Royal Commission on Agriculture and rural life

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:

MA Thesis examining the 14 volumes of the Royal Commission.

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

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. 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.

John Archer’s Saskatchewan: A History is regarded as the most comprehensive survey of the history of province but devotes very little to the Royal Commission. (Rein p.2)
Charles Schwartz: The search for stability (1959) Toronto: McClelland and Stewart) – about agriculture after 1945 is one of few authors to discuss development of Sask. farm economy after WWII. Shows how farmers sought to stabilise costs and incomes. Schwartz does NOT discuss Royal Commission in any significant detail. (Rein p.2)
Fairbairn, Brett (1989) (Saskatoon: Western Producer Prairie books) Building a dream – the Co-operative retailing system in Western Canada 1928-1988. Devotes only a few paragraphs to changes in Sask. agriculture after 1939. (Rein p.3)
Fairbairn, Garry (1984) (Saskatoon: Western Producer Prairie books) From Prairie roots: The remarkable story of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. Offers more detail on changes in Sask. agriculture. But main focus is on growth of provinces most powerful farm co-operative. (Rein p.3)
Wright, Jim F.C. (1956) (Saskatoon: Modern Press) Prairie Progress: Consumer Co-operation in Saskatchewan. Published only 1 year before end of Commission so included very little of Commission’s findings. Examined history of Sask. co-operative movement. (Rein p.3)

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)

Clements, Muriel (1965) (Toronto: Irwin and Company) By their bootstraps: A history of the Credit Union movement in Saskatchewan. Examines history of Credit Unions in province and important role they’ve played in Sask. Economic development. Clements notes that credit unions have been major source of farm credit and offered loans when banks would not. But study focus is on credit unions only and is not a thorough study of farm credit in Sask. Purden’s book (below) is more relevant, up to date. (Rein p.4)
Purden, Christine (1980) (Regina: Credit Union Central) Agents for change: Credit unions in Saskatchewan. Is an analytical study of development of credit unions but like Clements, doesn’t examine issue of farm credit in detail.

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.

Shackleton, Doris (1975) (Toronto: McClelland and Stewart) Tommy Douglas has little to say about Commission. (Rein p.4)
Tyre, Robert (1962) (Vancouver: Mitchell Press) Douglas in Saskatchewan – the story of a socialist experiment. Very critical of Douglas’ government but has little insight into commission. (p.4)
McLeod, Ian and T.H. (Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers) Tommy Douglas – the road to Jerusalem. Said Royal Commission had little effect on CCF agricultural policy. (p.5)
Thomas, L.H. (1982) (Edmonton: U of A Press) The making of a socialist – the recollections of T.C. Douglas shows that Douglas himself felt the Commission was important. Book briefly covers the important aspects of Commission’s activities – likely because it was based on interviews conducted in 1958, only 1 year after the Commission had finished.
Phalen, Terry (1977) (Saskatoon: Co-operative College of Canada) Co-operative Leadership – Harry L. Fowler. Book on Fowler who was one of Commissioners. But Fowler’s role in the Royal Commission on Agriculture amounts to only 1 paragraph in epilogue.
McCrorie, James (1964) (Saskatoon: Centre for Community Studies) In Union is Strength. About the Saskatchewan farmer’s union. Discusses career of Joe Phelps but doesn’t mention his work on the Commission.
White, Clint (1976) (Regina: Canadian Plains Research Centre) Power for a Province – A history of Saskatchewan power. Examines development of Sask. Power Corporation, rural electrification and Royal Commission’s recommendations. (Rein p.5)
Volk, Lois (1980) (Thesis, University of Regina) The social effects of rural electrification in Saskatchewan. Looks at the Commission’s 11^th report "Farm Electrification". Holds that many of commission’s proposals were ineffective but some were adopted by SaskPower. (Rein p.6)
Enno Kruse (1989) Royal Commissions as instruments of policy in Saskatchewan: the Royal Commission on Agriculture and Rural Life – A case study. Focuses on government’s use of the Commission as a tool to generate public participation in the formulation of public policy. Examines organisation and operation of the commission and not the underlying social problems which gave rise to its establishment. Does not discuss Commission’s findings and recommendations in any meaningful way or discuss contemporary reaction to them. Did not examine records of the Royal Commission rendering him unable to discuss many aspects of its work. Does not mention the Dept of Agriculture’s critical reaction to the Interim Report of the Commission. (Rein p.6)
Fowke, Vernon "Economic Effects of the war on the prairie economy

CHAPTER 2

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

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

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

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

Movement of people
Farm credit
Farm mechanisation and tenure
Rural homes and family life
Trade centres
Rural electrification
Farm incomes
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.

