House of Representatives
29 June 1922

8^th Parliament · 2^nd Session

TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES
PAPERS
QUESTION
- PRICE OF SUGAR
QUESTION
- TRAVELLING CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE
QUESTION
- GEELONG WOOLLEN MILLS
QUESTION
- COMMONWEALTH STEAMSHIPS
QUESTION
- WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
QUESTION
- IMMIGRATION
QUESTION
- SHIPBUILDING
QUESTION
- COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
- Federal Capital Works
QUESTION
- SOUTH AFRICAN MAIZE
IMPORTATIONS FROM GERMANY
EMPIRE EXHIBITION
QUESTION
- WAR SERVICE HOMES
DAYS OF MEETING
QUESTION
- GENOA LABOUR CONFERENCE
MINISTERIAL REPRESENTATION
- House of Representatives
QUESTION
- COMMONWEALTH WOOLLEN MILLS
KIDMAN-MAYOH SHIPBUILDING CONTRACT
QUESTION
- SHIPMENTS OF “B” GRADE FLOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA
COMMONWEALTH RENTALS THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA
QUESTION
- WAR SERVICE HOMES
QUESTION
- COUNTRY POSTAL FACILITIES
QUESTION
- EAST BALMAIN POST-OFFICE
QUESTION
- ELECTION FUNDS
QUESTION
- EXPORTS OF FLOUR
QUESTION
- BAY LINE OF STEAMERS
QUESTION
- SUGAR AGREEMENT
QUESTION
- TRADE COMMISSIONER FOR THE EAST
QUESTION
- WAR SERVICE HOMES
QUESTION
- REPATRIATION DEPARTMENT
QUESTION
- MANDATED TERRITORIES : REPORT
QUESTION
- NEW GUINEA
GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH
SUPPLY BILL (No. 1) 1922-23

Mr. Speaker(Hon.Sir Elliot Johnson) took the chair at 2.30 p.m., and read prayers.

page 37

TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. SirElliot Johnson) laid on the table his warrant nominating Mr. Atkinson, Mr. Bamford, Mr. Fleming, and Mr. Watkins, to act as Temporary Chairmen of Committees when requested so to do by the Chairman of Committees.

page 37

PAPERS

The following papers were presented : -

British Phosphate Commission - Report and

Accounts for year ended 30th June, 1921.

Commonwealth Bank Act - Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Aggregate Balancesheet at 31st December, 1921 ; together with Auditor-General’s Report thereon.

Electoral Act - Reports, with maps, by the Commissioners appointed for the purpose of re-distributing into Electoral Divisions the States of -

New South Wales,

Queensland,

South Australia,

Tasmania,

Victoria,

Western Australia.

New Guinea (late German) PossessionsReport by the Minister of State for Defence on the Military Occupation of.

High Commissioner (Acting) -Report for 1921.

Nauru -

Report on the Administration of Nauru during theMilitary occupation, and until 17th December. 1920. Prepared by the Administrator for submission to the League of Nations.

Report on the Administration of Nauru, 17th December, 1920. to 31st December, 1921. Prepared by the Administrator for submission to the League of Nations.

New Guinea - Report to League of Nations on Administration of the Territory of New Guinea, from September. 1914, to 30th June, 1921.

Postmaster-General’s Department -

Eleventh Annual Report, 1920-21.

Tasmanian Mail Service - Agreement between the Postmaster-General and Huddart, Parker Limited and the Union Steam-ship Company of New Zealand Limited for the Conveyance of Mails between Melbourne and Launceston and Melbourne and Burnie.

Taxation - Royal Commission on - Second Report, with Appendices.

Washington Conference - Report- of Conference on Limitation of Armament, held at Washington, 1921.

Ordered to be printed.

Arbitration (Public Service Act -

Determinations and variations of determinations by the Arbitrator &c. -

No. 12 of 1921- Common-wealth Temporary Clerks Association.

No. 13 of 1921- Commonwealth Public Service Artisans Association.

No. 14 of 1921-Radio-Telegraphists Institute of Australasia.

No. 15 of 1921 - Special Allowance to Officers of various Organizations (13) in the State of Western Australia.

No. 1 of 1922 - Arms, Explosives, and Munition Workers Federation of Australia.

No. 2 of 1922 - Postal Sorters Union of Australia.

No. 3 of 1922- Arms, Explosives, and Munition Workers Federation of Australia.

No. 4 of 1922 - Variation of Determination (No. 2 of 1922) in the matter of the Postal Sorters Union of Australia,

No. 5 of 1922 - Professional Officers Association.

No. 6 of 1922- Commonwealth Foremen’s Association.

No. 7 of 1922 - Commonwealth Legal Professional Officers Association. Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1922, No. 53.

Audit Act -

Regulations amended -

Statutory Rules 1921, No. 234.

Statutory Rules, 1922, No. 33.

Transfers of Amounts approved by the Governor-General in Council - Financial Year 1921-22-

Dated 3rd May, 1922.

Dated 14th June, 1922.

Beer Excise Act- Regulations amended -

Statutory Rules 1922, No. 29.

Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act - Regulations -

Statutory Rules 1921, No. 226.

Regulations Amended - Statutory Rules 1922, Nos. 7, 22, 49.

Contract Immigrants Act - Return for 1921.

Control of Naval Waters Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1922, No. 74.

Customs Act-

Proclamation prohibiting the Exportation (except under certain conditions) of - Gold Specie or Bullion (dated 22nd February, 1922).*

Metals, Alloys, and Minerals (dated 22nd February, 1922).

Proclamation (dated 14th December, 1921) revoking Proclamation (dated 2nd July, 1919) which prohibited the Exportation of. all goods to (late) German New Guinea.

Proclamation (dated 12th February, 1922) revoking Proclamation (dated 14th January, 1920) which prohibited the Importation of goods produced or manufactured in ex-enemy countries, 4 c.

Proclamation (dated 10th April, 1922) revoking Proclamation (dated 23rd September, 1914) which prohibited the Exportation of Wheat and Flour:

Proclamation (dated 3lst May, 1922) revoking Proclamation (dated 7th September, 1914) which prohibited the Exportation of Wheat and Flour to. places other than the United Kingdom.

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1922, No. 24.

Regulations amended- Statutory Rules 1922, Nos. 6, 21, 47, 48, 80.

Defence Act - Regulations amended -

Statutory Rules 1921, Nos. 229, 235, 236. 237, 238,

Statutory Rules 1922, Nos. 14, 15, 16, 17. 18, 30, 31, 32, 41, 56, 57, 58, 59, 68, 69.

Electoral Act (Commonwealth) and Electoral Acts (Tasmania) - Regulations relating to Joint Electoral Rolls in Tasmania/ - Statutory Rules 1922, No. 61.

Entertainments Tax Assessment Act - Regulations amended- StatutoryRules 1922, No. 9.

Excise Act -Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1921, No. 225; Statutory Rules 1922, No. 13. .

High Court Procedure Act-Rules of Court -Rule re Sittings- Dated 17th May, 1922. Immigration Act - Return for 1921.

Industrial Peace Act - Regulations amended -Statutory Rules’ 1921, No. 223.

Lands Acquisition Act -

Land acquired under, at -

Albion, Queensland - For Postal purposes.

Bell, Queensland - For Postal purposes.

Boyup Brook, Western Australia - For Postal purposes.

Burnie, Tasmania - For Postal purposes.

Cleve, South Australia - For Postal purposes.

Corrigin, Western Australia - For Postal purposes.

Darlinghurst, New South Wales - For Postal purposes.

Denmark, Western Australia - For Postal purposes.

Geraldton, Western Australia - For Defence purposes.

Home Hill, Queensland - For Postal purposes.

Jandowae, Queensland - For Postal purposes.

Lakemba, New South Wales - For Postal purposes.

Malanda, Queensland - (For Postal purposes.

Nilli-bubbaca Well, on Broome to Derby Telegraph Line, Western Australia - For Defence purposes.

Northampton to Hamelin Pool Telegraph Line, Western Australia (3) - For Defence purposes.

Paskeville, South Australia - For Postal purposes.

Semaphore, South Australia - For Postal purposes.

Stanhope, Victoria - For Postal purposed.

Stockinbingal, New South Wales - For Postal purposes.

Trafalgar, Victoria - For Postal purposes.

Wyalcatchem, Western Australia - For Postal purposes.

Wynnum, Queensland - For Postal purposes.

Nationality Act - Return for 1921.

Naval Defence Act - Regulations amended -

Statutory Rules 1921, Nos. 66, 239.

Statutory Rules 1922, Nos. 8, 38, 67, 70, 75, 76.

Navigation Act -

Regulations (Master and Seamen) -

Statutory Rules 1922, No. 34.

Regulations amended -

Statutory Rules 1921, No. 241.

Statutory Rules 1922, Nos. 1, 23, 35, 39, 40,64, 71, 72.

New Guinea Act -

Ordinance of 1921 -

No. 23 - Service and Execution of Process.

Ordinances of 1922 -

No. 1 - Expropriation.

No. 2-Mortgagors’ Protection Ordinance Repeal.

No. 3 - Statutory Powers.

No. 4 - Treasury.

No. 5 - Roads Maintenance.

No. 6 - Quarantine.

No. 7 - Stamp Duties.

No. 8 - Appropriation Ordinance 1921-22 Amendment.

No. 9 - Education.

No. 10 - New Guinea Antiquities.

No. 11 - Judiciary.

No. 12 - Police Force.

No. 13 - Fisheries.

No. 14 - Public Service.

No. 15 - Native Labour.

No.16 - Succession Duties.

No. 17 - Land.

No. 18 - Timber.

No. 19 - Mining.

Norfolk Island Act -

Ordinances of 1922 -

No. 1 - Importation of Opium, Morphine, Cocaine, and Heroine.

