Senate
28 June 1922

8th Parliament · 2nd Session

  1. Senate
  2. 8th Parliament
  3. 1922

page 5

PROCLAMATION

The Senate met at 3 p.m. pursuant to the proclamation of His Excellency the Governor-General.

The President (Senator the Hon. T. Givens) having taken the chair,

The Clerk read the proclamation.

page 5

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

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HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVER

NOR-GENERAL entered the chamber and took his seat, with the President on “his right hand. A message was sent to the House of Representatives intimating that His Excellency desired the attendance of honorable members in the Senate chamber, who being come with their Speaker,

HIS EXCELLENCY was pleased to deliver the following speech : -

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives :

You are called together for the purpose of considering measures of urgent public importance.

The Quadruple Treaty relating to the Pacific,

The Supplement to the Quadruple Treaty,

The Naval Treaty,

The Submarine and Poison Gas Treaty,

TheFar Eastern Treaty, and

The Chinese Customs Treaty, will be submitted for your approval. Such legislation as is needed to enable the Commonwealth to carry out its obligations under the treaties will be introduced.

  1. In view of the results attained at the Washington Conference, which, my Advisers believe, guarantee peace in the Pacific for some time to come, it is proposed to reduce the establishment of the Navy and Army, and postpone the expansion of the Air Force. The necessary amendments of the Defence Act will be submitted for your approval.
  2. The reduction in the establishment of the Defence Forces will necessitate the compulsory retirement of a large number of officers and men, and also of the civil staff, who have rendered long and faithful service in peace and war. A Bill will he introduced to provide compensation for those persons who are compulsorily retired.
  3. In view of its importance to the Commonwealth the subject of immigration has been receiving the close attention of Min,isters. Large, schemes are being negotiated with the Government of the United Kingdom and the Governments .of several of the States in accordance with the Umpire Settlement Act. An agreement, making provision for the passages of migrants under the Act has been made between the British and Commonwealth Governments, and, in pursuance of the agreement made for joint co-operation between the Commonwealth and the States, approval has recently been given to measures for the assistance of the immigration of boys, and of British exmilitary officers from India.
  4. In pursuance of the Mandate received with respect to New Guinea, steps have been taken to provide the necessary machinery for the administration of the Mandated Territory. A number of ordinances have been framed enacting laws for its good government. Provision has been made for the development of the Territory, and, throughout, . the greatest care has been taken to secure the protection of the natives and their interests, and to comply in every respect with the terms of the Mandate.

  5. Experience having proved the necessity for continuous representation of Australia in the United -States, a measure will be introduced to provide for the appointment of an Australian Commissioner.

