stated that the manure had no beneficial effect on crops, and the fallacy of that statement was proved because the change had not taken place until three months after the fertiliser for that particular crop was sent out. The crop had been manured with the old fertiliser. One of the inspectors of fertilisers stated that practically no attempt was made by fertiliser merchants to impose inferior manure on the public. Any complaint or prosecutions had been due to technical breaches of the Act or to technical ignorance on the part of those dealing with fertilisers.

9173. By the CHAIRMAN: What is the reduction in the guarantee?-- Originally the local superphosphate manufacturers guaranteed that it contained 17 per cent water soluble phosphoric acid, 1 per cent of citric soluble phosphoric acid, and 2 per cent of insoluble phosphoric acid. The latter is a form of phosphoric acid which is of little benefit for agricultural purposes, and it is only in the manure because if absent the manure will not run through the drill. In Great Britain the Act provides that vendors of superphosphate shall be allowed credit for water soluble phosphoric acid only. The local manufacturers have found they can manufacture a dry or free running manure with a reduced amount of acid soluble phosphoric acid, and they now sell an article containing 5 per cent of citric soluble phosphoric acid and 5 per cent of acid soluble or "insoluble" phosphoric acid, but still containing 17 per cent water soluble phosphoric acid.

9174. By Mr. PAYNTER: That has not reduced its value as a manure?-- No, it has not.

9175. By the CHAIRMAN: That idea was founded on a misconception. The farmer did not understand the position. The price had been raised and there was no protection?-- That is so. The standard has not been increased, but there is no Act to protect the farmer from an increase in price.

9176. By Mr. PAYNTER: Do you think the rise in price is justified?-- Yes, I do. Prior to the rise in price, the late Minister for Agriculture, Mr. W.D. Johnson, had a conference with the principals of the two firms and they satisfied him that owing to the increased cost of the raw material and the increase in freight the increase in price could not be avoided.

9177. By the CHAIRMAN: For the purpose of formal publicity, will you express an opinion as to the relative value of the Australian manufactured superphosphate as compared with the imported superphosphate under normal conditions?-- I must answer that in this way: In 1911-12 I had to purchase a lot of fertiliser for the farmers and I purchased the local material. The real way in which to estimate the value of fertiliser is to ascertain the unit value of its plant food. I calculated this out and found that the unit value of the ingredient in the case of the locally manufactured superphosphate was slightly in excess of that of the imported article, but the local superphosphate had the advantage that it is a free running material. It runs through the drill well and, therefore, I prefer the local manufactured article to the imported.

9178. Taking the actual cash value of the two manures, the Australian compared favourably?-- I purchased the local article in preference to the imported. The article made locally is extremely high grade it its quality.

9179. Is there any duty on the imported superphosphate?-- I am under the impression there is not, but that is not a matter about which I concern myself.

9180. If there is no duty the local manufacturer cannot be alleged to take advantage of the duty?-- He has the advantage of the freight. The last time I was before the Commission I was asked a question in connection with land settlement, and at the time I had not gone thoroughly into the matter, and I made a rather indefinite statement. I was asked if I would give better terms as to the land taken up. Thinking it over since I have come to the conclusion that it would be better for the farmers and more economical for the State if more care were taken in the selection of settlers, and if the amount of financial assistance granted were reduced to the minimum, and the terms of land purchase and repayment were liberalised to the fullest extent. I believe the financial assistance granted should be just sufficient to enable the people to carry on in reasonable comfort, but instead of granting full value for improvements, I would suggest reducing this to the minimum, and lessen the amount to be paid for rent, etc., especially in the earlier stages; if possible, repayments and rents in the earlier stages to be abolished altogether. You have either to give full payment for improvements or to reduce the amount payable for rent and lengthen the term for repayment. I prefer the latter. (The witness retired.) _________________

WALTER CLARK, Secretary of the Perth Branch of the Farmers and Settlers' Association, and West Australian representative of the Westralian Farmers, Ltd., sworn and examined:

9181. By the CHAIRMAN: The Commission understand that you have certain matters which you wish to bring before our notice and we invite you to make a statement concerning these matters?-- My first complaint is as to the charges at Fremantle, especially as to the storage question. It is stated in a newspaper extract that the Harbour Trust offered accommodation for two million bags of wheat at a rate of £10,000 per annum.

9182. That is the rent required for the use of the wharves and space?-- Just for the space, and it works out at 167,000 tons, hence the charge is 1s. 3d. per ton for 12 months.

9183. Do you regard that as an excessive rate?-- In comparison with the charges in South Australia, and under similar circumstances in this State. In South Australia the harbour board ports, not those like Pirie and Augusta, charge from 1½d. to 9d. per ton for 12 months. At the railway ports the stacking ground is 7s. 6d. per foot which works out at 2¾d. per ton for 12 months.

9184. What do you call the railway ports?-- Those are the ports under the control of the Railway Department- Pirie, Wallaroo, Port Augusta, and Lincoln.

9185. What are the charges at Port Adelaide?-- There is no stacking at Port Adelaide.