5038. The Minister denies that it had anything to do with the Commonwealth?—I am aware of that and aware also that the Attorney General assured the Lower House that the silos would become the property of the farmers. The "Primary Producer" does not attach any more importance to the verbal promise of the Minister on that subject than he does to his election promises of bridges over the Swan.

5039. In regard to Mr. Keys, you realise that the manager of the Scheme has to consult the Minister before anything is done?—Yes.

5040. And so Mr. Keys may be blamed for that for which he is not responsible?—Very likely.

5041. Mr. Keys has told us that he is available to the Scheme for as long as the Scheme shall require him?—In his evidence he frequently identifies himself with Dreyfus & Co.

5042. Do you not think that Mr. Keys was justified in accepting the position seeing that his own employment was gone?—Certainly.

5043. Do you not think he is likely to be as loyal to his new employers as to his old one?—Certainly. I do not blame him in the least. I think he is quite justified in keeping one eye on his old employment.

5044. There is a possibility of the Scheme dropping out early?—A possibility.

5045. So it is necessary for a man to look forward to his position?—Quite so.

5046. Many of us are prone to think that a man might retain a leaning towards his old firm?—I do not blame Mr. Keys at all, but I blame the Honorary Minister controlling the Wheat Scheme, who appointed Mr. Keys while the Minister was in Victoria. On receipt of a Press telegram containing news of the appointment the "West Australian" sent a report to the Minister for Industries asking him to confirm the news, but Mr. Robinson pointed out that he knew absolutely nothing about it and that the onus of the appointment must rest upon Mr. Baxter. I think that the Premier also was interviewed by the "West Australian," and that, like Mr. Robinson, he admitted knowing nothing whatever about the appointment. I do not blame Mr. Keys, but I am not blind to the fact that he has shown a peculiar attitude.

5047. You mix up a good deal with the farming community. Do you think there would be objection to Mr. Keys if he were working under a board of control?—I think the farmers would have the good sense to know that Mr. Keys would work with the Board by which he was employed, but I cannot understand any body of farmers employing Mr. Keys on the understanding that sooner or later he was to go back to his old firm, whose interests are diametrically opposed to those of the farmers.

5048. It is only a temporary expedient during the war and so Mr. Keys and his late employers can have no effect upon the Scheme?—No, but if it were possible for Mr. Keys to demonstrate that co-operation was an awful failure, it would scarcely be to the detriment of the private handling firm.

5049. By Hon. J. F. ALLEN: How would you suggest the Scheme should set about securing an experienced manager, one who was not connected with the private wheat firms?—It might be possible to communicate with Mr. Clement Giles, probably the most experienced wheat man in Australia to-day, and who nevertheless is not in private employment. I do not know that Mr. Giles would refuse the offer.

5050. Would he be capable of managing the Scheme?—I do not suppose any other man in Australia knows more about wheat than does Mr. Giles. He has represented the co-operative societies of South Australia on the Wheat Exchange and he is at present a member of the Australian Wheat Board. So capable is he that the Commonwealth Government saw fit to put the censorship on to him.

5051. You think the Minister should have appointed Mr. Giles instead of Mr. Keys?—I do not say that.

5052. That he should have consulted Mr. Giles?—I do not even say that. I merely say that Mr. Giles knows all about wheat yet had nothing to do with any private wheat firm. It is an answer to your question.

5053. By Mr. BROWN: You think that in appointing a manager it would have been a fair thing to give due publicity to the appointment?—Certainly, that is an ordinary business principle.

5054. By the CHAIRMAN: In other words, you think that a man might have been obtained who was not connected with any wheat firm or acquiring agent?—Yes.

5055. You are of opinion that if a manger had been publicly advertised for, such a man might have been secured?—Yes.

5056. By Hon. J. F. ALLEN: That is the answer I wanted to my question, which you did not answer?—You have the answer now.

5057. By Mr. HARRISON: You admit that the field for obtaining a manager with the necessary Australian experience was limited?—There is no question about that.

(The witness retired.)

The Commission adjourned.