    1. It is now certain that the revenue of the year will exceed the estimate, and it is expected that the position of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, at the close of this financial year, will be more satisfactory than was anticipated when the last Budget was delivered.
  6. My Advisers, realizing that the war has imposed very heavy burdens upon the taxpayers, recognise the necessity for the exercise of the most rigid economy in the Public Service and the general administration of government. As one means to this end my Government proposes, as soon as the necessary legislation has been passed, to appoint the Board of Commissioners recommended by the Royal Commission on Economies with a view to securing increased efficiency and economy in’ public expenditure.
  7. Consideration has been given to the reports furnished by the Royal Commission on Taxation, and legislation will be initiated to place the’ taxation laws ‘ of the Commonwealth on a more satisfactory basis.
  8. A Board of Appeal for dealing with objections to income tax assessments, as provided for by the Income Tax Assessment Act passed last session, has been appointed.
  9. The Parliamentary Committee appointed to inquire into the proposals to provide a scheme of radio-telegraphy for Australia having reported favorably, an agreement in accordance with the resolutions of Parliament has been made between the Commonwealth and Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Limited in which the suggestions made by the Committee have been adopted. The agreement willprovide adequate and satisfactory means of communication, invaluable to the commerce of Australia.
  10. My Advisers recognise that the welfare and progress of the Commonwealth depend upon primary production, and ‘that a successful policy of land settlement is intimately associated with the provision of means of communication, including telegraphic and telephonic facilities. War exigencies have hitherto made it impracticable to obtain adequate supplies of necessary material for telegraphic and telephonic services. My Ministers have now made special arrangements whereby a largely increased amount of loan money will be made available, so that a continuous and progressive policy may be undertaken extending over a period of years. In this way it will be possible’ to overtake arrears and meet the growing needs of the Commonwealth. In order to secure the economical expenditure of this money and the most modern system in equipment, a special expert Advisory Board will be constituted.
  11. The report made by the Commissioners appointed by the Commonwealth and State Governments on the subject of the unification of the railway gauges presents a definite and practical scheme for the solution of a problem of vital importance. Each day of delay intensifies the evils resulting from the breaks of gauge and adds to the ultimate cost of the carrying out of a work which must be accomplished. My Qovernment proposes to press on with this question and to take all possible steps so that the scheme outlined by the independent experts may be proceeded with.
  12. You will have submitted to you a measure dealing with the Commonwealth Shipping Line. The Bill will contain provisions for placing the Line under independent and non-political control and management.
  13. My Government has taken steps towards linking up the moire remote parts of the Commonwealth with, the centres of population by subsidizing civil aviation companies formed to provide regular and speedy services. Four contracts have been let for the conveyance of passengers, mails, and parcels. The service between Geraldton and - Derby has now been in continuous and successful operation for five months, thus bringing one of the most remote parts of Australia into close touch with the world. Aeroplanes have been ordered for the other services’, and construction works are well advanced in connexion with the aerodromes on the routes to be traversed. My Advisers propose to extend this modern method of communication, being convinced of its inestimable value to many country centres.
  14. During the past year good progress has been made in the construction of the works under the River Murray Agreement. The Blanchetown weir and lock have been completed, and the storage reservoirs on the Upper Murray and at Lake Victoria are now well in hand. The completion of this great scheme will make available large areas of land for close settlement and greatly increase the production pf the Commonwealth. It is hoped that the amended agreement passed by this Parliament may be ratified so as to attain still greater expedition in the execution of the works.
  15. The experiences of the war, the general expansion of internal trade and commerce, the growth of the population, and the development of the continent, have emphasized the need for an early amendment of the Constitution to enable Parliament to cope more adequately with the national problems of Australia. A series of measures will be introduced to provide for an extension of Federal powers, having due regard to the proper functions of the States. Opportunity will be furnished in both Houses for the free discussion of any other proposals for altering the Constitution which may be considered necessary.
  16. My Ministers, recognising the great value of the primary industries to Australia, and the rapidity of their expansion, have taken definite action to open up new markets and further exploit old ones. To this end they have in every way in their power assisted the producers to place their goods upon the world’s market by co-operative effort.

My Government proposes to continue its support of voluntary movements for the collective marketing of primary products upon the same broad principles upon which was based the assistance given by the Government last year to, the wheat, fruit, and dairy farmers.

A special effort has been made to improve the standard of the exportable products of the country, and this matter will continue to receive the closest attention.

