10138. Do you think bulk handling would reduce costs to the farmer?—I am sure that bulk handling would effect a saving in the end, but there must be a fairly large expenditure on the farm before that saving can be secured. Just now the cost of installing a bulk handling system would be very high, notwithstanding which a certain percentage of bags would still have to be used. One great advantage derived from bulk handling is that one would get his certificate showing whether the wheat is first, second, or third quality. Again, there would be a great reduction of the loss caused by weevil and other pests. I think the sytem may eventually come into operation in Australia, but just at present it would cost about treble the estimate compiled before the war unless, indeed, we could utilise local timber largely in place of reinforced cement and steel. I understand that in view of the greatly increased cost of installation the scheme has been turned down in New South Wales, and that there is a deal of feeling against it in South Australia. We could not have silos everywhere dotted about in a scattered country like this, and therefore very many farmers would have to continue the use of bags.

10139. Do you think the Agricultural Bank would be a more useful institution if removed from political control?—Yes, I should remove everything possible from political control.

10140. Do you think the general land policy as directed now, with the consent and frequent changes of ministers, is in the best interests of the State, or could it be better administered in any other way?—I would not like to express an opinion; personally, I think the administration of the Lands Department for years has been lamentable, but it is easy to criticise, there ought not to be any difficulty because the permanent heads of departments are really capable men, and should be allowed reasonable licence, but if you get a new minister coming in who asserts himself, that is different, still I have never personally had much to do with the Lands Department.

10141. Would you favour the idea of an advisory lands board on somewhat the same principle as in South Australia: Some years ago we had one here and that Board used to make suggestions through the Minister?—I have had so little to do with that work, for my properties are all freehold and I am not conversant with the methods, but I know of recent years that there has been great waste through lack of administration.

10142. I was referring to advise for the future land policy of the State?— What would be the functions of a committee such as you mention, could they go outside the Land Act? The question that arises is the Act is best for the country; could it be amended whereby its usefulness could be increased. I have said personally I would give the land away under certain conditions if it could be settled.

10143. By Mr. VENN: Especially poison land?—I would give away a lot.

10144-5. By Mr. CLARKSON: I asked you whether you considered an advisory board dealing with future policy of land settlement would be advisable?—I say I think it would. A permanent board of the best qualified men you could get, to conduct and recommend the procedure that should be followed as to the settlement of the land would be advisable.

10146. By Mr. PAYNTER: Do you favour the continuation of the pool system in disposing of wheat?—I do, conducted and established on line such as I think can be outlined free from political control and under charter making it compulsory for everybody to come in.

10147. By Mr. CLARKSON: Do you consider our present land laws encourage men to take up land?—They are liberal now, but personally I would make them more liberal. The future of this State in particular and all Australia is dependent on land settlement. If we can get the right immigrant after the war, make the land laws as liberal as you can, and I would go so far as to give away much of the land if we can get the right class of settlers.

10148. By Mr. VENN: Do you think it would be advisable to assist settlers with sheep; I refer to those who are ready for them?— It is so essential to have sheep on a farm that most of the men dealing in wheat alone, more especially as they get their land developed will find that they cannot make ends meet in wheat alone. I should say it would be advisable to work in that direction.

10149. We hear people say that they cannot make wheat growing pay without sheep?—In portions of the Eastern wheat belt some of the farmers who have the water are badly handicapped by dogs, and there would be a big mortality.

10150. By Mr. PAYNTER: With regard to fodder crops, have you tried them, and with what success?—I have followed it with varied success for years. Pea crops I have found most successful for fattening when I get a good crop, but the last few years have been such that I do not intend to follow it in the future except in a modified form. When I get a good crop of peas there is no question about fattening qualities, but in the last few years the grubs have ravaged the crops, consequently I have decided to sow no more peas alone. I now sow 60 pounds of peas and 40 to 50 ponds of oats, and that has given good results; the grubs do not attack the oats. The oaten crops, which I favour as most economical and probably the most reliable crop for fodder purposes is oats. I would like to say that if you recommend sheep I suppose you will recommend some cross-bred variety as the most profitable.

                                                                                          (The witness retired.)

                                                                                                — — — — — 

JOHN THOMAS SHILLINGTON, Superintendent of transportation, sworn and examined:

10151. To the CHAIRMAN: The transportation department covers the running of the trains, the conveyance of live stock and passengers. The quality of rolling stock available for present purposes is generally speaking sufficient and in very good condition. I think that the rolling stock that is available has met anything that we might anticipate in the way of influx of business. I cannot say whether there is any provision being made at the present time for an increase in the rolling stock.

10152. Is there a good supply of louvered vans on hand?—We have something like 200. We do not find that number quite sufficient for the demand in the summer time, but I believe we have some on order. I also understand that some of the larger vans are being converted at the works.