WHEATGROWING IN AUSTRALIA. 



45 



The following table shows the rates on low-class freight, 

 which includes ordinary articles of merchandise, such as are particu- 

 larly identified or connected with the primary industries : 



The railways being publicly owned, there is always a demand 

 for a reduction of rates when they show any undue profit over work- 

 ing expenses. The object of railway administration is to assist the 

 producer. 



The oversea trade of Australia runs into enormous figures, 

 amounting in 1913 to $759,422,400.00. Extensive shipping facilities 

 are available, and the producer has cheap and constant access to 

 the world's markets. The Australian wheatgrower is practically 

 able to compete on equal terms in this regard with the farmer in 

 the North and Midland counties of England.. 



The postal, telegraphic, and telephonic services are also State 

 concerns. There is a universal penny post throughout Australia, 

 telegrams are conveyed at cheap rates, and special facilities are 

 provided for groups of neighbouring farmers to secure a united 

 telephone service. The farmer is able to keep in close touch with 

 the world's markets through these means. 



The Departments of Agriculture in the different States have, 

 of course, been created to advance the interests of the farming 

 community. They are large and important departments, well 

 equipped, and have proved of great practical value. Wheatgrowing 

 being the most important crop in Australia, the industry receives 

 special attention, and scientific investigation and experiment is 

 being constantly made, and the results communicated to the wheat- 

 growers. 



Agricultural colleges, where accommodation is provided for 

 students, who are given theoretical and practical instruction in 

 different branches of farming; experiment farms, where students 

 are also trained; demonstration farms; and farmers' experiment 



