copy of the minutes which definitely sets out what has been permitted in that connection. You will see, then, how desirous we are of affording the settler the utmost facilities compatible with the safety of the industry.

11829. By Mr PAYNTER: The settlers do not consider in the wheat belt that the superphosphate is up to standard?—Yes, I am quite aware of this. We have gone to a lot of trouble in taking samples of superphosphate, and, speaking from memory, I believe in all cases where samples have been taken that while the manufacturers have reduced their standard, the analyses show that they are still above the old standard. I have no doubt whatever that except for a few isolated cases the vendors manufacturing in this State desire to do and are doing all that they undertake.

11830. By Mr CLARKSON: Evidently the offences are not very great judging by the penalties given?—This is so.

11831. By Mr PAYNTER: The position is that farmers require samples taken in the country?—This is done. The Act must necessarily safeguard the interests of both parties. The farmer of course could not take a sample, neither could we allow the vendor to take one. As a matter of fact, in most instances the farmer would not know how to take a sample. When you take a mixed manure in which the granules are different sizes, as you know the shaking about in transit will cause the particles to fall into different parts of the bag. The sample then would not be a true one. We purpose having amendments of the Act made. I called the merchants together and advised them what I purposed doing and asked for suggested amendments. I did this, you will understand, for the reason that the Act is really aimed at the merchant and for the protection of the farmer. When the suggested amendments which I approved were drafted I called a joint conference of merchants and representatives of the farmers. Representatives of the Farmers and Settlers' Association, representatives of the Royal Society, and I think of the Fruit Growers' Association, were called together. One of the proposed amendments which I had set down was that we should make provision for farmers to take sample manure. This was objected to by the fertiliser merchants, and the farmers' representatives agreed that there were real grounds for the objections raised. The result is we have decided that the farmer can have any samples taken by giving notice to the department, and we then arranged to send an inspector to take a sample in accordance with the Act on the payment of a fee to cover bare expenses. With regard to farmers taking samples, I wish to emphasise that the farmers' representatives consider that this was unreasonable.

11832. By Mr PAYNTER: The sample is of course taken before the farmer gets his manure from the trucks?—It can be done at the works after loading or in transit. I think that the fee is 10s., plus the expense of the officer taking the sample.

11833. To the CHAIRMAN: A farmer wrote in to us and advised that he was ordering a truck of lime and requested us to take a sample as it left the works. We did this. We are trying to meet the farmer and protect him in every possible way.

11834. Regarding the Brunswick State Farm, what is the policy of the Government in regard to this farm?—1, to determine what grasses and pasture plants are most suitable to the district and especially for the high lands and how to lay them down. 2, To determine what fodder crops are most suitable for the district and how best to grow and utilise them. 3, To test the suitability of various milking breeds of cattle for the district. The breeds at present being tried are Jersey and Ayrshire. 4, To establish tested herds of pure bred pedigreed milking cattle, so as to provide for sale to settlers of pure bred animals from dams of known milking qualities. 5, To maintain at the stud pure bred bulls, available to settlers at a moderate fee. 6, To maintain small herds of pure bred swine to supply stud animals to farmers of breeds most suited to the district's requirements. 7, To raise pure selected and improved potatoes for seed.

11835. What is the future policy in regard to the Denmark State Farm?—It is very similar, as both farms are in the dairying districts.

11836. By the CHAIRMAN: Does the department hold that it is a good policy to endeavour to establish more than one pedigreed herd of cattle on one small State farm, like Denmark?—No, not a Denmark.

11837. And at Brunswick?—Yes, in order to fulfil the requirements of item three that I gave you. The reason that this was introduced was that I found on visiting the district that the settlers required this question solved and I consider that it should be part of the policy. As a general rule, I consider that it is advisable that one breed only should be kept on each farm. Whatever is found best for the district should be maintained. At Denmark I have decided to keep the Jersey, as I find that tis breed is doing good work. They have a jersey bull there, which is five or six years old, and the manager wanted this animal removed. I saw some of his stock in the district and on account of the quality of these I decided that he should remain there for another two years.

11838. BY Mr CLARKSON: With regard to stud herds that you wish to establish, presuming that they will be available for purchase throughout the State, how will you dispose of the surplus stock, by auction or at a fixed rate?—You have asked me a question that has been exercising my mind since I have had anything to do with these farms. I should like to see this second method adopted, so as to make them available at as low a rate as possible. You, of course, interfere then with the commercial side of the farm and in other respects it is doubtful which is the most practicable way to deal with it. I have not yet arrived at a decision in regard to this matter as I have not had occasion to deal with the question. At the same time, it has been stated that only rich men can buy the cattle at auction and this, of course, is not a good thing. If we adopted the Victorian plan of selling on the butter fat returns from the dam, I am afraid that it would make the price even more impossible to men of small means. 11839. By the CHAIRMAN: What has been the cost of the Brunswick State Farm with accumulated interest and charges to date?—I have it here in this statement prepared by the departmental accountant—