No. 2 - Administration.

No. 3 - Sale of Shares.

No. 4 - Immigration Restriction.

Foreign Marriage Ordinance - Regulations.

Northern Territory Acceptance Act and

Northern Territory (Administration) Act-

Ordinance of 1921 -

No. 16 - Food and Drugs.

Ordinances of 1922 -

No. 1 - Necessary Commodities.

No. 2 - Mineral Oil and Coal.

No. 3 - McMillan Mortgage Validating.

No. 4 -Darwin Town Council.

No. 5 - Supreme Court.

No. 6 - Darwin Town Council (No. 2).

Northern Territory Acceptance Act and Northern Territory Crown Lands Act 1890 (South Australia) - Reasons for resumption of portion of Alice Springs Telegraph Reserve, Northern Territory.

Papua Act -

Ordinances of 1922 -

No. 1 - Superannuation.

No. 2 - Native Taxes.

No. 3 - Forfeiture (Leases and Licences).

Infirm and Destitute Natives’ AccountStatement of Transactions of Trustees, 1920-21.

Post and Telegraph Act - Regulations . Amended -

Statutory Rules 1921. Nos. 182, 196, 197, 205, 209, 219, 224, 227, 240.

Statutory Rules 1922, Nos . 11, 12, 20, 28, 54,62, 77.

Public Service Act-

Appointments and Promotions - Department of -

Attorney-General -

G.B. Gunson and A. G. Bennett.

H. Morgan.

Health-

D. Grant.

Dr. D. G. Robertson.

Dr. A. Richardson.

F. T. Wheatland, K. R. Moore, J. Brown, G. M. Heydon, R. D. Mcintosh, N. Osborne, E. Raven, H. C. Clayton. J. S. Freeman, and B. G. Walker.

F. G. Tranter and E. H. Hutchison.

Home and Territories -

A. R. Peters and J. F. Murphy.

Postmaster General -

L. B. Fanning.

A. L. Jones.

F. W. Price.

H. H. Sugden.

Trade and Customs -

M. B. Drummond.

E. P. Geraghty.

J. W. Roach.

R. A. Russell.

K. J. G. Smith and M. J. Naughton.

Treasury -

W. L. Devitt. .

G. Gratton, G. E. Richards, and T. H. Wells.

G. L. Gresson.

A. H. Jeffery.

A. Metford.

Works and Railways -

W. H. Pritchard.

W. H. Robinson and R. S. Shannon.

P. S. Williams.

Regulations Amended -

Statutory Rules 1921, Nos. 222, 231, 233.

Statutory Rules 1922, Nos. 5; 10, 45.

Quarantine Act -

Regulations (Plague) -

Statutory Rules 1921, No. 230.

Railways Act -

By-law No. 21.

Rentals paid by Commonwealth throughout Australia - Statement showing.

River Murray Waters Act - Regulations in relation to Tolls.

Seat of Government Acceptance Act and Seat of Government (Administration) Act - Ordinances of 1922 -

No. 1 - Trespass on Commonwealth Lands.

No. 2 - Industrial Board.

No. 3- Industrial Board (No. 2).

Service and Execution of Process Act - Re gulations Amended - Statutory Rules 1922, No. 52.

Spirits Act - Regulations Amended - Statutory Rules 1922, No. 51.

Telegraph Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1921, No. 190.

Treasury Bills Act-

Regulations - Statutory Rules 1922, No. 44.

Regulations Amended - Statutory Rules 1922, No. 68.

Treaty of Peace (Germany) Act - Regulations Amended -

Statutory Rules 1921, No. 232.

Statutory Rules 1922, Nos. 36, 65, 66.

War Gratuity Act - Regulations Amended -

Statutory Rules 1922, Nos. 43, 46.

War Precautions Act Repeal Act - Regulations Amended - Statutory Rules 1921, No. 216.

War Service Homes Act -

Land acquired under, in -

New South Wales, at - Adelong, Albury (2), Armidale, Arncliffe, Ashfleld, Auburn, Concord, Corrimal, Double Bay (2), East Maitland, Enfield, Goulburn (2), Grafton, Hamilton (5), Kempsey, Kiama, Lismore, Manly, Mayfield (4), Merewether, Neutral Bay, Newcastle, Randwick, Richmond,

Rockdale, Rozelle, South Grafton, Tenterfield, Waratah (5), Weston.

Partial revocation of Notification of Acquisition of Land, in New South Wales, at Wauchope.

Revocation of Notification of Acquisition of Land, in New South Wales, at Hamilton.

Wireless Telegraphy Act - Regulations Amended. -

Statutory Rules, 1921. No. 210.

Statutory Rules, 1922, Nos. 3, 42.

page 40

QUESTION

PRICE OF SUGAR

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA

– While I am mindful of the fact that the Commonwealth Government made it possible for the people of Australia, to obtain cheap sugar - sugar that was cheaper than that obtainable in any other country in the world - during the war period, I askthe right honorable the Prime Minister if the Government can see its way clear to do something to reduce the present price of sugar to the consumers ?

Mr HUGHES:
Prime Minister · BENDIGO, VICTORIA · NAT

– The matter is now receiving the closest attention of the Government, and every effort will he made towards securing the reduction of the price of sugar to the consumer, as the honorable member wishes.

page 40

QUESTION

TRAVELLING CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE

Mr MAHONY:
DALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Is it a fact that the Government proposes to appoint a Committee of members of this Parliament to proceed to various other countries to study their Constitutions, and to submit first hand information relating to them for our information when we are considering proposed changes of the Commonwealth Constitution?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– That is not the present intention of the Government, but if certain honorable members should express a desire to see the world, Ministers will be glad to consider any plan or pretext by which their absence from this House for a time may be excused.

Mr HAY:
NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES

– In the event of a delegation going abroad to seek constitutional knowledge, will the right honorable the Prime Minister see that Russia is included in the itinerary? In the event of his doing so there will be a considerable number of vacancies at the next elections, and aspirants for parliamentary seats would like to know as early as possible just what may be the position.

Mr HUGHES:

– I shall be delighted to do so. And may I add that I hope that the honorable member will undertake to furnish me with a list of the proscribed members, in order that I may see that none escape.

page 41

QUESTION

GEELONG WOOLLEN MILLS

Mr LISTER:
CORIO, VICTORIA

– I ask the Minister for Defence whetherhe will have prepared and laid on the table of the House a comprehensive statement with regard to the Federal Woollen Mill at North Geelong setting out -

The original cost of buildings, machinery and plant?
Any additional cost incurred?
The amount of Customs duty that would have been paid upon the machinery and plant if the mills had been used by private manufacturers ?
The net amount of profit or loss in each year’s operations?
The amount of income tax and war time profits tax that would have had to be paid if the mill had been conducted by private enterprise ?
The present position and prospect of the enterprise ?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– It is proposed to transfer that official for a. very good reason, namely, that the organization in London has been put on a very satisfactory basis, and it is considered that it is at this end of the world that the services of a competent organizer are most required.

page 41

QUESTION

SHIPBUILDING

Kidman and Mayoh Contract : Activities at Cockatooisland.

Mr PARKER MOLONEY:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– Will the Prime Minister lay on the table the report of Sir Mark Sheldon in connexion with the Kidman and Mayoh shipbuilding contract, together with all associated papers and documents?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– I have not yet received any report from Sir Mark Sheldon. I understand that that gentleman proposes to send his report back from Fiji. As soon as it conies to hand I shall lay it on the table of this House.

Mr MAHONY:

– Seeing that there have been no strikes in the shipbuilding industry in Australia., will the Prime Minister explain why the Government have not pushed on with the construction of the merchant vessels at. Cockatoo Island, for which this Parliament gave its approval, and in regard to which work it voted the necessary money last year ?

Mr HUGHES:

– I have not had an opportunity of seeing Mr. Farquhar lately, and, therefore, am not in a position to say precisely what is the state of affairs at Cockatoo Island. I shall call for a report, however, and if the honorable member will repeat his question at a later stage I shall endeavour to answer it.

Mr MAHONY:

– When the right honorable gentleman is obtaining a report dealing with the delay at Cockatoo Island, will he also inquire why the back pay, at the rate of1s., per day, which had been granted by the Shipbuilding Tribunal to the ironworkers’ assistants at that dockyard, has not yet been made available to the men concerned ?

Mr HUGHES:

– I shall do so.

page 42

QUESTION

COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING

Encouragement of Boy Scouts

Mr BOWDEN:
NEPEAN, NEW SOUTH WALES

– In view of the abolition of compulsory training of junior cadets, will the Minister forDefence take steps to encourage the Boy Scout organization throughout the Commonwealth, and allow the scouts the use of drill halls in centres where such buildings may be made available?

Mr GREENE:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP; NAT from 1917

– The Government will be glad to do anything practicably possible in the way of encouraging the scouts. I have already intimated to the heads of the movement in Australia that, if there are drill halls1 available in certain centres which the Government can either let or in respect to which they can make arrangements to permit them to be temporarily occupied by the scouts from time to time, such measure of assistance shall be granted.

page 42

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

War ServiceHomes.

Mr. FOWLER presented the fifth progress report of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts upon War Service Homes (Victoria).

Ordered to be printed.

page 42

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Federal Capital Works

Mr MATHEWS:
MELBOURNE PORTS, VICTORIA

– In the absence of the Chairman of the Committee the honorable member for Dampier (Mr. Gregory), who is unfortunately absent owing to illness, I present the following reports of the Public Works Committee: -

Federal Capital Sewerage, proposed construction of a main intercepting sewer from the centre of the city of Canberra to connect with the main out-fall sewer.

Federal Capital City water supply, distributary works within the city area.

Construction of hostel at Canberra, with necessary engineering and other services.

Ordered to be printed.

