N.S. WALES DRINK BILL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19981, 24 December 1926, Page 22

N.S. WALES DRINK BILL.

LIQUOR. CONSUMPTION INCREASING. (From Oub Own Coeeespondent.) SYDNEY, December 16. The publication a day or two ago oi amazing figures showing New South Wales’ huge drink bill synchronised, strangely enough, with the announcement of the forty-fourth anniversary of the State Prohibition Alliance. The fact, however, that during the past 10 years the liquor bill for the State has almost doubled, seems to suggest that, with all its propaganda, the Prohibition Alliance has not been able to stem the alcholoc tide. New South Wales’ gargantuan thirst is reflected in staggering figures. In 1916-17, £6,667,000 was spent on alcoholic drinks in New South Wales; in 1917-18, £7,223,000; in 1918-19, £7,275,000; in 1919-20, £10,251,000; in 192021, £11,034,000; in 1921-22, £10,671,000; in 1922-23, £11,954,000; in 1923-24 £11,349,000; in 1924-25, £11,670,000; in 1925-26, £12,533,000. These are official figures, compiled by the State Statistician. For the year ended J'une 30 last the State's drink bill vi*as equal to £5 9s lid per head of the population. The Customs and Excise revenue derived in the State from the manufacture and importation of alcoholic beevragcs during the year ran into £4,285,000. The drink bill reveals an increased consumption of Australian wine as well as beer.