As the Ministry of Agriculture’s function is confined to moral suasion, the task of getting these Committees established is a difficult one, and the Ministry is to be congratulated on the progress it has made. Many farmers are still incensed at the repeal of the Corn Production Act, and the resulting loss to them of a substantial subsidy on wheat and oats, and are inclined to resent any action by the Ministry. The leaders of the workers are equally incensed at the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board with its compulsory powers, and demand its re-establishment. The scheme of Conciliation Committees, moreover, was launched at an unpropitious time. Prices were falling rapidly, and farmers, after having cultivated their crops throughout the year on the basis of a fairly high cost of production with wages at a high level, found themselves compelled to sell their produce at prices less, in many cases, than half those of the previous year. In consequence they pressed for substantial and immediate wage reductions. From the workers’ point of view the autumn of 1921 was equally inopportune for initiating a new system of settling wages, as, owing to the favourable summer, work on the farm was well advanced and farmers were in a position to reduce their staffs. In addition, the growing amount of unemployment materially weakened the workers’ bargaining power. The Work of the Conciliation Committees The greatest tact and discretion was, therefore, necessary to avoid any appearance of undue interference by the Ministry, and at the same time powerful persuasion had to be exercised to induce both sides to come to an agreement. The officers of the Ministry (assisted by officers appointed for the purpose by the Minister of Labour) have, notwithstanding all these difficulties, succeeded with signal ability in embedding already the roots of the scheme deep down into the agricultural industry. In the short time which has elapsed since the passing of the Act of 1921, 61 Committees have been established, covering the whole of the country, and of these, 54 have made agreements, though in some cases they have only been for short periods. In the remaining 7 areas, although efforts to agree have been made, no agreement has yet been reached.