Senate
23 October 1934

14th Parliament · 1st Session



page 5

OPENING OF THE PARLIAMENT

The Senate met at 10.30 a.m., pursuant to the proclamation of His Excellency the Governor-General.

The President (Senator the Hon. P. J. Lynch) took the chair.

The Clerk read the proclamation.

The Deputies appointed by His Excellency the Governor-General for the opening of the Parliament, the Right Honorable Sir Frank Gavan Duffy, K.C.M.G., Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, and the Honorable Sir George Edward Rich, K.C.M.G., a Justice of the High Court of Australia, having been announced by the Usher of the Black Rod, entered the chamber and took their seats on the dais.

The Senior Deputy (the Right Honorable Sir Frank Gavan Duffy), through the Clerk, directed the Usher to request the attendance of the members of the House of Representatives, who being come,

The SENIOR DEPUTY said-

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemenof the House of Representatives :

His Excellency the Governor-General, not thinking fit to be present in person at this time, has been pleased to cause letters patent to issue under the Great Seal of the Commonwealth constituting us his Deputies to do in his name all that is necessary to be performed in declaring this Parliament open, as will more fully appear from the letters patent which will now be read -

The letters patent having been read by the Clerk,

The SENIOR DEPUTY said-

Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

We have it in command from the Governor-General to let you know that as soon as the members of the House of Representatives shall have been sworn, the causes of His Excellency’s calling this Parliament will be declared by him in person at this place; and it being necessary that a Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be first chosen, you, Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, will retire to the place where you are to sit, and there proceed to the choice of some proper person to be your Speaker ; and thereafter you will present the person whom you shall so choose to His Excellency, at such time and place as he shall appoint.

Sir George Rich will attend in the House of Representatives for the purpose of administering the oath or affirmation of allegiance to honorable members of that House.

The Deputies and Members of the. House of Representatives having retired,

page 6

NEW SENATORS

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. T. J. lynch). - I have to inform the Senate that the casual vacancies in the representation of the States of Tasmania and Western Australia have been filled by the election of Charles William Grant and Herbert Brayley Collett respectively. The Clerk will lay on the Table the certificates of election.

Certificates laid on the Table and read by the Clerk.

Senators Grant and Collett made and subscribed the oath of allegiance.

Sitting suspended from 10.49 a.m. to 3 p.m.

page 6

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

page 6

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GO

VERNOR-GENERAL entered the chamber and, being seated, 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 Gentlemen -of the House of Representa-

T1VJCB -

You are called together to deliberate upon matters of urgent importance to the well-being of the Commonwealth.

My Ministers are very gratified that, with the gracious approval of the King, it has been possible for His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester to visit Australia. The enthusiastic reception accorded to His Royal Highness manifests the deep affection in which members of the royal family are held in this country, and discloses again Australia’s loyalty to the throne and person of His Majesty.

It is proposed that an address of welcome from both Houses of the Commonwealth Parliament be presented to His Royal Highness on the occasion of his visit to Canberra.

Employment

My advisers take pride in the fact thai during the past two years Australia has, together with the United Kingdom, taken a leading place among the nations of the world in .financial and industrial recovery. They also observe with satisfaction the consistent and substantial improvement in employment over that period.

The Government takes this opportunity to say that the partial recovery from the depression which has been achieved would not have been possible without the patriotic co-operation of the people as a whole, and especially the gallant fortitude of those who have been the keenest sufferers.

My advisers regard with sympathy and concern the heavy unemployment which still persists and propose to give to this grave and pressing problem priority over other matters.

With this object in . view employment and its associated questions have bees allotted as a special ministerial task to the Minister of State for Commerce, who will, for a period at least, devote the major portion of his labours to this great problem, and will be relieved of much of the work of the Commerce Department. Consideration will be directed to three principal matters: -

  1. A complete survey of the unemployment problem in order to determine whether there are any root causes which could be effectively dealt with by direct Commonwealth action or by some concerted action on the part of the Commonwealth and the States;
  2. Theselection, preparation and carrying out of works which, by reason of their size or special connexion with Commonwealth functions, can properly be done by the Commonwealth alone; and
  3. Close collaboration with the State employment authorities with a view to the carrying out of works which, though within the authority of the States, cannot at present be undertaken without financial aid from the Commonwealth.

