send whisky to New Zealand i without touching London funds on a 1 ! deferred payment basis. However, \ I shippers tired of that after the war j started. When Britain wanted money I all over the world to assist her war ef- ; - fort the decree went forth that whisky j : should be paid for, and the Govern-; > ment decided on a 50 per cent, restric- j tion, which came into operation on Ist ! j July, 1940. When licenses for 1941 ! ; j were granted there was a further 50 ■ I I per cent, restriction, which brought j I the basis down to 25 per cent, of the I ‘ 193 b imports. Higher f.o.b, costs and; ■ I charges would take the quantity down j Itc 17J per cent, of the 1938 figure for! ! 1942.—P.A.