  1. In view of the almost complete cessation of the beef export trade which threatened with ruin a most important branch of the grazing industry, my Government, recognising the gravity of the position, came to its aid with definite assistance-. My Ministers, realizing that unless all parties concerned in the production and preparation of meat for export co-operated, it would be impossible to give effective aid to the cattle industry, took steps to approach the shipping com- panies, the proprietors of the meat works, and the employees. These efforts were entirely successful. Under the arrangements entered into, all parties agreed to reduced charges, and these reductions, together with the assistance promised -by the Government, have led to the resumption of export, and have materially assisted the grazing industry to recover from a desperate position. A Bill will be submitted for your approval to sanction the action taken. My Advisers are pleased to be able to state that, owing to representations made by them to the Imperial Government, Australian meat will hereafter be used for Imperial Army and Navy requirements.
  2. Negotiations are in progress with the Dominions of Canada and New Zealand for the conclusion of reciprocal Tariff arrangements.
  3. The Tariff Board provided for by the Act passed last session has been constituted, and is performing its functions.
  4. Doubt having been expressed as to the efficacy of the Customs Tariff (Industries Preservation) Act 1921 to safeguard adequately Australian industries against foreign competition, my Advisers are watching the matter with the greatest caro, and, should occasion require, will promptly take such action as may be necessary to cope effectively with the situation.
  5. The number of Members of the House of Representatives for- the respective States having been determined in accordance with the Constitution and the Representation Act 1905, and the reports of the Distribution Commissioners having been received, the necessary resolutions to give effect to such reports will be placed forthwith before both Houses of Parliament.
  6. Certain defects having been discovered in the working of the Electoral Act, an amending measure will be. introduced.
  7. A Bill will be submitted with the object of effecting important alterations in the War Service Homes Act, which experience has shown to be necessary. During the recess arrangements have been made with the Governments of Western Australia and South Australia, and with the State Savings Bank of Victoria, for carrying out, on behalf of the Commonwealth, building operations in the States, named. Efforts to obtain similar agreements with New South Wales and Tasmania have been unsuccessful, but the negotiations which are proceeding with

Queensland justify the hope that a successful result will be achieved.

  1. Although the benefits provided by the Repatriation Act are generally achieving the abject for which they were designed, certain anomalies have been found to exist, particularly as affecting the more seriously incapacitated soldiers. Legislation dealing with the matter will be submitted at an early date.
  2. The Royal Commission on Economies, after an exhaustive inquiry, made a number of recommendations intended to secure more efficient, economical, and equitable administration in the (Public Service. Many of those recommendations and other necessary amendments of the Public Service Act have been embodied in a Bill which passed the Senate last session, and will be further proceeded with.
  3. A superannuation scheme for the Public Service of the Commonwealth, based on a just contributory system, will be introduced at an early date.
  4. A Bill to amend the Arbitration (Public Service) Act will also be submitted.
  5. It is proposed to introduce a Bill to give representation in the Parliament to residents in the Northern Territory. Proposals for the development and settlement of the Territory will also be submitted to you.
  6. Two Deputy Presidents have been appointed to the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration. It is anticipated that, with their assistance, the Court will be able to deal with the list of cases awaiting decision.
  7. My Ministers are giving close attention to the trend of events in industrial matters, and to the symptoms of industrial unrest. They recognise that the present machinery for the settlement of industrial disputes throughout Australia is most unsatisfactory, but they are of opinion that without an amendment of the Constitution, either as provided for under Section 128 or by arrangement with the States, an effective remedy is impossible. My Advisers earnestly hope - notwithstanding the failure of previous attempts to secure agreement - that such a re-adjustment of powers between the Commonwealth and the States may be speedily arrived at as will put an end to the clashing jurisdictions, conflicting and overlapping awards, uncertainty, delay, expense, loss, and other unsatisfactory features of the present machinery for dealing with industrial disputes.
  8. The works in connexion with the construction of Canberra are in progress in accordance with the reports of the Advisory Committee. It is anticipated that reports on the works referred to the Public Works Committee will be available at an early date, and thereupon resolutions will be submitted forthwith to the House of Representatives.
  9. Further proposals will be submitted to you to secure the more rapid development and settlement of the Federal Capital and Territory.
  10. In order to safeguard more effectively the health of the people, and to improve the co-ordination of the activities of the Commonwealth and the States for that purpose, a Royal Commission will be appointed to make full and careful inquiry into the operation of the laws of the Commonwealth and the several States.
  11. My Ministers, appreciating the world-wide importance of the standardization of manufactures, have, through the Bureau of Science and Industry, in co-operation with certain recognised authorities and associations, made a commencement in the establishment of such standards.
  12. My Ministers will submit for your consideration measures relating to Naval and Air Defence, Lands Acquisition,

Bankruptcy, Patents, Trade Marks, Service and Execution of Process,, Crimes, Declarations, Navigation, Customs, Beer Excise, and Nationality

In the earnest hope that under Divine guidance your deliberations may further the welfare of the people of the Commonwealth, I now leave you to the discharge of your high and important duties.

