26 



Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1916. 



surprise to liim to see what was being done so thoroughly by the Depart- 

 ment to assist the producer. Mr. Richardson had that afternoon 

 explained everything so thoroughly that they all would leave v/ith a 

 knowledge of what was required to get the best results from the land. 

 The crops were excellent, and the management generally were to be 

 congratulated. He was sorry that the Minister was not present to give 

 a resume of what was being done in connexion with the big question — 

 handling of the wheat harvest — as it would have been an opportune time. 

 He was sorry that he was unable to give some reliable information, as 

 the scheme was not yet fully developed. But he could say that it was 

 necessary to do something in order that the grower was not exploited. 

 It was not a party question, and he had been working with Mr. Manifold, 

 Mr. Eodgers, and other country members to get the very best for the 

 farmers. They had had several interviews with Mr. Hughes. This 

 year it was estimated that there would be a yield of 150,000,000 bushels 

 of wheat, which was an abnormal yield, as 100,000,000 bushels was 



View of Hay Wheat Tests, Rutherglen State Farm. 



estimated as the previous record yield. With this large increase of 

 yield, and a decrease of 40 per cent, in shipping facilities, it was neces- 

 sary to do something, as exporters would only have bought what they 

 could ship away, and the farmer would then be left helpless ; therefore, it 

 was the duty of the Governments to do something and get the best 

 possible bargain for the producer. It was proposed to advance the 

 farmers 3s. f .o.b., less 3f d. local charges. At normal times it was difficult 

 to get the required shipping, and with a reduction of about 40 per cent, 

 of bottoms available for oversea transit it was necessary to do something, 

 otherwise there was the possibility of the farmers being exploited. The 

 Government were advancing 3s. per bushel, less the 3|d. charges, and in 

 ]S[ovember there would be a dividend on the prices realized on the 

 London market if present prices were maintained. Until the final 

 decision of the Conference was arrived at, no definite information was 

 available. Mr. Hughes had informed him that as speedily as possible 



