Senate
28 June 1934

13th Parliament · 1st Session



The Senate, on the8th December, 1933, adjourned till a day and hour to be fixed, and to be notified by the President to each honorable senator.

The Seriate met at 3 p.m., pursuant to the notification of the President.

The President (Senator the Hon. P. J. lynch) took the chair and read prayers.

page 3

DEATH OF KING ALBERT OF BELGIUM

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for Defence · Western Australia · UAP

[3.2]. - by leave - I move -

That we, the members of the Senate of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, on re-assembling, take advantage of this first opportunity to express our deep sympathy with the people of Belgium in the death of King Albert.

The news of the death of the King of Belgium in such tragic circumstances on the 17th February last stirred theworld. The late King was one of the truly heroic figures of the Great War, and earned for himself the title of “Albert the Brave.” He bore the misfortunes of the war with a fortitude and courage that won for him the respect of the Allied Nations. Not only in war, but in peace also he manifested wonderful qualities which endeared him to his people. After the war, he busied himself with projects for the welfare of the Belgian nation, and not in material things alone, for he strove also to foster the intellectual life of his country. It is fitting that we extend to the people of Belgium our sincerest sympathy in the great loss that they sustained by the death of their King.

I may add that immediately after becoming aware of the death of King Albert of Belgium in February last, the following message was telegraphed to the British Ambassador at Brussels for conveyance to the Belgian Government: -

The Government of the Commonwealth of Australia have learned with feelings of great sorrow of the death in such tragic circumstances of His Majesty the King of the Belgians. Australians will mourn with Belgians the passing of one whose selfsacrificing and tireless devotion to the cause of his country and people during the Great War made his name a household word.Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the members of the Belgian Royal Family and to the Belgian nation.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

.- I second the motion. The death of so great a man as King Albert of Belgium was, I am sure, a severe blow to the people of that country. He was a distinguished figure, not only during the Great War, but also subsequently in the days of peace. Although we in Australia may not have an intimate knowledge of the many good qualities of the deceased sovereign, I am sure that the people of this country associate themselves with the sentiments that have been expressed by the Leader of the Senate.

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

page 4

QUESTION

DEATH OF VISCOUNT NOVAR

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for Defence · Western Australia · UAP

[3.5]. - by leave - I move -

That the Senate records its deep regret at the death of Viscount Novar ofRaith, a former Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and expresses its profound sympathy with Lady Novar in her bereavement.

Viscount Novar passed away on the 30th March last. When news of his death was received, a message in the following terms was sent to Lady Novar by His Excellencythe Governor-General : -

The Government and people of the Commonwealth of Australia, as well as my wife and myself, have received with profound regret the announcement of the death of Viscount Novar. We recall with the highest appreciation his outstanding services during the extended term of his occupancy of the office of Governor-General of the Commonwealth, which was attended with peculiar difficulties, and included the whole period of the great war, and the subsequent visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to the Commonwealth. Will yon please accept our deep sympathy.

Viscount Novar was, as Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson, Governor-General of the Commonwealth from 1914 to 1920. He thus occupied that high office during the most critical years in the history of Australia. Soon after assuming office he was called upon to consider a question of grave political importance, namely, whether there should be a dissolution of both Houses of the Parliament. Again, early in his term of office Australia entered into the conflict of the great war, and during the whole period of the war he participated enthusiastically in patriotic activities and projects for the welfare of members of our forces and their dependants. Those of us who made his acquaintance will remember his personal charm and his deep knowledge of all matters pertaining to the duties of his office.

His Majesty, not unmindful of Sir Ronald’s outstanding service to Australia and the Empire, elevated him to a peerage of the United Kingdom, as Viscouut Novar ofRaith, soon after his return to England in 1920. Honorable senators will, I am sure, join in expressing sympathy with Lady Novar in her great bereavement. The women of Australia will remember the great work carried out by Lady Novar during the war, particularly in connexion with the Red Cross and other organizations working on behalf of our kinsfolk then engaged in that great conflict.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

.- I second the motion.

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

page 4

DEATH OF THE HON. SIR JOSIAH HENRY SYMON

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for Defence · Western Australia · UAP

[3.7] - by leave - I move -

That the Senate expresses its profound regret at the death of the honorable Sir Jos ia h Henry Synion, K.C.M.G., K.C., a former senator for the State of South Australia and Minister of the Crown, places on record its appreciation of his notable public service, and tenders its deep sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.

