Senate
10 June 1925

9th Parliament · 3rd Session



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) took the chair.

The Acting Clerk read the proclamation.

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GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

His EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNORGENERAL entered the chamber, and, being seated, with the President on his right hand, a message was sent to the House ofRepresentatives 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 Gentlemen of the House ofRepresentatives :

You have been called together to consider matters of importance to the wel fare of the people and the development of the Commonwealth.

I welcome this opportunity of congratulating you upon the continued prosperity and progress of the country. It gives me great satisfaction to note that Australia is attracting increasing interest and recognition within the Empire and amongst thenations of the world. “Within the next few weeks a fleet of the Navy of the United States of America will pay a second visit of peace to these shores, and will receive at the hands of the Government and people of Australia a welcome commensurate with the ties of’ common interest and mutual esteem’ which unite our peoples.

The revenue in the financial year now closing has exceeded the estimate. This,’ combined with careful administration in’ expenditure, will result in a substantial surplus. The embargo on the export of gold from Australia has been withdrawn.’ This course was adopted simultaneously’ with action in Great Britain, and has already beneficially affected the trade of the Commonwealth by stabilizing the exchanges. War loans amounting to £68,000,000 fall due in December of this year. Measures are being taken to ensure that the obligation will be met with the least possible disturbance to the country’s finances.

My advisers note with pleasure the decision of the British Government to proceed with the construction of the Singapore Base.

Marked progress has been made in a definite programme for the defence of Australia. Contracts have been let for two 10/000-ton modern cruisers and two ocean-going submarines-.

It is also proposed to construct a sear plane carrier at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, and to subsidize the building of a floating dock at Newcastle, which the Government of New South Wales has undertaken to construct.

The needs- of the field army, with regard both to the training of personnel and to essential wan material,, have received attention: Progress has been made in connexion with the extension of factories for the manufacture locally of small arms and ammunition,, and the establishment of nucleus- factories’ for making guns, carriages, shells, high explosives, and machine guns, in. addition to the formulation of plans for utilizing private industrial establishments- for the manufacture of munitions.

In connexion with the. Air Service,, additional buildings have been completed; at the training school, at Point Cook and. the erection of the Aircraft- Depot” at Laverton is rapidly progressing. Provision has also- been made for aeroplanes and the necessary amphibians to equipthe seaplane carrier;

Recognizing the importance of civil aviation in. the country districts, my advisers have taken steps to extend the existing services..

The report of the. royal commission appointed to advise upon the method of assessing war pensions has been, issued: You were doubtless pleased to observe that the findings .of the commission were favorable regarding the provisions of the act and its administration. In continuation of the Government’s policy, repatriation benefits have been further increased.

Consideration has been given to the problem of the more effective occupation of the northern parts of the Commonwealth, and the full development of their latent resources, having in view the ultimate establishment of a new state or states in North Australia on a selfgoverning basis: It is proposed to’ submit a measure for the appointment of a North Australia Commission. The measure will be framed to permit of full, cooperation on the part of adjoining states.

My advisers are pleased to report considerable advancement in connexion with schemes for national and. developmental railways.

The permanent survey of the proposed extension of the Northern Territory railway to Daly Waters has been completed, and the construction of the large bridge over the Katherine River is- well advanced. ‘

An agreement’ subject to the ratification of the Commonwealth and the South Australian Parliaments has been arrived at with the South Australian Government. By- this- agreement, the Commonwealth undertakes to build a. railway northward to- Alice Springs, the- route to be- at the option of the Commonwealth. The collection of “ the necessary data with regard to the alternative routes is approaching completion. Proposals will be submitted’ to you as soon as my advisers are satisfied as to the better route.

Action has been taken towards the carrying out of the scheme for the provision of a uniform railway gauge by the commencement in both states of the construction of the Grafton-Kyogle-Brisbane railway. A further step is contemplated to give railway connexion, of standard gauge between Port Augusta and A”de- laide, . and proposals to this . end will be placed before you.

My Ministers have secured the services of an eminent authority to report upon the ports and harbours of the Commonwealth. The information acquired will be used in connexion with future development, and will be made available to the states.