The selection of these works will be a matter for consultation with the States which will be invited to consider such undertakings as the unification of the railway gauges between capital cities, farther country water storage, national forestry, housing and the treatment of coal deposits and shale for oil and other commercial products. In particular the Commonwealth will aim at the creation of opportunities for the employment of youth.

Rural Industries:Relief and Assistance.

My Government wishes to express to all primary producers the indebtedness of the nation for the manner in which they have, despite low price levels, continued to maintain and in many industries substantially increase the measure of their production and export. As far as lies within its power and resources, the Government will continue and enlarge its policy of aid to rural industry until such time as marketing results show considerable improvement.

In accordance with this policy my advisers are entering into immediate discussions with the Governments of the various States in relation to the question of financial rural relief. It will be understood that, as the Constitution now stands, the Commonwealth has not power to deal directly with such domestic matters as the tenure and financial security of the primary producer ; it must accordingly act through the medium of financing existing or future State schemes. Consultation with the State authorities in order to determine the precise nature of proposals and the amount of financial assistance necessary, together with the terms upon which it should be provided, will at once be put in hand.

Steps will be taken at a very early date to give effect to the Government’s undertakings with respect to a bounty upon the approaching season’s wheat.

Secondary Industries and Trade Treaties

My Ministers will adhere to the national policy of protection and will, in tariff matters, follow the course which proved so successful during the life of the last Parliament. They strongly maintain the view that the first service of the tariff must still be the upholding of local primary and secondary industries, the fortunes of which are closely interwoven and cannot be properly considered apart.

The satisfactory sale of our surplus primary produce is the index to the prosperity of every Australian industry and business and of all sources of employment. My advisers believe that trade agreements and treaties, if framed with care and vision, cannot fail to bring additional income and employment to the community as a whole.

With this desirable object in view my advisers will submit legislation as occasion arises. They anticipate that during next year opportunity will be found to discuss with His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom certain phases of the Ottawa Agreement with a view to adding still further to the advantages which it is now conferring upon the contracting parties.

My advisers are engaged in the negotiation of prospective trade treaties with a number of foreign countries. They are of the opinion that Australia’s richest overseas market lies within the Empire and especially within the United Kingdom. But they are fully aware that in some great lines of primary commodities Australia and other dominions, taken together, yield a total production far in excess of the consumption demands of the Empire. Confronted by these conditions my Ministers will make every endeavour to trade on the friendliest terms obtainable with all nations which are faced with similar problems.

When in making agreements or treaties alterations in the tariff, which have not been formally referred to the Tariff Board, are necessary, my Ministers will submit the agreements or treaties with these alterations for the endorsement of Parliament within a limited period.

My Ministers are now engaged in con- sideration of a series of Tariff Board reports. A schedule based upon these reports will be submitted to Parliament at an early date, and the reports will be made available at the same time.

My Government will take steps to set up an Interstate Commission as a working part of the Constitution.

The first business of Parliament will be consideration of the Estimates.

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.

page 8

CHANGES IN MINISTRY

Representation in the Senate.

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for External Affairs · Western Australia · UAP

by leave - I desire to announce to the Senate that on the 12th October, 1934, certain changes were made in the composition of the Ministry, which is now constituted as follows : -

Prime Minister and Treasurer. - The Right Honorable Joseph Aloysius Lyons, M.P

Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister in Charge of Territories. - Senator the Right Honorable Sir George Foster Pearce, K C.V.O.

Attorney-General and Minister of State for Industry. - The Honorable Robert Gordon Menzies, K.C., M.P

Minister of State for Defence. - The Honorable Archdale Parkhill, M.P

Vice-President of the Executive Council and Minister of State for Health and Minister of State for Repatriation. - The Right Honorable William Morris Hughes. K.C., M.P.

Postmaster-General and Minister in Charge of Development and of Scientific and Industrial Research. - Senator the Honorable Alexander John McLachlan.

Minister of State for Commerce. - The Honorable Frederick Harold Stewart. M.P

Minister of State for Trade and Customs. - The Honorable Thomas Walter White, D.F.C., V.D., M.P

Minister of State for the Interior. - The Honorable Eric John Harrison, M.P.

Assistant Treasurer. - The Honorable Richard Gardiner Casey, D.S.O., M.C., M.P

Minister without portfolio, directing negotiations for trade treaties. - The Honorable Sir Henry Somer Gullett, K.C.M.G., M.P.

Minister without portfolio, in charge of War Service Homes and assisting the Minister of State for Repatriation. - The Honorable Josiah Francis, M.P.