By the death of Sir Josiah Symon, another member has been removed from the ranks of that fast disappearing band of distinguished jurists and statesmen who participated in the conferences which led to the establishment of the Commonwealth. He was a member of the Australasian Federal Convention of 1897-98. In 1901 he was elected as a senator for the State of South Australia, and occupied that position until 1913. From August, 1904, to July, 1905, he was Attorney-General in the ReidMcLean Ministry. Prior to entering the Federal Parliament, the late gentleman had been a member of the House of Assembly of South Australia, from 1881 to1887. In 1901 he was honoured by His Majesty by being made a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George. After a life of distinguished public service, he passed away on the 29th March last at the ripe age of 87.

I suppose I had a longer personal association with the late Sir Josiah Symon, as a member of the Senate, than had any other honorable senator. I well remember the distinguished band of South Australian representatives in the first Senate. They were men of outstanding ability amongst all the members of the first Federal Parliament, and none of them ranged higher than Sir Josiah Symon. He possessed exceptional gifts and a remarkable personality, and, during the time he was a member of the first Senate, he made a mark in the history of Australia that will endure. I esteem it a great privilege to have been associated with so great a man, and to have seen the qualities which he displayed in those early days of federation.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

.- I second the motion. Those of us who had an opportunity to become acquainted with some of the great work done in the early days of federation by that great jurist, the late Sir Josiah Symon, will remember that he was a very important figure in Australian politics at that time, and did much to influence the history of this country. His death will be felt, not only by the members of his own family, but also by the people of the State with which he was particularly identified.

Senator MCLACHLAN:
Vice-President of the Executive Council · South Australia · UAP

– As a South Australian senator, and as one who knew the late Sir Josiah Symon for almost 40 years, I desire to add my personal tribute to his outstanding ability. In two branches he occupied an extraordinarily high position. As an advocate in the courts of law, he attained in his own State an unrivalled eminence. His forensic abilities were known throughout the length and breadth of Australia. He brought to the service of this country great mental powers that were enriched by a wide knowledge of literature. By reason of his legal attainments, he played an important part in the framing of the Commonwealth Constitution, and he served as member and Minister in this Parliament and as a member of the Parliament of South Australia. Although he was not born in this country, his sentiments were entirely Australian, and we all lament the passing of one whom we may fittingly term a great Australian.

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

page 5

DEATH OF THE HON MILES STANIFORTH CATER SMITH

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for Defence · Western Australia · UAP

[3.13]. - by leave - I move -

That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of the Honorable Miles Staniforth Cater Smith, a former senator for the State of Western Australia, places on record its appreciation of his public services, and tenders its sincere sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.

The late gentleman was a member of the first Senate, in which he represented the State of Western Australia. At the first election for the Senate, he headed the poll in that State. He had previously been Mayor of Kalgoorlie and the remarkable vote in his favour, both in the gold-fields districts and in the other parts of the State, was a recognition of his fitness to represent, particularly, the goldfields population. After serving his first term as senator, he did not seek reelection, but entered into the administrative service of Papua. Later he served for a time in an administrative capacity in the Northern Territory. He was most enthusiastic in his work, and rendered valuable service, notably in the development of tropical agriculture. After relinquishing Government employment, he took up land in Western Australia, where he died quite recently. During the war, he volunteered for service abroad and served with the Australian Imperial Force from 1916 to 1919, and was mentioned in despatches. We remember him as a man of kindly disposition, and a general favorite with his fellow senators. I am sure that all his old friends mourn his death.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

.- I second the motion.

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

page 5

DEATH OF EX-SENATOR HENRY KNEEBONE

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for Defence · Western Australia · UAP

[3.16]. - by leave - I move -

That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of former Senator Henry Kneebone and tenders its sincere sympathy to his widow and family in their sad bereavement.

The late gentleman was appointed by the Parliament of South Australia to fill a vacancy in the Senate caused by the death of Senator Chapman. Although he was a member of the Senate for only a short period, all of us who knew him recognized his remarkable capacity, great energy, and devotion to public duty. I am sure that we all deeply regret his decease.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

.- 1 second the motion. The late senator was well known to me personally for many years as a journalist and as one who took a very active interest in the welfare of the people of this country. Able and sincere, as a journalist and as an active member of society in many other walks of life he rendered great service to his country, and I know that his death will be a severe blow to his partners in effort for the welfare of the people of South Australia and the Commonwealth generally. I join sincerely with the Leader of the Government (Senator Pearce) in expressing our deepest sympathy with his widow and family.