– The position is that the Commonwealth and the States, which are participating jointly in this great projected exposition, have recently had an opportunity of conferring with Major Belcher, the senior English delegate. We have practically agreed upon the measure of participation. What may he termed the actual capital expenditure on the Exhibition willbe limited to £200,000. That will cover exhibits f.o.b. here to the Exhibition and back. In addition the States will defray the cost of procuration, preparation, and shipment f.o.b. The necessary organization to carry through Australia’s participation in the Exhibition is at present under careful consideration, and all necessary preliminary steps, including the selection of the site and the design for Australia’s building, are well in hand.

page 43

QUESTION

WAR SERVICE HOMES

Mr MACKAY:
LILLEY, QUEENSLAND

– Can the Assistant Minister for Repatriation explain why applicants for War Service Homes have been advised that tenders for the erection of the premises required by them cannot be called within less than six months from the present time?

Mr HECTOR LAMOND:
Assistant Minister for Repatriation · ILLAWARRA, NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

– I should be very glad if I could assure all applicants that the necessary facilities would be available within six months. We are doing the best we can with the enormous number of applications in hand, but, at the present time, it is impossible to give any earlier assurance.

Mr BOWDEN:

– I desire to ask the Treasurer whether it is possible for him to make available to the Minister for Repatriation sufficient funds to enable him to complete, within a reasonable time, the erection or purchase of War Service Homes that have already been approved?

Mr BRUCE:
Treasurer · FLINDERS, VICTORIA · NAT

– The money already made available is quite as much as can be absorbed for the purpose at the present time. If, however, any arrangement can be made whereby further moneys may be required for the purpose, the Treasurer will give every consideration to the matter.

page 43

DAYS OF MEETING

Motion (by Mr. Hughes), by leave, agreed to -

That unless otherwise ordered, this House shall meet for the despatch of business at 3 o’clock on each Wednesday afternoon; athalfpost 2 o’clock on each Thursday afternoon; and at 11 o’clock on each Friday morning.

page 43

QUESTION

GENOA LABOUR CONFERENCE

Mr BLUNDELL:
ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– Will the Prime Minister make available to honorable members the report of Australia’s representative at the Labour Conference held recently at Genoa?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– The matter for the moment has escaped my memory, but I shall ascertain the exact position and make a report available.

page 43

MINISTERIAL REPRESENTATION

House of Representatives

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– I desire to inform honorable members that in. the House of Representatives the Honorable Sir Granville Ryrie will represent the Minister for Home and Territories and that the Honorable Hector Lamond will represent the Minister for Repatriation.

page 43

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH WOOLLEN MILLS

Mr McGRATH:
BALLAARAT, VICTORIA

– Will the Minister for Defence give the House an opportunity to discuss the reported proposal of the Government to sell the Commonwealth Woollen Mills at Geelong before he takes any action in that direction?

Mr GREENE:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP; NAT from 1917

– I have no doubt whatever that the House will have ample opportunity to discuss the whole matter before the date, three months hence, at which the mills will be put up for sale. All that I can say at present is that the requirements of the Government would not keep the mills occupied for more than three months out of the twelve. We should consequently have to sell to the trade three-fourths of the output of the mills. This the Government is not prepared to do.

page 43

KIDMAN-MAYOH SHIPBUILDING CONTRACT

Mr CUNNINGHAM:
GWYDIR, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Will the Prime Minister lay on the table of the House the terms of the reference to Sir Mark Sheldon, as Commissioner, in respect of the Kidman-Mayoh contract so that honorable members may know the basis of the inquiry.

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– Yes.

page 44

QUESTION

SHIPMENTS OF “B” GRADE FLOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA

Payment of Compensation

Mr McGRATH:

– In connexion with the reported intention of the Government to pay certain traders in South Africa very large sums of money by way of compensation for the sale to them of alleged inferior flour, will the Minister for Trade and Customs give the House the names of the private firms who were engaged in that trade? Further, is it the intention of the Government to ask the firms who were guilty of the scandalous conduct complained of to pay, if not all, at least a portion of the compensation?

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– I do not think that the question should have been directed to me, since I have notpersonally handled the adjustment made between South African traders and the Australian Wheat Board. The object of the adjustment was to restore Australia’s good name, and so enable us once more- to get our flour into South Africa under thesame conditions that are open to shippers from other countries. If,, as the result of this payment, we achieve that purpose, I think the money will have been well spent.

page 44

COMMONWEALTH RENTALS THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– Our 24th November, 1921, the honorable member for Melbourne (Dr. Maloney) asked that a statement be prepared showing the rentals paid throughout Australia by the Commonwealth Government. Compliance with that request has involved months of indefatigable effort. I now lay on the table the information for which the honorable member asked.

Dr MALONEY:
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

– In view of the large expense incurred in the preparation of this paper, and of the importance of the people of Australia knowing what rentals are paid, will the Prime Minister have it printed and made available to honorable members? If the right honorable gentleman will move that the paper be printed I shall be glad to second the motion.

Mr HUGHES:

– I have not yet had an opportunity to look at the paper, but I can see it is a very formidable document. It would cost much to print it, and in view of what is said and repeated daily in the press of this city, which the honorable gentleman represents so splendidly, I do not think I should incur further odium from the newspapers, and place the honorable member in an embarrassing position, by attempting to still further add to the burden on the taxpayers. If the honorable member will move that the paper be printed I shall second the motion, but more than that I cannot do.

Dr MALONEY:
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

– I ask leave to move that the paper be printed.

Mr Bowden:

– I object.

page 44

QUESTION

WAR SERVICE HOMES

Mr RILEY:

– Is it the intention of the Minister in charge of War Service Homes to prepare and lay on the table a report on the sale of building material originally intended for the erection of War Service Homes ? Can the Minister in charge tell us what was the original cost, and what loss there has been on the sale?

Mr HECTOR LAMOND:
NAT

– It is proposed at a later stage to present to Parliament a full statement on all matters relating to the administration of War Service Homes.

page 44

QUESTION

COUNTRY POSTAL FACILITIES

Mr CUNNINGHAM:

– Has the attentionof the Postmaster-General been drawn to the fact that a number of mail services approved of by the Department have not been instituted, because of a shortage of funds for the purpose? Will the honorable gentleman impress his colleagues with the necessity of providing sufficient funds to put these services into operation at the earliest possible moment ? The districts affected are country districts where the people have poor postal facilities now?

Mr POYNTON:
Postmaster-General · GREY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · NAT

– All postal requirements in country districts are receiving my attention, and the matter referred to will be dealt with in connexion with the question of a reduction of postal rates.

page 44

QUESTION

EAST BALMAIN POST-OFFICE

Mr MAHONY:

– Will the PostmasterGeneral explain why my repeated request that a post-office should be provided at East Balmain has been refused, while a request made by the honorable member for Wentworth (Mr. Marks) for a postoffice in his constituency has been acceded to?

Mr POYNTON:
NAT

– I always deal with the merits of cases presented to me.

page 45

QUESTION

ELECTION FUNDS

Mr WEST:
EAST SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Is there any truth in the report that the Prime Minister, with a view to preventing a long session, and to curtailing criticism by members on his side, intends, in certain contingencies, to let the “well run dry” by way of funds for the assistance of those members at the next election?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– The answer to that question must be divided into three parts. To the first part the answer is “ No”; to the second part, “It may be so”; and to the third part “Yes”.

page 45

QUESTION

EXPORTS OF FLOUR

Mr MAKIN:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

What quantity of flour was exported from Australia for theyears ended 31st December, 1919, 1920, 1921, and 1922, to 31st May?
What amount was exported during the periods mentioned from each of the following States, viz.: - New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia?

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -

page 45

QUESTION

BAY LINE OF STEAMERS

Cost of Building

Mr MAHONY:

asked the Prime Min ister, upon notice -

What has been the total cost of building each of the following steamers: -

Moreton Bay? (b)Hobson’s Bay?

Largs Bay?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– The amounts paid to date are -

The amounts are not yet complete.

page 45

QUESTION

SUGAR AGREEMENT

Mr CHARLTON:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

Will he state what amount of money per ton of sugar is received by the cane-grower and the employee respectively under the sugar agreement; also what is the cost of refining; and distribution per ton?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– The answer to the honorable member’s question is as follows : -

The sugar agreement provides that a Sugar-cane Prices Board appointed by the Queensland Government shall apportion the £30 6s. 8d - the purchase price of raw sugar - between the grower and the miller and their respective employees. The grower receives approximately £19 per ton, of which labour costs in sowing, cultivating, cutting, &c., represent about 75 per cent. The miller receives £116s.8d. The labour costs range between 60 and 70 per cent.
The cost of refining and distribution, including freights and insurance on raw sugar shipped to the refineries, is £5 16s. 4d. per ton.

page 45

QUESTION

TRADE COMMISSIONER FOR THE EAST

Dr EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · FSU; CP from 1920

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice-

Whether applications were called for the position of Trade Commissioner for the East before the recent appointment was made?
What actual import and export experience of Australian requirements had the present Commissioner prior to his appointment?
Does the present Commissioner intend opening in each State a separate department in connexion with his functions?

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -

No.
Mr. Sheaf was appointed by the Premiers and Prime Minister in conference to foster the sale of Australian products in the East, the States bearing four-fifths of the total cost. For some considerable time he has been connected with one of the largest business houses of Australia, his operations extending over a period of twelve years; and embracing India, Java, the Malay States, &c. His experience enabled him to acquire accurate information as to the class of Australian products that would readily find a market in the East, and prior to his departure he made an extensive tour of the Commonwealth, visiting the whole ofthe States and conferring with the leading manufacturers and business men with a view to ascertaining to what extent they could co-operate with him in the development of Australian trade in the East.
No. All reports arc to come through the Minister for Trade and Customs.

page 46

QUESTION

WAR SERVICE HOMES

Land Purchases and Mineral Rights

Mr WATKINS:
NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Repatriation, upon notice -

Whether a claim for compensation in respect of mineral rights has been made by the Caledonian Coal Company in connexion with land purchased by the War Service Homes Department within the municipality of Adamstown ?
If so, what is the amount of such claim, and
Has any settlement been made?

