have done it yourself?—In all probability, if I had not overlooked the matter.

7323. By Mr. BROWN: Do you pay full rates now to the ports?—There has been practically none except some from Midland Junction. There are only a few isolated trucks from Spencer's Brook, none from Tambellup, while Geraldton is already at the port. The bulk of the wheat which has come from the depôts is from Spencer's Brook back to Northam. That arrangement will not effect this.

(The witness retired)

The Commission adjourned.

THURSDAY, 19th SEPTEMBER, 1918.

(At Perth.)

Present:

Hon. W. C. Angwin, M.L.A. (Chairman).

Hon. J. F. Allen, M.L.C. Hon. R. G. Ardagh, M.L.C.

S. M. Brown, Esq., M.L.A. T. H. Harrison, Esq., M.L.A.

CHARLES FARQUHARSON BAXTER, Hon. Minister controlling Wheat Scheme, further examined:

7324. WITNESS: You will remember that when I was giving my evidence on Wheat Scheme matter at the early stage of your enquiries, I was not able to remember or find any record of a meeting that was supposed to have been held in my office with representatives of the Westralian Farmers, Ltd., with regard to the handling arrangements for the 1917-18 Season. In view of the subsequent confident statements made by other witnesses before the Commission that a Conference had taken place, I felt very concerned that I might have been making a mistake. I have consequently had a careful search made at all likely and unlikely quarters. I find that at that time I was sharing the services of the Secretary of the Minister for Industries and his typist, both in connection with Wheat Scheme matters and those phases of the Colonial Secretary's Department concerning which I was especially assisting the Colonial Secretary, for instance, Fremantle Harbour Trust, State Steamships, etc. Amongst several loose papers in connection with that Department I have come across notes on two deputations that waited upon me in my position as Minister controlling the Wheat Scheme. The first was from the Westralian Farmers, Ltd., on 27th August, 1917, and the second from a representative of the Shipper Agents on 12th September, 1917, and I take this, the earliest, opportunity of laying them before the Commission. The only officer of the Scheme who was present at the deputations was Mr. Sibbald, and if he had still been connected with the Scheme he would probably have seen that either the original notes or copies were placed on the files. Unfortunately, this was not done by the typist who took the notes and as he very shortly afterwards left the Industries Department, the matter was overlooked.

(The witness retired.)

The Commission adjourned.