Progress has been made with works provided for under the River Murray Agreement. Three locks have been completed, and six are in various stages of construction. The Lake Victoria storage, which secures the water . . for the South Australian irrigation districts, is practically complete. The construction of the Hume Reservoir, the design of which has been altered to increase the storage capacity, and to provide for the generation of electrical energy, is progressing satisfactorily.

TheCommission appointed to administer the Federal Capital Territory assumed its duties on 1st ‘January, 1925. Progress has been made with the construction of the Houses of Parliament and the first portion of the administrative offices, in accordance with the determination of Parliament that the next Parliament should hold its ‘first session at Canberra. Reports received from the Commission as to the results of the recent floods indicate that the programme may need alteration. An estimate of the minimum staff necessary to enable the central administration of the various departments to function at ‘ Canberra on a permanent basis has also been -prepared, and the Commission ‘has advised on the accommodation that will be required. These reports and proposals will be referred to the Public Works Committee.

The report and recommendations of the royal commission on the -effect of federation upon the finances of Western Australia will, when received, be placed before you. The position of Tasmania will be examined in conjunction with the consideration of this report.

The -policy initiated by my advisers of assisting the states in the construction -of main, developmental, and arterial roads has proved so beneficial that you will ‘be invited to continue this policy.

My Ministers have -given consideration to the heavy annual loss in production caused by the rabbit and dingo . pests. To enable landholders to obtain money on easy terms to erect . vermin-proof fencing, a scheme for loans’ to the states will be submitted to you.

Steps have been taken to re-organize the Institute of Science and Industry in order to secure complete co-operation with the states and to enable the bureau effectively ‘to carry out investigation and research. A report by the -committee appointed to advise on electrical standards is approaching completion, and legislation will be introduced to secure co-operation with -the states inthe standardization of electrical equipment. My Government has approached the Governments of the states offering to provide a central forestry school atCanberra.

Important works in connexion with the’ postal, telephonic, and telegraphic services . have been carried out, which -will ensure increased public convenience, , and greater efficiency and economy. Proposals ; for further works will be placed before you.

General and press cable rates havebeen reduced.

In conjunction with the Pacific Cable Board, steps have been taken to duplicate the cable in order to improve . communication between Australasia andthe United Kingdom.

A contract for the erection of a beam wireless station in Australia has -been accepted, and steps are being taken by the British Government for the erection of a reciprocal station. It is anticipated that these stations will becompleted early next year.

Arrangements have been made for the

Construction of inland wireless stations in the Northern Territory, and in Western Queensland, in order to provide rapid means of communication for these isolated areas.

My Government has inaugurated a free -wireless news service for ships at sea.

My Ministers have given careful consideration to the operation and effect of the existing tariff upon primary and secondary industries, and to the investigations which have ‘ also been made by the Tariff Board. Proposals arising out pf this consideration will be placed before you. A measure will also be submitted for the removal of anomalies and defects which the administration of the Australian Industries Preservation Act has revealed.

My advisers welcome the action taken by the British Government in the direction of Imperial preference. They regard with satisfaction the appointment pf the Imperial Economic Committee, and confidently hope that the recommendations of that committee will result in practical measures of lasting benefit to the Empire.

The Export Control Boards for dairy produce and dried fruits have been constituted under the provisions of the legislation of last session. Substantial benefits have already been obtained as a result of the initial steps which have been taken for the effective organization of oversea marketing. A measure for providing adequate financial machinery to assist further in ensuring regular and orderly marketing, and to improve the process of distribution, will be submitted to you.

In pursuance of the policy to encourage the settlement of the northern parts of the continent, and to stabilize the sugar industry, a further agreement has been made between the Commonwealth and the State of Queensland. This will ensure the continuance of the industry under conditions equitable to both consumers and producers.

The excellent results achieved at the . British Empire Exhibition in 1924 impelled my advisers to ensure that Australia was again adequately represented this year. It has been decided to supplement the effect of the exhibition by a comprehensive publicity campaign designed to increase the demand for Australian products in the United Kingdom.

