There 13 one class upon whose assistance this new industry has peculiar claims, and if its me (nbers have any public spirit, or are capable of taking an enlightened and fore casting view of their own interests, there will be no lack of capital with which to set up nev meat-preserving works. We of course refer to the stockowners of the colony. The principal effect of our meat-preserving opera tions will be to raise the price of sheep and cattle, and so enrich the squatters. Will they aid in extending the new industry? Past experience of them does not justify the expectation that they will use any exertion or incur any risk, in such a cause Their manner is to grasp at immediate individual gain, and. leave it to others to work out schemes of -general usefulness, even though they should^ themselves be the greatest gainers from the success of such schemes. It is to the mercantile class that we look for such an extension of our meat-preserving in dustry as circumstances now demand ; and unless the merchants of Victoria have lost somewhat of that spirit of enterprise for which they have long, been distinguished, it will not be long before measures are taken which will insure to the English consumer a constant supply of the new article of food which he Bas so recently received into his favor, and create a new Victorian export trade from which all classes in the community will derive substantial benefit.
THE BHUCE HERALD.
