Page:Victoria, with a description of its principal cities, Melbourne and Geelong.djvu/175

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146
GENERAL STATE OF

so essential to the just appreciation of their wine in Europe; whilst the demand for all kinds of glass is, in the southern hemisphere, almost inexhaustible, and can be met by us at a very moderate cost of production, and of the best material.

"The demand for coal, now extending in an unexampled degree, is only responded to, and that most inefficiently, from one outlet; whilst it is known that, in many places along our coasts, indications of rich seams present themselves, and only require to be pointed out, and information and instruction given for their efficient working.

"These are only some of the treasures of the earth that await our industrial action to call them forth in rich profusion. The varied mineral riches that abound have to be added to these gifts of nature; and their full development can only be contemporaneous with the actual occupation and cultivation of the soil. It is to help us to the full possession of this glorious patrimony of a beneficent Providence, that the Chamber of Commerce now take the field; and that prudence may direct their steps, determination characterize their resolves, and success follow in their course, must be the ardent wish of Australia's newly adopted children."

The intelligence of the great body of the miners will show them that the establishment of companies will assist in developing the capabilities of a gold-producing country; they will also originate, whilst they encourage the investment of a capital, a great and increasing demand for labour, which is likely