A RUM TRUST.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 884, 14 February 1907, Page 22

A RUM TRUST.

The public of late has been called upon to express its views on the Soap Trust; the public-house trade will, it appears shortly have to deal with a Rum Trust. It may suit the pockets of a few enterprising speculators to make a corner in Jamaica rum, but it is extremely doubtful whether in the long run the producer, the Trade or the public will benefit. However, it appears from information received by the West India Committee that the syndicate recently formed under the title of the Colonial Traders’ Association, with a capital of .£150,000 - have now entered into contracts for the purchase of about 75 to 80 per cent, of the common clear production rum of Jamaica, including all the well-known Wedderburn and Plummers estates, thus providing for upwards of 1,000,000 gallons at the average price of approximately 2s id per gallon paid in Jamaica. At the present time the best Jamaica rum is fetching retail as high a price as the finest Scotch whisky, and it is argued that the price to the consumer need not necessarily be raised, as in handling such a large quantity the company hopes to materially reduce rates and other charges. It also has under consideration the question of dealing direct with the public-house Trade. Thus the whole course of business is likely to be changed. The experiment is a hazardous one, and

is calculated to bring about strained relations between the merchants and the Trade. —“London L.V. Gazette.”