one-third of the soils analysed from different parts of the State contains more than. .05 per cent of common salt. 21. By Mr. PADBURY: Were the soils taken from the agricultural districts? —Yes, from all over the place .(Extracts from Table referred to as attached to Mr. Middleton's report put in) Examples of soils with salt which have grown successful crops (from Table 1 of Mr .Mann's report): — ESPERANCE Sample 183. —Moore, 57 miles; has .125% in surface 6in.and .165% at 6-18in Sample 191. —Thompson, 46-mile- ; has .221%in surface 6in. and 275% at 6-18in and 228% at 18-36in Sample 193. —Thompson; .099% in surface 6 in Sample 201. —Rogers; only .010% salt, yield 15 cwt. as compared with 1½ ton on 191 with more salt. Sample 206 —Fitzpatrick, Baandee; salt 135% top 6 in. and 884% at 6-18 in. —crops successful. 22 By the CHAIRMAN: Could there be any other salt in the soil besides chlorides? —Yes =, there might also be carbonate and sulphates. So far as I gather from the report no attempt has been made to estimate such other possible quantities of salt. If there are no other salts expect the chlorides found, you may consider that these would not generally condemn the district for cropping. There may, however, be other undiscovered salt in those soils which would render them unfit for agricultural purposes. In the absence of sodium carbonate, however, I very much doubt whether the amount of soluble salt in addition to chlorides would be in sufficient amount to prove harmful. Of course, one cannot say until they have been looked for. A considerable amount, however, of such mixed salt can be tolerated, and Whitney states that 375 per cent, of soluble salt, including a fair proportion of chlorides, can be tolerate, provided there is no sodium carbonate. 23. Do you consider that expect experience is required for the proper collection of samples of soils for analysis, or do you think practical farmers are sufficiently qualified to undertake the work? —I think they are not , and if practical farmers collect those sample the result of the investigations will always be open to hostile criticism on the ground that the sample were not properly taken. 24 Are you aware of the nature of our Commission and the problems which confront us? —No, I am not, I admit. 25 By Mr. PADBURY: You are aware of what we are asked to do? —I do not know that I am very clear about it. (Copy of Commissions handed to witness) I have now a copy of the Commission before me. 26 By the CHAIRMAN: In your opinion, are these problems capable of solution by a body of practical farmers or do you think it desirable or essential that we should have the co-operation and advice of a scientist or professional expert? —I think it would be desirable.

27. Could you undertake to assist the Commission in the matter of having samples of soils taken and tested in a manner, The reliability of which could not be questioned? —Yes. 28 Could you undertake to visit the mallee with the members of this Commission, and collect samples of soil in two or three days. That would be a sufficient test? —To collect samples it is of essential importance that they should be proportionately distributed throughout the whole area, and I consider that before these conditions could be complied with it would be necessary to go down and travel over the country , and then take the samples coming back. You will understand, however , that taking samples is only part of the problem; the question will remain what to do with them. (The witness retired.) The Commission adjourned.