The Land Act should be amended to provide that the maximum holding area outside the above limit be increased from 1,000 acres to 3,000 acres, and thus enable the settler remaining on such areas to carry on sheep farming there. The problem of dealing with these outside areas is fraught with great difficulties, but bearing in mind the present difficulty of obtaining money, and even if such moneys were procurable the apparent absurdity of building railways to this wheat country, when the growers of wheat in more favoured localities under present conditions cannot produce at a profit, your Commissioners are of the opinion their recommendation should be given effect to.

Goomarin Soldier Settlement:

Your Commissioners recommend that the matters in regard to this settlement be dealt with by the Agricultural Bank, and in proper cases there should be a writing down of capital and the removal of efficient but dissatisfied settlers to suitable blocks in other areas. Cleared and improved land in this settlement not suitable for agriculture might be turned into profitable use for grazing; the areas to be held for such purposes being increased to 3,000 acres.

Sheep Farmers:

To help the position for these farmers, your Commissioners recommend that the payment of their land rents and interest due to the Agricultural Bank be suspended for two years and cancellation of fines for that period. It is difficult, if not impossible, for these small woolgrowers to meet these obligations at present, and there is nothing gained by harassing the settlers to pay land rents and interest under immediate circumstances. It is better to encourage them for the time being to maintain their assets.

In view of the desperate position of many woolgrowers in the Southern portion of the State, it is recommended that expedition be employed in bringing the Relief Plan into operation in order to furnish immediate supplies and obtain control over the coming clip.

Flour Acquisition Act:

Your Commissioners recommend that a sales tax on flour be imposed by a Flour Acquisition Act as adopted in New South Wales to provide the "Fund" under Part 2 of the Plan.

Transport of Live Stock:

From an examination of railway rates, your Commissioners are amazed to learn that since 1914 there has been an average increase of approximately 57 per cent. on the carriage of cattle and stock (rates on horses remain the same). By the time commission to agents, yard fees, heavy railway freight, and other charges at Midland Junction are deducted, no wonder under present conditions there is little left for the stockowner. What chances have farmers under present conditions to pay interest, land rents and costs of living with such excessive charges? The necessity for care in shunting live stock should be emphasised by the department. Complaints are rife at the class of stock trucks used in Western Australia. Trucks with covered tops and grated floors are essential. Under present truck conditions, in wet weather sheep on arrival at the yards are stained and have lost their "bloom," which prejudices their value. It is most important that the Railway Department give the construction of suitable trucks the earliest attention.

Legislation:

In order to carry out the foregoing recommendations, the following legislation will be required:—

1. An Act validating the Plan.

2. An amendment of the Federal Bankruptcy Act should be sought declaring valid any securities by way of lien authorised by State legislation. The amendment could be limited for a period of two years or until revoked by Proclamation.

3. An amendment of the Farmer' Debts Adjustment Act, to make operative Parts 1 and 2 of the Plan, as recommended.

4. An Act to make Trustees of the Wheat Pool a Body Corporate, giving them sole rights of handling wheat from sidings to terminals and storing at either point, and also power to inaugurate and control any bulk handling scheme in Western Australia.

5. An amendment of the Agricultural Bank Act and of the Finance and Development Act, to allow writing off interest for two years, waiving accommodation interest, and allowing interest to be paid pro rata in the cases provided for under the Plan, and to waive priority liens at the discretion of the Trustees of the last mentioned Act.

6. An amendment of the Land Act, waiving collection of land rents for two years in approved cases, and in others to accept payment of such rents with one year's interest to mortgagees and other specific creditors under the Plan, pro rata.

7. Flour Acquisition Act: To provide part of the funds necessary for financing Part 2 of the Plan.

8. Agricultural Bank Act: Amendment of the Agricultural Bank Act, limiting the Bank's lien on crops to lands, subject to the Bank's mortgage securities.