AUSTRALIA 35 



questions. The summary of the replies received is of special 

 importance, since it represents the views expressed by men of 

 experience who are in the business : — 



1. What are the main causes of the shortage of sheep and 

 cattle in Australia ? 



Droughts at intervals, and the exceptionally bad season of 

 1914. General want of confidence in trend of legislation, over- 

 stocking, and destruction of natural herbage. Breaking up 

 large estates and dispersal of flocks and herds — often stud 

 sheep and cattle. Failure of small settlers to keep stock. 

 Inadequate transport facilities, and neglect of State-owned 

 railway managers to provide facilities similar to Argentina, 

 United States, and Canada. Big saving of stock would be 

 possible even in worst droughts if railways were adequate and 

 the management responsive. Increasing burdens of taxation 

 and general political vendetta against live-stock industry. 

 Demands of labour unions and harassing awards, causing in- 

 crease in cost of production and difficulty of working runs. 

 Rabbits and wild dogs. 



(The consensus of opinion puts drought first, then dispersal 

 of big flocks to meet demand of closer settlement, third, legis- 

 lation and taxation, and then insufficient railway systems.) 



2. What are the best methods to adopt to build up the flocks 

 and herds ? 



A political truce and fair treatment to stock-owners. Link 

 up railway systems and improve same. Abolish breaks of 

 gauge and make the railways responsible for damage to stock. 

 Educate small settlers to keep sheep and cattle. Encourage 

 stud breeders. Remove 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 north Australia 

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



