II Dec, 191 1 •] 



Tlie Olive. 



833 



Australia. The following figures represent in gallons the quantities of 

 oli\e oil that have been produced during the last ten years in that State : — 



Olive Oil Production in South Australia. 



It may be noted that the year 1909-10 was, with two exceptions, the 

 Ijest since the inception of the olive industry in that State as far as pro- 

 eduction is concerned. Vet, 15,753 gallons of oil were imported into South 

 Australia during that period, which is the record importation for anv one 

 year. The following figures indicate the (juantities imported into the Com- 

 monwealth during the last five years: — - 



The above figures show a steady increase in the importation of olive 

 oil, despite the fact that the Commonwealth duty amounts to 2s. per gallon. 

 This increa.se is most marked in Xew South Wales. Notwithstanding the 

 sheltering barrier of protection and the increased prospect of profits, 

 records are not available to slmw a warrantable iiicrea.se in the extension 

 of plantations. 



Xo returns are availaliie in the (iiflerent States respecting the importa- 

 tif)n or production of jjickled olives, as they come in with other pickles 

 an<l are not separately recorded. It is manifest, however, that considerable 

 iiuantities of these pickles are imported, and if their value could be ascer- 

 tained it would dmilitless be found that a steady increa.se had lieen ni.ide. 

 showing that the demand for sudi, though slow, is impr<i\ ing. 



Tin: Ui.ivK IN Australia. 

 As vet. the iiistorv <it tlie ojixe in .Australia is a brief, tlmugh perhaps 

 a somewhat ciie(|uere(l, one. It w.is first introduicd into South Austr.dia 

 in 1844 from Mar.seilles by tiie Soutli Australian ( 'ompany. Some fiftV 

 plants, comprising five varieties, were imported at that time. Oil obtained 

 from the pro<hiee of these trees was exhibited at the London I'^xhibition 

 .as early as i8^i. and was favourablv commented on. 



