NEGLECTED WEALTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20931, 22 July 1931, Page 10

NEGLECTED WEALTH.

UNNECESSARY IMPORTS.

WINE AND SPRING WATERS. UNITED ACTION NEEDED. PUBLIC AND PRODUCERS. No. IX. Not only is (hero vast scope in Now Zealand for the planting and exploitation of orchard products, but tho potentialities of tho land for grape-growing and the manufacture of wine as a rich source of revenue cry aloud for action". .Cider, too, is a beverage which should be plentiful in New Zealand, and tho medicinal drinking waters of tho Dominion's unique mineral springs also should be exploited to tho full. Of tho small fruits, cherry-growing would appear to be showing promise although great strides remain to be taken. It has been customary, and still is, to import a considerable quantity of cherries from Australia. These Australian cherries are firmer varieties than have-'been grown in New Zealand in the past, and also withstand tho effects of transport better than, say, the excellent White Heart cherry. However, the Australian types have been introduced into New Zealand and flourish in many parts of Canterbury. It is confidently believed that in time importations from Australia will bo unnecessary. It should bo ascertained, therefore, whether or not it is possible to speed up this- process. Tho Wairarapa district, where cherries abound, should be a fruitful area for experiment, and the pumice lands of the Auckland Province might well repay investigation. Theso soils under proper treatment will grow small fruits liko currants, raspberries and loganberries as well as the best of the New Zealand orchard districts. Successful Wine Making. What can bo dono in the way of grapegrowing for wino making has been demonstrated forcibly at the State vineyards at Te Ivauwhata and at vineyards elsewhere. A large variety of grapes suitable for the manufacture of high-grade light wine was introduced at To Kauwhata by an Italian wino expert, Mr. Romeo Bragato and flourished exceedingly well. The planting spread to many othei parts of the North Island, but before wine-making could be attempted on a national scale it was paralysed by restrictive legislation. A bill seeking relief from these restrictions was introduced in the Houso of Representatives as recently as last week. A limited quantity of wine is made in New Zealand, but a very largo quantity is imported. The quality of the local product is sufficient guarantee of the possibilities ahead of tho industry, providing it is given fair scope for expansion. Not only could the New Zealand market be supplied from New Zealand vineyards, but a profitable export trade could be developed. In the meantime a deplorable waste of opportunity prevails. Possibilities of Cider.

The manufacture of cider oh a large { scale "Should go hand-in-hand with the apple growing industry. Cider is made • in New" Zealand, but every year tons of apples—windfalls and those that will not pass thb grading tests —are allowed to waste when they might be used profitably in cider making. It is stated that apples of tho Devonshire -'bitter-sweet' variety should be mixed with the generaL collection of apples to ensure a successful cider. If that is so, the procedure suggests itself. _ In exploiting the market for medicinal mineral waters much remains to be done, and in this connection the waters of To Aroha como readily to mind as a field for development. An example can be i taken from the exploitation of the Vichy waters of France and the manner ii which tho spas of Europe utilise their resources to the utmost.

It cannot be doubted that New Zealand would benefit enormously if this question of unnecessary importations were tackled seriously and followed to its logical conclusion. There is always o tendency on the part of the individual to doubt the efficacy of his own unaided efforts, with the result that frequently nothing, or almost nothing, is accomplished. Co-operation undoubtedly is called for. Fields lor Co-ordination.

It is not suggested that importations should be curtailed where, or while, the output of local commodities is insuffi-cient-to meet the needs of the New Zealand market. What is urged is that where local products are available, or where the potentialities exist, they should be exploited vigorously until importations are no longer necessary. As already stated,'-the public can do its part by demanding at every opportunity a New Zealand article in return for money spent. A promising field for co-ordination of effort should be-found in the growers' and'manufacturers' associations. If necessary, a board could be appointed to direct their combined activities in furthering the production, of and demand for New Zealand goods. The machinery of the Department of Industries, and Commerce is already in existence, and the Department of Scientific" and Industrial Research, already responsible for much good work, should be encouraged to cxteud and intensify its activities. Will To Achieve Necessary.

Should tho Government establish a ■ Secondary Industries Board, as has often been proposed, it would have before i' a fruitful avenue of labour, even if it confined its work to fostering only those secondary industries connected with the preparation of New Zealand foodstuffs. Tho unemployment funds, too, could bo. profitably used in the preparation.of, say,' -orchard lands or vineyards, and in the preparation of experimental areas. Whatever might be done in an official capacity, it would still remain for the general public to lend' its jenthusiastic support. Friendly societies, clubs and institutions should pledge themselves always to buy New Zealand goods. Guests at hotels and boarding houses should question the proprietors and make it clear that New Zealand foodstuffs must be provided. However small, no opportunity should be lost of furthering the demand for New Zealand products. • If every Now Zealander pulled his weight a wave of patriotic sentiment would soon gather impetus and sweep all beforo it. What has been done in days of w ( ar should be capable of accomplishment in days of peace. New Zealand has all the resources endowed by nature. It has. tho resources of brawn and brain. It will bo a.lasting reproach if it fails in tho will to do.