My advisers are mindful of the trust imposed upon them in connexion with the administration of the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, particularly with regard to the well-being of the native population. The last report to the League of Nations, which was referred by the League to the Permanent Mandates Commission, was most favorably commented upon by the commission.

Attention has been given to the development of the agricultural industries of Papua and the Mandated Territories, and measures will be introduced providing appropriate means for increasing the production and encouraging the exportation of articles grown in those territories.

My advisers have given earnest consideration to the Draft Protocol drawn up at the Fifth Assembly of the League of Nations, and submitted to the members of the League. Whilst anxious to extend as far as practicable the principle of the pacific settlement of disputes, they are of opinion that the acceptance of the Protocol would have accentuated existing obligations without achieving the objects, aimed at. My advisers decided not to recommend the Protocol to Parliament for approval. The Governments of Great Britain and of other self-governing parts of the Empire have also determined not to ratify the Protocol.

My Ministers, after consultation with the Governments of the states, have made a new migration agreement with the Government of Great Britain. Under this the British Government and the Government of the Commonwealth are making generous interest concessions on moneys advanced to the states for projects calcu- lated to promote development, encourage the establishment of new industries, and stimulate land settlement. The favorable terms of this new agreement should greatly increase the avenues of employment, and assist the progress and prosperity of the Commonwealth.

Recognizing the dangers of unrestricted alien immigration, my Ministers have taken action under existing legislation to regulate the numbers and types of these immigrants. In order more effectively to deal with this question, a bill will be submitted to you to extend the scope of the existing Immigration Restriction Act.

The operation of the Conciliation and Arbitration Act of the Commonwealth has long revealed that in many important particulars amendments are necessary. A bill will be submitted to you for the purpose of diminishing conflicts between Federal and State jurisdictions, securing the observance of the awards of the court, and increasing the efficiency of the machinery for the settlement of industrial disputes.

The final report of the royal commission on the effect of the Navigation Act will be placed before you at an early date, and will be considered in conjunction with the reports already received. The first progress report of the Royal Commission on National Insurance dealing with casual sickness, permanent invalidity, maternity, and old age has been received. The recommendations of the commission will be considered in connexion with the subsequent reports dealing with unemployment and other phases of these problems, with a view to legislation.

The royal commission appointed to inquire into and report upon public health and the operation of the laws of the Commonwealth and States in regard thereto is still pursuing its investigations. As soon as possible after the report of tha commission has been received. my advisers will submit proposals to you for more effectively safeguarding the health of the people.

My Ministers will, among other measures, submit bills dealing with life insurance companies, power alcohol bounties, nationality, lands acquisition, and patents. A number of bills amending existing legislation, including the Land and Income Tax Assessment Acts, will also be introduced.

My term of office as Governor-General of the Commonwealth will expire at the beginning of October next, and I take this opportunity of expressing my deep . regret at the severance of ties which have bound me in close affection to this country and its people, and my thanks to the past and present members of the legislature for their uniform courtesy^ consideration, and assistance.

As the representative of His Majesty; I have observed with the greatest satisfaction the spirit of steadfast loyalty to the Throne and Empire which is a distinguishing characteristic of the peopleof Australia. Its future prosperity, andthe welfare and happiness of its people, will ever be matters of deep concern to me, and I shall share your pride in itsfuture achievements.

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

His Excellency the Governor-General having retired,

The President read prayers.

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CLERK OF THE SENATE

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:
QUEENSLAND

– I have to report that six months’ leave of absence on furlough, from 1st March to 31st August, 1925, has been granted to Mr. G. H. Monahan, C.M.G., Clerk of the Senate.

DEATH OF SENATOR McDOUGALL. -NEW SENATORS.

