164 OUR ENGLISH LAND MUDDLE. 



have first call on the local market gives a huge 

 ' goodwill " value to agriculture as an industry 

 in other lands. In addition to that protected 

 market, the agricultural land of other countries 

 has usually the advantage of specially cheap 

 rates on State railways, of an extensive system 

 of agricultural education, and of cheap credit 

 on Credit Fonder lines. 



To make a detailed comparison with one of 

 our Dominions. The Australian landowner has 

 high protection for all his products. The local 

 market in wheat, oats, barley, malt, flour, hay, 

 butter, meats, fruit, and so on is secured to him 

 almost absolutely. That, of course, represents 

 an economic subsidy of great value. At the 

 same time, concessions in the general protective 

 policy of the country are made in his favour. 

 As far as possible, his machinery and his " raw 

 material " requirements are guarded against 

 the possibility of an increase of price through 

 protective duties. The Australian Government 

 in this regard does not at all consider it im- 

 possible at once to protect a local manufacturer 

 against foreign competition, and a local con- 

 sumer against a " monopoly price " of the 



