Vast Source of Wealth

that exists in Central Otago if they will only develop it. As showing the great strides made in the vine industry in Victoria during the past six years, Mr. Bragato mentioned that 20,000 acres of vineyards had been planted during that time, the industry having been largely assisted by the Government, who gave £25,000 in two years in the way of bonuses for vine-planting.

On his return to Victoria, Mr. Bragato will furnish a report to the Government of New Zealand of his visit to the Colony. He intends to take away with his samples of the soil from various districts. These samples will be analysed, and the results of the analyses given in his report.

In the Otago Daily Times of March 26, 1895, will be found a report of Signor Bragato's visits to other parts of the colony—including Nelson, Wellington, and Hawke's Bay—of which this is the concluding sentence:—"The North Island vineyards contain the best varieties of grapes yet seen in New Zealand by Signor Bragato, and the cultivation is generally according to approved systems; but for the extent of suitable country, Central Otago, in the expert's opinion, holds the palm.