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:

– It is with very great regret that I have to -announce to the Senate the death, on the 14th- October last, of Senator Allan McDougall. The funeral of the late senator took place in. Sydney, and. as I was absent, in South Africa, and the Deputy President was in Adelaide, an officer of the Senate journeyed- to Sydney and- represented the President at’ the funeral. On behalf of. the Senate the Deputy President also conveyed an expression of sympathy to Mrs. McDougall and family, pending the more formal resolution of the Senate. I have also to- inform the Senate that, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, the Governor of the State of New South Wales was notified’ of the vacancy caused in the representation of’ that. State in the Senate bythe death of Senator Allan. McDougall) and that a communication has been, received from His- Excellency- the GovernorGeneral enclosing a certificate of the choice- of John- Maurice . Power as a senator to fill such vacancy. The certi0 ficate-will be laid on the table, and read by the Acting Clerk.

Certificate read By the Acting Clerk.

The PRESIDENT:

– I have further to’ inform the Senate that, on the 13th January last, Senator J. M. Power, who had. not taken his seat in the Senate, died in Sydney. On behalf” of the Senate, I conveyed an expression of sympathy to Mrs. Power and family. Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, I notified the Governor of the State of New South Wales of the vacancy caused in the representation of that State in the Senate by the death of Senator J. M. Power,, and I have- received a communication from His Excellency the GovernorGeneral, enclosing a certificate of the choice of William Albion Gibbs as a senator to fill such vacancy. The certificate will be laid on the table, and read by the Acting Clerk.

Certificate read by the Acting Clerk.

Senator Gibbs made and subscribed the oath of allegiance.

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ASSENT TO BILLS

Assent to the following Bills of 1924 reported-: -

Dairy Produce Export Control Bill.

Dairy Produce Export Charges Bill.

Dried Fruits Export Control. Bill.

Dried Fruits Export Charges Bill.

Export Guarantee Bill!

Invalid and Old-age Pensions Appropriation Bill.

Loan Bill (No. 3).

Superannuation Bill.

Commonwealth Public Service Bill.

Immigration Bill.

Statistical Bureau (Tasmania) Bill.

Zoological Museum Agreement Bill.

Income Tax Bill.

Income Tax Assessment Bill.

Entertainments Tax Assessment Bill.

War-time Profits Tax Assessment Bill.

Grafton to South Brisbane Railway Bill-.

Heat Industry Encouragement Bill.

Supplementary Appropriation Bill 1921-22.

Supplementary Appropriation (Works and

Buildings) Bill 1921-22.

Suplementary Appropriation Bill 1922-23’.

Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Bill 1922-23.

Supplementary Appropriation Bill 1923-24.

Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Bill 1923-24;

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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 Governor-General was graciously pleased to open the’ present session of. the Parliament.

Ordered.–

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

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DEATHOFRIGHT HON. W. P. MASSEY

The PRESIDENT’ (Senator the Hon T Givens:
QUEENSLAND

– I have to inform the Senate that information having been received of the- death, of” the- Right Hon. W. F. Massey, P.C., Prime Minister of New Zealand, steps were taken to communicate to the President of the- Legislative Council and the. Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand the sympathy of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, and that the following reply has been received from the Prime Minister of New Zealand: -

Hon. President Commonwealth Senate, and Hon. Speaker House of Representatives, Melbourne

Following message from Hon. Speakers both Houses Legislature : - ‘ “ Deeply appreciate kind1 message of condolence conveyed on. behalf of Commonwealth Parliament in great loss suffered by Dominion and. Empire.”

J.G. Coates

Senator PEARCE:
Minister for Home and Territories · Western Australia · NAT

(By leave.) - I move -

That the Senate places on record its profound regret at the death of the Eight Hon. William Ferguson Massey, P.O., LL.D., M.P., Prime Minister of the Dominion of New Zealand, and expresses its deep sympathy to his family and the people of New Zealand.

