THE CUSTOMS RETURNS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10046, 5 February 1896, Page 4

THE CUSTOMS RETURNS.

The Customs returns for tho last quarter of 1895, and for the year, are published in the last Gazette. The figures for the yeat'3 1894 and 1895 stand thus: 1894, £1,572,407 ; 1895, £1,619,970, There is thus aii increase of £47,503. It would not, however, be safe to conclude that this is from a healthy and steady advance of demand, because several of the duties have been considerably raised during the lust year. Taking the principal ports of the colony we, find that the revenue stands thus for the quarter and the last two years Yr. Yr Qr. ended Dea. 189, i. 18!)4. Auckland ... £03,03!) £375.809 £333.971 Wellington ... 80,581 360,142 318,765 Ohristehuroh... 65.372 252,374 251,724 Dunedin ... 80,515 333,959 337,420 It will be seen therefore that while in 1894, Auckland was the lowest but one of all the large ports, in 1895 it was considerably the highest. For the last quarter of the year also, it is above every other port in the colony. In the article of spirits, we find that the large ports stand thus for the quarter: Auckland, £16,464; Wellington, £16,368 ; Oh ristchu rch, £12,989; Dunedin, £18,347. The last-named city therefore is first in the importation of spirits, and Auckland obtains the highest position with more harmless articles. In tobacco, the import duties were; Auckland, £12,486 ; Wellington, £12,103 ; Christchurch, £8237 ; Dunedin, £12,045. Here we are first, making up to some extent the advantage that Dunedin had over us in the matter of whisky. In sugar, molasses, and treacle the figures were : Auckland, £17,049 ; Wellington, £4421; Ch ristchu £5459; Dunedin, £6040. Auckland is naturally a long way ahead on this article, being the headquarters of the Colonial Sugar Company in the colony. In goods ad valorem tin* figures are Auckland, £26,604 ; Wellington, £25,467 ; Christchurch, £19,116; Dunedin, £21,178. So far as the customs revenue is concerned, we think the Colonial Treasurer lias every reason to congratulate himself. The revenue has kept up to expectation, and will realise the estimates. Considering that the recent rise in wool has been to a considerable extent neutralised by the losses from the severe winter in the South, the maintenance of the Customs revenue is very satisfactory.