GROCERY LINES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21160, 9 July 1940, Page 9

GROCERY LINES

SALES TAX IMPOSITION NUMEROUS ITEMS AFFECTED Although it Is generally believed that many grocery lines at least will r.ot be affected by the 5 per cent, additional sales tax imposed under the legislation immediately following the presentation of the budget, inquiries reveal that about 75 per cent, of lines stocked by grocers will go up in price. The main items such as sugar, flour, bacon, salt, and bread, together with what may be classified generally as primary foodstuffs (porridge meals, barley, split peas, rice, cornflour, honey, etc.) are exempt from the increase, but it was xjointed out to-day that there are dozens of other lines which will bear the additional tax. They include biscuits, baking powder, cocoa, coconut, coffee curry, and custard powders, essences, tinned fish, canned and dried fruits, matches, mustard, tinned meats, food and toilet pastes, polishes, pickles, and sauces. are not passing the extra taxation on so far as teas are concerned. In certain cases the manufacturers of price-fixed, or “tariff,” lines have indicated that they will carry the tax increase, but in other instances this may not be possible. Candles, disinfectants, and a number of patent medicines are among the lines which will be exempt.