PREFERENCE SOUGHT

Grey River Argus, 23 April 1925, Page 5

PREFERENCE SOUGHT

FOR DOM IN l().\ MEAT. ARGUMENT KROM LABOUR. STANDPOINT. LONDON. April 21. Mr. Cramsie, Riving evidence before the Imperial Economic Committee, strongly appealed that consideration should be given to Dominions' meat against foreign. He pointed out that the industry in Australia was'carried on by white labour, working forty-eight hours a week for a basic wage. On the other hand, cheap ]a<bour and longer hours enabled foreigners to reduce the treatment costs by fifty per cent, below the Australian. Referring to statements that Australia would not always be in a position to tender canned goods, he explained if it could bo understood that tenders would bo restricted to the Dominion, or reasonable assistance would be given, the industry would increase to such an extent ns to enable Australia to cater for all contracts .which was impossible at present, without n measure of protection against foreign countries, who were prepared to tender impossible prices, in order to secure contracts and prevent future opposition. Tf assured of a< reasonable market for expor table surpluses, there was no reason why Australia should not increa..o her exports fourfold by a proper scheme of fodder conservation and improved scheme of fattening. In drought time losses could largely be eliminated by artificial fattening, which was carried out in the United States and Argentine. He could se.. no reason why with an assurer! market, Australia, would be unable to fatten equally ns well and ns cconomicnlIv.