41 



THE WORLDS MEAT FUTURE 



explanations for the stagnation in the industry and the want 

 of confidence which is causing owners to cuitail operations, 

 and preventing others from taking up country and stocking it. 

 The pastoral occupation of the outside country is of funda- 

 mental importance to Australia. It is the only way to develop 

 natural resources, people an empty continent, keep the fac- 

 tories of the Commonwealth open, and provide employment, 

 while checking the fatal preponderance of the metropolitan 



Reserve Champion* Hereford Bull, Sir Hamilton, 



Brisbane Show, Q., 1918 



Exhibited by Mrs. Lumley Hill 



population. In no other way can waste places be made produc- 

 tive. By increased production alone will it be possible to meet 

 growing national and private obligations. Australian manu- 

 facturers depend wholly on home markets, and are not likely 

 to become exporters. They must look to the stock-owner, 

 grain-grower, and dairyman for orders, and similarly the earn- 

 ing power of State-owned railways and State-controlled har- 

 bours and ports will fluctuate with the varying fortunes of the 

 primary producers. 



1 9 it too much, then, to ask that the Parliaments of the Com- 

 monwealth and States shall call a halt to their more or less 



