Overview of research and archived material:

1952 Royal Commission on Agriculture and Rural Life

Research Guide prepared by Ray Ambrosi, CPRC May 2000

 

Brief Table of Contents:

  1. MA Thesis examining the 14 volumes of the Royal Commission.
  2. Brief summary/outline of the Royal Commission’s 14 reports, outline
  3. Guide to the records of the Royal Commission on Agriculture in the Saskatchewan Archives. Includes: local level data, methodology,

 

Detailed Table of Contents on all 3 sections

  1. 1. MA Thesis examining the 14 volumes of the Royal Commission. *

    CHAPTER 2 *

    CHAPTER 3 *

    FIELD STUDIES/SURVEYS *

    COMMUNITY FORUMS *

    2. Brief summary/outline of the Royal Commission’s 14 reports *

    3. Guide to the Records of the Royal Commission on Agriculture and Rural Life 1952-1957 GR-34 *

    Boxes 1,2,3 *

    1. MINUTES, STAFF ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL POLICY FILES *

    BOX 4 *

    1. COMMUNITY FORUM AND HEARING FILES *

    BOX 5 *

    BOXES 6 TO 9 *

    1. Individual Community Forum Files *

    BOXES 10 – 13 *

    4. Individual community hearings and briefs. A-W *

    BOX 14 *

    5. PROVINCIALBRIEFS AND HEARINGS – General Policy, conferences, arrangements. *

    BOX 15 *

    5. Provincial briefs and hearings – General Policy, conferences *

    6. Community Briefs, Hearings Reports *

    BOX 16 *

    6. Community Briefs, Hearings Reports *

    BOX 17 *

    6. Community Briefs, Hearings Reports *

    BOX 18 *

    7. Provincial Briefs and Hearings, Special Hearings *

    BOX 19 *

    7. Provincial Briefs and Hearings, Special Hearings *

    BOX 20 *

    7. Provincial Briefs and Hearings, Special Hearings; correspondence, special hearings *

    8. Press Coverage; Press Releases; Press Clippings *

    BOX 21 *

    8. Press Coverage; Press Releases; Press Clippings; Letters to the editor; press and radio conferences; radio release *

    BOX 22 *

    8. Press Coverage; Press Clippings *

    BOX 23 *

    9. General reports, Post-Commission Activities etc *

    BOX 24 *

    10. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    1: Scope and character of the investigation; *

    2. Mechanisation and farm costs *

    BOX 25 *

    10. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    2. Mechanisation and farm costs *

    BOX 26 *

    10. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    2. Mechanisation and farm costs *

    3. Agricultural Credit *

    BOX 27 *

    10. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    3. Agricultural Credit *

    4. Local government *

    5. Land Tenure *

    BOX 28 *

    10. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    5. Land Tenure *

    6. Rural Education *

    BOX 29 *

    10. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    7. Movement of People *

    BOX 30 *

    10. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    8. Agricultural Markets and Prices *

    BOX 31 *

    10. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    9. Crop Insurance *

    10. Home and Family *

    11. Farm Electrification *

    BOX 32 *

    10 Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    12. Service Centres *

    13. Farm Income *

    BOX 33 *

    10 Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material *

    13. Farm Income *

    14. A Program of Improvement *

    BOX 34 *

    11. Misc. Studies *

    Farm Labour to Telephones *

    BOX 35 *

    12. Questionnaires and Education *

    BOX 36 *

    12. Questionnaires and Education *

    BOX 37 *

    12. Questionnaires and Education *

    BOX 38 *

    13. Audograph Records *

    BOX 39 *

    13. Audograph Records *

MA Thesis examining the 14 volumes of the Royal Commission.

Review of the Commission according to the thesis

These changing conditions: a study of the Saskatchewan Royal Commission on Agriculture and Rural Life by Rein, PF University of Regina

 

Abstract: 1952 Royal Commission to investigate sociological and economic conditions in rural Sask. Previous 2 decades had been turbulent. Drought and depression in the 1930s had decimated rural Sask. WWII placed new production demands on farmers. Post war years saw increased mechanisation, a trend which had begun in the 1920s. Farms increased in size as rural populations decreased. Rural services such as education, roads and local government were unable to adequately serve a declining rural population. Rural residents were asking for modern improvement like electrification, water, sewage.

The Royal Commission on Agriculture and Rural Life (chaired by W.B. Baker) spent 5 years investigating factors and effects on rural life. It employed innovative research techniques to stimulate public discussion, used news releases, public relations to encourage rural population. Community forums, briefs, hearings to ensure that rural concerns were heard. Also consulted civil servants, professional groups, rural specialists. Some of the Commission’s recommendations were followed but majority were not implemented. Work of the Royal Commission played significant role in shaping CCF agricultural policy. The reports showed a comprehensive view of society in change and offered alternatives which made the changes easier to bear.

50s were turning point for rural Sask. Increasing mechanisation after WWII had significant effect on farm life. It increased farmer’s production costs, hastened trend towards larger farms and a smaller farm population. The declining rural population affected the delivery of rural services notably the construction and maintenance of roads and education to children. Royal Commission studied these changes and their effect on rural Sask. It suggested solutions some of which were implemented in 50s and early 60s. Many of these issues are still current today.

A lot has been written about Sask. agriculture and its importance to provincial economy but little has been written about farming and rural life in post WWII time period. Additionally, no one has undertaken a thorough study of the Royal Commission which was considered one of most innovative of its kind. Its sociological methods made it unique and worthy of further study.

 

Historians have largely ignored Farm Credit. Accessible and affordable farm credit have been a recurring theme throughout Sask. history. It was a major focus of Commission’s study but their findings and recommendations have also been largely ignored by historians. (Rein p.3)

 

Biographies of Sask. political leaders of the period have paid little attention to the Commission. Biographies of Tommy Douglas who appointed the Commission, discuss it only briefly.

CHAPTER 2

Rein p.28-35 contains good biographies of the Commissioners of the Royal Commission.

  1. Baker WB, chairman academic, sociologist
  2. Adams, Nancy teacher with degree, active in community organisations
  3. Fowler, Harry active in co-operatives
  4. Gibbings, Charles W. director of Wheat Pool, farmer, U of S senate
  5. Phelps, Joe former minister of natural resources with CCF, later pres of Sask. Farmers Union
  6. Bourassa TH former merchant, active in community

CHAPTER 3

Discusses how the commission involved the public.

Douglas 1958 commented that it wasn’t just an ordinary commission but rather a sociological and economic study of the whole framework of local government, a social study of population trend, utilisation of labour.

FIELD STUDIES/SURVEYS

(Rein p.63) Field Study: Hodgeville-Gravelbourg area was first area studied. Contained 3 RMs with different soil types, farms and communities. This area was a ‘test’ of their methodology, and determine problematic issues to investigate. (p.63) Used open ended interview methodology (p.65) Focused on 4 main problems

  1. problems of land, world conditions, things beyond control of farmer
  2. problems with land and conditions of farming in Sask.
  3. issues regarding family, community, neighbours
  4. problems with institutions, organisations, services, groups etc.

Other field surveys were based on the methods of the Hodgeville example. Looked at:

  1. Movement of people
  2. Farm credit
  3. Farm mechanisation and tenure
  4. Rural homes and family life
  5. Trade centres
  6. Rural electrification
  7. Farm incomes
  8. Veteran’s land act

COMMUNITY FORUMS

Were relied on as the primary method of consulting with public and securing public involvement. Because of widely scattered population, use of town meetings etc was felt to be ineffective – would exclude too many people. Methodology: relied on small 6 person discussion groups. Tested in Hodgeville (150 people attended) and then Gravlebourg (200 people attended) in November 1952 (Rein p.68-69). Findings of these forums are discussed p.69-70. To conduct forums throughout province, Commission held a workshop in 53 which trained over 70 people from Wheat pool and Ag-reps. They could then act as consultants for local forums.

Total: 95 forums held throughout province. 63.6% were farmers, 19.2% farm women, non farm residents 17.2%, 4% professional, 2% business. In total, they received 176 briefs from the communities and groups.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Community forums were not attended by the Commission Public were able to direct their concerns directly to the commission in 57 public hearings.

"Provincial Conferences" were those held with "Rural Gatekeepers" (voluntary organisations, provincial civil service, Univ. of Sask.) -- these groups were thought to have special knowledge about rural conditions and so were be consulted. To collect their opinions, 2 conferences were held in 1952. Methodology: Conference #: 76 organisations were represented by 135 people who met in discussion groups. Groups were split and reformed the next day to ensure all groups had even representation. Conference #2: 175 people. Findings and criticisms of the conferences p.80-81

Overall: Commission was successful in securing support & co-operation of organisations and agencies.

PROVINCIAL BRIEFS

Commission invited public to submit briefs. Published pamphlet to guide the preparation of these briefs (Rein p.85). Briefs from "Rural Gatekeepers" (voluntary organisations, provincial civil service, Univ. of Sask.) -- these groups were thought to have special knowledge about rural conditions and so were be consulted.

CHAPTER 6 FINAL REPORT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON AGRICULTURE

Report was finished in 5 years. Final report was issued in 14 volumes.

  1. Scope and Character of the Investigation: introduced the work. Described methodology, general outline of subject matter, suggestions on how the report could be used.
  2. Mechanisation and Farm Costs: Historical context of farm mechanisation, all aspects of rural life were being affected by technological changes. Noted that mechanisation was occurring at different rates, south bought machinery sooner than farmers in Parkland region. Noted that farms increasing in size which would help protect against changing commodity prices. But noted that ¼ to ½ of farms were too small to justify costs of mechanisation. Social effect of mechanisation was depopulation. Small communities dying out.
  3. Agricultural Credit
  4. Rural roads and Local Government
  5. Land Tenure
  6. Rural Education
  7. Movement of Farm People
  8. Agricultural Markets and Prices
  9. Crop Insurance
  10. Home and Family in rural Sask.
  11. Farm Electrification
  12. Service Centres
  13. Farm Income
  14. A Program of Improvement: reviewed the changes in agriculture, population changes, social changes. Reviewed the conclusions and recommendations of the preceding 13 reports.

CHAPTER SEVEN: impact of the commission on public policy. Very good summary of the effects of the Commission’s reports – said to be one of most comprehensive reports of its kind ever undertaken.

Effects: crop insurance and cash advances on farm-stored grain are an example of changes brought about because of the work of the commission (p.169)

Municipal Advisory Committee: headed by FC Cronkite in 1952 studied the direction of local govnt and recommended a province wide network of all weather roads (Rein p.165).

