STATE VINEYARDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22099, 3 May 1935, Page 13

STATE VINEYARDS

QUESTION OF COMPETITION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VIEWS Considerable dis:cussion took place at yesterday's meeting of the executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce in connection witli the activities of the State experiments! vineries: at Te Kau•whata. x The Associated Chambers! of Commerce had protested last year in regard to the allegedly unfair compe,tition between this farm lind private establishments. The Minister of Agriculture advised that the property had fulfilled its object in demonstrating that grapes suitable for nine-making could be grown successfully iri- the district and that excellent wine could be made from them. The property was accordingly offeree! for sale at auction, out .too bid wan received. In the opinion of the execu* tive of the Associated Chambers,, the terms of sale were hardly conducive to a. ready disposal of the station and th<3< opinion of the chambers in |he font main centres was. being sought in regard to the mativer.

It was stated that the terms of sal© provided for an upset price of £10,150 for the property, of which 20 per cent was required to l:c paid in cash on the fall of the hamiiier, and the balance within 30 days. It was also made a condition of the sale for the purchaser to take over at 5s 6d a, gallon the 80,000 gallons of wine on hand and also all the bottling stock. The value of the wine and stores liad to be paid in cash before possession would be given. \ It was decided to inform the Associated Chambers that the State vineyards had done valuable experimental, work in regard te vine-growing' in New. Zealand, that the continuance of' the vineyards was supported by a number 1 of other vine-growers in the immediate; vicinity of the State station and that there was no unfair competition. It was> felt that it would be a mistake for the Government to part with a very profit-' able and valuable property on anything, but satisfactory «rms.