I am sure honorable senators will agree with me that it is quite proper that the Commonwealth should publicly express, through this Parliament, its sympathy with the people of New Zealand in the death of their late Prime Minister. He died, as honorable senators are aware, on the evening of the 10th May, leaving behind him a fine record of public service. He was leader of the Opposition in the Dominion Parliament from 1903 to 1912, and was Prime Minister from the 10th July, 1912, up till his death. I may be permitted to .sketch briefly some of the principal events in his great career. He attended a number of Imperial Conferences and War Cabinets during the years 1916, 1917, 1918, and onwards, and received the freedom of London and other cities in Great Britain and Ireland’ as a tribute for services which he had rendered to the Empire. In 1915 he formed the National Government in New Zealand for the more vigorous prosecution of the war, and at its close he attended the Peace Conference at Versailles and signed the Treaty of Peace on behalf of New Zealand. He attended the Imperial Conference in 1923. At his death, in addition to the position of Prime Minister, he held the portfolio of Minister of Finance. The late Mr. Massey led a strenuous public life. Shortly after his taking office in 1913 came the world crisis of 1914, and in the subsequent years of the war his great courage, loyalty, and statesmanship placed him in the first rank of overseas statesmen. We know how, under his leadership, New Zealand entered wholeheartedly upon its duty in the Great War. His message to the Mother Country on behalf of New Zealand has become memorable -

All we are, and all we have, are at the disposal of the Imperial Government for the purpose of carrying on the war . to a successful issue.

The late Mr. Massey took a firm stand when -the interests of the Dominion demanded it. Prom his refusal to allow the New Zealand troops to sail without adequate protection, right through to the scene at Versailles, where he affixed his signature as Prime Minister to the first Treaty of Peace to which a Dominion was a party, Mr Massey played his part as the representative of a people who were paying the price, and were, therefore, entitled to be heard. His attitude was the same when dealing with the British Government on matters affecting the economic position of the Dominion. The appearance of Mr. Massey at the various Imperial and War Conferences was welcomed by the British Government. “ A robust Imperialist of the practical type,” the London Daily Telegraph called Mr. Massey, and added, “ He has played at the Peace Conference the role which every one expected from so staunch a patriot. We do not remember a single occasion on which the head of the National Government of New Zealand has failed to speak worthily on behalf of the splendid Dominion which sent to Europe over 100,000 gallant soldiers, whose war record is surpassed by none.” These .’are neat and well-merited commendations from a great newspaper. Solidity, staunchness, straightforwardness, and honesty recommended Mr. Massey- to the people of the British Empire, and through him the Dominion was represented by the characteristics which appeal strongly, to the British race. He was the real and effective leader of the Dominion during the dark years when New Zealand and the Empire most wanted an example of tenacity and staunchness, and, irrespective of party, his services in that respect have been wholeheartedly acknowledged in the Dominion, and his loss deplored. He was a firm believer in co-operation between New Zealand and the Commonwealth in all matters of common concern. During his term as Prime Minister, .several commercial agreements were concluded . between New Zealand and .Australia, thus encouraging the spirit of co-operation between the two countries. New Zealand, and the Empire generally, have lost a great dominion leader, and a robust, unequivocal patriot. Because we in Australia were in close touch with -our sister Dominion, we realize what .a .great loss his death is to her people, and I ask the

Senate to . pass the motion which I am submitting.

Senator GARDINER:
New South Wales

– In rising to associate myself with the motion so ably moved by the Leader of the Senate, I join quite sincerely in’ his expression of sympathy with the family of the late Prime Minister of New Zealand, and the people, in the loss of the first statesman of that Dominion. No matter what, our party views may be, we can, on occasions like the present, pay a just tribute to a good man who, in time of stress and trouble, did his level best for the Dominion which he so ably represented. Honorable senators on this side of the chamber join with me in expressing profound sympathy with the people of New Zealand in the death of Mr. Massey, who rendered such splendid services to the Dominion of New Zealand.

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

DEATH OF SENATOR ALLAN McDOUGALL.

Senator PEARCE:
Minister for Home and Territories · Western Australia · NAT

(By leave.) - I move -

That the Senate expresses its sincere regret at the ‘death of Senator Allan McDougall, and places upon record its appreciation of his long and meritorious public service, and extends its ‘ profound sympathy to his widow and family in their Bad bereavement.