Senator HOARE:
South Australia

– I desire to support the motion. The deceased gentleman was not a member of the Senate sufficiently long for honorable senators not previously acquainted with him to assess his real worth. At one period of his life, he was the secretary to an official representative of Australia in London, and his work in that capacity was carried out with credit to himself and to the chief with whom he was associated. He was an able journalist, and devoted his activities to the promotion of the Labour cause, particularly in connexion with Labour newspapers. He was a man of untiring effort and outstanding ability, and those who knew him best loved him most. I do not think that any man, within the Labour movement, at any rate, was more highly respected than the late Harry Kneebone. His word was his bond. His actions bore the hallmarks of sincerity and honesty of purpose. He was a kind and loving father and an excellent husband. The passing of such a man is a great loss to Australia.

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

page 6

DEATH OF THE HON. WILLIAM ARTHUR HOLMAN, K.C

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for Defence · Western Australia · UAP

[3.20]. - by leave - I move -

That the Senate expresses its profound regret at the death of the member for Martin, the Honorable William Arthur Holman, K.C, places on record its appreciation of his notable public service, and tenders its deep sympathy to his widow and daughter in their bereavement.

I feel sure that I am expressing the views of honorable senators generally when I say that we all were deeply grieved at the news of the death of Mr. Holman. He was new to federal politics, having been a member of another place as the representative for Martin during the present Parliament only, but he was not an unknown man when he entered this Parliament. . His achievements in the State politics of New South Wales were realized throughout the Empire and in many foreign countries. Mr. Holman held the exalted position of Premier of that State on several occasions, including the stirring period of the Great War. The deceased gentleman was possessed of a rare culture, and, by his kindly nature endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. To his widow and daughter, I express our sincere sympathy in their sad bereavement.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

– I second the motion. Those who had the privilege of knowing the late Mr. Holman in his younger clays, and of listening to his oratory, well remember the enthusiasm with which he inspired his contemporaries. He was a particularly able man, and had outstanding forensic ability. He took an active part in the early forward political movements in Australia, and implanted in the minds of the people new thoughts that have borne fruit in the legislation of this country. He rendered great, service to Australia, and I am sure that we all sincerely regret his passing.

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

page 7

DEATH OF SIR ROBERT GIBSON

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for Defence · Western Australia · UAP

[3.23]. - I move-

That the Senate expresses its profound regret at the death of Sir Robert Gibson, G.B.E, places on record its appreciation of his notable public service, and tenders its sincere sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.

By the death of Sir Robert Gibson a distinguished figure has been removed from the commercial, industrial and banking life of Australia. Whilst we naturally think of Sir Robert Gibson in connexion with the Commonwealth Bank, he rendered valuable service to his country in connexion with the Repatriation Commission, of which he was the first deputy chairman. Those who recollect his work in that regard will long remember his splendid efforts in helping to lay the foundation of our repatriation system. In more recent years he devoted all his energies to assisting to guide the Commonwealth through the doubtful days of the depression. In his capacity as chairman of the Commonwealth Bank Board he won for himself undying renown. His Majesty honoured him on several occasions, and, in 1932, he was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to his sorrowing widow and family in their sad bereavement; but they have the consolation of knowing that by his great public service Sir Robert Gibson reared in the hearts and minds of the people a monument that will long endure.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

– In seconding the motion, I endorse the tribute that has been paid by Senator Pearce to the great work of Sir Robert Gibson as chairman of the board of directors of the Commonwealth Bank, but I venture to express the personal view that he would have done even greater things in that capacity had he been permitted the freedom enjoyed by his predecessor, the late Sir Denison Miller, instead of being restricted, as he was by other members of the board.I deeply regret his death.

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

page 7

PAPERS

The following papers were presented : -

Audit Act - Finance - Treasurer’s Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the year ended 30th June, 1933, accompanied by the Report of the Auditor-General.

Commonwealth Bank Act - Balance-sheets of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Commonwealth Savings Bank at 31 st December, 1933, and Statements of the Liabilities and Assets of the Note Issue Department at 31st December, 1933; together with Auditor -General’s Reports thereon.

Nauru - Report to the Council of the League of Nations on the Administration of Nauru during the’ year 1933.

