AN OCEAN OF 'SCOTCH.'

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11538, 24 November 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

AN OCEAN OF 'SCOTCH.'

DISTILLERS DESPERATE OVER HEAVY STOCKS. The report that there were 109,898,589 gallons of Scotch whisky in bond on March 1 has surprised everyone but the Inland Revenue officials. The trade is alarmed at finding the visible supply equal to the demand for five years, although the production has been reduced materially of late. The Scotch whisky trade has been in a very depressed state ever since the collapse of the great Pattison concern towards the end of 1898. . ■ It was at once recognised that the depression was caused by over-production, and that the only remedy would be the restriction of output. When the season came round, some of the distilleries never started operations at all. The majority worked half-time, and only the favoured few worked to their full capacity. It was confidently hoped that this would allow the demand to overtake production, whereas ovei 6,500,000 gallons have been added to stocks. The increase is, of course, greatly reduced as compared with recent years, that for the two previous years having amounted to over 26,000,000 gallons. Some idea of the over-production still existing may be obtained from the fact that the number of gallons distilled in Scotland during the year was 35,769,114, whereas the total consumption of home-made spirits (including Scotch and Irish and gin) during the year was only 38,716,733 gallons. There is no doubt, however, that Scotch is growing in favour. In 1899, 35,750,000 gallons were distilled and 13,500,000 gallons added to stock. This year 31,750,000 gallons have been distilled, and only 6,500,000 gallons added to stock, from which it would appear that the consumption has increased by about 3,000,000 gallons. The annual reports of the Highland distillery companies are now coming to hand, and are of a. most discouraging nature. A number have had to pass their dividends, while others have not only failed to make a profit but have incurred heavy losses.