36 THE WORLDS MEAT FUTURE 



mg 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 

 pastoral industry ? 



Several correspondents take the view that there is little 

 prospect of expansion in face of growing taxation, industrial 

 unrest, rising wages, and inefficient labour. Others state that 

 any growth will depend upon successful occupation of central 

 and northern Australia, growth of confidence, and removal of 

 restrictions. If meat and wool prices remain relatively high 

 they may restore vitality to a languishing industry. One corre- 

 spondent says : " The industry requires large reserves of capi- 

 tal, 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, especially on 

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

 spondents contrast the prices paid for stud stock in England 

 by breeders in the Argentine Republic with the lack of enter- 

 prise on the part of Australians in keeping up a standard. 



(There is a consensus of opinion that both cattle and sheep 

 can be improved on the meat side with all-round advantage. 

 For export meat trade cross-breeding of sheep is recommended.) 



6. What improvements do you recommend in the carriage 

 of live-stock on the railways ? 



Railway management in almost all the States is strongly 

 condemned. One well-informed correspondent, with excep- 

 tional experience, says : " The whole system of carriage of 

 stock on railways requires remodelling. State railways should 

 be made ' Common Carriers,' and be responsible. An expert 

 should be imported on behalf of all the States — preferably 

 from Argentina — to revise the whole system. Stock should 

 be watered on long-distance runs, and stock trains should run 

 to schedule time." Also, votes at General Elections should not 