  1. Brief summary/outline of the Royal Commission’s 14 reports

 

Publication #1. Scope and Character of the Investigation

Introduced the work. Described methodology, general outline of subject matter, defining ‘rural improvement’, explains the type of organisation that the commission constructed to carry out the complex task, on the role of the radio and press, suggestions on how the report could be used.

Chapter 4: outlines the sources of information. Two main sources of information

  1. Public: through communities and provincial organisations which try to overcome problems for the people that they represent.
  2. Technical: from consultants, published and unpublished data, census, govn’t departments

Chapter 5: Role of the radio and press.

Chapter 6. Sources of Information. Community hearings and briefs were used not only to gain information but to include local people and heighten awareness/interest and help arrive at solutions. Commission used

I. Community level data

  1. Community Forums: where people identified main problems in rural life and means to solutions. Emphasis was on pooling of ideas – everyone could present his/her ideas and when agreement is reached by a group, the interpretations much more likely to represent the thoughts held by the community as a whole. Used small 6 person discussion groups. A similar discussion group model had been previously used successfully by the National Farm Radio Forum. Tests at Gravelbourg and Hodgeville. Attendees were divided into small discussion groups. Each group came up with 5 problems considered most important. At a later meeting, each of the top 5 problems were assigned to at least 2 study groups for their scrutiny and analysis. This way their proposed solutions could be checked against those proposed by other groups. Opinions that were agreed upon were included in a brief which was prepared by a local committee and submitted to the Commission (p.27). Mobilizing and training of community consultants (p.27).
  2. Selection of communities (p.28) on basis of representativeness of conditions in community, interest in forum, past community activity of organizations and leaders, probable ease of organization, an easily recognised trade area, available accommodation, transportation facilities and roads.

    Total of 95 community forums were held. Geographical distribution indicated on map on p.29

    Total attendance of 8170. Average size 86. Smallest 10, Largest 206. One forum had attendees from 81 organizations. Statistics collected on characteristics of participants. Stats for occupation and residence available for 53 of 95 forums. 4/5 were rural people. Men outnumbered women 3 to 1. Little urban participation (p.30)

  3. Community Briefs: at the end of the forums, committees were appointed to prepare briefs in which the results of their discussion were recorded for consideration by commission. A standard outline (template) was provided by the commission for the preparation of these briefs. After brief was prepared, another community meeting was held to consider the brief and change it if necessary (p.36). 95% response rate – 90 of 95 communities that had forums submitted briefs. Systematic analysis of 74 briefs completed prior to the Hearings – done to try to show the weight of public opinion on every topic (p.41)
  4. Community Hearings: where people had chance to explain their view directly to commission, commission could gain info directly from rural people, also a way to gauge public reaction to proposals which didn’t originate in the communities. Ten (10) test hearings were held in spring 1953. First one was in Unity march 27. Hearings were scheduled to try to include each community that had submitted a brief (p.39). 57 public hearings were held. Were a few instances where 2 briefs were discussed at a single hearing. A total of 62 community briefs and 40 briefs from local organizations and individuals were discussed. 2/3 of all community briefs discussed and ½ of all other local briefs were considered in hearings. Average attendance was approx. 30 people (aver attendance at forums was 86). Statistics collected at 34 hearings show that majority of people attending were mixed farmers. Men to women at 2:1 ratio. Hearings had an informal atmosphere to encourage discussion and the physical arrangement of seating (chairs) encouraged this. Discussion was recorded by machine and full notes kept. The discussion was centred on the community brief and guided by an interview guide (set of questions for standardisation of the direction) called the "probe pattern" . Probe pattern was developed by systematic analysis of briefs & consultation with policy-making technical personnel (p.40). Table on p. 41 shows the total amounts of time and percentages devoted to various topics (p.41). Report on each hearing was based on replies to the questions set out in the "probe pattern".

II. Provincial Conferences, Briefs and Hearings:

Community Forums, Briefs and Hearings were used to gain info from local communities. But govn’t and organizations of the province (both voluntary and governmental) have important role in determining rate and type of rural improvement. Leadership tends to be concentrated in these groups ("gatekeepers" of rural progress) – often leaders in these groups are leaders in communities (p.45). Voluntary organizations: usually have special interests and have specialised knowledge. Information from these various organizations supplemented the community-level info (p.45). These 2 sources of data served as foundation to which other sources of data were added – field interviews, questionnaires, technical consultations, info from published & unpublished data (p.45).

  1. Provincial Problems Conference: provincial organizations, govnt’ agencies and University all had different viewpoints (46). To gain assistance of various players, Commission invited 200 organizations to a 2 day provincial conference in Regina Nov 25,26 and in Saskatoon Nov 28,29 1952. Purpose was to * determine role of organizations in investigation * obtain guidance on problems that should be studied * obtain support from provincial organizations for community activities. Regina Conference: 138 people from 76 organizations and agencies. Saskatoon Conference: 165 people from 91 organisations and agencies (p.47). The Commission’s’ assignment was explained to the delegates who were then divided into discussion groups based on interest of participants ie) farmers met in small groups, women met together, professional agriculturists. Groups used a survey/interview guide called "Problem Census Guide" and listed problems for investigation. Then they listed 5 main problems for discussion. On second day, discussion groups were reorganised on mixed basis ie. Farmer, housewife, agriculturist in same group (p.47). Each group was given a complete list of problems selected by all groups the previous day. They were then asked to examine the list of problems and select the 5 most important ones. Last few hours looked at ways organizations could assist – they could help by making the issues known to their membership, assist with community forums, arrange consultation with Commission for preparation of official briefs, attend later conference to develop solutions to the problems selected (p48).
  2. Submission of Briefs (Provincial Briefs): early Feb 1953 organizations were invited to submit briefs to the commission. Letters sent to 250 separate organizations – this was widely publicised in press and radio, and advertisements in papers. Invitation included a guide book "A Guide for the Preparation of Provincial Briefs". Commission urged that briefs reflect the thinking and approval of the organizations membership, and should be documented with reliable facts (p.52). Response of Organizations:
    1. Voluntary Organizations: more than 70 voluntary organisations submitted briefs not including Govn't agencies, university groups.
    2. Government briefs: from government departments/branches and individuals. Confidential briefs described the branches organization, its relationship to economy of the province and present and planned programs. 21 departments and agencies together with their branches/divisions submitted 44 briefs.
    3. University of Sask: 11 colleges submitted 36 briefs. Student body of School of Agriculture also submitted brief.
    4. TOTAL BRIEFS SUBMITTED: 236 totalling 2000 pages.

      Analysis of material: The Secretariat classified material from each brief and made ‘study area books’ (one for each field of study selected by Commission) which included all material on any one topic. Analysis of these Provincial Briefs clarified the types of problems that would be explored in the hearings.

    5. Provincial Hearings: Held in October 1953, total of 17 days of hearings. Hearings with provincial organizations where Commission met representatives of groups. Were held to explore ideas outlined in briefs and give Commission better understanding of which organisations can play a role in the improvement of agriculture and rural life (p.54). Physical arrangement of procedures for the hearings encouraged informal discussion. All proceedings were recorded. Most hearings were public but hearings with govnt and university were closed (p.55). Hearings helped check statements made in briefs, further exploration.

III. Field Interviews and Questionnaires:

Community and provincial briefs and hearings were supplemented by individual interviews with people on farms, in towns. Questionnaires also mailed to wide range of responsible officials and individuals (P.58). Provided insight into individual’s perspective, identified personal needs and goals and to fill in gaps in data. Advantage was that this method could utilise a representative sample (p.58).

    1. Field Interviews: used to gather objective and subjective data. Objective- size of farm, number of equipment units, crop acreage – things which could be counted. Subjective – personal opinions on farm size, on moving to town, personal needs and goals. Some were yes-no questions while others were open ended and encouraged opinions and responses. Fieldworkers trained in techniques. Statistical techniques used to get representative sample. Asked questions about
    2. Movement of People: the major Commission survey. Interviewed 834 people on farms and 80 farmers living in town. Provided info on amount and direction of movement, effects on people, conditions and reason related to movement. Attempted to find basic principles for understanding and predicting movement (p.60). Sample selected from municipalities which exhibited consistent population trends ie) great depopulation, slight depopulation, stable population, increasing population. 25 townships were selected from these 4 categories (p.60). Each township covered by a complete census of population and agricultural conditions

      Credit, Mechanisation and Tenure: collected together with Movement of People survey. 256 interviews from males in each of 25 townships.

      Rural Homes and Family Life: drawn from the Movement of People survey. Total of 239 people interviewed (160 housewives and 79 males and females in towns) in each of 25 townships. Person being interviewed had to be housewife with min of one child between 6 and 18. Objective was to obtain data on family organization, responsibilities and how these related to farm and environmental characteristics. Town interviews collected data on running water and electricity.

      Service Centres: Shaunavon and Wynyard trade areas. Study of service structure of all centres in these areas; interview of 175 farmers to obtain info about trading patterns and factors affecting these patterns (p.62). Sample wasn’t random but included cross-section of locations in the trading areas. Shaunavon area – had scattered population and 25 townships selected with 4 respondents from each quarter of each township. Wynyard area – sample drawn from 12 townships.

      Rural Electrification: Humboldt area – 53 farmers interviewed. Milestone area – 48 farmers interviewed. Areas selected as representative of parkland and prairie regions. Users and non-users of power were surveyed.

      Farm Income: survey tried to determine progress and attitudes of participants and administrators of projects and local govn’t units. Variety of projects in province include irrigation, drainage, pasture projects etc. Commission’s basic sample consisted of at least one project of each of most common types.

      Excellent MAP p. 61 shows location of field interviews summer 1953. Shows sample townships for Movement of People survey (25), sample town for Town-farmer Survey (8), townships for Service Centre Survey (2 areas), areas selected for Electrification Survey (2), and agricultural projects selected for survey (12)

      Analysis: standard procedures for categorisation of responses. Larger surveys - Data tabulated, coded, placed on punch cards which were sorted. Smaller surveys – data tabulated and coded, info taken directly from tabulation sheets (p.63).