Scope and Character of the Investigation: introduced the work. Described methodology, general outline of subject matter, suggestions on how the report could be used.
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.
Agricultural Credit
Rural roads and Local Government
Land Tenure
Rural Education
Movement of Farm People
Agricultural Markets and Prices
Crop Insurance
Home and Family in rural Sask.
Farm Electrification
Service Centres
Farm Income
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).

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

Public: through communities and provincial organisations which try to overcome problems for the people that they represent.
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

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).

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)

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)

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).

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).

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:

Voluntary Organizations: more than 70 voluntary organisations submitted briefs not including Govn't agencies, university groups.

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.

University of Sask: 11 colleges submitted 36 briefs. Student body of School of Agriculture also submitted brief.

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.

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).

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

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)

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:

RM of Round Valley No.410 Agricult committee
RM of Manitou Lake No. 442 " " "
RM of Newcombe no 260 " " "
Agricult rep District 9 board (Swift Current)
Agricult rep District 17 board (Kinderslely)
Agricult rep District 20 board (Wynyard)
Agricult rep District 34 board (North battleford)

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

Appendix contains variety of stats on mechanisation, tenure, operating costs from 1920s to 52; gross income and operating costs
ratio of farm people and automobiles
value of machinery
sales of machinery 1919 – 1954
trends in value of field crops per farm and per worker 1911-52
operating and overhead costs in actual cost and as percentage of total cost 1926-51

Publication #3. Agricultural Credit

NOTES:

Average per capita farm size 1921-51
Farms classified by total value of land, buildings and machinery 1951
Change in net income per farm worker compared with change in capital investment per farm worker. 18 census divisions 1950
Outstanding indebtedness of farmers 1936, 46, 51

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.

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.

Details of open-ended interview method., table of data of interview results but data is not separated by geographical area town or RM.
Provincial Problems Conference Nov 25,26 1952 – tabulated data showing the concerns of various groups invited to the conference. Groups are lumped into categories and are not identified.
Problem Census – the number of groups agreeing upon specific problems
Gravelbourg and Hodgville – identification of problems by the discussion groups.
Identification of problems by 60 second year students in School of Agriculture, U of S. Problems identified by geographical area (Northeast, northcentral, Southeast, central, Northwest, Southwest). List of problems raised by 1^st year student and separate list by 2^nd year students.
Agricultural District 9: problems identified by 6 RM committees (165, 134, 136, 137, 106,107) in the problem census. Includes # of people identifying each problem.
Agricultural District #17: problems identified by 11 RM committees (228, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 288, 289, 290, 292) in the area.
Farm Radio Forum November 24 1952. Reference paper #9. Groups from 20 towns in attendance. List of problems identified.

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.

First press and radio conference Oct 15. Information released to press on how the Commission would proceed.
Reference paper #2 reports that by Dec 6, 1952, 15 general press reports were issued attempting to fill in gaps in public understanding of Commission and to remove misconceptions.
Several press releases were sent ONLY to one newspaper ie) Hodgeville, Gravelbourg where field surveys were conducted and community forums were being held. (ref. pap#2)
CBC had several news releases at noon Farm Broadcast show. Also had ½ hour ‘meet the commissioners’ show which interviewed the commissioners. Followup broadcast planned for Jan. (ref. pap#2)
Mrs Emmie Oddie of Milestone will write several feature articles of particular interest to women. (ref. pap#2)
Provincial Problems Conferences #1) Regina Nov 25,26 attended by approx. 140 people from 75 organisations; #2) Saskatoon Nov 28, 29 attended by 160 people from approx. 60 organisations. Agenda for each was same. First morning: spent explaining detail of the research plan, Q&A in small group discussions, First afternoon: various representatives divided into aprox 7 groups of people sharing similar concerns such as church work, education , health and welfare, local govnt, branches of govn’t. Groups raised problems that they felt were most important. Second morning: delegates divided into 7 groups dividing the various interests among the groups. Groups then selected criteria which the commission should examine and select 5 key problems which were discussed previous day.
Hodgeville, Gravelbourg were first community forum sites. Why? Gravelbourg represented a fairly large town while Hodgeville represented a small town with a smaller rural shopping area.

