AUSTRALIAN WINE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21469, 18 April 1933, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN WINE

PROBLEMS OF INDUSTRY EXPERT TO INVESTIGATE [from OI'R own cob respondent | SYDNEY. April \:\ The decision of tho Commonwealth Government to appoint an export In investigate and report on tho problems of tho wine industry in tho Commonwealth has been prompted largely by tlie desire of the Government to put an end to thp dissension within the industry itself. There is agreement on one point only—that over-production and low prices then ten the industry. The vintage for lP.'i-'i is estimated at 16,000,000 gallons, and pr ices arc very low. Two successive Governments have tried to deal with the problems of the industry, particularly in relation to excise duty, the fixation of the prieeof grapes, and the export bounty. Successive Ministers of Customs and Commerce have received many deputations, but the ultimate effect has been to emphasise the clash of interests between groups, and between tho co-operative and proprietary distilleries and wineries. The Soullin Government introduced a Wine Excise Bill. It was intended to impose an excise duty on wine instead of on the fortifying spirit. The House of passed tho measure, which was before the Senate when the Government was defeated. Soon after taking office, tho Lyons Government called the wine interests to a conference, and asked them to agree upon a settled policy. Three committees were appointed, and tho one to discuss excise duty has already met. But it has been unable to come to any agreement. The export advisory committee has made a number of recommendations, but these are being opposed in many quarters. When a schedule of prices for grapes was drawn up, an influential section of tho industry protested against the fixation of prices. Some of tho distilleries said that if the price of grapes was fixed at the price that ruled last year they would bo unable to carry on. Every proposal put forward is bitterly opposed, and the whole industry seems to be in a hopeless position. Exports of wine to the United Kingdom luivo grown in recent years; in fjiet, they have grown to such an extent that there is a slump in wine in Great Britain. There is certainly any amount of work in front of the expert, who will bo asked to tender independent advice to tho Government. If ho can settle all the differences ho will win lame for all time as an outstanding diplomat.