      SUMMARY:

      Test survey 98

      Movement of People 914

      Credit, Mech. and Tenure 256

      Rural Homes and Family Life 239

      Trade Centres 175

      Rural Electrification 101

      Farm Income 62

      Veteran’s Land Act 50

      TOTAL 1895 (from p.66)

    3. Questionnaires: not as reliable as personal interviews but useful tool if proper precautions taken. Underwent considerable testing. Surveys:

Local Government: Reeves in 1/3 (total of 100) of the municipalities received a questionnaire dealing with "Survey of Conditions and Opinions relating to Roads and Local Government". 75 responses were received (p.64). Reeves in a different 1/3 of the municipalities received questionnaire "Survey of Problems Facing RM Councils". 70 responses received (p.65). Secretary treasurers in the remaining 1/3 of the municipalities were sent "Survey of Organisational Membership and Multiple Office Holding on the Part of MR Council Members". 79 responses received

Education: 4 separate questionnaires went to individuals in educational system. A) went to all secretary-treasurers of larger school units (52/55 returned responses). B) went to all unit superintendents (55/55 responses). Goal- info on organization, operation, finance, parent participation, teacher supply, student drop-out. C) local school districts to gain info on attitudes and opinions of rural ratepayers. 218 boards were selected based on geographic location, open-closes status etc (p.65) but only 83 responses were received. D) questionnaire to teachers. Tried to trace careers of teachers who graduated in 1948-50. 1261 tracer cards were mailed, 786 responses received and 786 questionnaires mailed to them. Sought info on careers of graduates, causes of change in location/leaving profession etc. Total of 485 responses received.

Rural Homes and Family Life: June 1953, Homemakers Club convention enlisted their help in providing info for this survey. Questionnaires sent to delegates, 125 completed questionnaires received including data on home management, amenities, use of services.

Tenure and Credit: goal was to obtain info on tenure, credit, farm transfers, debt adjustment. Issued with co-operation of Saskatchewan Law Society. Total of 86 responses received. Data collected saw only ‘limited direct use" (p.66).

SUMMARY:

Local government 224

Education 1172

Rural Homes and Family Life 125

Credit and Tenure 155

TOTAL 1676

 

IV. Technical Consultants

Enlisted the expertise of technical consultants to economically expand the Commission’s technical staff.

University: U of S, Alberta, Manitoba, Harvard, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota and other Great Plains universities. (p.68)

Government: provincial and federal depts, state and federal in US, UN.

All helped with problem selection, analysis, final reports.

V. General Information

Theoretical, analytical, statistical data in libraries, files, census, specialists. This data was starting point for work. Gaps were filled in by use of field interviews, questionnaires. Data from

Census: 5 year census data used fully. Bureau of Statistics provided more detailed smaller-area breakdowns of data (p.69); Reports of the Dept of Municipal Affairs; Dominion bureau of Statistics – limited use as little data on provincial issues and many areas of interest are not covered.

 

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION OF THE FOLLOWING 13 VOLUMES.

Appendix 1: (p.84) Process of Selection of Conditions and Problems for Study: outline of the processes in the Commission’s work ie) meetings, work committees,

Appendix 2: (p.89) List of country weekly newspapers that published briefs as a public service.

Appendix 3: (p.90) Procedures for Conducing Community Forums: ie) timetable and agenda, calling meeting to order, explaining consultant’s role, explaining the Royal Commission to the community, purpose of forums, outlining forum procedures, organising discussion groups, listing the problems, summarisation of 5 major problem areas, reporting of problems to general meeting and organization of discussion group, proposing solutions and responsibilities, final session, summarizing solutions.

Appendix 4: Place, Date and Attendance at 95 community forums (p.96-97)

Abernathy

Admiral

Alameda

Aneroid

Archerwill

Assiniboia

Beechy

Beverly

Biggar

Birch hills

Blue hill

Broadview

Broderick

Buckland

Cabri

Cantaur

Carnduff

Carrot River

Central Butte

Churchbridge

Clemenceau

Climax

Consul

Soronach

Craik

Cut Knife

Davidson

Dilke

Eastend

Elstow

Estevan

Eston

Ethelton

Evergreen

Everton

Floral

Foam Lake

Glaslyn

Goodsoil

Gravelbourg

Grenfell

Gull Lake

Hazlet

Hodgeville

Hudson bay

Kamsack

Kerrobert

Kindersley

Kinistino

Lashburn

Leroy

Loreburn

Lumsden

Macklin

Mankota

Manville

Marsden

Matador

Mawer

McCord

Meadow lake

Meyronne

Mistatim

Montmarte

Moosomin

Mossbank

Nipawin

Paddockwood

Parkman

Pennant

Porcupine plain

Punnichy

Radisson

Rosetown

Rosthern

Semans

Senlac

Shaunavon

Shellbrook

Sintaluta

Smoky burn

Stoughton

Strasbourg

Sturgis

Tisdale

Tompkins

Unity

Vanguard

Waka

Weyburn

Wilcox

Wilkie

Willow bunch

Wiseton

Zenon park

 

Appendix 5: Problem Discussion guide used by groups at community forums

Appendix 6: Solutions Discussion guide used by groups at community forums

Appendix 7: Evaluation of Community Forums: people evaluated whether or not they felt the forums were useful.

Appendix 8: Proposed outline for Community Briefs: suggestions on the format the Brief should take.

Appendix 9: Briefs Submitted to the Commission from the Communities of the Province: Local organizations in the following communities:

Abernathy

Admiral

Alameda aneroid

Archerwill

Assiniboia

Beechy

Beverley

Biggar

Birch hills

Broadview

Broderick

Buckland

Cabri

Cantuar

Carnduff

Carrot river

Central butte

Churchbridge

Clemenceau

Climax

Consul

Coronach

Craik

Cut knife

Davidson

Dilke

Eastend

Elstow

Estevan

Eston

Ethelton

Everton

Floral

Foamlake

Glaslyn

Goodsoil

Gravelbourg

Grenfell

Gull lake

Hazlet

Hodgeville

Hudson bay

Kamsack

Kerrobert

Kindersley

Kinistino

Lashburn

Leroy

Loreburn

Lumsden

Macklin

Mankota

Manville

Marsden

Mawer

McCord

Meadow Lake

Meyronne

Mistatim

Montmarte

Moosomin

Mossbank

Nipawin

Paddockwood

Parkman

Pennant

Porcupine Plain

Punnichy

Radisson

Rosetown

Rosthern

Semans

Senlac

Shaunavon

Shellbrook

Sintaluta

Smoky burn

Stoughton

Strasbourg

Sturgis

Tisdale

Tompkins

Unity

Wakaw

Weyburn

Wilcox

Wilkie

Willowbunch

Wiseton

 

 

Sask Farmers Union Local Lodges and Districts

Arcola

Barr colonists

Bear Island

Beaverdale

(Lodges of

subdistrict 4)

Calder

Dysart

Eagle flats

East lynn

Farmingdale

Fort pitt

Garrick

Goldern ridge

Huntoon

Kamsack

Kindersley

Lemberg

Lemsford portreeve

Lilyvale

Loon lake

Manor

Maple dale

Monarch

Moosomin

North battleford

Agricultural committees and district boards:

Sundry Organizations (listed p.105)

Individuals (listed p.106)

Summary of Briefs:

Community Briefs 90

Local organisations

SFU Locals and districts 47

Agricult committees and district boards 7

Sundry Organizations 19

Individuals 13

TOTAL 176

Appendix 10: Community hearings held by the Commission

Abernethy

Admiral

Alameda

Alsask

Archerwill

Assiniboia

Beechy

Beverley

Biggar

Carnduff

Carrot river

Central butte

Churchbridge

Clemenceau

Craik

Cut knife

Davidson

Dilke

Eastend

Estevan

Glaslyn

Goodsoil

Gravelbourg

Hodgeville

Kamsack

Kerrobert

Kindersley

Kinistino

Lashburn

Leroy

Loreburn

Lumsden

Macklin

Meadow lake

Meyronne

Mistatim

Montmartre

Moosomin

Nipawin

Paddockwood

Pennant

Porcupine plain

Radisson

Rosetown

Semans

Shaunavon

Shellbrook

Sintaluta

Smoky burn

Stoughton

Strasbourg

Sturgis

Unity

Weyburn

Wilkie

Willow bunch

Wiseton

 

Summary

Total community hearings – 57, average attendance 30.3, estimated total attendance 1728

Briefs presented at Community hearings

Community briefs 62

Local organization briefs 27

Individual briefs 13

TOTAL 102

Appendix 11: Sample of Probe Pattern used at community hearings.

Looks at collecting info about audience characteristics, numbers producing grain, livestock, livestock markets, income: factors affecting, how do farmers decide blaa blaa; prices: what is/does/ should determine prices a farmer receives; markets: what determines what markets available, what would be most effective way to secure stable market for farm products?, what should be responsibility of farm organizations in marketing program?

Appendix 12: Classification of attendance at Provincial Conferences.

List outlining what occupation or groups were represented at provincial conferences in Regina, Saskatoon

Appendix 13: Criteria for Judging Problems of Agriculture and Rural Life

Appendix 14: Briefs Submitted to the Commission from Provincial Organisations, by types. (p.115)

Professional (11 briefs) list of organizations

Co-operative (8 briefs)

Canadian co-operative implements ltd

Co-operative Union of Sask

Dairy and Poultry Pool

Sask Co-operative Creamery Assoc.

Sask Co-operative Credit Society Ltd

Sask Federation of Production Co-operatives

Sask forage Crop Grower’s Co-operative Marketing Assoc. Ltd.

Sherwood Co-op Association Ltd.

Agricultural Improvement (7 briefs)

Canadian Seed Growers Association, Sask branch

Sask Agricultural Societies’ Association

Sask Cereal Variety Committee

Sask Dairy Association

Sask Horticultural Societies’ Association

Sask Live Stock Board

Sask Poultry Association

Youth Groups (6 briefs)

Business and Commercial (5 briefs)

Women’s Organizations (5 briefs)

Health and Welfare (5 briefs)

Religious (3 briefs)

Conservation of Resources (3 briefs)

Farm Organizations (3 briefs)

Education (2)

Local Government (2)

Libraries (2)

Political (1)

Labour (1)

Press and Radio (1)

Sundry Groups (7)

TOTAL BRIEFS SUBMITTED 71

Appendix 15: Provincial Organizations, Government and University Agencies, and individuals submitting Briefs to the Commission

Provincial Organizations 72

Sask Govnt

Dept and Agencies 44

Individual civil servants 63

University of Sask Colleges and Depts 36

Individuals 21

TOTAL 236

Average attendance 86 Total estimated attendance 8170

 

 

 

Remaining publications:

Publication #2. Mechanisation and Farm Costs:

Historical context of farm mechanisation, all aspects of rural life were being affected by technological changes. Noted that mechanisation was occurring at different rates, south bought machinery sooner than farmers in Parkland region. Noted that farms increasing in size which would help protect against changing commodity prices. But noted that ¼ to ½ of farms were too small to justify costs of mechanisation. Social effect of mechanisation was depopulation. Small communities dying out.

