CHILLED BEEF.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18894, 8 January 1927, Page 16

CHILLED BEEF.

DEVELOPMENT SCHEME.

£7,530,000 CAPITAL

(Fr.OM OCR OWN CORSES poN" DENT.)

LONDON", November 2",

An important scheme for producing and marketing chilled meat and other food supplies to be produced in Australia is outlined in a memorandum presented to the Secretary for the Dominions by the Committee of Initiatives, of which Sir Archibald "Weigall is chairman. In a covering letter Sir Archibald states that the necessary support is already promised for bringing the plans to maturity on the lines set forth when the committee has successfully completed its functions. Briefly, the proposal is to develop an untenanted part of the Empire, situate in the North-West of Australia, a region described as being ideal for beef production, and eminently suitable for close settlement by British"men and women. It is proposed to iieef of the highest quality for sending chiiled to the London market, where it can be sold at prices subsctantiaHy less than those at present charged for the South American product. Such a scheme to be successful must be in lino with modern methods of organised group trading. It must, in fact, consist of a series of correlated industries — cattle-rearing, refrigerating, shipping, distribution—all governed by a central organisation. The various expenditures incident to the carrying out of the scheme would cause a disbursement of many millions of pounds sterling in British industries, the function of this Committee of Initiative being* to act as custodians of the public advantage in instituting and co-ordinating the various component parts of the scheme. Its adoption would have a determining effect upon the development of other i areas, and the repercussion in other ' parts of the Empire would bo both immediate and lasting.

The area proposed to be developed is that part of West Australia known as the KLmberlevs, and situated between the Fitzroy and Drvsdale rivers. It has an abundant rainfall, and it is claimed that its equable climate, its fine tablelands, and its many rivers render it suitable for settlement and permanent colonisation by emigrants from the United Kingdom" Its exceptional harbours, varied altitudes, and fertile soil afford every requirement for the establishing of ports, towns, and villages. There nro no diseases or mortal pests ; and there is no native problem. It is the object of the scheme to place this territory within twentyfive days of London by a new line of ten large Diesel-engined ships, in order to bring Australia within the chilled meat distance, thereby avoiding hitherto necessary freezing.' The total capital expenditure involved is estimated at £7.550,000, and against an annual expenditure of £5,502,500 a revenue of £7.350,000 is anticipated. It is suggested that the capital should be provided in part by hrn Majesty's Government, by a subscription for ordinary shares in the public company to be constituted, and the remainder by a public issue of debentures.