The Prospects of Vitidulture.

Manawatu Herald, 28 November 1895, Page 3

The Prospects of Vitidulture.

1 ■•'.• . We have received from the Government the "Report on the Prospects of Viticulture in New Zealand " by ,Rometf ; Bragato. To those who are thinking of starting a "vineyard we would strongly recomReport to their consideration. We are slightly disappointed with theJjjgjßprti as it is an old story retold, tt<r^he Christchurch Press publishe^tfift greater of it, obtained in an interview with M.- Bragato. We, at ttfe* tune, drew attention to the article, aticl so have now nothing more to add. We may repeat that M. Bragato is of the opinion that 4fee greater part of New Zealand will adequately satisfy the demands of the vine. Climate, not the soil, appears to be the important point. We leave pur Prohibitionist friends to fight the statements ot M. Bragato that " as an agency in the cause of temperance the viticultural . industry operates powerfully." We have no objection to the remark that " the climatic, conditions of New Zealand not only favour the production" of wine; but we have to its being said that these conditions favour *.' the consumption" of wine, as the young colonists are not drinkers of strong drink even if it is only wine. A good sound wine is wholesome, and when we get it, may be enjoyed, but we should prefer to be assured of an export before cultivating too large air acreage; in vines. It looks too much like the bunkum talked of growing and shipping apples to England a few years ago.