Economic and social effects of mechanisation.

Publics proposals to meet problems dealing with mechanisation.

Statistics: notes on

Publication #3. Agricultural Credit

NOTES:

APPENDIX: contains valuable data on tenure 1911-51; value per acre, loans, survey results, copy of questionnaire

Publication #4. Rural roads and Local Government

Social and economic environment and need for roads; changes in land policies and settlement patterns, changes in farm size, capital, costs and income. Changes in social environment and impact on local government; rural government changes, role of municipality in providing services; intergovernmental co-operation; solutions to rural road problems proposed by local people.

APPENDIX: average farm size by region (prairie, park); occupied farms per RM (does not list specific RMs); Number of farms, farm capital value by census division 1951; Actual and deflated farm income 1926 to 54; etc

Questionnaires sent to reeves and secretary-treasurers of RMs – Survey of conditions and opinions relating to roads and local government; Survey of problems facing RM councils; Survey of organisational membership and multiple office holdings of RM council members;

Publication #5. Land Tenure

Public opinion on land tenure, farm size and trends, economic policy factors associated with farm size and tenure trends, implications of tenure systems, traditional family farm transfers, land tenure and family farms, Public’s suggestions on land tenure issues.

APPENDIX: Farm size by census division and regions 1931,36,41,46,51; variety of statistical data

Questionnaire – field interview "The Supplementary Male Interview" part of the "Movement of people interview"

Publication #6. Rural Education

Main problems with education, facilities, administration, participation; Changes in farm size, agricultural production and its impact on education; financing education, staffing problems; retention of pupils and socio-economic influences; continuing and vocational education.

APPENDIX: receipts and operating costs of hypothetical school;

Questionnaire – sent to unit secretaries, unit superintendents, local school boards; Questionnaires used in survey of demand for professional personnel; " " sent to government departments; " " sent to University colleges.

Publication #7. Movement of Farm People

Problems of Movement of people as seen by rural public, extent of movement, reasons.

Environment, soil, climate, population, economic and social factors.

Population changes: pop trends and predictions

Farms perspective: attitudes of families towards movement, and factors such as income, age, sex

Solutions proposed by public;

APPENDIX: general population stats. The Field Survey on Movement of People - how the survey was conducted, three forms used in sample census survey (i. Interview form – a series of questions for open-ended interview; ii. Information sheet – for recording info on vacant farmsteads, iii. Census map – shows location of every household/farmstead. Every quarter section of every township was surveyed and habitable house accounted for on the final map.

Field Mapping Study—p. 155 10 townships had been mapped in detail from 1914 to 1916. In 1953, this area was mapped again. Comparison between the data sets shows changes over 35 years. Map shows location of the 10 townships, population statistics, number of farmsteads in 1914-16 and 1953;

Town Secretary questionnaire – survey of 53 towns to assess amount and effect of movement of people from rural areas to town

Town Farmer Survey – guidelines for open-ended interviews.

Population of villages 1901 to 1951; Population density per square mile 1901 to 1951

Publication #8. Agricultural Markets and Prices

APPENDIX: labour force in agriculture as percentage of total labour force, net agricultural income 1926-52; Sources of farm income 1935-52; various production statistics;

Publication #9. Crop Insurance

Publication #10. Home and Family in rural Sask.

Problems of rural family as seen by rural public; General description of farm families living through different decades and various hardships; Urban/rural contrasts; Role of Homemaker’s Club, Rural services; Public’s proposals.

APPENDIX: Sample and methods used for Family Organization Study; Characteristics of 160 families in field study; Supplementary Female Interview; Various stats and statistical significance etc; Homemaker Questionnaire; List of women’s organizations that completed the questionnaire as follows:

List of Organizations and Agencies That Completed the

Women's Services Questionnaire

Canadian Association of Consumers, Saskatchewan Branch

Saskatchewan Women's Co-operative Guild

Saskatchewan Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation,

International Harvester Company of Canada Ltd.

Saskatchewan Power Corporation Saskatchewan,

Department of Public Health Fitness and Recreation Division, Saskatchewan Department of Education Women's Service, University of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Arts Board

Nutrition Division Department of National Health and Welfare

Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture

Canada Department of Fisheries

Women's Section, Saskatchewan Farmers Union

Adult Education Division, Saskatchewan Department of Education

Provincial Library, Province of Saskatchewan

Dairy Farmers of Canada

Bakery Foods Foundation of Canada

Saskatchewan Homemakers' Clubs

Moffats Limited

Canadian General Electric Company Limited (Mid-West District)

Canada Department of Agriculture, Marketing Service, Consumer Section

List of Radio and Television Stations That Completed the

Women's Services Questionnaire

CKCK-TV, Regina CKBI, Prince Albert

CFQC-TV, Saskatoon CKRM, Regina

CFRG, Gravelbourg CJGX, Yorkton

CHAB, Moose Jaw CFQC, Saskatoon

CJNB, North Battleford CBK, Watrous

questionnaire returned to the e members of as ate

of Saskatchewan Homemakers'

Women's Services Questionnaire

(General)

Name of agency or organization ................................................................

......................................................................................................................

1. Have you a branch of special interest to homemakers. Yes …….No No

 

Publication #11. Farm Electrification

Social and economic setting – residence patterns, farm income and tenure; extent of electrification and consumption; Impact of rural electrification, farmer’s evaluation, economic and social effects of electrification

APPENDIX: Questionnaire on electrification

Publication #12. Service Centres

Classification of service centres – village centre, town centre, greater town centre, city centre, provincial city. Centre place theory and trading systems; factors explaining why

Publication #13. Farm Income

Publication #14. A Program of Improvement:

reviewed the changes in agriculture, population changes, social changes. Reviewed the conclusions and recommendations of the preceding 13 reports.

 

 

  1. Guide to the Records of the Royal Commission on Agriculture and Rural Life 1952-1957 GR-34

Boxes 1,2,3

1. MINUTES, STAFF ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL POLICY FILES

Community forum pretest (Nov 18-20, 1952) (1 folder)

Reports on preliminary meetings, sample problem guide, instructions for discussion groups, analysis and problems arising from Gravelbourg and Hodgeville forums. Discussion guides for the Community Problems forum and the Community Solutions Forum. Guide to the followup Community Forum which synthesises the Problems and Solutions forums and looks for ways to address issues.

"Community Problem Forum at Gravelbourg". Problems listed by 16 discussion groups

Rural electrification, electrification, education facilities inadequate, recreation facilities inadequate, problems with rural health, business services inadequate, rural telephone inadequate etc (total 27 problems listed) includes the number of groups listing each one and the number of groups which felt each one to be a major problem.

"Community Problems Forum at Hodgeville" Problems listed by 16 discussion groups.

"Community Problems Forum at Gravelbourg Nov 30, 1952" content analysis of 16 discussion groups divided according to age groups 16-24, 25-40, 41-55, 56 and up. Includes detailed lists.

"Community Problems at Hodgeville Nov 19, 1952" content analysis of 16 discussion groups divided according to age groups 16-24, 25-40, 41-55, 56 and up. Includes detailed lists.

"Community Problems forum at Hodgeville and Gravelbourg Nov 19 and 20 1952" Discusses the differences and similarities in problems faced by the two communities. Lists the differences but does not suggest reasons why these differences occur.

"Problems Summary on Hodgville and Gravelbourg Community forums" (Handwritten document)

Lists the discussion groups, # and sex of people in each group and whether rural or town dwellers. Appears to be original notes on the issues raised by various discussion groups.

"Content Analysis – Community Problem Forums Nov 19 and 20 1952" provides a list of each of the major problems encountered in both Hodgeville and Gravelbourg. Each problem (total of 23) is discussed on a separate page listing the total number of groups that found the problem to be in the top 5 most important and the total number of groups listing that problem. Covers: transportation, electrification, education, recreation, communication, inadequacies of economic institutions (repair shops, social services, shortage of workmen, vets etc), farm capital, movement to urban centres, farm income, problems of rural health, production unit (big farmers eliminating small ones, increased local costs), farm costs (disparity between high costs of labour and machinery compared to price of produce, high cost/acre of mechanisation), problems of rural family (shifting home from summer to winter, loss of interest in farm life as mixed farming is being abandoned, housing problems, too much credit buying, lack of water, high cost of living), farm labour (lack of, high cost of, old people don’t have sufficient help to continue), community organization (too many organizations outlived usefulness, lack of interest in community affairs, leaders lacking, too difficult to organise, falling standards of organizations), marketing, farm credit (difficulty to obtain), Land use (overtilled soil, irrigation needed, conservation programs needed), problems re government (greater co-operation between levels of govnt, abolish farm fuel tax), transportation problems (bus, train, high freight rates), problems of rural church (decreasing attendance due to decreasing population, shortage of rural churches), communication (too many commercials on radio, too many soap programs, lack of adequate farm programs), libraries (lack of).

"Royal commission on Agriculture and Rural Life Second Commission Meeting Dec 11-12" Reference Paper #8 Dec 10, 1952 RAY’S NOTE: Divided into Section A: Hodgeville and B: Gravelbourg. Lists problems brought up by discussion groups in each town

Hodgeville: has approx. 140 people in 19 discussion groups. Each group lists 5 major problems.

Gravelbourg: has approx. 140 in

"ADMIN: Gravelbourg Hodgeville Community Forum Pretest"

Map of RM 104. Seems to show exact location of roads and farmsteads of people interviewed.

First Commission Meeting Oct 7 to 10, 1952 (general planning)

Second Commission Meeting Dec 11-12, 1952

Field research report Reference Paper #3: sample area consisted of RE Gravelbourg (RM104), Shamrock (134), Lawtonia (135). Details on selection of sample and how interviews were conducted. Gravelbourg had 10% pop sample, Hodgeville 41% sample. Was 2556 pages of fieldnotes which were analyzed using inductive content analysis with check systems.

Second Commission Meeting Dec 11-12 1952 Report of Field Research Project: (included in above

report. This is an extra copy)

Daily evaluation tally – work reports (Sept to Oct, 1952) (1 folder)

general notes on the progression of work, meetings, personal comments

"List of work committees and consultations Oct 1952 to Mar 53" RAY’S NOTES. List of various committees and work partners? From various organizations and Gov. departments ie, land tenure, health, welfare, municipal advisory committee etc.