There is in the minds of all of us in connexion with this motion a deep sense of personal loss, but before dealing with that I should like to place on record the services which the late senator rendered to Australia in his capacity as ‘a member of this Chamber. Senator McDougall, who died at Sydney on the 14th October, 1924, was elected, as a representative of New South Wales in the Senate, at the general elections . in 1910, and again in 1914. He was Temporary Chairman of Committees in 1913, Chairman of the Select Committee on the Fitzroy Dock in 1913, a member of the Select Committee on the Mount Balfour (Tasmania) Post Office in 1915, and a member of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts from September, 1917, to October, 1919. At the general elections in 1919 he was defeated, but was again elected to the Senate for New South Wales at the general election in 1922, taking the place of Senator Garling, who had been chosen by the Parliament of New South Wales to fill a vacancy in December, 1921. He was a member of the Select Committee that was appointed to inquire into the case of Warrant Officer Allen in 1923, a member of the Royal Commission on National Insurance in 1923-24, Temporary Chairman of Committees in 1923- 24, and a member of the Select Committee which inquired into the case of J. P. Dunk in 1924. But whilst the late honorable senator undoubtedly had a great record of public service, I think all the older members of the Senate feel his loss the more because of the close personal touch we had with him. He was a likeable man - a manly man - with a high sense of public duty. As the records of the Senate show, even in the last year of his life, when already premonitions of coming dissolution were making themselves apparent to all who knew him intimately, he remained steadily at his post. His sense of duty was such that he continued to make the long journey to and from Sydney every week in order to attend in his place in the Senate, notwithstanding that his health was endangered thereby. We know that one of the contributory causes of his death was the fact that he felt impelled, despite his ill health, to ‘ carry out at the last Eight Hours Demonstration in Sydney, certain duties which, on account of his long association with trade unionism, he regarded as being among the most, if not the most, important he was called upon to discharge. I am confident from what I have heard that his response to the call of duty on that occasion hastened his death. He was an upright, conscientious man, whom every one could respect, no matter how widely divergent their political views might be, and he found a place in the affections of all honorable senators in a way that few of us are able to do. We deplore his death, and we extend to his widow and family our heartfelt sympathy. If those qualities that made him so much a friend to all of us have caused us a deep sense of loss, how much greater must be the loss felt by his widow and family. It is with a sense of personal sorrow that I submit the motion, and at the same time bear testimony to the great public service rendered by this sterling man.

Senator GARDINER:
New South Wales

.- The time that has elapsed since Senator McDougall passed over enables one to speak of him without that deep emotion that would have affected one in ‘ doing so immediately after his death. I desire to associate myself with all that the Minister (Senator Pearce) has said. I was, perhaps, more closely associated with the late honorable senator than any other - member of this chamber. I was returned with him to the Senate in 1910, and on all occasions found him to be as the Minister has said - perhaps one of the most conscientious men that ever sat in this chamber. He always took .his parliamentary life seriously, and would suffer nothing to come between him and the discharge of every duty he was called upon to perform. When he left his place as Deputy Leader of the Opposition in order to act as a Temporary Chairman of Committees, as he often did, he pushed on with the business before us in a way that showed that he realized that it was required of him as Acting Chairman to see that the work of the Senate was transacted with expedition. Returning to his duties as Deputy Leader of the Opposition he was equally earnest and thorough in his work. As Senator Pearce has said, he was a likeable man. He was, indeed, a lovable man. He had all those natural qualities that manly men admire. He was straightforward, and outspoken. As a politician he was, in reality, a product of the Sydney Trades Hall. His political education, I may say, was . gained there. He loved his union, and his union loved and respected him. He was looking forward for weeks to the last Eight Hours’ Demonstration in Sydney, to which Senator Pearce has referred, for it marked the fiftieth year in which he had participated in that function. From his youth he never missed the Eight Hours’ celebrations in Sydney, and he had marched in the procession each year until he was 68 years nf age. For weeks he had been counting the days that would elapse before ho would be able to say that every year for half a century he had joined in these celebrations with the men in whose struggles for improved working conditions he had participated. In our party fighting we often, perhaps, misunder stand one another; hut no one closely acquainted with the late honorable senator for any length of time could misunderstand him., There was nothing hidden in his nature. His was an open, manly character. He believed that the conditions of the workers could he made better than they were, and every ounce of his energy and all his abilities were de- voted to that end. By his death the Senate has lost a most able and conscientious member, and Australia a worthy son, while the widow has lost a husband, and the family a father of whom they were justly proud. I join with the Minister for Home and Territories in the expression of our sympathy which is to be conveyed to the widow and family. We have lost a warm-hearted friend.