Minister without portfolio, assisting the Minister of State for Commerce. - Senator the Honorable Thomas Cornelius Brennan, K.C.

Minister without portfolio. - The Honorable Charles William Clanan Marr, D.S.O., M.C., V.D., M.P.

I also desire to inform the Senate that the following arrangements have been made for ministerial representation in the Senate : -

The Departments of the Prime Minister, Defence, Treasury, External Affairs and Interior will he representedby myself; the Departments of the PostmasterGeneral, Attorney-General, Trade and Customs, Repatriation and War Service Homes, by Senator McLachlan; and the Departments of Commerce and Industry, and the Department of Health, by Senator Brennan.

page 9

PAPERS

The following papers were presented : -

Commonwealth Bank Act - Balance-sheets of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Commonwealth Savings Bank at 30th June, 1934, and Statements of the Liabilities and Assets of the Note Issue Department at 30th June, 1934; together with Auditor-General’s Reports thereon.

Lieutenant-Commander A. D. Casey - Report of Royal Commission appointed to inquire into circumstances associated with his retirement from the Royal Australian Navy.

Nauru -

Ordinance No. 9 of 1933 - Shipping Fees Amendment.

Ordinances of 1934 -

No, 1 - Appropriation 1934.

No. 2 - Nauruan Royalty Trust Fund Appropriation 1934.

No. 3 - Appropriation (Supplemental) 1933.

No. 4 - Nauruan Royalty Trust Fund Appropriation (Supplemental) 1933.

No. 5 - Extradition.

No.6 - Customs Tariff Amendment.

No. 7 - Shipping Fees Validation.

Air Force Act - Regulations amended -

Statutory Rules 1934, No. 122- No. 125.

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

No. 19 of 1934 - Fourth Division Officers’ Association of the Trade and Customs Department.

No. 20 of 1934 - Fourth Division Officers’ Association of the Trade and Customs Department.

No. 2.1 of 1934 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.

No. 22 of 1934 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association.

No. 23 of 1934 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association.

No. 24 of 1934 - Fourth Division Officers’ Association of the Trade and Customs Department; and Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.

No. 25 of 1934 - Arms, Explosives and Munition Workers’ Federation of Australia.

No. 26 of 1934 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.

Commonwealth Bank Act - Treasurer’s Statement of the Combined Accounts of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Commonwealth Savings Bank at 30th June, 1934, certified to by the Auditor-General.

Commonwealth Electoral Act and Referendum (Constitution Alteration) Act -

Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 100.

Commonwealth Inscribed Stock Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 123.

Commonwealth Public Service Act -

Appointment - Department of Health - R. E. Murray.

Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 101- No. 102- No. 107- No. 115- No. 116.

Defence Act - Regulations amended, &c. - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 90- No. 104- No. 105.

Invalid and Old-age Pensions Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 112.

Lands Acquisition Act - Land acquired at -

Brunswick, Victoria - For Postal purposes.

Near Cape Gourdon, Western Australia - For Defence purposes.

Cape Leveque, Western Australia - For Lighthouse purposes.

Hundred of Bagot, Darwin, Northern Territory - For extension of Darwin aerodrome.

La Grange Bay, Western Australia - For Defence purposes.

Lawrence, New South Wales - For Postal (Broadcasting) purposes.

Whim Creek, Western Australia - For Defence purposes.

Yanery, Western Australia- For Defence purposes.

Yulleroo, Western Australia- For Defence purposes.

National Debt Sinking Fund Act - National Debt Commission - Eleventh Annual Report, year ended 30th June, 1934.

Naval Defence Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 89 - No. 93 - No. 94- No. 103- No. 108- No. 118- No. 124.

Naval Defence Act and Control of Naval Waters Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 88.

Northern Territory Representation Act and Commonwealth Electoral Act -Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 95.

Papua Act - Infirm and Destitute Natives Account - Statement of Transactions of Trustees for the year ended 30th June, 1934.

Sales Tax Assessment Acts (Nos.1 to 9) - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 97.

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

Ordinances of 1934 -

No. 18 - Companies (Investigation of Affairs).

No. 19 - Advisory Council (No. 2).

No. 20 - City Area Leases.

No. 21 - Plant Diseases.

Building and Services Ordinance - Regulations amended.

Cotton Industries Bounty Act - Return for 1933-34.

Customs Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 109- No. 127.

Designs Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 121.

Flax and Linseed Bounties Act - Return for 1933-34.

