34 



THE WORLD'S MEAT FUTURE 



Oraplis illustrating Australinn Meat Exports from lyoi iyi5 



A leading breeder with experience of the "inside" and "out- 

 side" country, M'ho is specially competent to take a broad view 

 of the general situation, writes: — "After looking into your 

 questions I think it all comes back to the lack of confidence that 

 has been firmly established in the minds of those who hold land 

 of any description, that the trend of legislation is to 'kill' rather 

 than foster the development of the pastoral industry. We are 

 prepared to face droughts, dingoes, and rabbits, as we know 

 something about them and how best to fight them, and we have 

 confidence in ourselves, but they are as nothing compared with 

 the uncertainty of land legislation. The man with capital who 

 w^ould be prepared to face all the risks and develop and improve 

 his holding stands down and gives way to the speculator, who 

 only holds to get out at the first favorable opportunity. This class 

 of pastoralist is no good for developing country or improving 

 stock. The State could do better without him. The iiractical 

 man who has the means looks to the future, and providing he 

 could feel confident of being undisturbed by his landlord, would 

 be ready to tackle all the other odds against him. Rabbits, of 

 course, have killed much or nearly all the drought-resisting 

 stock fodders or plants, and a great portion of southern pas- 