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HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVER

NOR-GENERAL having retired,

The President read prayers.

page 10

QUESTION

DEATH OF SENATOR ADAMSON

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:
QUEENSLAND

– It is with most profound regret that I have to announce to the Senate that since we last met our late respected colleague, Senator the Honorable John Adamson, met with his death by being run over by a train near to his own home in Brisbane. Immediately I received the news I sent, on behalf of the Senate and myself, a message of sorrow and sympathy to the widow of the late honorable senator. In doing so, I was well assured that I was acting in accordance with what would be the heartfelt desire of every member of the Senate.

Honorable Senators. - Hear, hear!

The PRESIDENT:

– Of course, my message was sent pending a more formal resolution in the Senate itself in connexion with the death of the late honorable senator, which, I anticipate, will be submitted in due course

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NEW SENATORS

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:

– I have to announce that I have received a communication from His Excellency the Governor-General, enclosing a certificate of the choice of Mr. Henry Chester-Master Garling as a senator to fill the vacancy in the representation of New South Wales in the Senate caused by the resignation, during last session, of Senator H. E. Pratten. The certificate will be laid on the table, and read by the Clerk.

Certificate read by the Clerk.

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:

– I have to announce that I have received a communication from His

Excellency the Governor-General enclosing a certificate of the choice of Mr. John Valentine MacDonald as a senator to fill the vacancy in the representation of Queensland in the Senate caused by the death of the late Senator the Honorable J. Adamson. The certificate will be laid on the table, and read by the Clerk.

Certificate read by the Clerk.

Senator Garling and Senator MacDonald made and subscribed the oath of allegiance.

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ASSENT TO BILLS

Assent to the following Bills reported : -

Appropriation Act 1921-22.

Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act 1921.

Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1921.

Commonwealth Electoral Act 1921.

Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1921.

Customs. Tariff 1921.

Customs Tariff (Industries Preservation) Act 1921.

Customs Tariff (New Zealand Preference) 1921.

Excise Tariff 1921.

Funding Arrangements Act 1921.

High Court Procedure Act 1921.

Income Tax Act 1921.

Income Tax Assessment Act 1921.

Income Tax Assessment Act 1921 (No. 2).

Invalid and Old-age Pensions Appropriation Act 1921.

Iron and Steel Bounty Act 1921.

Loan Act (No. 2) 1921.

Loans Redemption and Conversion Act 1921. Patents Act 1921.

Repatriation Loan Act 1921.

Returned Soldiers’ Woollen Company Loan Act 1921.

Supplementary Appropriation Act 1919-20.

Supplementary Appropriation Act 1920-1921.

Supplementary Appropriation Act 1921-22.

Supplementary Appropriation (Works . and Buildings) Act 19.19-1920.

Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Act 1920-1921.

Tariff Board Act 1921.

Trading with the Enemy Act 1921.

Treaty of Peace (Hungary) Act 1921.

War Precautions Act Repeal Act 1921.

War Precautions (Coal) Act 1921.

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WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

Letter from United States President.

The PRESIDENT:

– I have to inform the Senate that the resolutions passed by the Senate on the 17th and 23rd November last with regard to the Disarmament Conference at Washington were conveyed to the President of the United

States through the Australian representative at the Conference, Senator the Right Honorable G. F. Pearce, and the following letter was received by Senator Pearce in reply: -

The White House,

Washington

December 3, 1921

My Dear Senator Pearce,

I am writing just a few lines to thank you again for your call, and for bringing tome the resolutions adopted by the Senate of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia expressing its congratulations on the efforts of the Government of the United States in behalf of armament limitation and greater guarantees of world peace.

I will be grateful if you will express to the Senate of the Commonwealth my very great appreciation and gratification. Such assurances are an inspiration and a source of increased strength and determination in behalf of what I know we all believe is a noble and very worth-while cause.

As testifying the united purpose of great free peoples, they have at this time a peculiar value in relation to the efforts which are being so earnestly pressed by the delegates to the Conference , on Limitation of Armament.

