IMPORTATION OF GRAPES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13874, 11 April 1907, Page 2

IMPORTATION OF GRAPES.

Sib,—l was pleased to see Mr Nottage's letter in to-day's Time?, as it deals with an aspect ot this question which has been lost sight of.

In 1695, I think it was, Signor Bragato made a tour of the colony, having been commissioned by the Government to report on its grape-growim; capabilities, and though ho reported favourably on other localities he pronounced Central Otago tho best district in the colony for growing grapes and certain other fruits. A few Dunedin people formed an association with a view to aiding in the development of tho industry, and endeavoured to get the Government to establish an experimental vineyard and orchard somewhere in Central Otago. Fair promises wore made, but afterwards difficulties wore found, and nothing was clone. More recently the Government hns engaged Signor Jlragato and started a Government vineyard not ß in Central Otago, but in tho Waikato. Our population has not the requisite knowledge, and wants training in the industry, and also proofs of its possible success before embarking on it, and surely it is tho duty of the Government to do something in this direction. But our members, who should see to such matters, take no trouble about them, and consequently we are neglected. Can you inform your readers how many State farms, orchards, vineyards, and suchlike institutions there are in the North and South Islands respectively? I fancy there are nearly half a dozen in the North Island and none in tho South Island. —I am, etc., Poo?. Otago. April 5.

Sm,—Under flio above licntling in your issue of April 5 Mr Fred. E. Nottage, of • Clyde; refers lo Mr Mbritzson's advocacy of tho introduction of Australian grapes into New Zealand. Mr Notlage, in his effort to " raise a point or two," may appeal to all of "patriotic" spirit in New Zealand, but all such are not to be cought with a sap. In. regard to the subject at issue, I also desire to raise a " point or two," tho principle of which should, with somo force, a.ppcal to all unselfishly practical and liberal-minded advocates of justice.

Tho writer of the aforesaid letter trots out a plea for the " principle" (as ho puts it) of "Protection." and says "it would surely bo unfair at tlid present juncture to open our markets to outside "competition." "Protection" for what, forsooth? An "industry"! Where? "Thousands of acres of land," says ho, " in Central Olago, eminently suited." Then, if eo (and wo doubt not tho quality of the land), why lias not a "practical and patriotic" section of tho community done something moro than more talk toward meeting tile urgent need of a. patient people? Mr Nottage speaks as one who has "visited tho district, and observed on all sides," and has " no hesitation " in saying (hat the district between Alexandra and Cromwell could "easily produce enough grapes to supply the whole of New Zealand, and that at a price much below 6d per lb." Then shame that, it' has not. done so cm this! If these " thousands of acres of land" so "eminently suited" to giape culture, and that of the " highest quality" and in the "open air," have been allowed to lies dormant under tho fostering care of pet Protection, and the whole of Now Zealand's populace meanwhile been subjected to such excessively high charges for tho slightest indulgence in partaking of tho fruitage of the vino—the grape—then is it. not high time that selfishness, so inherent in tho individual, should step aside and permit Ilio liberal .principle of "live and let live" apply in this matter? Medicinally, tho grape ranks as on« of the very highest, quality of fruits. Why deny its beneficial effects to so many thousands of the patiently-enduring, yet fruit-longing, inhabitants of Now Zealand? Why deny this great, boon to the sick and suffering and to the children? The colony throughout would reap tho benefit of tho open market. I for one hope (hat next season Mr Moritzson's plan, or its equivalent, will be operating.—l am, etc., April 8. Liberal.