Iron and Steel Products Bounty Act - Return for 1933-34.

Judiciary Act - Rules of Court

Dated 7th August, 1934.

Dated 9th August, 1934.

Papua and New Guinea Bounties Act - Return for 1933-34.

Sulphur Bounty Act - Return for 1933-34.

War Service Homes Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 106.

Wine Export Bounty Act - Return for 1933- 34.

Commerce (Trade Descriptions) ActRegulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 110- No. 120.

Customs Act and Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act -

Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 98- No. 117.

Dairy Produce Export Control Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 87.

Export Guarantee Act - Return showing assistance granted during the financial year 1933-34.

Lighthouses Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 92.

Navigation Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 119.

Quarantine Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1934, No. 91.

page 10

ASSENT TO BILLS

Assent to the following bills reported: -

Loan Bill 1934.

Income Tax Assessment Bill 1934.

Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Bill 1934- 35.

Defence Equipment Bill 1934.

Supply Bill (No. 2) 1934-35.

Raw Cotton Bounty Bill 1934.

Customs Tariff Validation Bill 1934.

Customs Tariff (Exchange Adjustment) Validation Bill 1934.

Excise Tariff Validation Bill 1934.

Customs Tariff (Special Duties) Validation Bill 1934.

Mandarin Growers Relief Bill 1934.

War Pensions Appropriation Bill 1934.

Sales Tax Assessment Bill (No. 1) 1934.

Sales Tax Assessment Bill (No. 2) 1934.

Income Tax Bill 1934.

Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Bill 1934.

Wine Export Bounty Bill 1934.

Transferred Officers’ Pensions Bill 1934.

South Australia Grant Bill 1934.

Western Australia Grant Bill 1934.

Tasmania Grant Bill 1934.

States Grants Bill 1934.

Invalid and Old-age Pensions Appropriatioa Bill 1934.

Supplementary Appropriation Bill 1932-33.

Supplementary Appropriation (Works and Buildings) Bill 1932-33.

Designs Bill 1934.

Evidence Bill 1934.

Excise Bill 1934.

Statute Law Revision Bill 1934.

Commonwealth Public Service Bill 1934.

page 10

NAVIGATION (MARITIME CONVENTIONS) BILL 1934

Reservation of assent notified.

page 10

DEATH OF VISCOUNT NOVAR

Mr PRESIDENT:

– I have to inform the Senate that through His Excellency the Governor-General a reply had been received from Lady Novar expressing her grateful thanks and deep appreciation of the courtesy and kindness of the Senate in forwarding a message expressing its regret and sympathy in connexion with the death of Viscount Novar.

DEATH OF Mr. D. C. McGRATH, M.H.R.

Mr PRESIDENT:

– I have to inform the Senate that I have received from Mrs. McGrath an expression of appreciation of the resolution of sympathy and condolence passed by the Senate on the occasion of the death of her husband, Mr. D.C. McGrath, M.H.R.

page 10

QUESTION

CENTENARY AIR RACE

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for External Affairs · Western Australia · UAP

[3.44]. - At the risk of transgressing the Standing Orders, Mr. President, I take the opportunity to announce that Messrs. C. W. A. Scott and Campbell Black, the English aviators, arrived in Melbourne at 3.37 p.m. to-day, and thus won the Centenary Air Race from England to Australia.

Honorable Senators. - Hear, hear!

Sitting suspended from3.45 to4.30 p.m.

page 11

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. P. J. Lynch). - I have to report that for greater accuracy, I have obtained from Hia Excellency the GovernorGeneral a copy of the opening speech which His Excellency was pleased to deliver to both Houses of the Parliament.

Ordered -

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

page 11

QUESTION

ADDRESS TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for External Affairs · Western Australia · UAP

by leave - I move -

That the following Joint Address bc presented to His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester : -

To His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, Knight of the Garter, Knight of the Thistle, Knight of St. Patrick, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, Personal Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty the King.

May it please Your Royal Highness -

We, the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, in Parliament assembled, gladly accept this opportunity of conveying to Your Royal Highness an assurance of our attachment and loyalty to the Person and Crown of His Majesty the King.

This is the first official visit of Your Royal Highness to a Dominion of the British Empire, and the people of Australia are proud that such a compliment should be paid to them and to their country. We regard your visit as a manifestation of the deep interest which His Gracious Majesty has always shown in the welfare of his subjects in the dominions.

