Part 7

Page 443
image 8 of 100

This transcription is complete

stock to people who would not make proper use of them ? - Every man should have the opportunity of enjoying the assistance provided by the Industries Assistance Board. This year I estimate that I will lose three bushels to the acre because I was unable to carry on my operations and purchase things to enable me to put my crop in early. Some of it was put in early and some of it late. The later averages as low as five bushels below the other. I did not have the money to procure the manure, etc. My own bank would go no farther with me. Prior to the war my security was worth £14,000. Every settler who desires it should have the protection of the industries Assistance Board. I was in this position, that I was unable to get my crop off unless I gave an assignment over it, yet as soon as I got my crop off I was able to pays 20s. in the pound. The Industries Assistance board refused to deal with me because they said I was in a position to finance myself. I pointed out that all my chances of financing had been cut away beneath my feet. However, I finally got assistance from the merchants and gave an assignment. Last year we paid between £200 and £300 to the rail areas there is a lot of inferior machinery. There are many macho=ines out of which men have not had a weeks work. The agents have imposed £200 worth of machinery on them and it has been purchased in good faith, but there is no redress once you have received delivery. There was a reaper - thresher, for instance, guaranteed to do good work, and we have a couple of cultivators guaranteed, Ransomes but they are intended for land that is cleared of stumps, five or six inches deep, and are useless otherwise.

7997. By Mr. PAYNTER : Could the standardising of machinery be effected ? - in that way a set of parts could be kept for many years. Of course the scheme would depend upon being able to bring the Farmers together, 20 of them, for instance, working combinedly  ? - We pioneers are working under great disabilities. The Country stores sell goods which are 25 per cent. Less in value than those procurable in the city, and yet we are charged 25 per cent. More for them. Moreover, pioneering makes young women old before their time. The question of education, of doctors, of nurses, of stores have all had their effect upon land settlement. There are many women in the bush who put up with privations while their sisters in the city are enjoying luxuries. My wife has been here for four years, and she has four children ranging in ages from nine down to three years, but she has never been away from the place for four years. We did anticipate a trip to the seaside this year, but that will cost us £25, for we must purchase clothes. A few days ago we had to have the unhappiness of telling the children that they would be disappointed and we could not go away. The majority of the women that have lived here all these years are of different stuff from the women who go to picture shows every night in Perth.

                                                                  ( The witness retired )


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R. S. JONES, MANAGER W.A. BANK, examined :

7998. BY the CHAIMAN : How long have you been managing the bank here ? - for 12 months. The branch of the bank has been established for 2 ½ years - as a junior I was in York and Beverley and other agricultural centres.

7999. What is the Bank valuation of the best free - hold farms well improved close to the railway ? - Freehold adjoining the townsite would be about £3 an acre. We have none further out.

8000. Will the recoveries from crops be satisfactory ? - We only have two farming overdrafts ; most of the accounts are credit accounts. They were really accounts transferred here from Perth, but those two accounts will be able to keep up their interest.

8001. Is the banks policy to carry on for the coming season ? - I know nothing to the contrary.

8002. What is the average yield in the district ? - last year was a fair average season and returned about 15 bushels. This year the position is incomplete to date, but the general opinion is that it will be under 10 bushels due to the absence of rain in September.