Mr HECTOR LAMOND:
NAT

– The answers to the honorable member’s questions are as follow : -

Yes.
The amount of the claim first submitted was £10,000.
Yes. In accordance with the terms of the settlement, the Commission paid the legal expenses of the company, amounting to £21 4s. 8d., and revested in- it the mineral rights it had in the property at the time of acquisition by the Commission.

page 46

QUESTION

REPATRIATION DEPARTMENT

Services of Sub-committees.

Mr FLEMING:
ROBERTSON, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the Prime Min ister, upon notice -

What recognition, if any,has been made of the valuable services freely rendered by the members of Repatriation Sub-committees to the Department of Repatriation?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– It is not quite clear as to what Sub-committees the honorable member refers; but, if his question has reference to local Repatriation Committees, I desire to inform him that a letter of appreciation of the services rendered by their members was forwarded to the several executives some time since.

page 46

QUESTION

MANDATED TERRITORIES : REPORT

Mr HAY:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

Whether the report on Mandated Territories is now available for honorable members?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– I propose that the report in question shall be laid on the table of the House to-day.

page 46

QUESTION

NEW GUINEA

Housing Accommodation

Mr FLEMING:

asked the Minister for External Affairs, upon notice -

What arrangements are made for housing the employees of the Commonwealth in the Pacific Possessions under Australian control?

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– The employees of the Government are housed in bungalows - some free, others at nominal rentals. Arrangements have been made to increase the amount of accommodation for married employees and their wives, and to meet the increasing demands generally.

page 46

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

Address-in-Reply.

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

– I have the honour to bring up the report of the Committee appointed yesterday to prepare an AddressinReply to the. speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor-General.

Address read by the Clerk.

Mr JACKSON:
Bass

– I move -

That the following Address-in-Reply to His Excellency the Governor-General’sSpeech be agreed to : - “ Mayit Please Your Excellency :

We, the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, in Parliament assembled, beg to express our loyalty to Our Most Gracious Sovereign, and to thank Your Excellency for the speech which you have been pleased to address to Parliament.”

Before dealing with the subject matter of the speech I shall say a few words regarding the present financial position of Australia and the events that have happened since Parliament was prorogued at the close of last year. There are some who say that things are not well with. Australia, but if honorable members will cast their minds back over the happenings in financial circles during the last twelve months, they will agree with me that that gloomy outlook is not justified. I have in mind, particularly, the successful flotation of a large Commonwealth loan, bearing interest at only 5 per cent., which I regard as evidence that our finances are racing towards normality. I should like to pay a tribute to the action of the Associated Banks about two years ago, in restricting their advances to trading concerns in Australia, in order to bring them to a sense of their responsibility regarding overseas trade. The banks knew, as & result of. experience, that three or four years after the termination of other big wars a slump in prices took place, and, in anticipation of a similar sequel to the recent great upheaval, overdrafts were called in by the banks. This action had a salutary effect upon the money market, which became much more stable than it had been, and whilst our exports have been reduced by only a small extent, the value of our imports has been reduced by many millions of pounds, leaving a very great trading balance in favour of the Commonwealth. About eighteen months ago there was ‘consternation .throughout the Commonwealth on account of the collapse of the wool market, but to-day the high price of merino wool in the markets of the world is one of the brightest features of Australian finance, whilst even for cheaper grades the Australian growers are receiving a much higher price than they anticipated at that time. This improvement in the wool market gives cause for great satisfaction.

The Commonwealth is a great primary producer, and it is our duty to further develop old markets and open up new markets in every part of the globe foi’ our produce. I am pleased, therefore, to read in the Governor-General’s Speech that the Government are talcing steps to extend the markets for Australian goods. The vast markets of the Orient have been barely touched by Australian traders, and I am pleased to know that Trade Commissioners have been appointed by the Government, Mr. Little having been sent to China, and Mr. Sheaf to the Dutch East Indies. It is intended, I understand, to tap the markets of India also. Every time an appointment of this kind is made there is an outcry from the press that the public money is being wasted, and’ that trade should be allowed ito find its own channels. If that be true, I wonder why the .British Board of Trade finds it necessary to send their officers throughout the world. Not only do the representatives of the Board of Trade issue pamphlets regarding British goods, but they also act as a sort of Dun’s Review, giving information regarding the status of various firms with whom business relations are contemplated. There is no doubt that the present state of British trade throughout the world is largely due to the activities of these representatives of the Board of Trade.

During last year the Government assisted ‘co-operative efforts in the oversea marketing of wheat, fruit, and other primary products, and I am pleased to note that they intend to continue that form of help to the man upon the land. Closely associated with the task of expanding the markets for Australian pro: duce, is the big problem of immigration. The need for more population has been expressed on every platform in Australia, but there are some people who contend that the introduction of immigrants will create greater unemployment. I remember my father telling me many years ago that on his arrival in Tasmania from England in 18S8, he entered into conversation with a man working in a Launceston street, who, ‘upon discovering that my father was a new arrival, said, “ Another Englishman come to take the bread out of our mouths !” In a country like Australia, abounding as it does with wealth of minerals and all forms of primary products, such a statement is very foolish, because there is no doubt that every immigrant, and particularly every immigrant with a family, spends every penny he earns for several years after his arrival, and many immigrants bring into the Commonwealth much needed capital for the opening up of the country. The primary industries must be helped very considerably by a well regulated flow of immigration, and in connexion with the secondary industries also the field of opportunity is very large. At the present time Australia is importing annually about £100,000,000 worth of goods which should be and could be manufactured by our own people, and I believe that those words “ should “ and “ could “ will very soon be transformed into “shall” and “are.”

Mr Stewart:

– We should do it in regard to carbide.

Mr JACKSON:

– The Tasman.ian carbide industry is saving country people from paying most exorbitant prices for carbide.

Mr Stewart:

– In that case we should prohibit the importation of carbide.

Mr JACKSON:

– It is necessary to impose prohibition in respect to some1 Australian industries, and a good argument can be put up for prohibition of the importation of carbide. Later on, I may have the opportunity of telling honorable members the need for this.

In regard to the reciprocal tariff arrangements made with the Dominion of New Zealand, and proposed to be made with the Dominion of Canada, I think it is only right that, as far as possible, we should trade within the British Empire.

Further down in His Excellency’s speech, reference, is made to the question of German trade. It is a matter which affects us in Australia very vitally. The Customs Tariff (Industries Preservation) Act 1921 will certainly go a very long way towards helping the Austraiian manufacturer to combat German trade, and the Government have stated definitely that if the Australian trader is not already afforded sufficient protection they will certainly see that it is given to him. I am very pleased to note that statement, because certain people say, “ Australia must trade with Germany.” Must we trade with Germany ? For the past seven or eight years we have managed to get along with, practically no importations from Germany, and when I think of the past few years, I am reminded of the speeches of some of our patriotic citizens who declared1, “ Never again will we send cash to. Germany for goods!”

Mr Riley:

– The Prime Minister used to say that every week.

Mr JACKSON:

– The Prime Minister has seen the light of day just as Sir George Reid did. Sir George Reid was a Free Trader for many years longer than our Prime Minister was, but when he went to Great Britain, which is practically a Free Trade country, he became a convert to Protection.

Our great aim should be to make this continent of ours as self-contained as we can possibly make it, but we cannot do this -unless we help its industries to grow.

Mr Hill:

– The honorable member would shut out the markets of the world.

– Yes. When newsprint was costing . £84 per ton, the price of newspapers was increased to 2d., but now that newsprint costs about £25 per ton, the Melbourne newspaper proprietors say nothing about reducing the price of their journals, although from Monday next, Sydney newspapers will be sold at 1d. per copy.

– No; neither does she want to go on subsidizing New South Wales.

– Yes, and if itcan be shown that it is a payable proposition it will be a good thing.

There should be no need for me to dwell upon the Murray Waters Agreement. The possibilities of irrigation in

Australia are too well known to require reiteration at this stage.

With respect to the reference to aerial mail services in outback parts of Australia, these extensions, of course, have my heartiest support. I trust that the Government will see their way clear to authorize as many additional services of a like character as may be possible. Incidentally, it should be remembered that such great work,while of immense benefit to the far-away settlers, will also help considerably in the training of flying pilots. The Geraldton-Derby air service, which had an unfortunate and inauspicious opening, has now been running successfully for five months. In addition to assisting in the development of Australia, the aerial services are of extraordinary value in cases of individual emergency. Emphasizing that point, I propose to read a clipping from the Western Australian, and reprinted in a publication known as the Inlander; the latter is published by the Australian Inland Mission, a worthy organization which sends to the outback nurses and establishes hospitals also. The quotation is as follows: -

An interesting indication of the great value of aviation in bringing far away places near to the city and science in case of emergency is a “ call “ answered yesterday by Dr. Trethowan.

The daughter of a resident of Carnarvon recently became very ill, and the services of a skilled surgeon were urgently needed. The case was taken by Dr. Trethowan, and the service having been made available following several urgent telegrams, one of the Western Australian Airways machines, flown by Pilot Kingsford Smith, left Perth at 3 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon, and reached Geraldton three and a half hours later. The doctors met the machine there, and yesterday morning left by air at 6 o’clock for Carnarvon,arriving there not long after the town had breakfasted.

The needed operation was performed, and by 6.15 last night the Perth surgeon was back at the Geraldton aerodrome, concluding what must be the fastest call in his career.

