for the last 10 years. In all I have cleared 35 acres. After the first two years I always used super sowing broadeast. One year I got it drilled in and secured a better return. There are a few rabbits out there, but not many. The fruit trees are growing very well. the oldest of them is about seven years. I have had no assistance from the Agricultural Department. I am certain that good crops can be grown out there, particularly with proper methods of cultivation. I have a water-hole and a well, but no dam. The water is excellent, although only a chain from the salt river. Horses do very well in the locality. I have bred a few horses and cattle and all do well. The fattest beast seen in the Bay was fattened out near my place.

388. By Mr PADBURY: Where did you come from?— From South Australia. There and in the back blocks of Queensland I have been all my life until I came here. I have kept no sheep here, although I think they would do very well. There is marlick poison in the country, but it is easily eradicated. I am growing only sufficient fruit for our own use. I have not been making a good living perhaps, but sufficient to keep me out of debt. I am about 14 miles from the railway survey.

389. By Mr McDonald: How long since you lived in South Australia?— 20 years. I was carrying through the back parts of South Australia right up to Alice Springs. I knew the mallee in South Australia through the Murray Flats. They grubbed the mallee and the stumps paid for the clearing. I know Port Broughton, but I was never down Cadera way. I know the mallee belt here. It strikes me as similar to the mallee on the Murray Flats. If a railway went through here many South Australia farmers would take up this country. The new settlers on the mallee over there had but poor crops for a start, but they were assisted by facilities for the sale of the mallee roots.

(The witness retired.)

The Commission adjourned.