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)

Education College Students March 6, 1953 Discussion (forum) to survey ideas and problems faced by young people going into field of education. Original sheets "Education College Forum Problem Listing Sheets" filled out by the various discussion groups. Responses of 14 discussion groups.
Original sheets entitled "Solutions Sheets" in which discussion groups proposed solutions (only 9 sheets out of 14 )
Questionnaire entitled "College of Education" 47 original sheets. Questions included: age, sex, college year, parents income bracket, previous teaching experience, if leaving farming briefly state why.

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

"Movement of People" discussion in Saskatoon. Original sheets filled out by the various discussion groups in Folder 2. Responses of 14 discussion groups. Folder 1 contains tabulated data records responses of people from Saskatoon (July 7, 1953 original info sheets). Some of Saskatoon data includes respondents reasons for agreeing/disagreeing with question statement.
"High School Education and Jobs" discussion in Saskatoon. In folder 2. Contains results of 7 discussion groups, and reasons for agreeing/disagreeing.

"Starting to Farm" discussion in Saskatoon. In folder 2. Contains results of 8 discussion groups, and reasons for agreeing/disagreeing.

"Recreation" discussion in Saskatoon. In folder 2. Contains results of 5 discussion groups, and reasons for agreeing/disagreeing.

"Service Co-operatives" discussion in Saskatoon. Contains results of 14 discussion groups, and reasons for agreeing/disagreeing.

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)

Discussion (forum) with elected members of government and opposition party to inform legislators of Commission’s work, to obtain their opinions on rural problems. Original "Problem Listing Sheets" filled out by 5 discussion groups.
Original sheet entitled "Problems Working Summary" in which problems outlined in the Problem Listing sheets were compiled.

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:

Eston – "Problem Summary" (hand-written sheet) summarizing problems listed at farmer’s meeting in town of Eston. Categories by age group.

Kindersley – "Problem Summary" (hand-written sheet) summarizing problems listed at general session in town of Kindersley. Categories by age group.

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)

Dominion Provincial Youth Training School February 5, 1953. Discussion (forum) to survey ideas and problems faced by young people. Original sheets "Problem Listing Sheets" filled out by 7 discussion groups.
Original sheets entitled "Solutions Sheets" in which discussion groups proposed solutions (7 response sheets)

Sask Homemakers Club (1 folder)

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

Bateman (Stewart club)

Beechy (Jonesville Club)

Benson (Breezy Bridget club)

Drake

Estevan (Kingsford Club)

Eston

Foam Lake (Ashdown Club)

Govan (Lakeshore club)

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)

Brief from School of Agriculture 1^st students and another brief from 2^nd year students.
Summary of Problems raised during the discussion.
"Solution Sheets" possible solutions suggested by students after having identified problems. (7 sheets).
Questionnaires- filled out by 14 students asking them to identify major problems of Sask youth

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

Questionnaires filled out by 33 second, third and fourth year students asking them:

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)

Evaluation of the Forums by the person running it. Gives a very good idea as to the enthusiasm of the community and their response to the study and the use of discussion groups.

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.

Abernathy *

Admiral *

Aneroid *

Archerwill

Beechy

Beverly

Biggar

Broadview *

Buckland

Cabry *

Carrot river

Central Butte

Churchbridge

Climax

Consul

Coronach

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:

"Final Problems Summary Sheet" – is a summary of the "Problems Listing" sheets that identifies major problems discussed by each discussion group in the forum.

"Problems Listing" sheets from each discussion group in the forum.
"Solutions Sheet" presents the discussion groups’ possible solutions to the problems.
"Solutions Working Summary Sheet" summary of the possible solutions suggested.