It is anticipated that the speed by which the doctor’s services were made available by the aeroplane will give the young patient trebled chances of recovery. As it is, the story is a splendid instance of the value of aviation in urgent country medical calls.

Honorable members will be pleased to learn that the aerial services are now doing such excellent work.

I propose to touch only briefly on the subject of the Washington Conference, and on its effect upon Australia. Honorable members are familiar with the fact that one local outcome of that international gathering has been to permit of a large measure of economy in our defence services. Quite a number of officers who have given very many years of their lives to the services, both in peace- and during war, are to be retired and compensated. Such treatment is only fair - and just; but one result of these economies will be that numbers of people will feel the pinch. Many, men will be seeking fresh fields of employment in a somewhat hard world, and it will be difficult to place them again unless the Government, are prepared to push on determinedly with a thoroughly developmental policy, including the carrying out of such works as new railways and the unification of existing gauges.

It is about time the National Legislature considered very fully and thoughtfully the problem of the Northern Territory. This great northern area is costing the Government several hundreds of thou- . sands of pounds per annum, and yet no attempt is being made even to- people the Territory. I mentioned last year the case of a police officer stationed at Anthony’s Lagoon, who had been refused permission to marry. The departmental reason assigned for this prohibition was that the place in which the officer lived was not fit to take a wife to dwell in.’ The fault in this instance lies .at the door of the Department of Home and Territories. It should at least make the buildings which house our police and other officials sufficiently habitable to permit white wives to go to the Territory. Little headway can be looked for in the matter of peopling the Northern Territory if the present departmental attitude is to continue. The whole position of the Northern Territory could best be dealt with by the present Parliament framing a policy to extend over a ,period of, say, twenty years - a policy which could not be altered by my suceeding Government during that term. This great northern country is a vast distance away from the southern centres of Australia, and it must eventually bc linked by railway. That linking up should be pushed on with in the near future.

The projected superannuation measure to be made applicable to the Public Service is long overdue, and will be heartily welcomed by the personnel of the Service.

There are anomalies with respect to» repatriation in Australia with which honorable members are brought into contact almost every day. Some of these, at least, will, I hope, soon be done away with.

The question of arbitration is also tobe gone into again, according to the speech of His Excellency the Governor-General. It seems that the more Acts that have been passed dealing with this subject, the worse has the confusion become confounded. In my view, the best plan would be to leave purely State affairs to the States themselves. Only along those lines can this difficult question, and others of a similar character, be solved. The matter of shipping, of course, is obviously a Federal matter, and one, therefore, for the Commonwealth authorities to handle. But I emphasize that the States should be permitted to continue to govern their own purely domestic affairs. Tasmania has suffered very often as a result of having been dragged in along with another State and unwillingly made a party to a dispute which has then been declared to be a Federal one.

In the industrial world the question of hours is still exercising a great deal of thought and causing much concern. Toask a man engaged in an ordinary avocation - such, for example, as the timber trade and engineering and. the like - towork forty-eight hours is not seeking to impose undue hardship. We are suffering to-day from the effects of high wages and fewer working hours.

Mr Riley:

– And from Overproduction?

Mr JACKSON:

– I advise the honorable member not to worry about overproduction. There is a monument standing just outside of this building which bears the symbol of the three eights. For those three eights our forefathers fought hard. It teck years to establish the . principle of eight hours’ work, eight hours’ recreation, and eight hours’ rest. There are people to-day, however, who would lead the public te think that the fewer hours men work the more jobs there will be for all. They forget that when the production of an article ceases to be profitable the manufacturer can no longer be expected to turn it out of his factory. I suggest that we sell the

– I have enough to do in answering for myself, and will be content to leave the honorable member to answer for his party.

The subject of the redistribution of seats is one which must be taken in hand this session. I favour the proposal that the redistribution be made, and I think that Parliament in its wisdom will decide that such shall be done. While sympathizing with the Country party, some of the members of which may lose their seats-

Mr Mcwilliams:

– Oh ! We shall make up the loss quite easily.

Mr JACKSON:

– Then, why worry? In the Constitution it is provided that the several States shall each be allotted a certain number of seats in the Federal Legislature. New South Wales is now entitled to increased representation, and it would appear that “Victoria must lose one of its representatives. If Parliament decides that Victoria shall retain the jeopardized seat hardship will be imposed on the people of New South Wales. The various Commissions which have done their work in this matter have had all the facts before them. Their reports will be tabled, no doubt, for discussion at the proper time.

I have only one or two words to add regarding Canberra. Honorable members know full well that I have opposed the Federal Capital project ever since I came into this Parliament.

Mr Austin Chapman:

– The honorable member says that we cannot afford it. Neither, then, can we afford to pay the Tasmanian subsidy.

Mr JACKSON:

– I take this stand, namely, that the building of the Capital has reached such a stage that there is no prospect of withdrawal. I must content myself, therefore, with seeing that any money spent at Canberra is expended most efficiently.

I congratulate the Government upon their conduct of business during last session. Further, in respect of the anticipated surplus, of which honorable members are to hear something, I presume, very early in thenew financial year. I congratulate the Government also upon their earnest endeavours, as indicated in the Speech of the Governor-General, to meet the public needs. The press of Melbourne need not worry about the forthcoming election. If honorable members set to work forthwith upon the enormous task indicated in the Speech of His Excellency we shall be here for much longer than will carry us into February or March of next year. I repeat that I congratulate the Government upon the programme placed before Parliament, seeing that there has really been devised legislation for the whole of Australia.

Just one or two remarks -should serve, in conclusion, in dealing with sugar and coal. I sincerely regret that the Government have not seen fit to refer to these two important matters in the Speech but, judging from a statement made by the Minister for Trade and Customs (Mr. Rodgers) in Sydney recently, the public will shortly be informed of the exact financial position respecting the Sugar Agreement. The people have very short memories. “While we were getting any amount of sugar at 3d. and 3-Jd. per lb., and while people in other parts of the world were being rationed, ounce by ounce, week by week, at the rate of ls. 3d. per lb., everybody in Australia agreed that it was well and good for the Government to control sugar. However, when the present agreement came into force, and when the market began to fall, these same people, with their short memories, complained that Government control was the worst thing in the world. In my view, the control of sugar has, up to the present, justified itself. But I would say to honorable members representing Queensland constituencies that I am prepared to assist their industry in “every way by means of the imposition of duty, and that the sooner we, de-control sugar the better it will be for the great bulk of the people of Australia. The same may be said regarding the decontrol of the coal industry. I thank honorable members for their patient hearing of my somewhat ‘ lengthy speech, and trust that, settingtheir minds to the work that is in front of them, they mil carry it out to the advantage of the Commonwealth.

Mr FOLEY:
Kalgoorlie

.- In seconding the motion for the adoption of the Address-in-Reply to his Excellency the Governor-General’s speech, I desire, at the outset, to refer to the loss this House has sustained by the death of the late Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Frank Gwynne Tudor. For very many years he was a personal friend of mine, and, as a matter of fact, we went to school together. .In the State of which I am a representative the. feeling is general that there is great need in Australia today for the display of a kindlier feeling towards those who are engaged in working out our political destinies. Irrespective of political beliefs, we find various newspapers in every State criticising members of Parliament, not only as public men, but in their private capacity. The criticism indulged in, in some cases, is neither more nor less than personal vilification.

Australian politics compare favorably with those of any other country, and I should be delighted to see the press of Australia, displaying a kindlier spirit in its criticism, not of the public actions of politicians, but of their personal characters.

I compliment the Minister for Home and Territories (Senator Pearce) on the work accomplished at the Washington Conference. When the honorable senator left Australia for Washington, the opinion generally expressed in this House was that little, if any, good would result from the Conference. Not one of us oan say that he was wiser than his fellows, and was convinced that there would be a, satisfactory issue to that now historic gathering . It has, however, turned out all right, since it has practically guaranteed to the world a respite from war for ten years. During that period, the great nations will be able to take stock of their position. They will be able to determine first of all, whether they shall ever again engage- in the class of naval warfare in which they indulged prior to the decision of the Conference. They will be able also to determine what shall be their policy in the event of a non-return to such a system. Australia, in my opinion, will have something else to think of during the next ten years. From the stand - point of defence, we are very largely dependent upon Great Britain. The Army and Navy of Great Britain do much for us, and their leaders, from an administrative view-point, se© to it that the welfare of Australia is not jeopardized. As Australians, we can take pride in the fact that the young men of this country when called upon to fight the battles of the Empire did not disgrace themselves in any arm of the service, and in the peaceful times of - the next ten years we shall have an opportunity to build- up a nation which, by its energy and enterprise, will show the world what a virile people can do towards the achievement of a lasting peace. Although, the Washington Conference did not accomplish all for which we might have hoped, it has at least given us this respite, and I am sure we all earnestly hope that the projects covered by His Excellency’s Speech will help in some measure to make for that lasting peace to which I have alluded. We have to determine how that object can best be achieved.

During the recess I travelled a great deal, and found that those engaged in primary production - people working in remote districts, far removed from the pleasures of city life, and working only because they desire to obtain a competency for themselves and their dependants - hold widely divergent views as to whether the Federal Parliament is serving them as it was expected to do at the inauguration of the Commonwealth. There is a difference of opinion amongst them, not as to whether the Hughes Government, or the Charlton Opposition - the National party or the Labour party - are discharging their functions, but as to whether the Parliament itself is doing so.

Mr Riley:

– We have the Country party here.

Mr FOLEY:

– I am addressing myself to this question in a purely non-party spirit. The Tariff that we passed last session has had a very serious effect on the primary industries, and they will need to be carefully nursed if they are to be of the fullest advantage to Australia. The Government, in my opinion, can do much to assist the pastoral, dairying, agricultural, mining, and other primary industries, not by interfering with them, but by opening up new markets for their products.

