63 



casks, &e., and the economy in working one large cellar instead of 

 hundreds of small ones. These are matters of detail, and could be 

 pointed out in the prospectus of intending companies; but I think 

 it is important to say a word as to the practicability of establishing 

 vineries. Efforts are being made at Eutherglen and I think 

 at Mooroopna to start companies, but much difficulty is experienced 

 to raise a sufficient capital through the growers holding back oi* 

 only giving a lukewarm support. I think if it were shown that 

 at least two-thirds of the calls on shares taken up by small 

 growers could be paid in kind (either grapes or wines), many 

 would come forward and take up 50 or 100 shares who are mean- 

 time afraid to do so owing to the amount of cash they would have 

 to pay in calls. It might also be pointed out that every new 

 vine-grower must necessarily find cash to build cellars and supply 

 casks which would be saved had he a winery to send his produce 

 to, and part of which could be applied to taking up shares in a 

 winery company. 



In conclusion, I would say that if wineries are to become an 

 established fact immediate steps must be taken if they are to 

 be of use to the army of new vine-growers enrolled through 

 the bonus system, whose vineyards, will commence bearing next 

 year ; and I think the Government could greatly assist in rousing 

 the growers to action if they were to send their experts to deliver 

 lectures, and explain the details of the winery .scheme in districts 

 where it is proposed to establish them. 



Mr. Williams said that the Numurkah Association with which 

 he w.as connected thought the offer made through Dr. Smith 

 should be accepted. 



Mr. Hans Irvine said that Dr. Smith referred to certain 

 things for a certain time, but they did not give a guarantee to 

 take a single gallon of wine. He (Mr. Irvine) saw the Messrs. 

 Gilbey when he was at home, and, whether it was'Colman's 

 mustard or Epps' cocoa, firms like theirs would not sell any one's 

 produce unless they got £500, and they would not guarantee to 

 sell a single tin in a year. If he could find any firm that could 

 do it properly for 2s. 6d. and 4s. a gallon, he would himself give 

 not £2,000 but £10,000. 



The Chairman said that, so far as the suggestions as to the 

 Viticulture Board were concerned, the Department would be in 

 accord with them. As to phylloxera, they would have to lay 

 some practical suggestions before the Department, and they would 

 receive the fullest consideration as coming from this Conference, 

 and he might add that they would receive the consideration of 

 the Government, because thoy were as iiiuch impressed as he was 

 with the necessity of encouraging every industry that would 

 bring wealth to the country. 



The Conference adjourned to go into a committee of the whole. 



