8 



done more readily and more cheaply than has hitherto been the 

 case. In relation to the question of markets the Department has 

 performed its share of the eflforts necessary to find an outside 

 market for our wines. We have agents now travelling in the 

 East who report that the market there will be considerably 

 extended when properly opened up, but that our wines are now 

 comparatively unknown. A few vine-growers have sent over 

 shipments and sold some wine, but they are limited in extent in 

 comparison with the market that might be opened up, and if our 

 discussion leads to suggestions being made that will be likely to 

 improve our export trade and open markets in other countries, we 

 shall have done good. In fact, the necessities of to-day are such 

 that we must increase our production if we are going to live, and 

 I do not think there is any one direction in which we can increase 

 Our production that will be more profitable and more lasting than 

 producing wine and brandy. I will now call upon Mr., Irvine to 

 read the first paper, and we will then discuss it as shortly as 

 possible, consistently with the importance of the subject he brings 

 under your notice. 



Mr. Irvine then read the following paper : — 



Mr. Chairman and G-entlemen, 



Permit me, Mr. Chairman, before proceeding with the subject 

 I purpose bringing under your notice to-day as a wine-grower, 

 and one who, like the other wine-growers assembled liere, is 

 largely interested in the industry, and who, too, is strongly 

 impressed with the vast importance of the future of viticulture, 

 to thank you, sir, for consenting to convene this Conference. I 

 hope and believe that much good will result from this Conference, 

 which may be fairly regarded as representing the intelligence of a 

 great and growing industry, which is full of the promise, if wisely 

 fostered, of the early assumption of truly gigantic proportions ; 

 and which, indeed, by wise and efiacient legislation, may be 

 expected to become a leading factor in that early restoration of 

 the prosperity of the colony now so earnestly desired by all, and 

 to secure which is the highest desire and aim both of Parliament 

 and people. The very fact that this Convention has been summoned 

 may be regarded as an indication of the recognition by the 

 Grovernment of the present importance and the future promise of 

 the industry. It is our hope that this conference may be a happy 

 augury of the regard that Parliament has for the welfare of the 

 vigneron. 



Climate and Soil. — ^Blessed with a climate which, you will 

 admit, cannot be surpassed in the world — more equable and 

 beneficent than even far-famed sunny France, and with a soil 