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:

"Community Briefs" briefs prepared by a meeting of the town or area residents and submitted to the Royal Commission.
"Community Hearing Report" report of the major topics of discussion/issues raised at the hearing
"Some Comments and Observations on the Hearing Held in the Community of …" reports on the physical conditions/arrangements of the discussion ie buildings, hall, ways to improve cross-section of people present at hearings etc.
Summary of the Public Hearing. A brief summary of the hearing provided first. This is followed by a transcription of the audio recording of issues and solutions raised by people at the hearings. Examples of issues discussed in transcripts (varies according to community):

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

community hearing reports (summaries) for 89 towns and villages and 4 Agricultural District Boards. Original recordings of the hearings. Audograph disks (look like thin flexible phonograph disks)

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

Abernethy **bat

Admiral **ba

Alameda *ba

Aneroid *b

Archerwill *b

Alsask & Kindersley ag dist **ba

Assiniboia *ba

Beechy *ba

Beverley *ba

Biggar *ba

Biggar RM Group *ta

Birch Hills *b

Broadview *b

Broderick *b

Buckland *b

Cabri *b

Cantaur *b

Carnduff **ba

Carrot river **ba

Central Butte **ba

Churchbridge **ba

Clemenceau *b

Climax *b

Consul *b

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)

Outlines of the conference,
Total number of participants, age, sex, occupation
List of organizations represented by delegates
"Problems Census Summary" is a summary of the problems discussed in the "Problem Census Guide" sheets which were filled out by the various discussion groups.
Allocation of people into 20? discussion groups – included names of people
"Problem Census Guide" total of 20 original forms filled out by discussion groups
Five main problems identified by each group.

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

Outlines of the conference,
Total number of participants, age, sex, occupation
List of organizations represented by delegates
"Problems Census Summary" is a summary of the problems discussed in the "Problem Census Guide" sheets which were filled out by the various discussion groups.
Allocation of people into 24? discussion groups – included names of people
"Problem Census Guide" total of 24? original forms filled out by discussion groups
Five main problems identified by each group.

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)

List of organizations, co-operatives, govn’t departments, sociologists and businesses etc to be consulted

Provincial Hearings Transcripts (1folder)

Sask Department of Education
College of Engineering
Sask school trustees
Sask teachers federation
Sask poultry association
Industrial and development council of Canadian meat packers
Canadian co-operative implements
University Extension Prof. K.W. Gordon

Community Briefs (binder: Volume I Abernethy to Climax)

Contains a complete list of all Community Briefs, date, time, location.
Categorises the briefs according to subject matter

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,

Categorises the briefs by town and the major issues/subjects discussed in each centre

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:

Community Briefs. Including name and place of hearing.
Provincial Briefs

Provincial organizations

Provincial government agencies

Confidential submissions from civil servants

University colleges

Individuals

Sundry groups

CODES:

Credit
Crop insurance
Education
Electrification
Farm labour
Farm organization
Land tenure
Local government and roads
Markets, marketing and prices
Mechanisation and farm costs
Movement of people
Research
Recreation
Rural health
Rural homes
Service co-ordination
Telephones
Service centres
Underemployment
others

Hearings Excerpts (1 folder)

Excerpts from hearings. Seems to be interpreted/summarizes selections judged to be important. Could provide a very useful summary of the events/topics discussed at various hearings.

Community Hearings Report, August 1953 (binder)

Breakdown of audience characteristics, age, sex, profession, size & type of farm, length of time each topic was discussed.
Analyses the audograph recordings of all hearings and categorised people’s comments/concerns into 6 categories

Credit
Education
Electrification
Local government
Markets
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:

Credit
Crop insurance
Land tenure
Markets
Mechanisation
Movement of people
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

Similar to the volumes in Box 18 only here the material has been arranged by topic. At top of each page is the name of the organization. Below is their viewpoint, comments or suggestions Book is divided into topic sections

Credit

Crop insurance

Education

Electrification

Farm labour

Farm organization

Land tenure

Local government and roads

Markets

Mechanisation

Movement of people

Material from Provincial Briefs Volume II

Same as above. Covers topics

Research

Recreation

Rural health

Rural homes

Service co-ordination

Telephones

Service centres

Underemployment

Other

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

List of organizations and individuals who submitted briefs

BOX 20

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

8. Press Coverage; Press Releases; Press Clippings

Provincial Briefs SFU Correspondence

Outline of 10 major problems found in each agricultural district (districts 1-17)

Special Hearings: Saskatchewan Teacher’s College, Moose Jaw

Brief, coding records, audograph recordings

Special Hearings: School of Agriculture

Brief, analysis of brief, audograph recordings

Special Hearings: University

Correspondence. No brief or recordings

Special Hearings: Youth Training School, Moose Jaw

Transcripts of public hearing, problems identified during hearing, final problems summary sheet, solutions summary, brief, audograph recordings

Press Releases

All the press releases #1-75 and some local press releases.