Progress reports Jan 30 to May 8, 1953 (1 folder)

Nothing interesting

Public relations policy (1952 to 53) (1 folder)

Reports of the public relations division, report on newspaper coverage, newspaper coverage of Commission’s work.

General Notes: mainly preliminary notes on meetings, procedures. On how to effectively reach the public through press and radio.

Hodgeville meeting: Nov 19, 1952, all local organisations were invited. 140 people from region attended. 19 discussion groups were formed. Identified 5 main problems. A Dec 3 meeting was also held attended by 100 in 14 discussion groups. Each group was asked about responsibility of 1) individual in community, 2) local organisation and govnt, 3) provincial organisation and govnt’, 4) federal organisation and govnt’. Each problem was assigned to at least 2 groups. At end of the hour, the secretary of each group was asked to change places with secretary of another group to discuss the same problem. Groups were then asked to score the suggested solution on basis of 1) whether it was practical, 2) whether responsibility was fairly distributed, 3) whether it met the needs of all people involved, 4) whether all of the group agreed with the solution. Report of each group was then presented to the meeting. Each group selected a representative to act on a continuing committee. Representatives met and agreed to take 2 problems and hold their own neighbourhood meetings over next 3 weeks. Problems and solutions would be discussed at January meeting. (ref. pap#2)

Gravelbourg meeting: Dec 3, 1952

Commission speakers attended meetings in communities: Swift-Current Sask. Institute of Agrologists, U of S deans, Gravelbourg, Kyle, Kindersley, Eston, Swift Current Chamber of Commerce representatives, Estevan Board of Trade, Municipal Association meeting in Assiniboia, South Allen and Matador Co-operative farms, Junior Club rallies at Swift Current and Estevan, Duff, Melville Rotary Club, Regina People’s Forum, Student’s Christian Movement at the University, Annual meeting of the Livestock Association in Regina, Wheat Pool delegates, Sask. Farmers Union, Sask. Teacher’s Federation in Saskatoon. These meetings provided contact with approx. 2700 people (ref. pap#2)

"Administration: Chairman’s Addresses"

Baker’s address/speeches made to different organizations. Superintendency Teachers Association, Sask Homemakers Club, Farm Radio Forum, Sask Institute of Agrologists, Radio Presentation June 1955, University of British Columbia Seminar in Human Relations July 4-10 1955, National Conference on Adult Education, Rotary Club, etc.

Interesting because he makes broad-ranging comments on social change, loss of services, changes in education etc reasons and suggestions within context of Royal Commission.

"A Report on Rural Newspaper Coverage" Oct 1952

systematic survey of 193 newspapers revealed that 24 out of 193 newspapers mention the commission. Noted that some papers do not have optimistic comments on the Commission. (papers not mentioned by name). Kamsack Times talks about Baker, Rosetown Eagle (about Gibbings), Melfort Journal (about Adams).

"A Report on Clipping Service" Jan 13, 1953

survey of papers indicates clear editorial bias of some papers against the commission. The report lists the various newspapers that were sampled.

"Notes on Newspaper Coverage of Commission’s Work" (no date)

provides a list of various categories of papers/publications which reported on the commission. Number of articles, papers and total column inches of articles

"Memorandum re Newspaper Clipping Service" June 3. 1953

The Library (which one?!) was to clip articles from the following papers:

All daily papers, all farm journals, the following weekly papers (Kipling Citizen, La Flech Press, Grenfell Sun, Shaunavon Standard, Kindersley Clarion, Melfort Journal, Melville Advance, Rosetown Eagle, Humboldt Journal, Weyburn Review).

Research policy and study areas (1 folder)

Suggested plan for economic and social research, procedure for identification of key problem areas, study areas, study area reports on rural community recreation, land tenure, education, telephones. NOTE: all material in file relates to preliminary planning.

Third Commission Meeting Jan 5, 1953 Reference Paper #1: contained tabulated data from various (all) forums and meetings held. This paper stresses importance that these results are not a statistical sample and should only be used as overview to better understand public viewpoint.

 

BOX 4

1. COMMUNITY FORUM AND HEARING FILES

Lot of preparatory material for forums and hearings ie manuals, process to follow

 

Ag-Reps Wheat Pool Conference (1 folder)

Discussion group record sheets "Problem Listing Sheets" Original sheets filled out by 9 discussion groups listing problems. Most appear to have been at Grace Lutheran Church (Saskatoon) Jan 6 1953. Also included is "Problems Summary Sheet" summarised the major findings of the discussion groups and the "Solutions Sheet" which outlines the solutions arrived at by the 9 discussion groups.

College of Education Forum (1 folder)

Community Hearings: Preparation (Apr-May 1953) (1 folder)

Comments and observations on hearings. Procedures, work to be done in preparation for hearings, lists of community hearings.

Community Hearings – Observation trips (May 1953) (1 folder)

Recommendations by Deputy Ministers, churches, associations etc for visits from Commissioners during the course of community hearings.

Co-operative Schools (2 folders)

Map shows the geographic origin of each school’s (Fort Quappelle, Prince Albert, Sturgis, Swift Current, Saskatoon) students. Colour coded map shows the ‘feeder’ communities for these schools.

Discussion group record sheets completed at co-op school Saskatoon

Original survey (folder 1) entitled "Information Sheet" examines Prince Albert, Fort Quappelle, Sturgis, Swift Current (original info sheets in folder 2). Info is useful because it is geographically distinct (separated by community). Includes analysis of this, discussion group sheets detailing the movement of people, jobs and employment, recreation, co-ops etc. Questions include: living in town or city, father’s occupation, age, sex, grade completed, attended rural or town school, reason for leaving school, alternative income,

Legislative Forum (1 folder)

 

BOX 5

Miscellaneous Forums (1 folder)

School of Agriculture Forum. Document "Summary of Problem Survey completed by 60 second year students of the School of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan" summarizes the discussion group results. December 1952.

Summaries of various meetings and forums:

Agricultural Districts Board (1 folder)

Map – of Agricultural Conservation District No.9. Shows locations of towns which held meetings or conferences about problems with agriculture. Includes meetings independent of Royal Commission investigation (15 towns) and meetings (3) sponsored by the Commission. Flow lines show which communities took part in the larger Commission forums/conferences.

Saskatoon Normal School Forum (1 folder)

Results of a forum held at Saskatoon Normal School. 142 people divided into farm (95) and non-farm (47) groups held their own forum. Results are included in this report submitted to Royal Commission. Also divided by geographic origin of students into Area #1&2 brown soil area, Area #3 black soil area, Area #4&5 transition and grey soil area.

North Battleford Dom.-Prov. Youth Training School (1 folder)

Sask Homemakers Club (1 folder)

Summary of problems raised during (discussion groups meetings?) meetings with homemakers clubs from:

  1. Bateman (Stewart club)
  2. Beechy (Jonesville Club)
  3. Benson (Breezy Bridget club)
  4. Drake
  5. Estevan (Kingsford Club)
  6. Eston
  7. Foam Lake (Ashdown Club)
  8. Govan (Lakeshore club)
  9. Horizon
  • Regina Beach (Dundee Club)
  • Rosetown (Camberly club)
  • Lemsford
  • Major
  • McMorran
  • Moose Jaw (Eastview)
  • Nipawin (Moose Plains club)
  • North Battleford
  • Piapot (Skull Creek Club)
  • Semans (Pentagon Club)
  • Simpson
  • Stoughton (Walton club)
  • Vanguard (Burton Club)
  • W. Weyburn
  • Wauchope
  • Woodrow (Winnabel club)
  • Wynyard
  • Original "Problem Listing Sheets" are not in the folder. Contains only summaries of the discussions/sheets.

    Ray’s NOTE: Thick PILE of letters from rural women shows the considerable community interest in the Commission – signs that women’s groups wanted their concerns to be heard. Shows hope in rural life, definite cohesion (women’s group after all is entirely about cohesion of the family, making the home a better place and as a famous guy, Confucius I do believe said, harmony within the state begins with harmony in the home.)

     

    School of Agriculture Forum, Saskatoon March 5, 1953. (1 folder)

      1. in establishing themselves in chosen field whether farming or other wise
      2. major problems of training and entering into fields of research, extension, teaching, farming
      3. asks them to pick out 5 most important problems

    Age, sex, college year, parents income bracket, future employment, are you leaving the farm and why if answer is yes.

    Questionnaires –Probe Pattern (1 folder)

    Questions on study areas, credit, crop insurance, suggested procedures for "probe patterns" which are suggested directions for questioning (guidelines) during semi-structured interviews. Probes regarding: education, credit, roads and local govnt, rural recreation, markets and pricing,

    Public Relations and Info: School of Agriculture Forum (1 folder)

    Report on forum, briefs prepared by students for presentation to Commission

    Public relations and Info: North Battleford Dom-Prov Youth Training School (Jan – Feb 1953) (1 folder)

    List of problems and solutions from community forums held at this school.

     

    BOXES 6 TO 9

    1. Individual Community Forum Files

     

    Community forums – evaluation sheets (1 folder)

    Community forum data (many folders)

    Local community level data for following towns. The archive’s official "Guide to the Records" indicates that 64 towns and villages are in the boxes. I found data for 66 towns.

    1. Abernathy *
    2. Admiral *
    3. Aneroid *
    4. Archerwill
    5. Beechy
    6. Beverly
    7. Biggar
    8. Broadview *
    9. Buckland
    10. Cabry *
    11. Carrot river
    12. Central Butte
    13. Churchbridge
    14. Climax
    15. Consul
    16. Coronach
    17.  

  • Craik
  • Cutknife
  • Davidson
  • Dilke
  • Eastend
  • Elstow
  • Eston
  • Floral
  • Foam Lake
  • Glaslyn
  • Goodsoil
  • Grenfell
  • Gull Lake
  • Hudson Bay
  • Kerrobert
  • Kindersley
  • Kinistino
  • Lashburn
  • Loreburn
  • Macklin *
  • Mankota *
  • Marsden *
  • Marver
  • Matador
  • McCord *
  • Meadow Lake *
  • Meyronne *
  • Montmarte
  • Moosomin *
  • Nipawin
  • Paddockwood
  • Parkman *
  • Prince Albert
  • Punnichy
  • Radisson *
  • Rosetown
  • Rosthern
  • Semans
  • Senlac *
  • Shaunavon *
  • Shellbrook *
  • Sintaluta
  • Strasburg
  • Sturgis *
  • Tisdale
  • Unity
  • Wakaw
  • Weyburn
  • Wilkie
  • Wiseton
  • * File is incomplete. Generally contains only a "Final Problems Summary Sheet" – a summary of the

    Problems Listing" sheets that would have been filled out by each discussion group in the forum.

