TARIFF AND PRICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 November 1921, Page 4

TARIFF AND PRICES.

TOBACCO AND LIQUOR CHARGES. A CONFUSED POSITION. The most prominent feature in th< spirit and tobacco trades since the imposition of the new tariff appears tc be a confusion of prices. This was naturally to be expected in view of th fact that the position is considerably affected by the individual positions o. the dealers and the complex nature oi the tariff schedules. Enquiries made by a Daily News reporter yesterday show that while n« very clear indication of the trend oi tobacco prices can be given at the mo ment it will be a relief to the consumer? of liquors to know that their Christina* hamper bought from the hotels will nol be increased in price as a result of the new tariff. In fact, the retail price ol all liquor sold over hotel counters maj not be increased in Taranaki for 11 •months.

On the contrary, a wine and spiri( merchant said that an increase commensurate with the terms of the new duty would be placed on liquor, probably as from Monday next. All spirits would be increased on an average of £1 per gallon, while wines and ales would be increased proportionately. There would be a slight imposition on colonial brewed ales, but this would probably be offset by the reduction in the price of sugar, so that the price of this article may not be affected at all. The Dominion brewers and hotel proprietors are holding conferences -in Wellington, and representations are being made to the Government with a view to securing some reductions in the tariff, which is considered by the trade to be drastic. It is also stated that an endeavor will be made to put the retail price of liquor on a uniform basis thr&ighout the Dominion. As regards tobacco the prices that will obtain in the near future in New Plymouth can scarcely be judged accurately. Some retailers have already advanced their prices, others are selling stocks in hand at the old prices while there are rumors in the air oi price cutting in the various branches oi the tobacco trade. The tariff will gen erally cause only a slight rise in pipe tobacco and made up cigarettes, the heaviest increase being on fine out tobacco suitable for cigarette making.