The warmth and spontaneity of the welcome given to you by the people of this country is an expression of deep affection for and loyalty to the Royal Family of which you are a member.

In the course of your progress through Australia you will come into personal contact with large numbers of our citizens, and you will have an opportunity of measuring the material advancement which has been effected during the period which has elapsed since the original settlement of Australia.

In recent years the Commonwealth of Australia ha.s attained the status of a nation within the Empire. This honorable achievement has been accompanied by an increasing devotion of our people to the British Commonwealth of Nations and to the ideals of free and democratic government with which the people of the British Empire have been associated for so many centuries.

In the present time of world crisis many problems arise for the consideration of the governments and peoples of the Empire, the solution of which can be greatly assisted by a spirit of co-operation. It will be our earnest endeavour to approach these problems in that spirit, with the object of devising methods of mutual assistance and support which will advance the prosperity of all, and preserve and strengthen the ties between the members of the British Commonwealth.

We express to Your Royal Highness the warmest and most cordial wishes of our people for an interesting and pleasant visit to our country, and we invite you to convey to His Majesty the King this message of loyalty and devotion to his Person.

Very few words are needed to commend this address to honorable senators. It is indeed fitting that we should, on the occasion of the visit of an illustrious member of the Royal Family, unite with the members of the House of Representatives in expressing our feelings of attachment and loyalty to His Majesty the King. I am sure that it is the unanimous wish of all honorable senators that the Address be presented; accordingly, it is with great pleasure that I submit the motion to the Senate.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

.- I second the motion. Australia has already given a magnificent demonstration of its attachment to the Mother Country, and its high regard for British traditions. I hope that we in this far-flung portion of the British Empire will uphold and advance the principles for which our ancestors fought. Amongst those principles were freedom of speech, and recognition of the political equality of all men. Politically and industrially, we in Australia have advanced further and more rapidly than our forefathers would have thought possible. His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, upon his return to the United Kingdom, will be able to convey to its people a vivid firsthand impression of us and our country. A few days ago, I saw His Royal Highness presenting a cup to* a racehorse owner and congratulating the jockey, and I could not help thinking that Royalty, which makes contact with all classes of the community and promotes their mutual understanding, has its uses. So I join in welcoming a son of the King. God bless him.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. P. J. Lynch). - Arrangements are being made for the presentation of the address to His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester in the Senate chamber at 10.40 a.m. tomorrow. Just prior to 10.20 a.m., the bells will be rung for one minute, and honorable senators are requested to be in their places in the chamber not later than that time, and at the conclusion of the ceremony to remain here, where their wives will be invited to join them preparatory to being presented to His Royal Highness.

page 12

QUESTION

DEATH OF KING ALEXANDER OF JUGOSLAVIA

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia - Minister for External Affairs. - by leave - I move -

That we, the members of the Senate, on assembling for the opening of the Fourteenth Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, extend our deep sympathy to the Government and the people of Jugoslavia in the death of His Majesty King Alexander.

The news of the death of King Alexander in such tragic circumstances was received in Australia with feelings, not only of sincere regret, but also of horror. He was struck down by the bullet of an assassin while still in the flower of his manhood, and whilst engaged on a mission of goodwill from his own country to France. Upon receiptof the news the right honorable the Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) requested His Majesty’s ambassador at Belgrade to convey to the Government of Jugoslavia the deepest sympathy of the Government and people of Australia in the great national loss which that country had sustained. As a tribute to the memory of the deceased ruler, flags were flown at half-mast on government buildings throughout Australia on Thursday last, the 18th October, the occasion of King Alexander’s funeral. The sympathy of honorable senators will, I am sure, go out to Queen Marie and members of her family, and to the Government and people of Jugoslavia in the death of King Alexander.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

– I associate myself and my party with the sentiments that have been expressed by the Leader of the Government (Senator Pearce), in connexion with the tragic death of King Alexander of Jugoslavia. I recall reading, not so long ago, a statement by a member of the Spanish Cortes that these tragic events were incidental to the occupation of kings, the reference on that occasion being, I believe, to a similar fate that befel an earlier Spanish monarch. Happily, such happenings are rare in the history of the British race. We believe that, no matter how widely our people may differ in their political opinions, the sacrifice of human life is not justified, because, under our system of government, other means of adjusting our differences are available to us. No matter how strongly our opinions may differ, we do not desire the death of our bitterest political enemy. I join with the Leader of the Senate in expressing, on behalf of my party, our great sorrow at the tragic death of King Alexander.

