30 THE WORLD'S MEAT FUTURE 



A political truce aud fair treatment to stockowjiers. Link np 

 railway systems and improve same. Abolish breaks of gauge 

 and make i-ailways responsible foi- damage to stock. Educate 

 small settlers to keep sheep and cattle. Encourage studbreeders. 

 Eemove embargoes and abolish restrictive legislation, which 

 prevents stock passing from State to State. Cultivate grasses 

 and fodder crops for stock and carry reserve supplies against 

 dry seasons. Offer every inducement to secure occupation of 

 outside country. Systematic campaign against rabbits and wild 

 dogs. Security of tenure. Increased water supplies. 



3. Is it possible to increase the live stock beyond the highest 

 point yet reached in Australia, and if so, how? 



Not unless outside country and central and nortli Austi'alia 

 can be opened up by railways and stocked. By farmers carry- 

 ing small flocks and a few head of cattle. One correspondent 

 advocates a "campaign of education'' amongst small settlers. 



(Several authorities doubt if the highest water mark will be 

 reached for very many years owing to the dispersal of big flocks 

 and herds; others state that irrigated lands along the Murray 

 and higher prices for meat will encourage breeding up.) 



4. In what direction do you look for an expansion of the pas- 

 toral industry?, 



Several correspondents take the view that there is little pros- 

 pect of expansion in face of growing taxation, industrial unrest, 

 rising wages, and inefficient labour. Others state that any growth 

 will depend upon successfnl occupation of central and northern 

 Anstralia, growth of confidence, and removal of restrictions. If 

 meat and wool prices remain relatively high they may restore 

 vitality to a languishing industry. One correspondent says: 

 "The industry requires large reserves of capital, and men who 

 can command capital are being driven out of the business." 

 Increased liberal land laws are advocated. 



5. Can the sheep and cattle of Australia be improved on the 

 meat side, and if so, how? 



Introduction of better bulls from England, esjiecially on 

 "early maturing side," is strongly advocated. Most correspon- 

 dents contrast tiie prices paid for stud stock in England by 

 breeders in the Argentine Republic with the lack of enterprise 

 on the part of Australians in keeping up a standard. 



