NEW ZEALAND HOP GROWING

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1933, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND HOP GROWING

RETENTION OF DUTY ASKED. EFFECTS. OF DUTY ON LIQUOR. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Protection for the local hop-growing industry was sought by representatives of the Nelson District Hop Growers’ Association before the Tariff Commission to-day. Mr. A. Benjamin, chairman of the association, said that two years ago 800 acres was under cultivation; to-day there was only 600 acres. The reduction was due entirely to the restriction imposed on hops in Australia, and the extra duty imposed by the New Zealand Government on ale and stout from England and Ireland. The latter duty had since been removed to a certain extent and trade improved considerably. There was still room, however, for further improvement. Mr. F. C. Hamilton, a dirctor of E. Buxton and Co., Nelson, said New Zealand brewers used local hops only,. so an alteration in the present tariff on imported hops was not sought, but as a pre-, cautionary measure they requested the commission to allow the rate to remain as at present. , “We ask the commission to give favourable consideration to a reduction cn the duty on beer and stout brewed in New Zealand,” said Mr. Hamilton.