VINE GROWING IN THIS NORTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 75, 1 April 1897, Page 5

VINE GROWING IN THIS NORTH.

SUCCESSFUL MEETING AT PAHI.

A very successful meeting ot Bottlers interested in vine-growing was hold at Pahi last week. There wore about 20 presenb, and obhers who could nob attend senb lebters. Considering the scatbered nature of bhe Bebfclemento here ib was a credibable muabor. Some roubine business was done, such aa choosing a Secretary and Committee, and then bhe objects of tha Association were discussed and some correspondence read, amongab which were two letters from Mr F. D. Fenton. A letter was drafted for dispatch to tho Government belling bhem of the formation of bho Associabion, of bhe number of acres of vinea already planted, and of the number of acres ready for planting nexb winfcor. The Governmenb were asked bo imporb tho vine cubtings and distribute them gratis, landing them in Auckland. They were also asked bo form an experimental vineyard, where wine making should be taught, charging a small fee, as is done ab bbc School of Mines ab tho Thames. Captain Colbeck has offered land, gratis, for the purpose. The settlers show great onbbusiasm, and have already a good number of vines planted, moobly Isabella. With the lebber bo bhe Governmenb were also sent applicabione from moab of those present for vine cuttings, just to give bho Governmenb an idea of the oxbenb of the movement. The numbers required mounted up to about 16,000. In addibion to thiß 8,000 cuttings were planted in nursery beds lasb year, and settlers have now land ready tor planting them oub. In this parish alone 25 acres will be planted oub nexb season. The number of Bottlers taking an interesb in what may be said to be an experimental venture ia very encouraging, t and ib is earneßbly to be hoped bhab bhe Governmenb insbead of bhrowing impedimenbs in bbc way will do all bhey can bo encourage this industry. A very strong letter bas been wribben to Minisbers on the subject.—■ (Whakapirau correspondent).