THE DEMAND FOR MEAT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15657, 10 July 1914, Page 6

THE DEMAND FOR MEAT.

Evidence was recently given before a Royal Commission that the number of cattle in Queensland was decreasing. The President of the New South Wales Pastoralists' Association now states that the flocks of that state have decreased by six millions during the past five years. This evidence confirms what has been agreed upon by all competent authorities for some time past, that the world's supply of animal food is decreasing, while the demand for it is increasing very fast. In consequence the pastoral industries are absolutely assured of a prosperous future, All the indications point to high prices for meat and such alternative foods as butter and to a rich reward for those countries which arc in a position to supply the millions of Europe and North America. It is estimated that the meat-eating population of the world has increased by at least twenty millions in ten years, and that the consumption per head has also shown a tendency to rise. The United States has changed from an agricultural country to an industrial country, and has ceased to provide meat for its rapidly-increasing population. Canada, absorbed in wheat-growing, has also become dependent to some extent on outside supplies, while the United Kingdom imports more meat every year. The peoples of Europe arc demanding the removal of the! restrictions which prevent their competing for frozen and chilled meat. South America, Australia, and New Zealand have been left to supply the animal food for which there is an increasing demand, but they have not been able to produce enough, and the live stock of Australia has recently been decreasing. The flocks and herds of New Zealand are still growing, but the incroase is insignificant compared . with the expansion of the markets. Between 1900 and 1911 sheep increased from 19 millions to 23* millions, and cattle increased from 1,773,326 in 1908-9 to 2,020,171 in 1911. There was never a clearer instance of opportunity knocking at a people's door, but it can only be seized if settlement is promoted and transit facilities provided.