Please convey to the Senate, to the Parliament, and the people of the Commonwealth of Australia, my sincerest wishes for their continuedprogress and prosperity, and for the fullest realization of the magnificent destiny which all Americans recognise as assured to your great people.

Most sincerely yours,

Warren G. Harding

Honorable G. F. Pearce,

Hotel La Fayette,

Washington, D.C

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QUESTION

SETTLEMENT OF IRISH QUESTION

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:

– I have to inform the Senate that the resolution passed by the Senate on 8th December, 1921, with regard to the settlement of the Irish question has been conveyed, through the Government, to the Prime Minister of Great Britain, from whom has been received, in reply, a cablegram in the following terms : -

Please convey to Senate of the Commonwealth of Australia my sincere thanks for their very kind resolution.

I will gladly transmit to my colleagues of the recent Irish Conference the Senate’s message of greeting to Ireland as a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

page 11

MINISTERIAL PORTFOLIOS - REDISTRIBUTION

Senator E D MILLEN:
Minister ‘ for Repatriation · NEW SOUTH WALES · FT; ANTI-SOC from 1910; LP from 1913; NAT from 1917

(By leave). - I desire to announce that, following on the resignation of the Right Honorable Sir Joseph Cook of the office of Treasurer, the Ministry has been reconstructed as follows : -

The Right Honorable William Morris Hughes, P.C., K.C., to be Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs.

Senator the Right Honorable George Foster Pearce, P.C., to be Minister for Home and Territories.

Senator the Honorable Edward Davis Millen, to be Minister for Repatriation.

The Honorable Littleton Ernest Groom, to be Attorney-General.

The Honorable Walter Massy Greene, to be Minister for Defence and Health.

The Honorable Alexander Poynton, O.B.E., to be Postmaster-General.

The Honorable Arthur Stanislaus Rodgers, to be Minister for Trade and Customs.

The Honorable Stanley Melbourne Bruce, M.C., to be Treasurer.

The Honorable Richard Witty Foster, to be Minister for Works and Rail-‘ ways.

The Honorable Sir Granville de Laune Ryrie, K.C.M.G., to be Honorary Minister.

Senator the Honorable John Earle, to be Vice-President of the Executive Council.

The Honorable Hector Lamond, to be Honorary Minister.

The Minister for Repatriation in this Chamber will represent the Prime Minister, the Minister for External Affairs, and the Treasurer; the Minister for Home and Territories will represent the Attorney-General and the Minister for Defence and Health; and the VicePresident of the Executive Council will represent the Minister for Works and Railways, the Postmaster-General, and the Minister for Trade and Customs.

page 11

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:

– I have to report that I have received a copy of the Speech with which His Excellency the GovernorGeneral was graciously pleased to open the present session of the Commonwealth Parliament.

Motion (by Senator E. D. Millen) agreed . to -

That the consideration of the Speech be an Order of the Day for the next day of sitting.

page 12

SITTING OF THE SENATE

Motion (by Senator E. D. Millen) agreed to -

That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn until 3 p.m. . to-morrow.

page 12

DEATH OF THE HONORABLE F. G. TUDOR.

Senator E D MILLEN:
Minister for Repatriation · NEW SOUTH WALES · FT; ANTI-SOC from 1910; LP from 1913; NAT from 1917

(By leave). - I desire to submit two motions, one in reference to the death of Mr. Tudor, and the other in relation to the death of Senator Adamson. I now move -

That this Senate expresses its profound regret at the death of the late Honorable Prank Gwynne Tudor, who, from the commencement of the Commonwealth, represented the Division of Yarra for twenty-one years. This Senate also places on record its high appreciation of the sterling public service rendered by the deceased member to the people of the Commonwealth, and extends to his widow and family its sincere sympathy in their bereavement.

