THE CATTLE INDUSTRY.

Evening Star, Issue 17968, 15 May 1922, Page 6

THE CATTLE INDUSTRY.

GRAZIERS’ DIFFICULTIES. SYDNEY, May 15. (Received May IS, at 12.30 p.m.)

The ‘ Herald,’ dealing with the Federal Government’s beef subsidy scheme, says: “ Everybody in the industry is gratified that the scheme has been accepted by all sections, but it is recognised that it is not going to transform the cattlemen’s position from depression to prosperity in one act. An expert is working out the costs on a new basis. He estimates the prices to bo paid for prime cattle on the stations in Queensland at £5 10s per head. Even this low price is better than nothing, and will enable the cattlemen to dispose of their surplus stock and; will allow for station expenditure, killing, and other charges.” The ‘Herald’ says that even with the scheme in working it appears likely that the industry will bo several million pounds on the wrong side in the corning season, without considering possible losses from drought and! disease. The Queensland cattlemen realise that there are very hard times ahead unless the English market improves or the cost of production is further reduced. The position of the New South Wales cattlemen is regarded; as little, if any, better than those, in Queensland. The ‘Herald’ adds: “In all the States the cattlemen received such a set-back during the past two years that the view is strongly held that in future no country suitable for sheep will run a largo stock of cattle. It. is considered that the lime is not far distant when Queensland will bo running 30,000,000 sheep, or nearly twice the present number, by displaying their equivalent in cattle.”