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

page 12

DEATH OF M. LOUIS BARTHOU

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for External Affairs · Western Australia · UAP

by leave - I move -

That an expression of deep sympathy from the Senate of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia be conveyed to the Government and to the people of France on the death of M. Louis Barthou, Foreign Minister in the Government of France.

Honorable senators will remember that M. Barthou met his death at the same time, and in the same tragic manner, as did His Majesty King Alexander of Jugoslavia. On that occasion, also, a message of sympathy was transmitted by the Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) to the Government of France. It will, I think, be admitted that the late statesman devoted his life to the cause of peace, and I am sure that all honorable senators will join in extending sympathy to the people of France in the great loss which they have sustained.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

– I again associate myself and members of my party with the motion submitted by the right honorable the Leader of the Senate (Senator Pearce). A great nation has lost a great man, who, as the right honorable gentleman has observed, played his part in furthering the cause of peace. Members of the party to which I belong have always been fighting for greater political freedom. The people of France have been animated by a similar desire, and on many historic occasions have led the world in political reforms. We all very deeply regret the tragic fate of M. Barthou, and I am sure that the people of Australia extend their sympathy to the people of France.

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

page 13

DEATH OF M. RAYMOND POINCARE

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for External Affairs · Western . Australia · UAP

by leave - I move -

That an expression of deep sympathy from the Senate of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia be conveyed to the people of France on the death of Monsieur Raymond Poincare, a former Prime Minister and Presi dent of the Republic of France.

The death of M. Raymond Poincare, the great war-time President of France, has been announced. He was President from 1913 to 1920, and again from 1922 to 1924. Entering politics at an early age, he rose to occupy many important portfolios, and his political career was distinguished by his occupancy of the office of Prime Minister of France on three occasions. Those of us who were associated with activities connected with the conduct -of the Great War will remember his fearlessness, his endeavours to. cement alliances between France and other countries, and his statesmanship. A truly great man has died, and it is fitting that we mourn with his country in the profound loss which it has suffered.

The Government felt that, in the death of Monsieur Poincare, not only had France lost a great statesman, but the British nation had lost a friend; accordingly, on the occasion of his funeral on Saturday last, flags were flown at halfmast on. government buildings throughout Australia.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

– The members of the Labour party endorse the sentiments which have been expressed by the Leader of the Senate (Senator

Pearce). What I said just now in relation to the passing of another great Frenchman applies with equal force to Monsieur Poincare, and I shall therefore say no more than that the Labour party sympathizes with France in the loss of one of its noble sons.

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

page 13

DEATH OF HONORABLE F. W. BAMFORD

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for External Affairs · Western Australia · UAP

by leave - I move -

That this Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of the Honorable Frederick William Bamford, a former member of the House of Representatives and Minister of State, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public services, and tenders its deep sympathy to his widow in her bereavement.

The late Mr. Bamford was a member of the first Parliament as representative for Herbert, and continued to represent that constituency until his retirement on the expiration of the ninth Parliament in 1925. He held the portfolio of Minister for Home Affairs from November, 1916, to February, 1917. He was a temporary Chairman of Committees from 1911 to 1922, and from February, 1923, until his retirement was Chairman of Committees and Deputy Speaker. During his parliamentary career, he acted on several royal commissions and parliamentary committees. Mr. Bamford was held in high regard by all with whom he came in contact, and his many excellent personal qualities won for him the goodwill of all his associates. To his widow, I extend, on behalf of the Senate, our sincere sympathy.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

– I associate myself and the party which I have, the honour to lead with the motion before the Chair. On occasions like the present memories are stirred. The late Mr. Bamford, who was known to many of us, radiated cheerfulness wherever he went. I loved him for his many endearing qualities, and join in expressing to his widow our deep sympathy at the passing of a great man.

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

page 14

DEATH OF MR. JAMES MATHEWS

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for External Affairs · Western Australia · UAP

by leave - I move -

That this Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of Mr. James Mathews, a former member of the House of Representatives, records its appreciation of his meritorious public services, and tenders its deep sympathy to his widow in her bereavement.