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:

– Before submitting the motion, I should like to say on my own behalf that it was with inexpressible sorrow that I learned, on my return to Australia, after my tour of South Africa, of the death of Senator McDougall. From the day that he entered this chamber there was never a break in my friendly associations withhim. To me his death is a personal loss. He was a man of the highest type, and as a representative of the workers was a sincere, sterling, fearless, and inde- pendent member. He gave of his best to the people of the State he represented,and to the Commonwealth which he served so well. It was with profound regret that we learned that his great, public services were ended, and they were ended, probably, all too early by reason of his devotion to duty. . I mourn the loss of a dear and valued friend, and hope that his widow and family will be comforted by the knowledge that they have the profound sympathy of every member of the Senate.

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

page 13

DEATH OF SENATOR POWER

Senator PEARCE:
Western AustraliaMinister for Home and Territories · NAT

. - (By leave.) - I move -

That the Senate places upon record its sincere regret at the death’ of Senator John Maurice Power, and extends its profound sympathy to his widow and family in their Bad bereavement.

It is unique in the history of ‘the Senate that an honorable senator, chosen by the Parliament of his state, should die, as Senator John Maurice Bower did, before having an opportunity to take his seat in this chamber. Because of this, many of us did not become personally acquainted with the honorable senator. I myself do . not remember ever meeting him, and am not in . a position to speak of his publio service; but the fact that he was chosen by the Parliament of New South Wales to represent that . state in tha Senate, is an indication of the respect in which he must have been held there. It is extremely regrettable that a man placed in such a high position should thus . early have been stricken . by the hand of . death, . and we . sympathize with his widow and family in their bereavament.

Senator GARDINER:
New South Wales

– In associating myself with the motion submitted by Senator Pearce, I should like to say that the ‘late Senator Power was one of the brilliant. young men of the Labour . movement. His outstanding ability marked him out for . appointment to the Legislative Council in New South ‘Wales, ‘in which chamber he held his seat ably and well for some years, and on the death . ofSenator McDougall- he was selected : by : both ‘HousesofParliament in New South Wales to fill the vacancy in the Senate.He was a young man of enthusiasm, energy, and marked ability. TheSenate suffered a distinct loss when he . passed away before having an opportunity to display his outstanding ability in this wider sphere of politics. “I sincerely regret ‘his early death, and join with Senator Pearce in expressing sympathy for the widow and family. As ‘the ‘right honorable senator’ has said, Senator Power was not known personally to many ‘honorable senators, but those of us who did know him can freely say that he was one of thoseself-sacrrficing men who, ‘un- . mindful of their own physical well-being, devote all their energies to -the service of their country, striving ever to better the conditions of their ‘fellows.

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

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:

– I shall convey these resolutions of sympathy to the widows and families, and also, in the case of ‘the resolution relating to the death of Mr. W. F. Massey, to the -Government of the Dominion of New Zealand.

page 14

HOUR OF MEETING

Motion (by Senator Pearce) agreed to -

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

page 14

QUESTION

LABOUR PARTY IN THE SENATE

Appointmentof Deputy Leader and Whip

Senator GARDINER:
New South Wales

– May I he permitted to announce that the Labour party has elected Senator Needham as Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, and that Senator McHugh will act as the Opposition Whip? I make that statement for . the information and convenience of the Senate.

page 14

ADJOURNMENT

Senator PEARCE:
Western AustraliaMinisterfor Home:and Territories · NAT

– As a mark of respect to : the late Right Hon. Mr. Massey and thelate honorable senators, I move -

That the Senate do . now adjourn.

Question resolved in theaffirmative.

Senate adjournedat 4.6 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 10 June 1925, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1925/19250610_senate_9_110/>.