    Most folders contains very similar information. Contains:

     

    BOXES 10 – 13

    4. Individual community hearings and briefs. A-W

     

    Folders exist for each of the communities listed below. In each folder is generally found the following:

    Roads

    Instability of Farm Prices

    Excessive distance to travel for services ie doctor and dentist

    Inability of young people to get sufficient credit

    Lack of long-term credit for capital expenditure

    Production costs not in line with selling prices

    Education and lack of teachers

    original forms filled out , audograph records of proceedings, Arranged alphabetically by place name

    1. Abernethy **bat
    2. Admiral **ba
    3. Alameda *ba
    4. Aneroid *b
    5. Archerwill *b
    6. Alsask & Kindersley ag dist **ba
    7. Assiniboia *ba
    8. Beechy *ba
    9. Beverley *ba
    10. Biggar *ba
    11. Biggar RM Group *ta
    12. Birch Hills *b
    13. Broadview *b
    14. Broderick *b
    15. Buckland *b
    16. Cabri *b
    17. Cantaur *b
    18. Carnduff **ba
    19. Carrot river **ba
    20. Central Butte **ba
    21. Churchbridge **ba
    22. Clemenceau *b
    23. Climax *b
    24. Consul *b
    25. Coronach *b
  • Craik **ba
  • Cutknife **ba
  • Davidson **ba
  • Dilke **bat
  • Eastend **ba
  • Elston *b
  • Estevan **ba
  • Eston *b
  • Ethelton *b
  • Everton *b
  • Floral *b
  • Foam Lake *b
  • Glaslyn *b
  • Goodsoil **ba
  • Gravelbourg **bat
  • Grenfell *b
  • Gull Lake *b
  • Hazlet *b
  • Hodgeville **bat
  • Hudson Bay *b
  • Kamsack **ba
  • Kerrobert **ba
  • Kindersley **ba
  • Kinistino **ba
  • Lashburn **ba
  • Leroy **ba
  • Loreburn **bat (map RM25-4w2)
  • Lumsden **ba
  • Macklin **bat
  • Mankota *b
  • Manville *b
  • Marsden *b
  • Mawer *b
  • McCord *b
  • Meadow Lake **ba
  • Meyronne **ba
  • Mistatim **ba
  • Montmartre **ba
  • Moosomin **bat
  • Mossbank *b
  • Nipawin *a
  • Paddockwood **ba
  • Parkman *b
  • Pennant *ba
  • Porcupine Plain **ba
  • Punnichy *b
  • Radison **ba
  • Rosetown *a
  • Rosthern *b
  • Semans **bt
  • Senlac *b
  • Shaunavon *ba
  • Shellbrook *ba
  • Sintaluta *ba
  • Smoky Burn *b
  • South Allan Co-Op farm *at
  • Stoughton **ba
  • Strasbourg **ba
  • Sturgis **ba
  • Swift Current Agric dist *b
  • Tisdale *b
  • Tompkins *b
  • Unity **bat
  • Wakaw *b
  • Weyburn **ba
  • Wilcox *b
  • Wilkie **bat
  • Willowbunch **ba
  • Wiseton (& private brief) **ba
  • Wynyard Agric dist *b
  • * small file ** more substantial file b contains brief a audograph t transcript

    NOTE: these files contain supplementary information in addition to briefs. Some of the briefs are missing. All of the briefs are bound in 5 binders with indexes. See description of Box 15 to 17.

     

    Problem Conference: Regina problem census guides completed by discussion groups, problem census summary, evaluation and report. List of organisations invited and list of persons who attended.

     

    BOX 14

    5. PROVINCIALBRIEFS AND HEARINGS – General Policy, conferences, arrangements.

    Regina Problems Conference Nov 25 and 26 1952 (1 folder)

    Saskatoon Problems Conference Nov 28 and 28 1952 (1 folder)

     

    BOX 15

    5. Provincial briefs and hearings – General Policy, conferences

    6. Community Briefs, Hearings Reports

    Overview of box content: miscellaneous information. Policies and procedures to follow, invitations to groups to submit briefs,

    Provincial Briefs, consultations (1 folder)

    Provincial Hearings Transcripts (1folder)

    Community Briefs (binder: Volume I Abernethy to Climax)

    Credit, crop insurance, education, electrification, farm labour, farm organisations, land tenure, local govn’t and roads, market and prices, mechanisation and farm costs, movement of people, recreation, rural health,

    Ie) Abernethy: roads, markets, health, credit, education

     

    BOX 16

    6. Community Briefs, Hearings Reports

     

    Community Briefs (binder: Volume II Consul to Kerrobert. No 21-44)

    Community Briefs (binder: Volume III Kindersley to Pennant No 45-69)

    Community Briefs (binder: Volume IV Porcupine Plain to Wiseton, Clemenceau and Smoky Burn. No 70-95)

     

    BOX 17

    6. Community Briefs, Hearings Reports

     

    Community Briefs (binder: Volume V. No 101-132, 151-155, 201-207)

    Index of Documentary Evidence (binder)

    Lists all documents received by Commission as evidence. Each of the following types of DOCUMENTS are coded according to CODES list

    DOCUMENTS:

    Provincial organizations

    Provincial government agencies

    Confidential submissions from civil servants

    University colleges

    Individuals

    Sundry groups

    CODES:

      1. Credit
      2. Crop insurance
      3. Education
      4. Electrification
      5. Farm labour
      6. Farm organization
      7. Land tenure
      8. Local government and roads
      9. Markets, marketing and prices
      10. Mechanisation and farm costs
      11. Movement of people
      12. Research
      13. Recreation
      14. Rural health
      15. Rural homes
      16. Service co-ordination
      17. Telephones
      18. Service centres
      19. Underemployment
      20. others

     

    Hearings Excerpts (1 folder)

    Community Hearings Report, August 1953 (binder)

      1. Credit
      2. Education
      3. Electrification
      4. Local government
      5. Markets
      6. Rural health

    Example: Credit. Should the size of farms be limited?

    Community # 81 Yes because large farms are getting bigger. Taxation would be good

    Community # 75 Difficult to work out because ….

    (Note: The number 81 or 75 identifies the town the speaker was from)

    Public opinion sections, (binder)

    General: Appears to be an analysis of the findings of the Public Hearings, Community Forums. The perspectives of rural communities, specific individuals and organisation’s are presented on following topics:

      1. Credit
      2. Crop insurance
      3. Land tenure
      4. Markets
      5. Mechanisation
      6. Movement of people
      7. Rural homes

    Ie) Saskatchewan Board of Trade: "any system of crop insurance adopted should be self-sustaining …."

    Roman Catholic Hierarchy: firm support for private ownership "God created the earth for its resources to be owned and exploited by man, and Jehialah begat Muzillia who begat Anolije who begat Abraham who beat Moses who begat…. Etc etc"

     

    BOX 18

    7. Provincial Briefs and Hearings, Special Hearings

     

    Provincial briefs: Secretary Volume I Briefs 2-27

    A list of 319 Provincial Briefs and Hearings by organization/group, time of hearing. Subject matter of each brief is indicated by codes (ie codes representing agriculture = a, credit = c).

    Provincial briefs: Secretary Volume II Briefs 28-49

    Provincial briefs: Secretary Volume III Briefs 50-74

     

    BOX 19

    7. Provincial Briefs and Hearings, Special Hearings

     

    Provincial briefs: Secretary Volume IV Briefs 75-93, 301-319

    Material from Provincial Briefs Volume I

      1. Credit
      2. Crop insurance
      3. Education
      4. Electrification
      5. Farm labour
      6. Farm organization
      7. Land tenure
      8. Local government and roads
      9. Markets
      10. Mechanisation
      11. Movement of people

    Material from Provincial Briefs Volume II

      1. Same as above. Covers topics
      2. Research
      3. Recreation
      4. Rural health
      5. Rural homes
      6. Service co-ordination
      7. Telephones
      8. Service centres
      9. Underemployment
      10. Other

    Provincial Hearings Agendas, Data Sheets and Probe Patterns (confidential) W. Harding

     

    BOX 20

    7. Provincial Briefs and Hearings, Special Hearings; correspondence, special hearings

    8. Press Coverage; Press Releases; Press Clippings

     

    Provincial Briefs SFU Correspondence

    Special Hearings: Saskatchewan Teacher’s College, Moose Jaw

    Special Hearings: School of Agriculture

    Special Hearings: University

    Special Hearings: Youth Training School, Moose Jaw

    Press Releases

    Press Clippings Dailies – October to December 1952

    Press Clippings Dailies – January to March 1953

     

    BOX 21

    8. Press Coverage; Press Releases; Press Clippings; Letters to the editor; press and radio conferences; radio release

     

    Letters to the editor

    Press Clippings – March 1954 Dailies and Weeklies

    Press Clippings – April to December 1954

    Press Clippings – 1955

    Press Clippings – 1956-1957

     

    BOX 22

    8. Press Coverage; Press Clippings

     

    Press Clippings – Dailies April to September 1953 (Binder)

    Press Clippings – Dailies October to December 1953

    Press Clippings – Weeklies October to December 1952

    Press Clippings – Weeklies January to March 1953

    Press Clippings – Weeklies April to December 1953

    Press Clippings – January and February 1954

    Briefs published in rural papers 1953 (folder)

    Briefs prepared by communities/groups were published in some of the rural newspapers.

     

    BOX 23

    9. General reports, Post-Commission Activities etc

     

    Post Commission Community Forums (1 folder)

      1. Balcarres
      2. Central Butte
      3. Demaine
      4. Hodgeville
      5. Kamsack
      6. Lashburn
      7. Lestock
      8. Meadow Lake
      9. Pennant
      10. Saltcoats

    Reports, Requests (1 folder)

    Royal Commission findings, Nov 8, 1956 (1 folder)

    Royal Commission Recommendations EAPB Classification (1 folder)

    Examines each recommendation and appraises it in terms of feasibility.

    Royal Commission Recommendations classified by policy (binder in folder)

    Ie) under the heading

    Increasing and maintaining demand for food products

    Report 8, rec. 1 "That federal and provincial governments.."

    Report 13, rec. 1 "That the public powers of the national.."