Mr. James Mathews, a former member of the House of Representatives, who passed away on the 16th October last, represented Melbourne Ports from 1906 to 1931 - a period of a quarter of a century - and was on several occasions elected unopposed. He was Chairman of the Committee on Causes of Death and Invalidity in the Commonwealth in 1916 and 1917, and a member of the Standing Committee on Public Works from 1917 to 1925. In spite of ill health towards the end of his parliamentary career, he strove to attend ‘the sittings of the Parliament and to do all that lay in his power to carry out his duties. The way in which he triumphed over his physical infirmities stamped him as a man of remarkable courage. His frank and fearless nature will be remembered; and, with his death, passes a citizen who gave of his best in the interests of Australia and the people he represented. I desire to extend to bis widow the sincere sympathy of the Senate in her bereavement.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

-On this motion I could speak at great length, because I was very fond of “ Jimmy “ Mathews. Apart from his personal charm, he won respect, by the fortitude he displayed when ill health overtook him late in life. No man could have shown greater courage than he did always; for years he struggled to this Parliament to record his vote, when his health was such that he should have been carried here on a float. He was loyal to his constituents, and to his party, and he was always in hi3 place when he was needed. I regret that a man with so great a heart and such strength of character should be lost to Australia. Rut great men come and go: others take their places, and the work of the nation is carried on. After all, courage forms the character of a country, and carries it through its difficulties. I shall always revere the memory of my late lamented friend, and I would like to convey to his widow the deep sympathy of myself and my colleagues with her in her bereavement.

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

page 14

DEATH OF SIR EDGEWORTH DAVID

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for External Affairs · Western Australia · UAP

by leave - I move -

That this Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of Sir Tannatt William Edgeworth David, K.B.E., C.M.G., D.S.O., D.Sc., F.R.S., records its appreciation of his notable services to Australia, and tenders its deep sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.

It is somewhat unusual for the Federal Parliament to be asked to pass a motion of condolence or regret in connexion with the death of a citizen who had not been a member of this Parliament. But I think the Senate will agree with me that the passing of so distinguished a citizen as this leader of science should not pass without notice by the Parliament of the Commonwealth. A scientist and explorer of the highest rank, the work of the late Sir Edgeworth David was known, not only throughout Australia, but throughout the world. He was a man of indomitable courage and great character. I remember how, in the early stages of the war, although he was then an old man, he came to me, as the Minister for Defence, and offered to place his scientific knowledge and services at the disposal of the Commonwealth Government during the war. Those services were accepted, and, old as he was, he organized a mining unit, which was sent overseas and was usefully employed in some of the theatres of war. He was always willing to place his services at the disposal of the Government to advance the development of Australia. Many years ago, when we were considering the possibility of discovering oil in Australia, I, as the responsible Minister concerned, turned at once to Sir Edgeworth David, and without any hesitation he advised us of the steps to be taken in order to encourage prospecting for oil. He was an active worker in many fields. In him a delightful personality was combined with an exceptional intellect. It can be truly said that he devoted hia whole life to the betterment and development of the country of which he was a citizen, and it is fitting that this Senate should record its regret at the loss which Australia has sustained by his death. I am sure our sympathy goes out to his widow and the members of his family.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

– Although a motion of this character, in relation to a private citizen, is unusual, I endorse the action taken by Senator Pearce to recognize the worth of one of our great countrymen, a man whose scholarly attainments and public service had won for him many degrees and decorations. From time to time I read with great interest of many of his achievements, and I gloried in them. So I submit that, even if this motion is without precedent, this Parliament is entitled to place on record its appreciation of great services rendered by a citizen of the Commonwealth. I express to Lady David and the members of her family our great regret at the loss of a man who was wonderfully valuable to Australia.

Senator MILLEN:
Tasmania

-I desire to associate myself with this motion. Professor David was a man of great and outstanding ability, not only in scientific research, but also as an organizer in the teaching department of the Sydney University. He taught nearly all our leading scientists, especially in the realm of geology, and lifted that particular branch of knowledge in Australia to a notably high plane. By precept and example he did much to mould the minds and characters of the youths passing through the University of Sydney, and the noble sentiments he preached and practised are being lived by many of his former students. I regret the occasion for this motion; but I have pleasure in paying my tribute to the memory of a great worker and teacher.

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

page 15

SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT

Motion (by. Senator Sir George PEARCE) agreed to -

That the Senate at its rising adjourn till 3 p.m., on Wednesday next, the 31st October.

page 15

ADJOURNMENT

Business of the Senate - WheatGROWING INDUSTRY

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:
Minister for External Affairs · Western Australia · UAP

[5.11]. - I move -

That the Senate do now adjourn.

