Appended to this report are estimates prepared by the Hon. T. Bath, for Horse Traction (appendix 5), and an estimate prepared by Mr F. C. Farrall, one of your Commissioners, in respect to Power Traction (Appendix 6). Other examples worked out by your Commissioners are given in Appendices 7, 8 and 9.

Conclusion.

Your Commissioners desire to impress upon all sections of the community their dependence directly or indirectly on primary production. Anything which hampers primary production has its corresponding effect on the general interests. If the primary producer fails, it is reflected in the state of trade generally, the incapacity to pay wages and salaries, in city land values, and in many other ways. It therefore behoves all sections of the community to realise that for the preservation of the State and the interests of all, the farmer must be given a reasonable chance to obtain some compensation for his labours, and when through the collapse of markets over which he has no control, the farmer should be free from the fear of losing the heritage he has toiled to create for his children.

Your Commissioners are convinced that reductions in costs are more permanently reliable than dependence on the vagaries of world's markets. Further, your Commissioners would impress upon the members of our Legislature the "time is the very essence of the contract," and that financial preparations must be instituted forthwith for the harvesting of 1931-32 and cropping and harvesting for 1932-33, so that there will be no heart-breaking, harassing, and unnecessary delays in bringing forward the required legislation.

Dated at Perth this 31st day of July, 1931.

We have, etc.,

(Signed) A. H. DICKSON, Chairman., HARRY HALE, G. H. CARLISLE, THEODORE PELLOE, R. W. BROWNLIE, Secretary.

MINORITY REPORT.

May it please Your Excellency,

I find myself in a somewhat invidious position, for while agreeing in the main with the majority report I am emphatically of the opinion that the recommendations do not go far enough.

The plan submitted makes full and ample provision for carrying on settlers who are in difficulties, but there is no recommendation suggesting any relief whatever to the wheatgrower, who, though able to arrange his own finances, is nevertheless producing at a very heavy loss.

The evidence submitted to you Commission proves that wheatgrowing cannot be continued on present prices. This fact is fully borne out in the majority report, and unless some provision is made to ensure that wheatgrowers are recouped at least the cost of production, a state of collapse must assuredly follow.

The community generally must show a readiness to sustain the industry on which they are so dependent. The exportable value of last season's crop is estimated to be worth at least £4,500,000, and the value of this monetary circulation amongst banks, railways, merchants, and workers, clearly evidences the benefit that is being derived from the industry. The effect of the withdrawal of such an amount through the collapse of the industry should be obvious.

As an indication of the benefits accruing to the rest of the community from the efforts of the farmer., the following example should suffice:— 350 acres of wheat averaging 15 bushels per acre, sold at 2s. per bushel ... £525. Cost of production ... £846. Resultant loss to grower ... £321.

Assuming the value of the imported materials used in production of 1,750 bags of wheat is £100, the exportable wealth on which the national existence depends is £425. Of this sum £321 represents the grower's loss. Clearly, therefore, the rest of the community have gained £321 at the expense of the grower.

It is contended that if the prices ruling for wheat next harvest show no improvement, a general debacle must take place, and it is difficult to appreciate how any of the clauses in the plan recommended for liquidating debts can then be given effect to.

RECOMMENDATION.

That wheatgrowers of this State join in the establishment of a Commonwealth compulsory pool provided that a price is fixed for the home consumption of wheat on a Commonwealth basis.

Failing such an arrangement, that the State legislature pass an Act levying a general tax to raise sufficient money to recoup the grower at least the difference between the market price and direct cost of production estimated at 3s. per bushel.

Dated this 31st day of July, 1931.

I have, etc.,

(Sgd.) F. C. FARRALL.