VITICULTURE. 



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In tlie Southern and Western districts, in the hjcalities where 

 watering is advised, fully cent, per cent, nuiy l)e added in order to 

 get an estimate of production under high cultivatio7i. 



Failing the necessary enterprise to take advantage of our natural 

 resources, the question arises as to how far the Government could 

 assist in developing a trade. The subject has been fully considered, 

 and deemed to be one for private enterprise alone. This view of tho 

 case will most likely be taken by future administrations, and therefore 

 the subject may be dismissed. 



A proposal to establish an CEnological Laboratory met with more 

 success, and had the financial condition of the Colony warranted the 

 expenditure of some £5,000, it might have now been in operation. In 

 order to derive full benefit therefrom an CKnological Laboratory must 

 be situated centrally in a district where grapes come so quickly 

 under the influence of fermentation that transport by rail would be 

 impossible. 



The object of such an institution is to test practically under scientific 

 control the important questions of fermentation, blending, and matur- 

 ing, and also to impart instruction to students in such subjects. 



In order to do this, cellarage and casks for 5,000 gallons would be 

 required, together with appliances for crushing, pressing, and reducing 

 temperature. 



The first expenditure would be the greatest, and with no less sum than 

 £5,000, could the attempt be made on the smallest scale. However, 

 after a few years, the sales of wine and brandy would pay working 

 expenses. A really pure brandy would be a boon to the hospitals. 



This paper runs into greater length than originally expected ; but 

 to set forth our resources in soil and climate, how a wine of even 

 character and quality may be produced from year to year, and, 

 finally, to combat existing trade restrictions, could not have been 

 done in a few words. 