The debate on the Address-in-Reply will commence on Wednesday next, and it is also possible that the Appropriation Bill may be received at an early date. Honorable senators are aware that the Government obtained Supply only sufficient for it to carry on until after the general election, and that the Estimates which are to be brought before the House of Representatives will be the same Estimates as were submitted to the last Parliament. Probably the Estimates will be passed at an early date, but, if not, another Supply Bill will have to he passed, probably next week. Legislation in connexion with the wheat industry also will be submitted, and although I cannot say when such legislation will reach this chamber, it should be passed in time to enable the necessary machinery to be set in motion before the next harvest. There is a good deal of important business to transact.

Senator Rae:

– Will it be necessary to pass a supply bill next week?

Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE:

– I am not sure, but either the Appropriation Bill or a supply bill must be passed at an early date.

Senator BARNES:
Victoria

.- The speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor-General to-day sounded all right, and I am glad that an early opportunity will be afforded honorable senators to discuss subjects of great importance to the Australian people. The Government is wise in asking the Parliament to adjourn until next week so that in the meantime we may join in the welcome to His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, but we cannot overlook the fact that matters of grave importance require our earnest and immediate consideration. We do not know what is actually facing this country at present. There are many important problems awaiting solution, the gravest of which is the provision of employment for our people. We have to determine whether large numbers of the people are to remain on the verge of starvation or are to be given an opportunity to earn a decent living.

Senator O’HALLORAN:
South Australia

– In the speech which was read by His Excellency the GovernorGeneral in the Senate this afternoon, reference was made to our rural industries, and particularly to the wheat industry. I understand that it is the intention of the Government, during the present session, to give special consideration to the deplorable and unfortunate conditions which obtain in the Australian wheatgrowing industry. I direct the attention of the Government to an authoritative statement which appeared in the press about three weeks ago, and which has not been contradicted, to the effect that five firms which carry on the business of purchasing and dealing with wheat, three of which are represented in Australia and form the principal wheat buying agencies in the Commonwealth, have agreed among themselves to form a combine for the specific purpose of offering the lowest possible price to the wheat-growing countries which have wheat to sell. Such a statement deserves the serious consideration of the Government when it is formulating its policy to assist those engaged in the wheat-growing industry.

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. P. J. Lynch). - I remind the honorable senator that as the Address-in-Reply has been made an order of the day for the next day of sitting, he cannot discuss the Governor-General’s speech at this stage, but he is quite entitled to debate in a general way, the production and marketing of wheat in Australia.

Senator O’HALLORAN:

– That is what I am endeavouring to do. I am urging the Ministers to take these factors into consideration when they are working out the details of the policy which was submitted to the Senate this afternoon by His Excellency the GovernorGeneral. There is another aspect of the situation, relating to the assistance for primary producers, which does not encroach upon the Government proposals outlined in His Excellency’s speech. I refer to the legislation passed in November last for the payment of a bounty to wheat-growers. It was the intention of Parliament, that that assistance, which was made possible at the expense of the consumers of bread in the Commonwealth - the scheme was financed in the main from the proceeds of a tax on flour - should go direct to our wheat-farmers. Unfortunately, that has not been the result in every instance. In South Australia, we have the spectacle of Commonwealth assistance to wheat-growers being utilized for the benefit of farmers’ creditors. I therefore contend that action should be taken this session to ensure that any assistance granted by this Parliament to wheat-farmers should be given direct to those sorely afflicted producers. My third point is this : In 1912, this Parliament passed an act for the payment of a maternity allowance in recognition of the claims of mothers. The intention was that it should be paid to all mothers irrespective of their financial position. Again the design of this Parliament is being thwarted, because, under legislation passed by the South Australian Parliament, a maternity allowance payable to the wife of a wheat-farmer has been garnisheed for the benefit of her husband’s creditors. This ought to be stopped. A provision of the Invalid and Old-age Pensions Act makes the receipt of a pension the inalienable right of the pensioner, and a similar safeguard should be inserted in the act relating to maternity allowances.

I regret that I have to raise these points, but they are important, and require the early consideration of this Government. Despite the confidence apparently expressed in the Government at the recent election, unless the matters to which I referred are dealt with promptly and the necessary steps taken to rectify the anomalies, there will he a very great feeling of disappointment throughout Australia.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Senate adjourned at 5.25 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 23 October 1934, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1934/19341023_senate_14_145/>.