New Guinea - Report to the Council of the League of Nations on the Administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1st July, 1932, to 30th June, 1933.

Norfolk Island - Report for year ended 30th June, 1933.

Papua - Annual Report for 1932-33.

Air Force Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 25- No. 51.

Arbitration (Public Service) Act - Determinations by the Arbitrator, &c. -

No. 26 of 1933 - Commonwealth Foremen’s Association.

No. 1 of 1934 - Australian Postal Electrician’s Union.

No. 2 of 1934 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association; and Australian Postal Electricians’ Union.

No. 3 of 1934 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.

No. 4 of 1934 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.

No. 5 of 1934 - Arms, Explosives and Munition Workers’ Federation of Australia.

No.6 of 1934 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.

No. 7 of 1934 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia; Commonwealth Legal Professional Officers’ Association; Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association ; Federated Public Service Assistants’ Association of Australia; Fourth Division Officers’ Association of the Trade and Customs Department; and Professional Officers’ Association, Commonwealth Public Service.

No. 8 of 1934 - Federated Public Service Assistants’ Association of Australia.

No. 9 of 1934 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.

No. 10 of 1934 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.

Commonwealth Public Service Act -

Appointments - Department of -

Commerce - S. Trainor.

Health- A. M. Abey.

Parliamentary Library - L. F. Fitzhardinge and N. S. Lyng.

Treasury - D. J. Whitelaw.

List of Permanent Officers of the Commonwealth Public Service (excluding the State branches of the PostmasterGeneral’s Department) as on 30th June, 1933.

Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1933, No. 134- No. 143; 1934, No. 11- No. 27- No. 35- No. 37- No. 42- No. 45- No. 46- No. 68- No.69- No. 72.

Commonwealth Shipping Act - Australian Commonwealth Line of Steamers - Treasury Loan Account and Liquidation Account for period ended 31st January, 1934; together with Auditor-General’s Report thereon.

Contract Immigrants Act - Return for 1933.

Defence Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 3 - No. 4- No. 5- No. 15- No. 20- No. 21- No. 26- No. 60- No. 73.

Immigration Act -

Return for 1933.

Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1933, No. 128.

Lands Acquisition Act - Land acquired at -

Blackall, Queensland - For Defence purposes.

Parish of Ettrick, County of Elphinstone, Queensland - For Postal (Broadcasting) purposes.

Kelso, Tasmania - For Postal (Broadcasting) purposes.

Nedlands, Western Australia - For Postal purposes.

Nationality Act - Return showing the number of persons to whom Certificates of Naturalization were granted during the year 1933, and the countries whence the applicants came.

Naval Defence Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 18- No. 19- No. 32- No. 44- No. 54- No.58.

Northern Territory Acceptance Act and Northern Territory (Administration) Act-

Ordinances of 1933 -

No. 14 - Dangerous Drugs.

No. 15 - Licensing.

No. 16. - Board of Enquiry.

Ordinances of 1934 -

No. 1 - Encouragement of Primary Production.

No. 2 - Interpretation.

Aboriginals Ordinance - Regulations Amended.

Gaming Ordinance - Racing Club Regulations.

Representation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 62.

Seat of Government Acceptance Act and Seat of Government (Administration) Act-

Ordinances of 1933 -

No. 26 - Real Property.

No. 28 - Land Commissioner (No. 2).

No. 30 - Stock Diseases.

No. 31 - Business Names.

No. 32 - Interpretation.

No. 33 - Motor Traffic.

No. 34- Real Property (No. 2).

No. 35 - Instruments (No. 2).

No. 36 - Judiciary (Stay of Proceedings ) .

No. 37 - Poisons and Dangerous Drugs.

No. 38- Supreme Court (Ordinances Modifying).

No. 39 - Juries (No. 2).

No. 40 - Matrimonial Causes.

Ordinances of 1934 -

No. 1 - Sheriff Ordinance Repeal.

No. 2 - Administration and Probate.

No. 3 - Liquor (Renewal of Licences).

No. 4 - Oaths.

No. 5 - Dogs Registration.

No. 6- Administration and Probate (No. 2).

No. 7 - Advisory Council.

No. 8 - Sheriff.

No. 9 - Stock.

No. 10 - Police Offences.

No. 11 - Salvation Army Property Trust.

No. 12 - Police Superannuation.

No. 13- Trustee.

No. 14 - Real Property.

No. 15 - Hawkers.

No. 16 - Hospital Tax.