The Senate has already been reminded of the fact that death has been busy in the ranks of Federal parliamentarians since we last met here. I feel certain that, although that reference was timely, it was not needed to remind honorable senators of those whose loss we now mourn. Mr. Tudor had had a long, distinguished, and honorable public career. He entered the National Parliament on its formation in 1901, and it is evidence of the esteem of those who sent him here that they retained his services until his decease. During that long period of very assiduous and faithful public service he attained Ministerial rank, and held office in four Ministries. Even those most sharply separated from him in political views ‘felt that on all occasions and under all circumstances he administered the Departments under his control according to the highest traditions. His worth to the country and to his party was recognised further by his receiving the high and honorable position of leader of his party, which he held up to the time of his death. Regarding hispublic career I need hardly add more than that, if there was ever a man of whom we might say that he sought to serve his country from a high sense of duty asthat duty presented itself to him, it was the gentleman whose loss we now mourn. He was the esteemed friend of us all.. His kindly, lovable disposition, hisgenerosity towards his fellows - even in the moments of warm debate - were very marked. There was that about his personality that attracted, and, indeed, compelled, esteem and respect. That characteristic Mr. Tudor possessed to the fullest extent. We can only regret that his services, which were very constantand very marked, are no longer available’ to this Parliament and to this country. Perhaps I may make a passing reference to those who will necessarily mourn his loss more than we do. In close proximity to the tragedy that has robbed them of a husband, and father, our expression of sympathy may be a poor thing,’ but in all sincerity we offer it to the relatives of the deceased. No more appropriate epitaph could be written over his grave than that on all occasions his one thought was to do his duty.

Senator GARDINER:
New South Wales

.- It is with feelings of sincere regret and sympathy that I desire to associate myself with all that has been said by the Leader o’f the Government (Senator E. D. Millen). Associated as I was with the late Mr. Tudor, it is impossible to overestimate his many manly -virtues. As a member of this Parliament from its inception, he won a high place in the hearts of us all, and we unanimously agree that no more warm-hearted friend, or more generous opponent, ever held a seat in Parliament. I join with the Leader of the Government in his expressionsof appreciation and in the motion conveying our sympathy to the widow and family in the loss of such a good and able man.

Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.

page 12

QUESTION

THE LATE SENATOR ADAMSON

Senator E D MILLEN:
Minister for Repatriation · NEW SOUTH WALES · FT; ANTI-SOC from 1910; LP from 1913; NAT from 1917

– (By leave). - I now move -

That this Senate expresses its great sorrow at the death of the late Senator John Adamson,

C.B.E., and tenders its deepest sympathy to Mrs. Adamson and her family in their bereavement.

The late Senator Adamson was, as far as his membership of this Parliament was concerned, quite a young man. He only joined our ranks at the election of 1920, and thereforewas, comparatively speaking, new amongst us. But he had a very creditable period of public service in the State which he represented. For fifteen years he was, in one capacity or another, serving the people of his State, and for some portion of that time in a Ministerial capacity. Whatever views may be held regarding the incident to which I am about to refer - I have in mind his resignation of Ministerial office owing to a difference of opinion with his colleagues - ho was returned to represent the people of the great northern State in this Parliament. The members of this Chamber had then an opportunity of direct acquaintance with him. He had always been an active figure in the public life of his State. I may refer particularly to his work in connexion with the war. He was a thorough Britisher in the sense of ever striving to do that for which the Empire stands. His activities’ in connexion with our soldiers, which were brought particularly under my notice because of my association with theRepatriation Department, deserved the highest praise. He was at all times available to do what he could to alleviate the conditions in which our returned men necessarily found themselves. “Whilst a member of this Chamber his deep earnestness and great concern in the discharge of what he thought to be his duty, in spite of failing health, must have impressed us all. I venture to say that, had it not been for his conscientious desire, and his determination to stand to the post to which he had been called, possibly he would have prolonged his days somewhat. During his term here we learned to respect and admire the late Senator John Adamson for his blunt honesty and sincerity of purpose. Therefore, I submit the motion with the full confidence thatall senatorswill earnestly join in extending to his widow and family that sympathy which we undoubtedly feel.

