Part 9

Page 652
image 17 of 100

This transcription is complete

FRIDAY, 15th JUNE, 1917. (At Wagin.)


Present: B. L. Clarkson, Esq. (in the Chair). H. H. Paynter, Esq. | F. E. Venn, Esq.


SIDNEY STUBBS, M.L.A., Farmer and Storekeeper, Wagin, sworn and examined:

9740. By Mr. CLARKSON: I have been farming here 10 years. I hold 8,000 acres, of which one-third is first class, the balance being second and third in equal proportion. I have 2,200 acres cleared, 500 being in crop, of which 300 is fallow. I believe in fallow in this district. No other method is reliable. Fallow is at the least three or four bushels better than other methods. I fallow from 2½ inches to four inches according to the quality of the land. I get best results from a bushel of wheat, a bushel and a- half of oats, and from 80 to 100lbs. of super. I plough the fallow in September or October, and cultivate twice in February. I do not cultivate again before seeding. I believe in early seeding. Yandilla King and Federation varieties are the best. I think the average of the State could be increased by the proper selection of seed wheat. I use a stump-jump plough. I have not studied the question of large as against small farm machinery. The highest average I have had was 25 bushels of oats and 20 bushels of wheat. My normal average is about 20 of oats and 12 of wheat. The eastern portion of the district, where the rainfall is less, is better for wheat than the west, which is better for oats. I am sure bulk handling would reduce costs. My farm is only half a mile from the railway station, so I have not given much consideration to the question of getting the wheat to the railway. From an agricultural point of view, a free trade tariff in respect of machinery is better than a protective tariff. The farmer has to sell his wheat in the world's market, and logically he should be permitted to buy his machinery under the same conditions. Until recently, the railway freights on machinery and fertilisers were almost prohibitive. If the fertilisers were carried free, as in New Zealand, the State would be the gainer in the increased harvest to be carried by the railway.

9741. To Mr. PAYNTER: The appointment of experts, such as Mr. Sutton, was in the interests of the State, if those experts had been allowed to carry out their proper duties. The diverting of the services of Mr. Sutton was a great mistake. The agricultural experts have not been seen in this district to any great extent. I favour the continuance of the wheat pool. Our present land laws could be improved with advantage to the settler and the State. The provision of a ring fence, as insisted upon by the Agricultural Bank, means an immense amount of money lying idle which could be better devoted to the improvement of the holding. In this district a man must have sheep. Some men are making good on wheat alone, but it is only due to wonderful energy on their part and to the fact that their wives are living the lives of slaves.

9742. To Mr. VENN: I am sure dairying can be carried on successfully in this district. Many of the settlers have combined for the carrying of a few cows. Until a few years ago I used to bring into this town from 5 to 7cwt. of imported butter per week. To-day we scarcely bring in a box of butter in six months. The labour difficulty is the only obstacle to dairying on a large scale. We require a butter factory in this district and, given reasonable assistance from the Government, I think we will have it within say, a couple of years. I have at Kukerin a client who, by the keeping of a few cows and some fowls, has been able to pay his way on a six bushel average without sheep. The value of improved land around Wagin is £3 at the outside. The wool grown in this district is of very high quality. Last year my farm showed a profit of £1,835 due to my sheep. I could put another 1,000 sheep on my farm tomorrow. Once the timber is cleared and the ground turned over, the value of the land is materially enhanced. Trefoil and dandelions soon establish themselves after the land is broken up.

9743. To Mr. CLARKSON: The cost of cropping varies considerably according to the wages. In normal times, with wages at 35s. and found, the cost has been about 27s. 6d., but with wages at £2 5s. it could not be done at less than 32s. 6d. These prices are inclusive of depreciation but not of interest on capital.

9744. By Mr. CLARKSON: Can you make any suggestions as to what the State might legitimately do for the encouragement of land settlement and the betterment of the agricultural industry?—The State might encourage increased production. During the last few years, a quarter of a million has been spent in this district on railways. It is utterly impossible for the few people on the land with their limited production to pay axle grease on the money thus spent. Reduction of freights on farmers requisites is necessary. The establishment of silos for the bulk handling of wheat should be entered upon. Every settler should be encourage to make at least one paddock sheep-proof, and money should be advanced to enable him to purchase stock. A vigorous policy on the part of the Government could save us the enormous amount of money annually leaving the State for dairy produce. The farmer ought by every means to be encouraged to adopt better methods. For the establishment of butter factories the State would be perfectly justified in subsidising private enterprise. I have £12,000 owing to me and I have written off £4,000 as bad debts due to the incompetency of the men attracted to the land.