Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/477

 The Hardy Family ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 45' Australia. Forming one of a large complement of South Australian inhabitants, Mr. Hardy set off for the new goldfields in 1851 ; and there, among the creeks and gullies and in the bush, he pursued the adventurous life of a gold-seeker for many months. At last, tired of the uncertain quest for gold, he returned to South Australia in 1855. He purchased some land on the Adelaide Plains, and began wine-making in a modest way. His property was situated at Bankside, about three miles from Adelaide. He [)lanted a small vineyard and orchard, and gradually enlarged them as op|)ortunity allowed. It took him some years to produce a wine natural to climate and soil ; but pertinacity, industry, and a studious and observant nature enabled him to succeed. With all the courage of the true c(lonist, Mr. Hardy persisted in his experimental efforts, and his wine eventually secured a large sale. Unlike many another .South Australian vigneron, he did not plant more vines than he cpuld properly cultivate. The growth of his business has, ever since, been steady and sure, and eventually it has become one of the largest of the kind in Australasia. The original small plot planted with vines has been added to, until now the vineyard in bearing consists of 540 acres ; and the stock of wines on hand amounts to some 1,000,000 gallons. The wines are of various ages, some dating back as far as the 1865 vintage. As Australian wines became more popular, the business increa.sed, until a few years ago the concern got beyond the range of the original proj)rietary. It was accordingly transferred to a limited company, comprising its founder, and Mr. [. ]. Hardy, Mr. T. N. Hardy, Mr. R. B. Hardy, and a few friends, under the style of Thomas Hardy dt Sons, Limited. The largest vineyard of the company is at Tintara, and it produces a very high-class wine of a Burgundy or full claret type. This wine is sold principally in England, under the " Tintara " brand. The comjjany is especially noted for the e.xcellence of its claret, Hardy's No. i Claret being favorably known throughout Australia. New and extensive cellars have been erected by the company at Mile End, on the outskirts of Adelaide, and they are admirably adapted for their purpose. They are capable of holding 1,000,000 gallons of wine. The old Bankside homestead has meanwhile been converted into a beautiful place. The vineyard, cellars, orangery, and orchard are replete with conveniences and laid out with an eye to the pictures(jue. In fact, Bankside is looked upon as one of the show-places of Adelaide and its environment. Raisins, currants, and olive oil are produced and sold by the company in large cjuantities ; and extensive offices and cellars are located at 87, Currie Street, Adelaide. Mr. Thomas Hardy, having so early associated himself with the general welfare of the wine industry in South Australia, is well qualified to advise on the industry ; and from time to time he has given his fellow-colonists the benefit of his experience in the business. An expert judge of soils, his valuable knowledge has been repeatedly placed at the service of the State. He is at present Vice-president of the South Australian Horticultural Society, of the Vinegrowers' Association, and of the Chamber of Manufactures, to all of which institutions he has rendered great service. He is Chairman of the West Torrens School Board of Advice. Mr. J. J. Hardy, Mr. Thomas Hardy's son, who was born in 1855— the starting