NEW ZEALAND WIVE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 194, 16 August 1911, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND WIVE.

(To the Editor ) Sir, —In answer to Mr French, the questions he asks me are answerable. l-i Mi French will read my letter careiully he will see that 1 have stated that AustriaiM are the chief growers of grapes. They grow this fruit both for wine-making and table use. Y'our corlespondent wishes to know the reason why this wine plays havoc amongst consumers? —The reason is that this wiue is sold long before it has properly fermented, and before the injurious gases evaporate. Their wine is much too new, and if Mr French read my letter carefully he will see that I stated: "Wine ■from three years of age and upwards will be found non-intoxicating;" this does not provide for any wine being drunk by the gallon at a sitting as did the witness in Mr French's quotation. The system will not stand abuse and moderation will not cause ill-effects. Referring to the matter otf a license, Mr French will have to make inquiries from the Government, as I am only conplying with the law of the country. 1 'believe Mr French knows from his own observation that during the 20 years' our business has 'been established there has been no report of drunkenness from our w'mes, on or off our premises.—l am, etc., WENTJEL AND CO. (B. TTevethick.)