Press Clippings Dailies – October to December 1952

All the press clippings mentioning the Royal Commission

Press Clippings Dailies – January to March 1953

All the press clippings mentioning the Royal Commission

BOX 21

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

Letters to the editor

Seems to be letters written by commission to defend its position or clarify issues misunderstood by press (LP was, of course, hostile)

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)

Evaluation sheet of community forums. People filled out sheets to state what they liked and disliked about the community forums. Includes age, size of farm, years in community.

Balcarres
Central Butte
Demaine
Hodgeville
Kamsack
Lashburn
Lestock
Meadow Lake
Pennant
Saltcoats

Reports, Requests (1 folder)

Contains letters from universities, social scientists, libraries and others commenting on the Commissions work, requesting details on methodology etc. Many letters dating from 1960

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

Memo on findings relevant to provincial government programs

Royal Commission Recommendations EAPB Classification (1 folder)

Commission recommendations for early implementation
Commission recommendations for later implementation
Commission recommendations with indefinite timing priority
Commission recommendations – Doubtful Implementation
Timing and Cost of recommendations selected for possible early implementation
Report of Interdepartmental Committee on credit and tenure

Examines each recommendation and appraises it in terms of feasibility.

Tentative priority rating of recommendations relevant to the dept of agriculture

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)

U of S formed a committee and reviewed/evaluated the findings of the Royal Commission. This is their report.

BOX 24

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

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)

Correspondence with agricultural and engineering experts, implement manufacturers, Wheat Pool officials, economist concerning freight assistance, freight rates, cash merchandising and credit, farm implement research centre, community repair depots, industrial development, agricultural extension, workers compensation as applied to farm labour and farm operators, farm electrification and summary/conclusion section of Farm Mechanisation Study.

BOX 26

Royal Commission Reports, Drafts and Research Material

2. Mechanisation and farm costs

3. Agricultural Credit

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

First 24 pages present the situation on mechanisation and farm costs based on summaries/excerpts from the different briefs and hearings of communities and organizations. The rest of this report is the original research report from Work Committee A (this is included separately in another binder entitled "Research Report for Consideration of Work Committee A"). It appears to be a very good, detailed study in Sask. Includes charts, statistics of production and value of fieldcrops by year 1911-52; trends in production and value of field crops 1911-52, production per farm and production per worker, changes in farm size.

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)

Recommendations for assistance to young farmers

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

Credit Summary

Summary based on 66 briefs and 41 hearings

Debt adjustment
Interim report on farm credit

BOX 27

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

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

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:

Intro

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}

HISTORICAL

Intro

Period of Exploration

The Survey System

The Land Settlement Policy

Density and Distribution of Population

POPULATION AND ITS LOCATION

Total Numbers of Population

Communities

Age and Sex Composition of Settlers

Ethnic Composition of Settlers

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

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

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

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

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

Transcript of hearing at U of S School of Nursing
Report of interview with officials of PA Health Region
Comments by officials of department of Public Health and Social Welfare and College of Physicians on rural health and welfare problems.

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:

Evaluate effectiveness of present administrative organization. Discover problems experienced by ratepayers, find out if changes are required
Find out feelings of rural people regarding centralisation of school facilities and learn ratepayers opinions
Determine the extent of parent participation in school affairs
Find out what ratepayers think of present costs of education and their reaction to the understanding that costs rise when services are increased.

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:

The extent to which centralisation has occurred
The extent of ratepayer interest in educational affairs
The opinions regarding the withdrawal of students
To evaluate the administrative organization of local government as it affects education
To determine the opinion of school boards regarding possible desirable revisions in organization
To determine the possibilities of co-ordinating the activities of all educational agencies

how many municipalities are in the unit, how many schools existed at inception of unit,
how many have closed since then,
how many are to be closed in next 5 years,
asks about satisfaction with the curriculum,
parents interest in continuing education for their children,

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:

Evaluate effectiveness of present administrative organization. Discover problems experienced by ratepayers, find out if changes are required
Find out feelings of rural people regarding centralisation of school facilities and learn ratepayers opinions
Determine the extent of parent participation in school affairs
Find out what ratepayers think of present costs of education and their reaction to the understanding that costs rise when services are increased.

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

46 Glen McPerson

61 Antler

91 Maryfield

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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