Building and Services Ordinance; - Regulations amended (Canberra Electric Supply).

Business Names Ordinance - Regulations.

Canberra University College Ordinance - Report of the Council of the Canberra University College for the year 1933, together with the Canberra University College Calendar for the year 1934.

Hospital Tax Ordinances - Regulations amended.

Instruments Ordinance - Regulations.

Meat Ordinance - Regulations amended.

Motor Traffic Ordinance - Regulations.

Poisons and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance - Regulations.

Police Superannuation Ordinance - Regulations.

Public Baths Ordinance - Regulations amended.

Public Health Ordinance -

Regulations amended (Dairy).

Regulations amended (Meat).

Transport Workers Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 29.

Australian Broadcasting Commission Act - Regulations - Statutory, Rules 1934, No. 67.

Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Act - Regulations amended, &c. - Statutory Rules 1933, No. 132- No. 133; 1934, No. 16- No. 55.

Customs Act - Proclamation prohibiting the exportation (except under certain conditions) of Apples and Pears -Dated 16th January, 1934.

Designs Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 1.

Distillation Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 71.

Excise Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 9.

Gold Bounty Act - Return for 1933.

Patents Act - Regulations amended - Statutery Rules 1934, No. 39.

Peace Officers Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 53.

Post and Telegraph Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1933, No. 127 -No. 135; 1934, No. 24- No. 30- No. 38- No.66.

Quarantine Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1933, No. 137- No. 138; 1934, No. 33- No. 43- No. 61.

Science and Industry Research Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 41.

Wireless Telegraphy Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1933, No. 136.

Canned Fruits Export Control Act - Regulations amended-Statutory Rules 1934, No. 57.

Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 48.

Commonwealth Bank Act -

Treasurer’s Statement of the Combined Accounts of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Commonwealth Savings Bank at 31st December, 1933, certified to by the Auditor-General.

Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 14.

Commonwealth Employees Compensation Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1933, No.141

Commonwealth Inscribed Stock Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 8.

Customs Act and Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act - Regulations amended -Statutory Rules 1934, No. 2- No. 6- No. 7- No. 23- No. 47- No. 49- No. 56 No. 63.

Dairy Produce Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules . 1934, No. 50- No. 52.

Dried Fruits Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 22- No. 40.

Dried Fruits Export Charges Act - Regulations amended- Statutory Rules 1934, No. 28.

Financial Emergency Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1933, No. 131 -No. 142; 1934, No. 17.

Flour Tax Assessment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1933 - No. 139.

Invalid and Old-age Pensions Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1933, No. 144; 1934, No. 12.

Land Tax Assessment Act - List of Applications for Relief from Taxation dealt with during the year 1933.

Navigation Act -

Report by the Minister for Commerce of cases in which the Governor-General has exercised his power under Section 422a during the year 1933.

Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1933, No. 140; 1934, No. 31.

Sales Tax Assessment Acts (Nos. 1 to 9) - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 34- No. 64.

Wheat Growers Relief Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 10- No. 70.

Wine Overseas Marketing Act - Regulations -Statutory Rules 1934, No. 36.

page 9

ELECTORAL REDISTRIBUTION

Reports and maps, furnished by the Commissioners appointed for the purpose of redistributing the following States into electoral divisions for the election of members of the House of Representatives, viz., New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, tabled.

page 9

ASSENT TO BILLS

Assent to the following bills reported : -

Extradition Bill 1933.

Designs Bill 1933.

Immigration Bill 1933.

Commonwealth Public Service Bill 1933.

Seat of Government Supreme Court Bill 1933.

Sales Tax Assessment Bills, Nos. 2 to 9, 1933.

Invalid and Old-age Pensions Bill 1933.

Fruit-growers’ Relief Bill 1933.

Income Tax Assessment Bill 1933.

Income Tax Bill 1933.

Wheat growers’ Relief Bill 1933.

Flour Tax Assessment Bill 1933.

Flour Tax Bill (No. 1) 1933.

Flour Tax Bill (No. 2) 1933.

Flour Tax Bill (No. 3) 1933.

Sales Tax Assessment Bill (No. 1) 1933.

Patents Bill 1933.

Dairy Produce Bill 1933.

Dried Fruits Bill 1933.

Ashmore andCartier Islands Acceptance Bill 1933.

War Pensions Appropriation Bill 1933.

Silver Agreement Bill 1933.

High Court Procedure Bill 1933.