It is not my intention to discuss the question of the Mandated Territories, since I propose to deal only with those questions of which I know something. I am not one of those who, after spending a few days in a particular territory, feel themselves competent to discuss it in detail.

I favour the Government proposal to appoint an Australian Commissioner in theUnited States of America. The gentleman appointed to that office should be an Australian who understands Australia. It cannot be said that a. man who has spent practically the whole of his life in a city office is best fitted to represent Australia abroad. Such a man does not understand Australia, and is not competent to represent the Commonwealth in any country.

Coming to the Government’s wireless proposals, Iam convinced that the people of Australia will ratify the action which has been taken to establish wireless communication between the Commonwealth and the outside world. The break of railway gauge is another important matter. I do not propose to discuss it from the point of view of the effect of railway unification on any particular State. I have travelled through every State of the Commonwealth, and have experienced the inconvenience of having to travel on five different gauges between Perth and Melbourne. We have to bear in mind, not merely the inconvenience which the break of gauge involves, but the fact that, should it be necessary at any time to transport quickly from one part of the Commonwealth to another any large body of troops, a most serious situation would arise. My view is that we should endeavour to bring about a unified railway gauge between Brisbane and Fremantle, leaving the States free to adopt any gauge they please for other than main trunk lines within their boundaries. There is no reason why we should have the same railway gauge in respect of all intra-State lines. In the big States a 3-ft. 6-in. gauge is quite broad enough for developmental purposes. I am satisfied that if an appeal were made to the people the great majority would declare themselves in favour of something in that direction.

The honorable member for Bass (Mr. Jackson) has spoken of the value of commercial aviation, as the result of which the time occupied in travelling over vast areas in Western Australia has been enormously reduced. The charges that are being made by the Western Australian Airways Limited for transport by aeroplane are marvellously low. The honorable member spoke of a case in which Dr. Trethowan travelled by aeroplane from Perth to Carnarvon, and as the result of this speedy means of transport was able to arrive in time to save a. life. There have been other cases where speedy assistance has been afforded in the same way to people living in the remote parts of the Commonwealth. The aeroplane mail service between Perth and Derby has been a boon to the people of the Northwest of Western Australia, and has greatly improved their trading facilities with the State capital. The extension of such services will make the people of the remote areas of Australia more contented than they are to-day.

No one will begrudge the public money which is being expended on the Murray Water scheme.

Mr Gabb:

– No one ought to do.

Mr FOLEY:

– And I do not believe any one does. Representatives of metropolitan constituencies in this State should realize that it is highly essential to spend large sums of money, not only on the Murray Waters Conservation scheme, but on similar enterprises .in many other parts of Australia, if we are to get the best results from the settlement of the people on the land. I can assure honorable members that, in the State of Western Australia, ready support can be found for such undertakings as the Murray Waters scheme; and all I hope is that in. return similar public works in portions of Australia remote from Victoria will be regarded just as favorably by the Victorian representatives and Victorian press.

We have had much discussion in this House on the War Service Homes scheme and its administration. In Western Australia there has been for some time past a Workers Home Board: in operation; and ‘there the tenure may be either leasehold or freehold, though I believe, in the case of the Waa- Service Homes there has been adopted only the freehold system. For many months past, building material belonging to the Commonwealth Government has been lying about in different parts of the metropolitan area of Perth and Fremantle absolutely wasting; indeed, it became a question whether the men would live to occupy any of the houses for which, this material was intended. I should like to know whether the cost of this material will be debited against those men; for if that be so, I regard it as altogether a wrong. An arrangement has been made under which the Federal Department and the Workers Home Board in Western Australia are working together ; and although there are one or two matters yet to be arranged, I think that, in the near future, we shall find the system, working to its full extent. When it is possible to get tradesmen to* build these houses, the houses will be built; and if there are any plasterers, carpenters, and others out of work in the eastern States, they will be able to find it in the western State.

The question of the Northern Territory representation is being viewed in a way that we members of this House can appreciate. No man who has any claim to be called a Democrat would approve of taxation without representation; and I am glad that the people of the Northern

Territory are at last to enjoy their rights in this regard.

I have a word or two to say on the taxation question generally. We have been promised an amendment of the Income Tax Assessment Act.’ In the last hours of the last session a Bill dealing with this matter was prepared, but was rejected by the Senate, and, now that I know what that Bill contained, and I have had an opportunity to consider what the effect of such a measure would have been, I am very glad that it was rejected. I held a different opinion before the question was brought up in the Senate, but now I am more fully seised of what it would have meant to the country. I should here like to say that the way in which legislation is introduced in the dying hours of the session in both Federal and State Parliaments is a disgrace to any deliberative body. I have always objected to this hurried crowding of Bills through a Parliament, and I shall always object to it. At the end of last session a small Bill . was introduced to, afford some taxation relief from a mining point of view - to give relief to prospectors who may have devoted then.” whole life to the work, and only at the end have found a “ show.” The Bill did give relief to that extent, but, taken as a whole, it would have had a very different effect. It would have meant, and, indeed, does mean now, that, under the pooling system, the man who had, say, a certain quota in the 1915-16 pool, and the 1917-18 pool, would be taxed upon what money he received for his produce in the year in which he received it. That I regard as ‘unfair. Many months ago, the Treasurer (Mr. Bruce) gave me, and, I have no doubt, other honorable members, an assurance by letter that this unfairness would be remedied, and, at any rate, an opportunity afforded us to express our opinion upon the matter. Another aspect of taxation, as presented in the averaging system, is exercising the minds of the people at the present time. The Treasurer informs me that it is not the averaging system that is at fault, but that part of the taxation law which deals with diminishing assets. Wherever the fault may lie, I trust that when we come to discuss the question we shall deal with it in all its bearings. A man who by the expenditure of money is creating an asset is, of course, taxed on the returns, but, in the case of mining generally, and particularly in metalliferous mining, the circumstances are very different, because every ounce of mineral taken out of the ground diminishes the asset. This is an aspect of the matter which must be considered when the amending measure is before us.

It is impossible in a speech on the Address-in-Reply to do justice to all the subjects raised in the Speech of the GovernorGeneral; to adequately discuss all these various questions would certainly take more time than is at my disposal this afternoon. The honorable member for Bass (Mr. Jackson) said he was glad that the hopes of the Federal Treasurer had been realized to the extent that he will be able to show a surplus at the end of the financial year. For my part, as an Australian who believes in Australia, I doubt if it is a good thing for the Federal Treasurer to have a large surplus while Treasurers of the States have big deficits. I believe that if for one, two, or three years more local autonomy were given to the States in the matter of their domestic legislation and administration, we would hear less talk about new States movements, and there would be better results to the States. That is the point of view I intend to take when the taxation legislation is before us. It is my idea that the people of Australia are not grumbling so much at being taxed, as. at the fact that for the money which the taxation produces they are not getting the public services to which they are entitled. In order to bring about such a desirable result as I have here indicated, we ought all, irrespective of where we sit in this House, to give what assistance we can to the Treasurer, and thus contribute to the public good.

I have now only to say a word or two in reference to industrial conciliation and arbitration. I have been on Committees which have framed Arbitration Acts in at least one State, and I was a believer in arbitration long before any such measure was placed on the statute-book. I am, therefore, glad that an amending measure is to be introduced this session. My belief is that this Parliament should define what are the functions of the Federal Arbitration Court, thus leaving the way open for the States to work out their own industrial destiny. There are trades and callings that are purely Federal in character, and only such trades and callings should come within the operation of a Federal Arbitration Act. If employers and employed alike are giventhe right to take cases to such a Court, no Government, or any other body or institution, should be able to step in and confer the right of application to any other Court or tribunal. Such a course would, I think, give us the best results.

In concluding, I can only repeat the hope I expressed at the outset, that thorough good feeling will prevail in all our deliberations; at any rate, I can honestly say that no word of mine will intentionally hurt the feelings of any honorable member, whatever his political opinions.

Debate (on motion by Mr. Charlton) adjourned.

page 57

SUPPLY BILL (No. 1) 1922-23

Governor-General’s Message: Motion of Censure.

Message received from the GovernorGeneral recommending an appropriation for the purpose of this Bill.

Motion (by Mr. Bruce) proposed -

That the Message be referred to the Committee of Supply when appointed.

