simply telephone to our secretary in Perth and he carries out our instructions,. We are not strong enough to pay a man permanently to put in the whole of his time, and our secretary cannot be expected to run about getting samples of wheat. We simply order a truck of wheat from Dalgety's and they put what price on it they think fit. 1057. By The CHAIRMAN: As retail merchants you have to buy from Dalgety's?— Yes. 1058. By Hon. R. G. ARDAGH: That is sold at auction?— At public auction providing it exceeds Dalgety's price. The Minister said it was open competition, but I say it is not open competition, but only a sale at Dalgety's price or better. 1059. Do they sell on sample?— No. If one goes to the office they will show one a sample, but guarantee nothing. 1060. By Hon. J. F. ALLEN: A reserve price is put on a truck?— Yes. 1061. By Mr. HARRISON: How long have you been taking wheat from Dalgety's?— I should say for about six months, ever since they have had the monopoly. 1062. Have you many of their invoices?— Yes. 1063. Have you had any rebate at all?— We had a rebate of £2.5s. on one truck of ten bags. The invoices can be produced at any time. They are in the A.M.P. Chambers, where the registered office is. 1064. When you got this rebate was the Scheme inspector sent out to sample the stuff?£ No. 1065. Did Dalgety's send anyone?£ No. 1066. They took your word for it?— They said they had no time or men for the purpose even if we paid the expenses. Mr. Keys, the manager of the Wheat Scheme, told me that when we next wanted a truck to go to him and he would send an inspector down to see it. That inspector was sent down, I understand, from Mr. Keys. The truck I refer to, which cost 4s. 1d., and some of which I sold as low as 5s. a bag, had been reported on by the inspector as being good value. 1067. You mentioned that during the sitting of this Commission wheat could be bought for poultry at much less value than was the case before it sat?— Yes. 1068. You also said that merchants who were able to buy now would make a good thing out of the present purchases?— If prices reverted back to what they were. 1069. You said you bought wheat at 4s. a bushel?— Yes. 1070. What was its value for poultry feed?—About 3s., but some of it under that. 1071. What is the average value you would place on it for poultry feed?— About 1s. a bushel less right through I consider would be something reasonable.