WINE NAMES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 288, 9 November 1925, Page 9

WINE NAMES.

FRENCH CLAIM. AUSTRALIA’S FIGHT. LONDON, Oct. 26. The Australian wine industry is facing a sorious problem, as the result of Franco endeavouring to exercise exclusive control of original French names, including “Champagne,” “Burgundy,” “Sauterne,” “Graves,” and “Chablis.” France is putting its claim before the International Patents and Copyrights Conference, which is sitting in Holland, and at which 42 nations, including the United States, are represented. Colonel Watson, of Melbourne, who is Australia’s delegate, to the eonfereence, hurriedly returned to London for consultation with Australia House, and returned soon afterwards .without making a statement to the press. If the move is successful, Australia and other countries will be compelled to drop French titles, and re-labol practically all their most important wines. A similar request was mado previously by France, but her present action was not anticipated. It is understood that several nations will oppose the request, insisting that as French names have been used internationally for years, the change would bo absurd. Australia is vigorously supporting this argument, together with America and Canada, which imports largo quantities of Australian wine for re-export. It is believed that this strong combination will eventually win Australia’s fight.