Mr CHARLTON:
Hunter

.- At the very inception of the application for Supply I deem it my duty to draw attention to the present condition of the Commonwealth, especially in regard to industrial matters, occasioned by the maladministration of the present Government. After stating my case, I shall conclude with a motion of censure upon the Government. Every one must admit that Australia is suffering considerably to-day in consequence of the aftermath of the war, but this was not unexpected; public men in every country knew that this condition would arise as a. result of the war, and that it was necessary for them to make provision to tide their people over the period of stress. As one means to that end this Parliament imposed a new Tariff last year. The Minister in charge of the Tariff (Mr. Greene) made it very clear to the House that unless some means were adopted by which local industries could be protected against dumping, and the importation of poods from abroad with the assistance of a depreciated foreign exchange, the Tariff itself would be of little avail. Accordingly a Bill for the prevention of dumping was introduced in July last, and was considered urgent, it met with opposition from some sections of the House, but the Government urged that its passage was vitally necessary in order that the Tariff might be made effective. But for some reason best known to the Government, and which I have never been able to discover, after a few honorable members had spoken, the measure was allowed to remain in abeyance, and the House was adjourned for ten weeks while the Senate, dealt with the Tariff. Having regard to the urgency of these anti-dumping provisions, one would have expected that immediately the sittings of the House were resumed, the Government would have pushed forward with the measure and taken steps to prevent the Commonwealth falling into the position which it is in to-day. At that time orders for iron and steel were diminishng, and this key industry, of which we were so proud during the war, was about to close down, and throw thousands of men out of work. Honorable members on this side of the House frequently inquired as to when the Government would proceed with the measure; but, strange to say, nothing was done with it until December last. Of course, ‘ after the statements made by the Minister himself in regard to the urgent need for special legislation to safeguard local industries, the Government could not allow Parliament to disperse without passing that Bill. Parliament did agree to it, and another Bill providing for the creation of a Tariff Board of three members. It was well known that Mr. Oakley, of the Customs Department, was to be appointed chairman of that body, aud I have nothing to say against him, for he is a competent man, who has done good work: in the Trade and Customs Department. Two other ‘members were to be appointed, and does it not seem strange that when the iron and steel works were practically closing down, and unemployment was being increased, the Government should delay until ‘the end of March before appointing this Board which was to watch “the operation of the Tariff and protect Australian industries against the consequences of a depreciated foreign exchange? What was the reason for the delay in appointing this Board after parliamentary sanction had been obtained? Even when the Board was created, did it start an inquiry into the importation of iron and steel and other products that were being imported from Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, and other countries ? I know it will be said that the Commonwealth has not yet resumed trade with Germany, but I shall endeavour to show that probably German goods were reaching Australia through Great Britain. This newly-created Board, instead of proceeding with urgent and important Tariff work, was engaged in dealing with deferred duties, Tariff reciprocity with New Zealand, and anything but the duties for which it was chiefly appointed. Honorable members would not have supported the appointment of a Tariff Board if its functions were not to be the protection of local industries during the period of depreciated exchanges, against the wholesale dumping of foreign goods. Would honorable members have appointed a< Board to deal with the small matters upon which it has been engaged ? They would not have been justified in using the. country’s money for the payment of high salaries for such work. The duty for which t°he Board was created was neglected entirely, and I desire to know “why such an important piece of legislation has been allowed to remain inoperative. I remind honorable members of the Country party that, although they may be opposed to that legislation, there is a principle involved, and that is, whether or not the Government are justified in flouting the wishes of Parliament. Those who sit upon the Treasury bench must administer the laws of the country, otherwise they are not carrying out their duty. But it is evident that some influence was brought to bear which prevented the Government from, performing their obvious duty in regard to the protection of Australian industries. What has been the result? 1 believe that at the present time, 43,000 unionists are registered as unemployed, and that number is being increased daily. The steel works, which employed about 5,000 men prior to Christmas, to-day employ about 1,000 men, who are engaged upon repair work. Those works consumed 20,000 tons of coal weekly prior to’ Christmas, and to-day they are purchasing no coal at all, and as a result 2,500 miners are thrown out of employment. About 1,100 men formerly working a.t the Iron Knob, in South Australia, and others who were engaged in quarrying limestone in Tasmania and on the northern rivers are out of work. In addition, many seamen and wharf labourers, and about 1,000 men at Lithgow, have lost their employment. It is safe to say that, as a result of the Government’s failure to administer an Act passed by this House, from 15,000 to 18,000 men are unemployed iu Australia to-day, and they include a large number of returned soldiers. We promised to protect those men who went abroad to fight for us, but they have been dismissed from, their employment because of the inaction of the Government. Some of those who were opposed to this anti-dumping legislation may urge ‘that the Government were justified in their failure to put it into operation. If this House takes that view of the responsibilities of the Government, it is recrUIt to its duty,, and every member who supports the Government iu their inaction betrays the trust reposed in him by the peoples. This matter which I am putting before the “House is one of the most difficult that any member could handle, because information can only be picked up by piecing together odd items discovered from time to time and watching the trend of events. Let me first quote a statement made by Mr. Hoskins, the ironfounder of Lithgow, who employed about 1,000 men, at a meeting in Lithgow prior to the New South Wales State elections -

We were told th at if the Anti-dumping Bill were passed everybody would be in work. He went to Melbourne to see if the Bill would give relief to the country. Party and other interests, including merchants and consuls, were against it, and nothing effective was done. It was merely a farce

– I shall give the facts as I proceed. The Minister has the right of reply. I have already made the -point that this particular legislation, which was piloted through the House so ably by the honorable member (Mr. Greene), has not been put into operation in the milliner expected by Parliament, or even in accordance with the honorable member’s statements in the chamber. The honorable member says now that I am building on assumption, and that I have no proof; but it is most difficult for a private member to get proof of what is taking place in Germany and Great Britain. Have I, as a member of this Chamber, to keep my mouth closed until I can prove anything up to the hilt, instead of being able to throw the responsibility on the Government for not knowing what is happening? That they could have acquired this knowledge I shall proceed to show as I go along. But let mc quote the honorable member himself. When this legislation was before the Chamber it was opposed very bitterly by the honorable member for Dampier’ (Mr. Gregory), and the honorable member for Flinders (Mr. Bruce), a large importer, and now the Treasurer, was not much in sympathy with it, a fact which must not be forgotten in dealing with these matters. This is what the Minister (Mr. Greene) said -

The honorable member for Flinders (Mr. Bruce) .has suggested as a basis the cost at which similar goods are produced in Britain.

We know that the manufacturers of Great Britain are importing very many goods from Germany and Belgium.

Was that assumption on the Minister’s part? He made that statement here very definitely -

For instance, iron and steel are being imported very largely because, owing to the international exchange position, British manufacturers can buy those goods very much more cheaply than they can produce them.

There, again, is a very definite statement.

– However, let me proceed. The honorable member for Swan (Mr. Prowse) then interjected -

Does not the honorable member think that it would be a good thing for us to do what the Mother Country does?

In effect, he meant, “Get the cheap stuff from Germany, Belgium, or elsewhere, irrespective ofthe effect on the Australian workman. Our Australian industries may languish so long as we get cheap stuff. Our own industries may languish.” The Minister continued -

I do not agree that, because the Mother Country is doing this sort of thing, it necessarily follows that we should.

Mr Mahony:

– The Minister was removed from the Customs Department because he knew too much.

Mr CHARLTON:

– I have wondered why he was removed. The Prime Minister has not had abetter Minister for

Mr Fenton:

– Germany is winning the war.

Mr CHARLTON:

– She has won the war. Her workmen enjoy better conditions than those of Australia, many of whom are men who fought for their country. ,

Mr Prowse:

– They must be working very hard in Germany.

Mr CHARLTON:

– The duty on ingots, blooms, slabs; &c, is 32s.a ton if the material has been imported from the United Kingdom, and 65s. a ton if it has come from other countries. Thus British manufacturers can make tremendous profits by importing stuff from Germany and putting finishing touches upon it. This state of things is keeping the workmen of Great Britain, as well as those of Australia, in a state of idleness.

Men who fought to make the world safe for Democracy have been thrown out of employment, and no effort is being made to save them. Let me quote again from the Industrial Australian -

During the recent months thousands of tons of foreign iron and steel have been “ dumped “ in the Commonwealth. The price quoted is several pounds below the actual cost of local production, without taking into consideration the matter of overhead charges. The foreigner is out to collar the Australian market for iron and steel. He will sell below the Australian price, andhe caresnot what that price is. He is desperately eager for the business. Profits do not count with the foreigner. His immediate objective is the extinction of the iron and steel enterprise in Australia.

The question of sentiment should not be permitted to intrude. Our first duty is to ourselves. If the importation of Belgian iron and steel means the strangulation of our own Australian industry, thenwe must see to it that Belgian iron and steel is kept out of the country.

That is why I am speaking here to-day. Whatever regard we may have for the people of other countries, our first duty is towards our own folks. We cannot allow them to be thrown into a state of starvation. The article continues -

In a survey of the British iron and steel industry published in the Board of Trade Journal, reference is made to price-cutting by Belgium and Germany.

The British production of iron and steel, which in 1920 almost approximated the 1913 figures, shows a large decline in the first six months of 1921, the actual figures, together with the corresponding figures for 1920, being as follows: -

If Great Britain is now manufacturing only two-thirds of the quantity she was putting out in 1920-21, how can she supply iron and steel to Australia? Evidently the iron and steel that she sends to us comes originally from some other country. Every one knows that Germany has increased her output, and is exporting. Some of the material exported from Germany comes through Belgium, but it can go direct to England if it pays a duty of 33 per cent. The Belgian franc, whose standard value is twenty-five to the £1 sterling, is now fifty-four to £1, or, in other words, 9s.10d. of British money will buy there what £1 is required to buy in Great Britain. What, then, is to prevent British manufacturers from getting stuff cheaply from Germany and Belgium? Why should we permit our own industries to languish? No one can justify throwing thousands of men out of employment. Everything possible should be done to find employment for our people and maintain them in work. Only a few years ago, we asked our young manhood to go away and fight for us. To-day many of those who came back are practically starving. To-day we say, “ Let them starve.” We continue to permit goods to come in from former enemy countries to the grave detriment of our own people.

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– The honorable member is not referring to Belgium as a former enemy country 1

Mr CHARLTON:

– I am not referring to Belgium in such a sense, and in no sense, in fact, other than that she is in the same category as Germany and every other country. I do not object to trading with Germany or any other country. I believe we should trade with all countries; but the first duty of this Parliament is to protect the Australian people from undue competition either on the part of Belgium, or Germany, or America, or any other country. Our first duty, I insist, is to our own folk. Thousands of men are unemployed in New South. Wales, and hundreds of others in other States. These are dependent on relief money, and are more or. less near to a condition of starvation; they do not know where to turn. Many people who prated of their patriotism, and who applauded young Australians for their noble self-sacrifice, are purchasing goods from abroad, to the sad detriment of those same good young Australians. Either we must stand up for our own industries, and thus for our own people, so making Australia self-contained, or we must watch it go to the dogs.

