26 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Juny, 1902. 
Mr. Roxryson having replied to the various criticisms on his paper, which 
was exceedingly well received, 
The Cuarrmay: I merely wish to make the remark that some few years 
ago Mr. J. T. Bell, the member for Dalby, introduced into the House a 
measure proposing a tax on_ stallions with the object, I think, that 
Mr. Robinson has in view. The tax did not pass; it was not approved. 
It was considered it might be oppressive to a number of persons who 
bred, cheaply, something which would do them. And perhaps a feeling of 
sympathy with carriers or persons, who they thought would be affected, 
prevented the members of the House from agreeing to the proposal. I 
notice also that it has been proposed that while a stallion of considerable 
value should not be taxed, with a view to encourage the importation of such 
animals, animals of a low value should be taxed. I can only say that in 
the House this might be looked upon as an endeavour to single out the 
poor man for taxation while it would allow the rich man to go free. With 
regard to the suggestion that the Government take upon itself the business of 
breeding stock and importing stallions, I do not think that the analogy with 
Europe is altogether a good one. We have not got millions of armed men, and 
the fact of the Government taking upon itself the breeding of stud stock for 
military purposes merely indicates that ina military nation, where conscription 
is necessary, it is also necessary for the Government to take those matters into 
its own hands. And I am not sure that the statement which was made that, 
in Europe, the Governments of many of the nations breed horses and import good 
horses from foreign countries is altogether in favour of our Government taking 
upon itself a similar duty. Because where do these European Governments 
import those good horses from? Largely from America and England. If, for 
instance, the best farm horses that can be got are Suffolks, and you have to 
send to Eugland for them, that does not altogether show that the breeding of 
those animals should be taken out of the hands of private persons, because it is 
the private enterprise and skill of England and America that are producing some 
of the best horses of the day. The once despised mule, which has lately been 
so much thought of, comes from America; and the finest trotting horses are also 
the product of the judgment, care, and patience of breeders in that country. 
However beneficial such a tax as that suggested by Mr. Robinson may be, 
members of Parliament will require to be converted before we can obtain any 
substantial result from the opinions which have been expressed. : 
Mr. W. Arxtnson, of Danderoo, then read the following essay on— 
THE POULTRY INDUSTRY. 
To many farmers the title of this paper will seem absurd. “Just fancy calling 
the breeding of a few fowls an industry,’ they will say, and they will pass any article 
or paper on poultry as something of no importance. Our Government must surely 
take the same view of the matter, as I have never heard of the least action they have 
taken to push this industry along. Yet we find the Governments of other States and 
New Zealand are doing great things for this branch of a farmer’s business. New 
South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand haye all established depdts where poultry 
are received by experts, dressed and sent abroad by them, and the Aisa is so 
great that it cannot be met. Several private firms in Queensland have exported 
poultry, and great credit is due to them for their efforts, but until the Government 
take this matter in hand Queensland will have to take a back seat; but just as surely 
as we occupy the position as the best beef-producing State in the Commonwealth, so 
surely can we beat all competitors in the poultry export trade if the business is 
undertaken by the farmers and the Government in a business-like way. Is the trade 
worth having? Well, just listen to this extract from the Oourier’s telegrams. It 
says this: ‘ Wellington, 3rd March, 1902. The poultry industry in New Zealand 
was never in such a flourishing position as at present, and prospects for the future are 
very bright indeed. The Agricultural Department has been adyised that there is a 
profitable marketin South Africa for 40,000 head per month. A letter received states 
that, at the time of writing, frozen fowls were selling in Capetown at 16s. per pair, while 
preserved and fresh eggs fetched 3s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. per dozen respectively. Great 
activity prevails in all the Government poultry-dressing establishments, about 5,000 
head per month being dealt with.” ; On 
