xxiv.

In closing, we would say that in an industry so old as agriculture, with its ten thousand years of practice behind it, it was not to be expected that we should discover anything new. We have rather reviewed the operations of our farmers and settlers and have found them as a class lacking in experience, and learning in a new country how to work land under new conditions with little or no direction. The interest of agriculture are not served by dwelling upon admitted defects, but rather by suggesting latent possibilities. We have sought to portray the situation faithfully, neither minimising nor magnifying disadvantages and looking always to the future in the conclusions we have formed. We have pointed out how, in our opinion, practical remedies may be applied to the situation. We are quite confident of the future of the country itself. The land and the country offer a sure and abiding fruitfulness to a race which is prepared to take it as it is and build upon it, under wise administration, the homes and settlement of the future. And when Australians care to return from the crowded cities, with their festering evils, to the free and open life of the sunlit plains or the green forests, which are our heritage from the pioneers, we believe that a better day will dawn for the State.

Dated at Perth, this 17th day of May, 1918. We have the honour to be, Your Excellency's most Obedient Servants,

J. O. GILES, Chairman B. J. CLARKSON, HENRY H PAYNTER, F. E. VENN, Members.

JNO. E. LEE, Secretary.