25 April, 1917.] Food Problems of the World. 197 



"We are not only called upon then to increase our production of 

 wheat, but to take tlie most effective steps to increase the number of our 

 flocks and herds. 



In this huge continent of Australia, much of it so eminently suited 

 for the breeding of cattle, we find that the number to-day is lower tlian 

 that of the British Isles. "We have about 10,000,000 — they have upwards 

 of 12,000,000. 



Two important factors that will fiiable us to increase the stock- 

 carrying capacity of Australia are the conservation of water, and the 

 conservation of fodder. "When it is remembered that both sheep and 

 cattle are to-day worth nearly three times their ordinary value it goes 

 without saying that over large parts of the Continent it will pay 

 handsomely to conserve both water and fodder. 



Even with the utmost efforts we can make, it will be impossible to 

 rapidly increase the number of our sheep, and it will take still longer 

 to materially increase the number of cattle. However, while this in- 

 crease is proceeding, much can be done in rapidly increasing the supply 

 of both pigs and poultry. 



In the limited space allowed for an article, it is not Possible to 

 indicate the steps which might be taken to increase, at once, the food 

 supplies produced in Australia. Some of the means are obvious, and 

 are already being put into operation ; others require the careful con- 

 sideration of the most expert men we have available. But speaking 

 generally, it might be said that the amount of meat consumed in Aus- 

 tralia might be considerably reduced, and the reduction would, according 

 to the best medical opinion, be a distinct advantage, both from a dietetic 

 standpoint, as well as from the point of view of public health. A 

 lessened consumption of 20 per cent, would mean much to the more 

 rapid increase of our flocks and herds. The partial substitution of 

 pork and poultry for beef and mutton would be another factor. 



The consumption of meat per head of population in Australia is 

 225 lbs., as compared -n-ith 100 lbs. for Germany and Great Britain. 

 If we could reduce this consumption by 15 per cent., and by a further 

 15 per cent, by the substitution of pork and poultry for mutton and beef, 

 the saving would be enormous. 



Assuming eight sheep to be equal \<> one head of cattle, it would 

 mean that an equivalent of 6,000,000 sheep would be saved from 

 home consumption. But it may be safely predicted that, with proper 

 organization, the supply of food-stuffs, now so urgently required 

 throughout the world, can be materially increased in Australia. "We 

 have the land, the climate, and our people have the necessary energy and 

 experience to help Australia and the Empire in this direction. 



The financial needs of Australia demand that agricultural produc- 

 tion shall be brought to its fullest fruition, and we can best serve Aus- 

 tralia and the Empire by bending our whole energies as a people to 

 accomplish this work. 



It must be abundantly evident to all thoughtful people in Australia 

 that our material prosperity almost entirely rests on the success of 

 primary production. This foundation, when satisfactorily and per- 

 manently laid, will enable the superstructure of a permanently prosperous 

 and progressive State to be built. 



