1136. Do you think it would be better if the f.a.q. was fixed by a board appointed by the Government?— I have never had cause to find fault with the sample that was struck. 1137. You have referred to the fact that perhaps 25 farmers got together and formed themselves into co-operative societies and then appointed some of their members as directors, and the directors appointed a secretary and manager, and soon after, that secretary was appointed agent for the Westralian Farmers, Ltd., and he was the one who had to pass a decision on the quality of wheat?— He received his appointment from the executive body. The company took the agency from the Westralian Farmers before appointing the secretary. 1138. The secretary got his position as agent by the virtue of his office as secretary or manager? — Yes. 1139. The acquiring agents are the Westralian Farmers Ltd. The sub- agents are the co-operative societies, and the latter appointed their secretary or manager to act for them. Then this officer has to pass a decision on the quality of the wheat sent in by those who employ him. Do you know any instances where anything has been done by the officer which might be regarded as detrimental to the Scheme?—Yes, several. 1140. That inferior quality of wheat has been accepted as f.a.q.? — yes, in some instances, and rejected in others. 1141. That is, it has been accepted from members of his association or bosses as you term them, and rejected from those who were not in his bosses?— You could not put it that way. I suppose the whole of the company are really his bosses. The man is placed in a position that no man should be placed in. 1142. You do not think he will do it wilfully?— Perhaps not wilfully, but he is only human, and when there is a snug billet hanging on to it for the rest of winter and directors are arriving with wheat which is below f.a.q., he will perhaps give them the benefit of the doubt. 1143. You can say this has been done?— Absolutely. 1144. Can you give any instances — you need not mention names you can mention sidings?— There is really only one name at each siding. It has been fairly general, from what I can gather. 1145. That is, that the bulk of the wheat received this year has not been up to f.a.q. standard, and in your opinion that is owing to the agent accepting wheat being employed by the men who are delivering the wheat?— Absolutely. 1146. You think this action is detrimental to the Scheme?— It causes general dissatisfaction and discontent amongst the farmers. 1147. By Mr BROWN: Could your local society handle the wheat without help from the Westralian Farmers Ltd.?— Yes. In big centres two companies or two agents should be appointed. 1148.