Senator GARDINER:
New South Wales

– It is my duty to join with the Minister in charge of the Senate (Senator E. D. Millen) in express ing the regret we all feel at the death of Senator John Adamson and our sympathy with his relatives. The late senator did not enjoy a prolonged period amongst us., but we all know that he had won for himself a favorable name and an honorable position in the State of Queensland. The personality of the man was unmistakable. My slight acquaintance with him only confirmed me in the high opinion I had formed of him from his reputation in Queensland. It is with most sincere regret that I now join with the Leader of the Senate in mourning the loss of one of the most distinguished members ever sent by the people of Queensland to this Chamber.

Senator REID:
Queensland

– As an old friend and colleague of the late Senator Adamson, I should like to indorse the remarks made by the Minister for Repatriation (Senator E. D. Millen) and the Leader of the Opposition (Senator Gardiner). I knew him for a long time before he entered politics. He left the ministry of the Church to take an active part in the public affairs of his State, and I may add that his sympathies were always with the suffering and the oppressed. In everything he did he sought to uplift those whom we may call the “ working classes “ of this country. His political career was at times very stormy and his fortunes changeable. The Minister forRepatriation has referred to one incident in connexion with the late war, in which the late honorable senator took such an active part. He resigned his position in the Queensland Ministry owing, as the Leader of the Senate has remarked, to a difference of opinion with his colleagues. He came out of the Ministry and stood for what he considered to be the true ideal of a Democracy, namely, that every Democrat should serve his country during such a crisis. I may be excused if I refer to something that occurred at a public meeting which I attended with the late honorable senator during the conscription campaign in Queensland, but I shall not mention the name of the town, because the incident does not redound to its credit. As we left the meeting the mob became so unruly that the late honorable senator was felled by a stone which struck him on the head, and we were obliged to take shelter in a railway carriage under police protection.

I refer to that episode because it demonstrates in what mariner occasionally a man may be treated for honestly endeavouring to serve his country. I wish, also, to express my deep sympathy with the late honorable senator’s family. His health had been failing for a long time before he became a member of this Senate. I join in the motion and wish to convey to his widow and family my deepest sympathy in their bereavement.

Senator MacDONALD:
Queensland

– I can hardly allow this occasion to pass -.without saying a few words, expressive of my sympathy with the family of the late Senator Adamson, because his unfortunate death had an important . bearing on my appearance in this’ . Chamber. I knew the late senator for a . number of years, and in circumstances quite different from those in which he appeared to other honorable senators. My acquaintance with him did not, perhaps, extend over such a long period as was indicated by the honorable senator who preceded me, but I saw a good deal of him for many years before he entered this Parliament, and I formed the very highest opinion of him as a man of his word and as one who held, perhaps, too strongly, in view of the uncertainty of human affairs, to his political -beliefs. Probably this trait in his character . hastened his end, because we all know that in the discussion of political questions we sometimes speak too heatedly and expend a great deal of vital force, which in later life cannot readily be made up, and whose absence leads to catastrophe. On certain occasions, long before the war threw its dread shadows over the world, I was the recipient of little homilies from the late senator, - with whom I was on terms of friendship. I knew him as a highly cultured and widely read man, who had ‘ delved very deeply into those sources of - knowledge which are available to every one of a literary bent. I would like to say very much more ; but as this is an occasion when brevity is observed, I willmerely add my expressions of appreciation of the late Senator Adamson’s personality and join with others in conveying my deep sympathy to his widow and family..

Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in - their places. .

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:

– It is hardly necessary for me to inform the Senate that I shall take the earliest opportunity of forwarding the resolutions just passed to the widow of the late Honorable F.G. Tudor, and of the late Senator John. Adamson, together with copies of the speeches delivered this afternoon.

page 14

ADJOURNMENT

Senator E D MILLEN:
Minister for Repatriation · NEW SOUTH WALES · FT; ANTI-SOC from 1910; LP from 1913; NAT from 1917

– As a mark of respect to the late Honorable Frank Gwynne Tudor and the late Senator John Adamson, I move -

That the Senate do now adjourn.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Senate adjourned at 4.7 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 28 June 1922, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1922/19220628_senate_8_99/>.

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