Volume 74 Item 10: Sir William Macarthur papers relating to vine diseases, 1855?, 1885-1888: No. 28

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Melbourne, the following was moved and agreed to:–– "That this Conference considers that the alarming extension of the vine disease, Phylloxera vastatrix, in Victoria, is a matter than local importance, seriously affecting as it may all the Colonies where wine is made, and in that view agrees that it is desirable that prompt and thorough measures should be taken to eradicate the disease, and the Colonies represented will contribute equally to the necessary expenses, not exceeding in the first instance £20,000. This principle of joint contribution is to be applied to any Colony where the disease may hereafter break out."

I have only to add that I am aware that the vignerons of Victoria and of South Australia are

awaiting with anxiety the decision of our Government in this matter, as the existence of the disease here seriously adds to the danger of its spreading to their respective Colonies.

I have, &c.,

CHARLES MOORE.