BEER AND BRANDY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1013, 5 August 1909, Page 22

BEER AND BRANDY.

INTERNATIONAL DEFINITIONS WANTED. What is beer and brandy as understood by the chemist? This is a question that has been engaging the attention of the International Congress of Applied Chemistry, which held its sittings in London during the first week m June. Dr. C. Glaser, in dealing with the “ desirability of an international definition of beer,” said that several European countries had established definitions, notably the German, British, and French Governments, each having a fixed standard and prescribing its constituents. He suggested (according to “ The Licensed Victuallers Gazette and Hotel Courier ”) that the International Congress might adopt a broad general definition, which might serve as a guide to Governments desirous of establishing standards hereafter. It was pointed out that climatic conditions ought to be properly considered, and the French definition was mentioned as the best to answer the purpose in warmer zones. With regard to brandy, the Congress accepted the following definition: —“ That brandy is a product of distillation of the fermented juice of the grape.” The question of the pot-still being exclusively used was omitted.

It is now recognised throughout Scotland (says the Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette) that the Budget proposals will inflict a staggering blow on the licensed Trade. The Scotch whisky trade, we are told, will be crippled beyond recovery, and hundreds of publicans, licensed grocers, and hotel keepers will be driven out of business. The increased license duties, it is said, will close at least 200 licensed grocery businesses in Glasgow; and Edinburgh, and Dundee, Aberdeen, and other towns will suffer in proportion. The most determined opposition, therefore, is to be made against the Finance Bill; indeed, the full forces of England, Scotland and Ireland will be brought to bear against this monstrous and unjust measure. Mr. John MacDonald, at the Scottish Trade Defence Association’s annual meeting roused alike the wholesale and retail trade to energetic action. He pointed out that 800 men would be thrown out of employment, and counting their dependents, 5,000 would be left destitute. 1,600,000 less bushels of barley would be required, and a corresponding decrease would take place in the amount of grains. This will be one of the net results of the closing down of many of the northern distilleries, and farmer's, brewers, distillers, and the general public will be amongst the sufferers.

Mr. Tom Nixon, who has been proprietor of the New Criterion at Wanganui for several years, takes over the Metropolitan Hotel on Monday. During his long residence in Wanganui, Air. Nixon has, (says the local “Herald”) by his courtesy and civility, gained very many friends, who will be unanimous in their wish that he may have every prosperity and good fortune in his new venture.