WINE MAKING

Grey River Argus, 6 March 1937, Page 4

WINE MAKING

TARANAKI J’S.P. , WANT LICENSES RESTRICTED. . CHRISTCHURCH, March 5. At the Federation of Justices of the Peace Association, the Taranaki Association proposed the following remit; “T-o limit, on a population basis, the number (at present unlimited) of wino-makers’ licenses which may be issued under the Licensing Amendment Act, 1914, in any given district.” “There are a great many blackberries in Taranaki, and much of the fruit is converted into; wine, which is supplied to anybody and everybody — especially everybody,” said Mr J. A. Valentine, in moving the remit. He declared that wine could be procured at any time for night revels, and the result was seen im motor-car and cycle accidents.

Air W. G- Weston (Taranaki), said the remit was not a reflection on the licensed houses. He had hoard where publicans refused to supply liquor for dances, and people then, went to winemakers for supplies,

“I have been told that sometimes there are two qualities, of wine—medium strength for the general public and something a little more loaded for dancers,” he added. Mr F. H. Herbert (Canterbury) sai'd' he would like to know' the number of wine-makers’ licenses in Taranaki'. “I thought Taranaki was a milk-drinking .rather than a winddrinking district,” he added.

“The people won’t drink milk,” rejoined Mr Valentine. Mr Herbert said he thought the remit went a bit beyond the scope of the federation. Mr Valentine said he did not know the number of wine-makers’ licenses issued ih Taranaki, but he gave an assurance that the man who framed the remit understood the position thoroughly. t Mr W. A. Scott (Otago) said that it was a job for the police and not the business of the federation.

Mr C. Wheeler (Auckland) said that blackberry was a noxious ivcod. lieconsidered that it would be sufficient to report the matter to the Government Inspector of Noxious Weeds, so that he could take action. The remit was lost on the voices.