Invalid and Old-Age Pensions Appropriation Bill 1933.

Judiciary Bill 1933.

Bankruptcy Bill 1933.

Wheat Acquisition Bill 1933.

Copyright Bill 1933.

Tariff Board Bill 1933.

South Australia Grant Bill 1933.

Western Australia Grant Bill 1933.

Tasmania Grant Bill 1933.

Cockatoo Island Dockyard Agreement Bill 1933.

Trade Commissioners Bill 1933.

page 10

QUESTION

PUBLIC SERVICE SALARIES

Senator FOLL:
QUEENSLAND

– Can the Minister representing the Prime Minister inform the Senate if the Government has yet decided whether or not it will ask the Parliament to restore to the Commonwealth public servants the amounts that were taken from their salaries and wages by the Scullin Government in 1931 under the Financial Emergency Act?

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE.The honorable senator is aware that it 13 nor. customary to make any statement of Government policy in reply to questions. Obviously, the matter to which he referred will be taken into consideration in connexion with the budget.

page 10

QUESTION

TOBACCO-GROWING

Mareeba Experimental Farm

Senator MacDONALD:
QUEENSLAND

– Has the Minister in charge of Development noticed a newspaper report that the Mareeba Experimental Tobacco Farm has been closed? If the farm is to be closed permanently, can he inform the Senate of the reason? I ask this question because it is believed that the closing of the farm will seriously affect the tobacco industry in North Queensland.

Senator McLACHLAN:
UAP

– The experimental farm at Mareeba is no longer controlled by the Commonwealth Government. The honorable senator will remember that a sum of money - the amount was, I think, £10,000 - was set aside by the Commonwealth to enable the State Governments to deal with certain phases of tobacco-growing. At a conference of Ministers of Agriculture and their officers in conjunction with officers of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research at Hobart in February last, it was decided to increase the amount and that under the new arrangement, control of the Mareeba and other farms should be entirely iri the hands of the State Government. The Commonwealth is, however, doing what it can to assist the State by retaining certain officers at the farm for the time being.

page 10

QUESTION

CAPTAIN CONWAY

Senator DOOLEY:
NEW SOUTH WALES

– Recently the Commonwealth appointed a Royal Commission to inquire into the circumstances relating to the retirement of LieutenantCommander Casey of the Royal Australian Navy. Will the Ministry authorize the Commission to investigate the longstanding grievance of Captain Conway also? I understand that the Minister for Defence is conversant with that officer’s complaint.

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:

– I am aware of the circumstances connected with the claim made by Captain Conway, and I cannot see my way clear to recommend the Government to include Mb grievance in the scope of the inquiry.

page 10

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING COMMISSION

Senator DUNN:
through Senator Dooley

asked the Minister representing the Postmaster-General, upon notice -

  1. What were the terms and the general conditions of the engagement of Captain Adkins of England, to act as bandmaster for the Australian Broadcasting Commission?
  2. Were there any bandmasters in Australia who could have undertaken the duties that Captain Adkins was called upon to perform?
Senator McLACHLAN:
UAP

– The honorable the Postmaster-General has supplied the following answers : -

  1. The services of Captain Adkins were made available to the Commission by the War Office for a period of not less than two months in Australia, during which time he was to undertake such duties as were decided on by the Commission including the conducting of bands and the development of military band music. He was paid a fee of £500 sterling and £100 in Australian currency to cover his expenses in Australia.. His fare to and from Australia was also paid by the Commission.
  2. No.

page 10

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE.Inquiries will be made concerning expenditure on defence and a reply will be furnished to Senator Rae as early as possible.

page 10

QUESTION

ITALY’S WAR DEBT

Senator DUNN:
through Senator Dooley

asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that Italy made demands on the United States of America for a general revision of Italy’s debts to that country?
  2. If so, will the Treasurer also demand a general revision of Australia’s debts to the United States of America: if not, why not*

Senator Sir HARRY LAWSON.The Treasurer has supplied the following answers : -

  1. The Government has no official knowledge of demands made by Italy on the United States of America for a general revision of debts.

It is gathered from newspaper sources that the United States demanded a resumption of repayments by Italy on its war debt. The latter country is reported to have refrained from making such payments, and stated that, while awaiting a settlement, which she believes possible, she would have been prepared to demonstrate her good will by a token payment. The debts referred to are war debts due by the Government of Italy to the Government of the United States of America.

