Part 6

Page 367
image 30 of 98

This transcription is complete

7189. To Mr CLARKSON: I have 211 acres of crop, of which 40 was fallow, which looked better, but is not yielding as well. I estimate I shall have 11 bushels this year. Ten or 11 bushels would be required to pay costs. I have not considered the question of bulk handling, but the tariff is the reverse of assistance to us.

7190. To Mr PAYNTER: I pickle my wheat, I have not tried any artificial grasses or fodder crops. A man in this district should have at least 1,000 acres of jam and wattle country and should crop 250 acres annually if he had fallow for a start, but he could not do that when he first started on the land. If he has cleared land and fallow, he should do 250 acres at least. I think the rents are too stiff on the settler, especially at the start, as he has nothing coming in for two and a half years from his crops, and unless he has capital to purchase stock he will get behind. After four or five years he ought to be able to manage to pay the rent, and if the rent were deferred for five years it would be a great advantage, as it would leave him some surplus with which to purchase a little stock.

7191. To Mr VENN: I have not been able to keep sheep. I have asked for £150 for horses and machinery, and had a reply to-day. I applied on the improvements I had already done for sheep. I was told that no further money would be granted for stock. I could carry 300 sheep well with water and feed. I have poison in one paddock which is cropped. My country is jam and wattle. If the rents were eased off and I could get sheep I could easily make a success of my holding.

(The witness retired.)

The Commission adjourned.