    Royal Commission Recommendations – University Report (1 folder)

     

    BOX 24

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    1: Scope and character of the investigation;

    2. Mechanisation and farm costs

     

    Draft #1 (Feb 1, 1944) and #2 (Feb 22, 1955) Scope and Character of the Investigation. (2 binders)

    First and second drafts of the report

    Mechanisation and Farm Costs First Draft February 4, 1955 (binder)

    Mechanisation and Farm Costs Final Draft March 18, 1955 (binder)

    Mechanisation and Farm Cost (2 folders)

    Transcripts of provincial hearings dealing with the subject; study guides and outlines for research/reporting; comments from communities, organizations, and individual briefs organised according to subject. Changes in language and grammar and corrections to documents. Appear to be drafts for the final report on Mechanisation and Farm Costs.

     

    BOX 25

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    2. Mechanisation and farm costs

     

    General: Entire box deals with mechanisation and farm costs.

    Mechanisation and Farm Costs: Consultants (3 folders)

     

    BOX 26

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    2. Mechanisation and farm costs

    3. Agricultural Credit

     

    Mechanisation and Farm Costs February 26, 1954 (1 binder)

    Agricultural Credit First Draft – February 25, 1955 (binder)

    First draft of the final report on Agricultural Credit.

    Agricultural Credit in Saskatchewan – January 4, 1954 (binder)

    Paper prepared for the Commission and the Credit Work committee on farm credit.

    Agricultural Credit (2 folders)

    Draft reports, papers on farm credit, debt adjustment, Canadian Farm Loans Board, Veteran’s Act, agricultural credit facilities in the US,

    Agricultural Credit (Black binder)

    From interviews with VLA, FHA and University of North Dakota Staff

    Report on lending under farm improvement act

    Provision of working capital for agriculture in Sask

    Summary based on 66 briefs and 41 hearings

     

    BOX 27

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    3. Agricultural Credit

    4. Local government

    5. Land Tenure

     

    Agricultural Credit in Saskatchewan Research Report November 1953 (2 binders)

    Report by the research division of the secretariat. One binder is draft copy, the other is a revised copy

    Agricultural Credit (3 folders)

    Folder- various correspondence

    Folder – technical papers

    Folder – veteran’s land act

    Local Government – Alberta Report Part II Research Report March 26, 1954

    Part Two: Patterns of Local Government In Alberta.

    Land Tenure – Draft - January 19, 1954

    Report on land tenure by H.E. Chapman.

    Land Tenure in Saskatchewan – research report – Feb 19, 1954

    Is a final outline of this study area prior to its integration with other study areas.

     

    BOX 28

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    5. Land Tenure

    6. Rural Education

     

    Land Tenure. June 16, 1955. (thick book)

    Final, corrected, edited copy

    Land Tenure in Saskatchewan. April 27, 1954 (folder containing unbound binder)

    Research report prepared by Working Committee A. Appears to be preliminary study leading up to the final report.

    Report #6. Rural Education (2 folder)

    General: Reports and papers on educational administration, agricultural extension, libraries, transcripts of hearings with dept of education officials, school trustees Association and Teachers Federation.

    "Provincial Hearing Transcript" transcript of hearing with Sask Department of Education

    "Provincial Hearing Transcript" transcript of hearing with Sask School Trustees Association

    "Provincial Hearing Transcript" transcript of hearing with Sask Teacher’s Federation

    "Summary of Replies received to questions outlined in the technical paper on rural education"

    The questions are presented followed by summaries/excerpts of replies from rural people in hearings and briefs

    Rural Education. Public Opinion (1 folder)

    Compilation of statements by communities at hearings/in briefs regarding education.

    Compilation of statements by organizations regarding views on education.

    Education – Public Opinion by WB Baker (binder)

    Report based on community and organization briefs and hearing discussions

     

    BOX 29

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    7. Movement of People

     

    Movement of Farm People (1 folder)

    Movement of People –Research Report. By E Cumming November 4 1954. Very detailed looks very useful for understanding population trends at the time.

    Table of Contents:

      1. Intro
      2. Relocation

        Urbanisation of farmer (town farming, double phase farming)

        Leaving the farm permanently

        {information sources include spot check township study, map study, town farmer survey, Sask federation of labour survey, trade centres questionnaire, briefs}

      3. HISTORICAL
      4. Intro

        Period of Exploration

        The Survey System

        The Land Settlement Policy

        Density and Distribution of Population

      5. POPULATION AND ITS LOCATION
      6. Total Numbers of Population

        Communities

        Age and Sex Composition of Settlers

        Ethnic Composition of Settlers

      7. PAST AND FUTURE

    Population trends

    Prediction of farm population

    Prediction of farm population density

    Prediction of community population

    Prediction of population composition

    V. STUDIES OF MOVEMENT

    The Field Mapping Study

    Town Farmer Study

    Trade Union Study

    Trading Centres Study

    Impressionistic Field Survey

    VI. MANIFEST AND LATENT FUNCTIONS OF THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

    Relocation

    Urbanisation of the farmer

    Leaving the land altogether

    Summary and Conclusions

    Movement of People Chapters 1,2,3

    Movement of People Chapters 4

    Movement of People Chapters 5, 6, 7 Draft of Final Report.

    Study Area Report – Movement of People WB Baker (binder)

    Another study for the Movement of people research. On immigration, population trends

     

    BOX 30

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    8. Agricultural Markets and Prices

     

    Agricultural Markets and Prices (1 folder)

    summary of replies to questions outlined in technical paper on agricultural markets and prices; submissions to Commission on livestock market; on international wheat situation; on British opinion about prospects for Canadian wheat in the UK; comments on the "Agricultural Markets and Prices Report" by J.L. Phelps; comments by M Brownstone for the Gordon Commission on Agricultural Markets.

    Agricultural Markets and Prices. – Public Opinion

    Public Opinion Section June 30, 1954 - a summarisation of the public opinions expressed in Briefs, Hearings and Technical Papers. The comments are arranged according to subject (coded).

    Draft of Agricultural Markets and Prices Report

    Markets Marketing and Prices – Research Report

    Research for the preparation of the Agricultural Markets and Prices report.

    Interim Report on Agricultural Marketing, Markets and Prices – June 10 1953

    On marketing boards, current markets and prices world-wide situation.

    Marketing, Markets and Prices- June 23, 1954

    Interim study area and work committee reports;

     

    BOX 31

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    9. Crop Insurance

    10. Home and Family

    11. Farm Electrification

     

    Crop Insurance (1 folder)

    Interim study area report Crop insurance research report. June 28, 1954.; Outlines for study area report and for Work Committee discussions; report on crop insurance as interpreted by communities and organizations; comments by JL Phelps on Crop Insurance Reports

    Home and Family in Rural Sask (1 folder)

    "Chapter on Material from the Briefs and Hearings Prepared by the Secretary WM Harding." About conditions affecting the rural family, mechanisation, movement of people education, the present conditions/standard of living, housing, home beautification, rural social life, rural welfare, role of the church. Report on rural home and family life as interpreted by communities, organizations and consultants.

    Home and Family in Rural Saskatchewan. October 20, 1954 (binder)

    Research Report for commission. Looks like a good description of rural life in 1950s. Includes maps of townships, occupied and abandoned farms and problems faced in these areas because of dispersal of the population.

    Chapter I: Intro

    Chapter II. The farm family of an earlier day

    Chapter III. The Emerging Rural Family

    Chapter IV. Amenities of Family Living Today

    Chapter V. The Roles of the Rural Homemaker

    Home and Family in Rural Sask (binder). November 21, 1955

    Research report. Also looks very useful for understanding rural living conditions, stresses faced by rural people.

    Chapter I. Intro. Purpose, methodology.

    Chapter II: Problems of the Rural Family as seen by rural people

    Chapter III. Levels of living of farm families through the years. (pioneers, WWI years, depression, age of mechanisation)

    Chapter IV. Amenities of Family Living Today. (comparisons with other provinces, variation in farm homes within the province, rural and urban contrasts, changes from 1941 to 51, effects of moving to town, amenities of family living)

    Chapter V. Family Relationships. (family relationships in the past, commission survey of family relationships, the emerging farm family

    Chapter VI. Roles of Rural Homemakers. (survey of homemakers clubs, changing role of farm women)

    Farm Electrification (1 folder)

    Draft report. Minutes of Work Committee Meetings, background material prepared, study area outlines.

    Report on Farm Electrification – Public Opinion (1 folders)

    Contains summaries/selections of text from community hearings expressing the opinions of people. Report is based on ideas expressed by communities, organizations and consultants.

     

    BOX 32

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    12. Service Centres

    13. Farm Income

     

    Service Centres (1 folder)

    "Functional Relationship between service centres and farm populations" Feb 22, 1954 examines the function of urban centres and their relationship to surrounding farmland. Uses Christaller’s central Place theory

    Summary of a survey/questionnaire given to merchants at the Retail Merchant’s Convention to assess the future of retail services in Sask. Includes copy of questionnaire and statistical summary of results.

    Research Design and Workplan

    For research on service centres to be done in 3 sample areas – Wynyard, Shaunavon, Carrot river. Shops intended sample size, service centre interview sheet. Baker’s observations on a trade service centre network (April 1953) in area of Loreburn

    Report by Lowler. Interesting short study of an anonymous hamlet acting as a service centre.

    "Service Centre Interview Sheet" an interview guide for fieldworkers.

    Conclusions and Recommendations on Service Centres.

    "Trade Centre Research Report" March 1, 1954 and a later draft dated May 28, 1954 (2 bound copies)

    2 trade centres were selected as samples for examining the role of trade centres in Sask. Maps included showing study area, linkages between trading nodes.

    Wynyard: out of 100 townships, a sample of 25 was selected. 100 interviews conducted

    Shaunavon: studied a much smaller geographical area. One township was selected out of 25 trading-area townships. 75 interviews conducted.

    Chapter I: Introduction – methodology

    Chapter II. Historical – settlement, factors affecting location of trade centres, statistical trends in size of trade centres, influence of increasing commercialisation, centre-periphery relationships.

    Chapter III. Analysis of representative service areas. Population trends, agricultural conditions,

    Chapter IV. Evaluation of each area studied

    Chapter V. Evaluation of the relationships in representative service areas.

    Service Centres. June 17 1954 (1 bound copy)

    Also has title "Functional relationship between service centres and farm population". Uses location theory and work of von Thunen and Christaller to analysize the distribution of towns population. Lot of theory and methodology, also discusses how this was applied to field research and communities studied.

    Farm Income. Chapters 1-5,May 25, 1956

    Draft report

    Farm Income. Chapters 6-10, June 15, 1956

    Draft report

     

    BOX 33

      1. Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

    13. Farm Income

    14. A Program of Improvement

     

    Farm Income (1 folder)

    Draft report of discussion with commission at the annual meeting of the Sask Federation of Production Co-ops. Minority report by Phelps and comments thereon.

