Part 9

Page 733
image 97 of 100

This transcription is complete

APPENDIX V.

(Referred to in evidence of Mr porter, Ajana.)

Recommendations to be put before the Royal Commission:—

(1.) we consider a five years' exemption from land rents would be most beneficial and materially assist the settler in the development of his holding.

(2.) We consider the Agricultural Bank should assist the newly settled areas to have a minimum of 600 acres cleared, to allow the settler to work on a three years' rotation of cropping.

(3.) That the Agricultural Bank be urged to financially assist all settlers, where practicable, to purchase sheep for their holding. The present system of one stock loan bars many setters from making the best use of their holding.

(4.) In view of the fact that there are certain subdivided areas north of Ajana at present open for selection under a price that is practically prohibitive, we consider that it would be of great benefit if these lands were thrown open under a grazing basis, and at a price that would make it possible for settlers to select with some chance of future success.

(5.) That the Lands Department be urged upon to review the manner in which the repricing of our lands has been administered, and request that stricter attention be given and provision made for second and third class lands.

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APPENDIX VI.

(Referred to in evidence of Mr Downer, Perenjori.)

Matters discussed and carried at a special meeting, Perenjori Branch Farmers and Settlers' Association, Sunday, 19th November, 1916. To be brought before the Royal Commission on Agricultural Industries to sit Perenjori, Saturday, 25th November:—

1st. That wheat growing under existing conditions does not pay; general opinion, 3s. 4d. per bushel clear would pay. That duties on machinery, bags, etc., should be abolished.

2nd. More liberal cash advance from the Agricultural Bank to enable a minimum of 600 acres cleared, fencing, wells, stock.

3rd. Rents to be free for five years.

4th. Payment of land to be reduced from 6d. to 3d. per acre; length of time to pay to be extended proportionately.

5th. That unless farmers in the dry area are assisted on the lines indicated, the industry cannot be a paying proposition.

6th. The Commission to urge the Government to bring in bulk handling at once.

7th. Housing.—An advance of at least £150. Comparing the worker in a town, who is allowed £500, the farmer "who is there to stay" must be a better asset to the country.

8th. Scientist to be employed by the Government to breed suitable improved wheats for the dry areas.

9th. Dairying.—Suitability of the dry areas as to this part of the industry.

10th. Agricultural College.—A thorough up to date institution should be established by the Government in a central part of the State.

11th. Progress Report.—Commission be asked to furnish such report when finished taking evidence in the dry areas.

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APPENDIX VII.

(Referred to in evidence of Mr J. Lang, Carnamah.)

No.1 Financial statement of a Midland Railway ready-made farm of 475 acres, 450 acres of which only are capable of cultivation:—

To Ploughing, cultivating, seeding, and taking off crop of 300 acres (including seed wheat, super, sacks at 33s. 6d., twine, and carting) £502 10s. 0d.

To Ploughing, cultivating, and harrowing 150 acres of fallow at 12s. = £90 0s. 0d.

To Midland Railway, payment of capital and interest = £205 10s. 10d.

Total = £798 0s. 10d.

By Cash received for wheat, 14 bushels per acre = 4,200 bushels, 3s. 2d. = £655 0s. 0d.

By Deficit = £133 0s. 10d.

Total = £798 0s. 10d.

The above statement makes no allowance  for household expenses, taxes, tear and wear, and other sundry expenses.

No. 2.

To ploughing, etc., as per No. 1 = £502 10s. 10d.

To Fallowing = £90 0s. 0d.

To Midland Railway, payments = £205 10s. 10d.

To Household expenses = £200 0s. 0d.

To Extra labour and keep not included above = £50 0s. 0d.

To Taxes = £5 0s. 0d.

To Repairs, renewals, etc.= £15 0s. 0d.

To Sundry expanses = £10 0s. 0d.

Total = £1,078 0s. 10d.

By Cash received for wheat = £665 0s. 0d.

By Deficit = £413 0s. 10d.

Total = £1,078 0 10

From the above it will be readily seen hat a Midland Railway ready-made farm is a hopeless proposition. The average annual yield in this locality is stated at about 14 bushels per acre. To liquidate the charge side of above statement an annual yield of 22 to 23 bushels would be required.