VINE GROWING IN THE NORTH

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 22, 27 January 1897, Page 2

VINE GROWING IN THE NORTH

AN ASSOCIATION FORMED.

A public meeting (which bad been adjourned from the 14th insb.) was held at Whakapirau in the old tchool on Friday last for the purpose of forming a Vinogrowers' Association. The neighbouring districts were well represented and messages of sympathy with the movement wore received from, various parts of Worth Auckland. Mr Heathcote Jickman, who presided, stated that is was the opinion of viticultural experts that many parts of the North of Auckland were well adapted for vine culture, also that many persona who bad been experimenting in a small way were satisfied that certain kinds of grapes would thrive and ripen well in the open air. The objects of the Association would be to encourage the culture of the grape, protect the interests of the vine growers and to try and induce the Government to practically foster this industry, for if it could bo proved that the greater portion of the lands in the North were suitable for vino culture, there was undoubtedly a very bright future before our Northern settlere.

It va* finally resolved, "that a Vinegrowers' Association ba formed, to be called the North Auckland Vinegrowera' Association." A Provisional Oommifctee w«s appointed, consisting of Messrs \V. M. Hill, H. McMurdo, H Smith, H. Gray, R. Vai^e, H. Geoghegan, H. Jackman, F. Colbeck, and B. Adams, Mr Heachcote Jackman to be President, Dr. J. L. Campbell and Mr F. D. Fentou to be Vicepresident*, and Mr Henry Gray, Secretary. The annual subscription to be 2' 6d.

Ib was also resolved to post circulars to all the district* north of Auckland, slating objects of Association and inviting cooperation. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Jsckman for the trouble he had taken to promote the interests of North Auckland.