    Farm Income – Agricultural Extension (1 folder)

    Research papers on agricultural extension: its history, organization and function, draft of conclusions and recommendations, comments from briefs and reports.

    Agricultural Extension – Public Opinion (1 folder)

    "Summary of Replies to Technical Papers on Agricultural Extension." March 1954

    summary of the replies by various experts, proffs, agricultural extension representatives to questions presented to them

    Farm Income – Conservation. Jan-Mar 1953 (1 folder)

    Study outlines, study area reports, minutes of Work Committee meeting concerned with conservation

    Farm Income – Underemployment in Agriculture (1 folder)

    "Farm Income in Sask Agriculture" prepared by Anderson, August 11, 1954.

    Study area reports covering topics such as: demand and supply characteristics of ag products, income variability and income level, price variability, output and price variability,

    "Study area- Underemployment in Agriculture". Covers topics such as: production co-operatives and an introduction and analysis of major types, implications for diversification, land tenure, credit and financing; social implications including living standards, effect on community. Comments from briefs from organizations on this topic

     

    BOX 34

    11. Misc. Studies

    Farm Labour to Telephones

    Misc Studies: Crown Land Settlement in NE Sask. Jan 1953-Feb 1955

    Drafts of interim report, interim report. Reports on problems with the subject, Reports on consultations with officials of Quebec Dept of Colonisation

    Farm Labour

    Comments from briefs dealing with farm labour; minutes; study outline

    Farm Organizations

    Research papers; study plans and outlines

    Research

    Transcript of talk between Baker and Spinks (chemist) with Chemical Institute of Canada, October 17, 1953.

    Comments selected from briefs dealing with agricultural research

    Recreation – Public Opinion Reports

    Comments from briefs dealing with agricultural research

    "Libraries as interpreted by communities and organizations" report based on the suggestions and comments of rural people. Comments on what they should be doing in rural communities.

    Rural Health- Public Opinion Reports

    "Rural Health as interpreted by communities and organizations" report based on the suggestions and comments of rural people. Comments on what they should be doing in rural communities.

    Comments selected from briefs dealing with rural health

    Rural Health

    Service co-ordination

    Background material and report

    Recreation

    Telephones

    Comment selected from briefs and individuals on rural telephones.

    Study outline and background material prepared by Working Committee

    Town Planning, Taxation, town-country Indicators

     

    BOX 35

    12. Questionnaires and Education

     

    QUESTIONNAIRES:

    For local school district boards. Most boards will have several people who filled out questionnaires. See top right-hand corner. (rough outline of which towns filled in questionnaires. Name in brackets is SD)

    Questionnaires for Local School District Boards

    Purpose is to:

    Adanac (Wilkie)

    Angila

    Avonlea

    Bellegard

    Bulyea

    Ceasantdale (Melfort school unit)

    Dahinda

    Davidson

    Edfield (Foam Lake)

    Elfros (Foam lake)

    Esterhazy

    Fairlight

    Fern

    Fleming

    Foam Lake

    Gerald

    Gravelbourg

    Gronlid

    Hazel

    Holdfast

    Imperial

    Kelso

    Kincaid

    Lady Lake Lintlaw

    Loon Lake

    McCord

    Milden

    Prince Albert

    Raymore

    Raymore (Kutawa)

    Red Jacket

    Redvers

    Reliance

    Rocanville

    Roscoe

    Rosetown

    Ryerson

    Serath

    Shamrock

    Sheho (Foam lake)

    Spy Hill

    Strasbourg

    Swan Plain

    Theodore

    Totnes (Rosetown)

    Truax (milestone?)

    Welby

    Welby

    Welwyn

    Wishart (Foam lake)

    Wynyard

    Wynyard

     

    Questionnaire for School Superintendents

    Arcola #10

    Broadview #18

    Eastend #8

    Estevan #2

    Kindersley #34

    Medstead #64

    Melfort #54

    Milestone #12

    Oxbow #1

    Prince Albert #56

    Radville

    Saskatoon West #42

    Shaunavon #7

    Sturgis #45

    Watrous #30

    Wilkie #59

    Willow Bunch (Rockglen)

    This questionnaire looks relevant. It tries to find determine:

     

    BOX 36

    12. Questionnaires and Education

     

    Questionnaire for School Superintendents

    Assiniboia #5

    Biggar #50

    Blaine Lake #57

    Cupar #28

    Davidson #31

    Eston-Elrose #33

    Foam Lake #38

    Govan

    Gravelbourg (Lafleche)

    Gull Lake #16

    Herbert #23

    Hudson Bay #52

    Humboldt #47

    Kamsack #35

    Kerrobert #44

    Kinistino #55

    Lanigan #40

    Leader #24

    Lloydminster #60

    Maple Creek #17

    Meadow Lake #66

    Melville #26

    Moose Jaw #22

    Moosomin #9

    Nipawin #61

    North Battleford #58

    Outlook

    Regina East Unit #20 (Odessa)

    Rosetown #43

    Saskatoon #41

    Shell Lake #63

    Swift Current #15

    Tisdale #53

    Turtleford #65

    Wadena #46

    Waka #48

    Weyburn #11

    Questionnaires for Local School District Boards

    Purpose is to:

    RM (name) SCHOOL UNIT

    Big Arm Watrous

    Buckland Prince Albert

    Buffalo Wilkie

    Cutknife Wilkie

    Duck Lake Prince Albert

    Elfros Foam Lake

    Emmiskillen Oxbow

    Garden River Prince Albert

    Gravelbourg

    Harris Rosetown

    Howard Creek Prince Albert

    LID Meadow Lake

    RM (name) SCHOOL UNIT

    Morris Watrous

    Pleasant Valley Rosetown

    Pleasantdale Melfort

    Preeceville Sturgis

    Prince Albert Prince Albert

    Redford Wikie

    Round Valley Wilkie

    St Andrews and Pleasant Valley Rosetown

    Star City Melfort

    Vanguard

    Wood Breech Watrous

     

     

     

    BOX 37

    12. Questionnaires and Education

     

    Survey of Conditions and Opinions Relating to Roads and Local Government (2 folders)

    List of RMs which responded.

    #98

    Bailoon #131

    Battle river #438

    Big Arm #251

    Big Stick #141

    Cara #214

    Chester #125

    Clineworth #230

    Cote #271

    Edjovd #128

    Estevan #5

    Fox Valley #171

    Frontier #19

    Garry #245

    Golden West #95

    Grass Lake #381

    Grassy Creek #78

    Gravelbourg #104

    Grayson #184

    Grenfield #?

    Griffin #66

    Harris #316

    Huron #223

    Insinger #275

    Invergordon #430

    Jansen #309

    Kelvington #366

    Kindersley #290

    Kutawa #278

    Lake of the Rivers #72

    Lakeview #337

    Lipton #214

    Loreburn #254

    Manitou Lake #442

    Mariposa #350

    Marquis #191

    Mayfield #406

    Monet #257

    Moose Creek #33

    Moose Jaw #161

    Moose Mountain #63

    Newcombe #260

    North Quappelle #187

    Norton #69

    Park #375

    Perdue #346

    Piapot #110

    Pinto Creek #75

    Preeceville #334

    Prince Albert #461

    Rosemount #378

    Rosthern #403

    Round Valley #410

    Rudy #284

    Sask Landing #167

    Shamrock #134

    Shellbrook #493

    Spiritwood RM#96

    Spy Hill #152

    St Andrews #287

    Strasburg #220

    Terrell #101

    Three Lakes #400

    Turtle River #469

    Vermillion Hills #195

    Victory #226

    Walpoll #92

    Waverley #44

    White Valley #49

    Willow Creek #458

    Wilton #472

    Winslow #319

    Wolverine #340

    Wood Creek #281

    Questionnaire for School Superintendents - a survey sent out to RM councillors

    1 Argyle

    4 Coalfields

    7 Souris valley

    10 Happy Valley

    18 Lone Tree

    32

    35

    42

    46 Glen McPerson

    61 Antler

    65

    68

    71

    77

    91 Maryfield

    97

    100 Elmsthorpe

    103

    106 Whiska Creek

    109

    121 Moosomin

    124

    124 Kiping

    127 Francis

    133

    139 Gull Lake

    154 Elcapo

    157

    160

    163 Wheat Lands

    166 Excelsior

    169 Pettiville

    183

    186

    213

    216

    229

    232

    244 Orkney

    247 Kellross

    253

    256 King George

    262 Mantario

    274

    277 Emerald

    280

    283 Rosedale

    286 Milden

    301

    305

    308

    312 Mordus

    315

    333

    336

    342

    345

    347 Biggar

    349

    368 Spalding

    371 Bayne

    374

    380 Tramping Lake

    382 Eye Hill

    395

    399

    405

    409

    426 Bjorkdale

    429

    434

    440 Hilledale

    457

    460 Birch Hills

    464 Leask

    468 Meota

    471 471

    487 Nipawin

    Enfield

     

    BOX 38

    13. Audograph Records

    Audograph records of Commission Meetings #1-21

     

    BOX 39

    13. Audograph Records

     

    Audograph records of Commission Meetings #22 to 28.

    Meeting 1: 16

    Meeting 2: 12

    Meeting 3: ?? missing

    Meeting 4: 17

    Meeting 5 to 7: 18

    Meeting 8 to 9: 22

    Meeting 10 to 11: 20

    Meetings 13 to 14 24

    Meeting 15: 27

    Meetings 16 to 18: 23

    Meetings 19 to 21 23

    Consultations 21 disks

    Government Hearings 21 disks

    Provincial Hearings - Regina 44 disks

    Provincial Hearings – Saskatoon 39 disks

    Saskatchewan Farmer’s Union Hearings 3 disks

    University Hearings 22 disks

    Miscellaneous 6 disks

     

     

    ADDITIONAL NOTES

    AUDOGRAPH. In the "Community Hearings" records Boxes 10-13 are many AUDOGRAPH audio recordings of the commission delegates speaking with local people about farm issues. Transcripts to the recordings appear to be present in most cases. The AUDOGRAPH records are flexible translucent plastic disks (similar to phonograph record) which have been etched by a needle. Each disk is recorded on both sides and holds either ½ hour total or 1 hour total (information regarding total recording time is vague). Sask Archives has 2 broken AUDOGRAPH machines which could play these disks if they could be repaired. Machines were made by Northern Electric Co, Ltd, Belleville Ontario. Prairie history room at Regina Public Library might have a player.

     

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