TOBACCO SMOKERS.

Western Star, 1 April 1920, Page 3

TOBACCO SMOKERS.

LIKELY TO HAVE TO STAND ANOTHER RISE. NO APPARENT POSSIBILITY OF RELIEF. From information that has come into our possession—and is shared by some others—it seems probable, if not inevitable, that a further appreciable rise in the price of smoking tobacco will be presently announced. The recent advance was due largely to the rate off exchange being against the British. That is now improving. In its place we have the prospect of an advance that may be attributed! to the shortage of tobacco leaf throughout the world and to the enhanced cost of manufacture owing to the enormous rise in' wages and the value of everything that is needed in the production of the goods as we use them. That the increase will be freely and heartily grumbled about goes without saying. As to whether the growling will lead to anything worthy of being called a workable remonstrance—that is quite a different matter. The way of smokers is to complain, and pay. We are told that, notwithstanding the recent advance, the best tobaccos are in eager demand throughout New Zealand; that, in fact, simokers will have what they want, if they can get it, irrespective of the price. How far the operations of the Tobacco Trust enter into the cost is a matter that it is impossible for us at this distance to gauge. We have it on authority that enormous profits are being or have been earned by that trust, and from all that can be learned its scope seems to bo widening. Unfortunately, New Zealanders are not in a position to help themselves. The Gvernmeut cannot better matters. If they attempt to do so it would mean the cutting off of supplies. New Zealand is too small-a place to be able to hit back effectively. Any practical demonstration against the increase might end in the trust cutting us out altogether. No relief is at all possible until there is concerted action on the part of the Governments of the various countries that ■ are affected.

So, if wo smoke we must pay perhaps 25 or 50 per cent, more, and relievo our feelings as best wo may by saying things about the trust. Perhaps, in the many things that are sure to be said, some will be unjust; but if the trust desires to stop-the anathemas it call easily do’ so if there is evidence to hand that it cannot pay its washerwoman or that it has to dodge the milkman.