Scotch College

Luncheons continue to entertain

Planning for Scotch College for the future was the feature of Architect Garry Martin's address to the August Luncheon.

Introduced by the Bursar, Neil Roberts, Garry outlined the principles that had guided the thinking of planning at Scotch. A single sex, single campus school and student excellence with continuing boarding facilities and present numeric size being the basic philosophy.

As an architect, he outlined the constraints within which the planning was required to proceed, ie. the boundaries of river, flood plain, freeway, Glenferrie Road and the suburban area to the north. Flexibility for future educational demands and an easy circulation of the participants within the school were vital components in the functional operation of the School.

Blending the 'Old' with the 'New' was also an important factor as it was necessary to retain the past traditions, with the vision and practicality of today. He spoke of the ongoing improvements with the boarding houses, tennis courts and ovals together with the improved amenities in the classrooms.

His enthusiasm for the Morrison Street and James Forbes Centre development were obvious. In conclusion he paid tribute to the work that Ken Gifford ('39) had played in the re-routing of the freeway along Gardiner's Creek from the potential route across the Main Oval.

It was a most informative and instructive address which complemented a most enjoyable Luncheon.

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Hugh Cuthbertson

The consumer driven demand has been the base for the extraordinary five year boom in Australian wine exports was the happy story that Hugh Cuthbertson ('77) had to tell at our September Luncheon. Introduced to the Luncheon by OSCA Wine and Food Society member, Mrs. Pam Marshall, Hugh elaborated on the success of Australia's push into International markets. This year, for the first time, our wines exceeded $1 billion and in addition were moving to 10% of the premium end of the British wine market. Despite a five and a half year lead time for productive volumes to come on stream it has encouraged large plantings of grapes throughout Australia. However the improvement in the quality has been a major factor in the rapid advances in sales to both Europe and America.

We have moved from the 'traditional' European wine making methods to produce a 'simple' wine without the sophistication of the French style. With our bigger areas and ability to mechanise our grape and wine production, these benefits have allowed us to price our wines competitively. As our quality has improved domestically the swing has been away from the cask wine to the bottled nectar. Fortunately too, the industry, whilst very competitive locally, has maintained a united marketing front when selling abroad. This 'Australian' image has greatly enhanced our penetration in foreign markets.

Hugh saw the lack of water resources as the greatest threat to the continued expansion of the industry. Grapes are now being grown in areas not previously planted and there is some potential risk in their future. The four big players in the industry produce about 80% of our wine with the twenty largest making 90% leaving the remainder coming from the thousands of small vineyards. He believed the opportunities were still there and we were aiming to double our wine exports in the next five years.

It was a most refreshing luncheon - addressed by a speaker who was very familiar with his topic and one which was enjoyed by all.

It was a refreshing and humorous address which Senator The Hon. Rod Kemp ('63) delivered at the Australian Club at our October luncheon. Tracing his school day progress and subsequent career with a series of amusing stories and quotes relevant to politics and public life. He has learned that the ups and downs in politics are enlarged and exaggerated by the public exposure of a 'good or bad day at the office'.

He has received profound satisfaction in his work with the opportunities of being able to assist people with matters important to them. His humorous assessment of the political leanings of Scots who migrated before and after 1880 was a fascinating insight on a matter which no doubt has received but little research.

He touched on the serious political matters of the day viz. East Timor and Indonesian turmoil and the reforms which the Ralph Report would deliver. The challenges of environmental issues and tax reform have proved to be the most difficult topics he has been called upon to assess.

In a very well balanced talk Rod was able to impart a great understanding of the political process, and on receiving the customary 'Scotch' trophy in appreciation of his presence, indicated that he would 'declare it' with his Members Remunerations.