Caterer

An instructive table of public tastes in beverages has just been issued as a parliamentary return. It shows that since 1861, there has been a sharp rise in the consumption of tea, coffee and cocoa and other non-alcoholic drinks, the figures for 1893 (the year of the return) being more than double those of the first. As regards spirits, wine and beer, there has been an increase, though not in anything like so large a proportion as last year. It is important to note that in 1893, the amount was much lower than during the years 1872-8, in which period of national prosperity our drink bill touched its highest point.

Foreign wines were then consumed at an annual rate of 41/2 pints per head, against 3 pints this year, and spirits which exceeded 10 pints per head in 1875, now average less than 8 pints.

Supplies of rice and household milk powder have been temporarily suspended. The Ministry of Food announces that it will not be in a position for some time to release any further supplies of rice. The quantities remaining in the hands of the trade will continue to be available at the present points value of eight points per lb.

No further allocation of household milk powder will be made this season, the ministry said.

The Sultan of Brunei's attempt to oust Regent International as manager of The Dorchester Hotel has failed - for the time being.

The Hong Kong-based hotel group's managing director, Bob Burns, was granted a court injunction which upholds the status quo. The court has deemed Regent International to be in possession of a valid contract which makes the Sultan's efforts to remove that contract more difficult.

His next step may be an appeal against the injunction.