  1. There are no war debts or other debts due by Australia to the Government of the United States.

page 11

QUESTION

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

Senator DUNN:
through Senator Dooley

asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that thesum of £1,537,000 additional to the grant for the year 1932-33 was provided on the defence estimates in the year 1 933-34?
  2. Is it a fact that the Prime Minister in his budget speech merely indicated that he hoped that the naval sloop costing £280,000, which was to be built, would be built in Australia?
  3. Is it a fact that the new gun units for coastal defence will be built overseas?

Senator Sir HARRY LAWSON The Treasurer has supplied the following answers : -

  1. Yes
  2. Yes. The sloop is, in fact, beingbuilt at Cockatoo Island under contract with Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Company Limited.
  3. The new gun equipments required for coast defence are beyond the manufacturing capabilities of our munitions factories, and it would be uneconomical to extend their activities to includethese items owing to the comparatively small number of equipments required.

page 11

QUESTION

AUSTRALIAN WINES

Senator DUNN:
through Senator Dooley

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

What action, if any, does the Government intend to take against the policy of the United States of America in refusingentrance of Australian wine and spirits into that country?

Senator McLACHLAN:
UAP

– The Minister for Trade and Customs has supplied the following answer : -

Australian wine and spirits are not being refused entry into the United States of America.

page 11

INDUSTRIAL PEACE ACTS REPEAL BILL

Senator McLACHLAN:
Vice-President of the Executive Council · South Australia · UAP

– I move -

That this order of the day be read and discharged.

This motion is submitted because it is the intention of the Government to introduce a more comprehensive measure at a later date.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

page 11

ADJOURNMENT

Business of the Senate - Obituary References.

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for Defence · Western Australia · UAP

[4.0]. - I move -

That the Senate do now adjourn.

It is anticipated that a supply bill will be passed by the House of Representatives to-day, and that that measure will be before this chamber to-morrow, when the Senate will be asked to discuss it. Next week, the Senate will be asked to deal with the bills of which the Vice-President of the Executive Council (Senator McLachlan) gave notice to-day, and possibly some other measures which may come from the House of Representatives. The main measure which wo are expectingwill be an amendment of the Income Tax Act to give effect to some of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Taxation, but it is unlikely that that bill willbebefore this chamber next week. The House of Representatives expects to be considering the redistribution proposals at an early date, and if these are adopted complementary motions will be necessary in the Senate.

Earlier in the proceedings to-day, it was my mournful duty to move several motions concerning the deaths of exmembers of this chamber andothers. There is also a fairly long list of deaths of ex-members of the

House of Representatives, and, although it has become an established practice not to move motions of condolence in this chamber with respect to such deaths, I think that I should make some reference to them. The Hon. Agar Wynne, who represented the Balaclava electorate from 1906 to 1914, and was Postmaster-General from June, 1913, to September, 1914, died on the 12thMay, 1934. One of the pioneers of federation, the Hon. Sydney Smith, who represented Macquarie from 1901 to 1906, and was Postmaster-General from August, 1904, to July, 1905, died on the 21st February last. The Hon. Thomas Brown, who was a member of the’ House of Representatives from 1901 to 1913, and who represented Canobolas and Calare, died on the 23rd March, 1934. Mr. Percy Edmund Coleman, mem ber for Reid from 1922 to 1930, died on the 25th May, 1934. Mr. Coleman, who was a comparatively young man, was known to all of us as an active member of the House of Representatives, and as one who rendered distinguished public service. Mr. Edward Ernest Heitmann, who was member for Kalgoorlie from 1917 to 1919, died on the 30th January, 1934. The deceased gentleman may be unknown to some honorable senators, but he was known to many Western Australians as a patriotic and earnest citizen. He was one of those who, although well advanced in years, enlisted for active service during the war. The strenuous life he led doubtless sapped his constitution. Another death to which I should like to make reference is that of Lady Northcote, the wife of a former Governor-General. Lady Northcote’s name may not be familiar to some honorable senators, but those who were in the Federal Parliamentwhen Lord Northcote was Governor-General will remember the great work which she rendered in Australia, especially in encouraging and helping women’s philanthropic movements. She also did much to encourage culture in Australia, particularly in connexion with music. After her departure from Australia, she took a great interest in the progress of the Commonwealth, and by her death, Australia has lost a good friend.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Senate adjournedat 4.5 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 28 June 1934, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1934/19340628_senate_13_144/>.