Another matter in regard to which the Prime Minister broke faith with Parliament has to do with shipbuilding at Cockatoo Island. When the Estimates were before this House, I asked the right honorable gentleman whether, if the item having to do with shipbuilding was passed, he would be prepared to authorize the construction of the two projected merchant ships at the Cockatoo yards. Of course, he said he would be. Strange to say, however, nothing further was done in regard to that matter until just recently. At the commencement of the year, there was only a handful of workmen located on the job. The Prime Minister said recently, in Sydney, “ Unless I can get cheaper material, I shall not go on with the construction of these ships.” The astounding fact is, however, that both the material and the machinery were there, at Cockatoo Island, waiting to be put into employment. We had bought about £326,000 worth, and it lay for months idle on the island. All that was required was the hand . of labour to be set to it. There it was, waiting to employ a couple of thousand men for two years or more.

Mr Hughes:

– The honorable member is referring to the two big ships. I was referring to shipbuilding in general.

Mr CHARLTON:

– The Prime Minister promised this House that if we passed the Estimates in question, he would see that the building programme having to do with those two vessels was pushed on with. I complain that he has broken faith. That which has aggravated the position has been the fact that, while the Government could not find money to employ Australians to build Australian ships in Australia, money was made available to employ English artisans to build five Australian ships outside of Australia. I have no complaint to offer concerning that work of itself. My complaint is in respect of the comparison which is thus afforded. Why this treatment of our Australian workmen?

With respect to immigration, while nothing has been done to find employment for our own people, endeavours have been made to attract thousands of newcomers, but without the slightest preparation having been undertaken to place them in work. When they reach these shores there is nothing for the great majority of them but to join the already swollen ranks of the unemployed. What sort of an advertisement can such deluded newcomers be expected to give Australia? Lord Northcliffe himself condemned the scheme upon his return to

England. What were the conditions which enforced the resignation of the Director of Immigration, Mr. Gullett? He has stated that while in occupation of his position for fifteen months he was seldom able to secure an interview with the Prime Minister, and that even when he succeeded he was afforded only the briefest opportunities. Mr. Gullett pointed out that the important subject of immigration was not receiving from the Prime Minister the consideration that it deserved, and that he had come to the conclusion that he had no option but to resign. Afterwards the Prime Minister himself admitted the real state of affairs. He said, “ I favour immigration, and have endeavoured to do all that has been possible to bring immigrants here. I had intended that 100,000 immigrants should reach Australia last year.”

Mr Hughes:

– Where did the honorable member get that?

Mr CHARLTON:

– The right honorable gentleman was so reported in the Sydney newspapers. If 100,000 additional immigrants had been brought into Australia during the period in question, while there were thousands of unemployed Australians, with their numbers being daily added to, the outcome would have been disastrous to the good name of the Commonwealth. How could those unfortunate immigrants speak well of Australia in such circumstances? It is obvious, then, that instead of furthering the object which the Prime Minister had in view, his efforts would have brought about the very reverse. I maintain that there should be a proper scheme, put in efficient working order, for the absorption of all our Australian people first, and that thereafter, by the opening up of fresh country, place and opportunity should be found for all newcomers as they reach Australia. Practically no effort in that direction has been undertaken by the Government. There has been no provision for newcomers.

The Prime Minister, and others among those who follow him and support him outside repeat that what is wanted in this country is production, and increased production, and they add that if we bring more people into the Commonwealth we will be able to secure increased production. Increased production, of course, is a good thing for this and for any country; but what is the use of increasing production if there is no market to guarantee its consumption? What is the use of merely thrusting more men on the unemployed list? That will not help Australia. If we keep our iron aud steel industries and all our other industries going, however; if we maintain in employment our many thousands of artisans, we will foster a home market for the consumption of our primary produce. What sort of a position does the primary producer find himself in when he is dependent solely upon an export market? The position to-day is that, with the exception of two or three lines, the export market, is a bad one. Europe cannot purchase our goods, being still impoverished from the war. Recently the Treasurer (Mr. Bruce), while speaking at Adelaide, warned the public of what was likely to be experienced by Australia. I also would warn the people of things to come. I believe that, if the Government are not more active, within a few months not only will . the industries which have already been closed, still remain so, but every other industry will be most seriously affected because of the importation of German and other foreign goods at prices which Australian manufacturers cannot withstand. The Treasurer remarked in Adelaide that the Australians were the one privileged race, but that they had seriously to consider whether their hour was not approaching. He pointed out that Australia had had a good time up to the, present. Incidentt ally, it is clear from that statement that the Minister does not know much about the thousands of unemployed, many of whom’ are almost starving. The Trea-surer continued -

Australia was dependent upon the rest of the world. Two years ago Australia exported £140,000,000 worth of goods, and received credits for* them, and last year” exported £120,000,000 worth. But if Europe was not going to recover, exporting could not be continued, because the nations would bc unable to .pay for the goods.

The Treasurer added the warning that things were likely to become worse. I agree. If the Government allow the present state of affairs to drift, our prospects are bound to become worse. There will be fewer markets than ever for the primary -producer. Should we not endeavour to create larger markets in our own country? Can we not do that by. assisting our own industries to a flourishing condition once more? -How can we do so if we permit all this competition from overseas? Is it not to the* interest of the primary producer to support all such legislation as has for its object the creation and maintenance of markets for the consumption of his produce? The only means of bringing that about is by the Government keeping our Australian works going, and earnestly developing country districts.

I am familiar with the . condition of the finances of the Commonwealth, but this is a time of stress, when Europe cannot afford to buy our products. What is the use of talking of increased production if there are no markets of consumption? What is wie value of our produce, no matter how abundant it may be, if . there are dwindling buyers with dwindling means of purchasing? Thousands of our people have been thrown out of work because of the inactivity of the Commonwealth Government, because of maladministration in permitting the Act of which I have been speaking to practically lapse. The Tariff Board has been vested with the widest possible powers. It is required to inquire and report to the Minister. But hitherto nothing has been done, at any rate, so far as the Minister is concerned. I realize the imminent danger of Australia becoming much worse industrially than even to-day. When our industrial condition becomes more acute every person in this land will be affected. We are in duty bound to keep our ‘people in employment. The matter is one not ‘alone for it-he Commonwealth, but for all the State Legislatures. Now is the time when something must be done. It may be only a couple of years before the turning point will have been reached in Europe. Meanwhile, we should so develop our own country that we will be really in a position to maintain -.a larger population. There is absolutely no effective immigration scheme in Australia to-day except some understanding involving Western Australia. We are spending money in bringing people out to these shores without an objective, and practically without a prospect. For these things, I repeat, the Government are worthy of- censure. It is time their maladministration was brought to an end. I might with good reason deal now with the administration of the “War Service Homes Department, but I do not propose to do so on this occasion. I and my party are simply discharging a public duty in giving the fullest publicity to the actual cause of the present position, so that when we reach the bad times to which the Treasurer (Mr. Bruce) has referred - Heaven help us if these are “good” times; if the people are not, and have not been, suffering, I do not know what suffering is - we shall be able to say that we .pointed out the situation to the people. We are discharging a public duty that devolves upon us in pointing out that the present situation is due to the failure of the Government to administer the law in such a way as to protect our industries. If they find that the existing law is not sufficient to protect the industries of Australia, then they should amend it. They are not justified in allowing these cheap goods to come in from other countries. They are not justified in allowing goods which, in consequence of the depreciated currency of other countries, can be landed here at exceedingly low prices, to come in through Great Britain or any other country to the detriment of Australian industry. I move -

That after the word “That” the following words be inserted “ the Government be condemned for its callous administration, which has caused dislocation of industry, intensified unemployment, and created widespread misery and distress.”

Mr RODGERS:
Minister for Trade and .Customs · WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Charlton) has sought most ingeniously to attribute the present unemployment in this country to failure on the part of the Government to protect Australian industries. The answer which the Government makes to the charge is both clear and definite. In the last session of this Parliament we passed a Tariff providing for substantial and effective Protection ; but, recognising that abnormal conditions existed in certain countries, and more particularly in former enemy countries, we superimposed upon that substantial Protective schedule an additional measure of Protection designed to meet those conditions. I refer to the Customs Tariff (Industries Preservation) Bill. In the main, the Government sought by that measure to protect Australian industry, and also to protect British industry, and maintain preference to the Mother Country. The provisions of the Act are definite. It clearly provides that, on proof that detriment to an Australian industry arises by reason of the depreciation in tie exchange value of the currency of other countries from which goods are being ‘ imported, the Government shall superimpose on ite ordinary Tariff Protection, as one measure of Protection , a penalty duty . equal to the difference between the home consumption price in the country of origin and that in Britain. There is a further alternative provision in section 8 of the Act. It has to be admitted that the German mark has depreciated considerably since the passing of that Act. To-day, in round figures, it stands at about 1,520 to the £1 sterling, whereas, in pre-war days it was a little over twenty to the sovereign sterling. Such a measure of depreciation could not be provided against in the ordinary way, nor could any instalment of Protection other than a penalty Protection, as provided for in the Customs Tariff (Industries Preservation) Act cope with such a situation.

Mr Brennan:

– That Act does not deal only with the depreciation of the currencies of other countries.

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr Watt:

– What connexion was there between the anti-dumping legislation passed last session and the Economic Conference ?

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– I am not seeking to connect them. I am endeavouring, however, to point out to the House that the economic conditions of the country rather than the failure of the Government to bring that legislation into operation at an earlier date are responsible for the existing unemployment. I have no hesitation in making that statement. I am confident that it will be supported by the majority of the people engaged to-dayin industry, and I make it without the slightest doubt.

The Leader of the Opposition has referred to the iron and steel industry. He could not have selected a more difficult case. There undoubtedly we have a great key industry in respect of which we could not set up artificial conditions, ignoring the fact that an industry so vital to the development and national life of Australia cannot be carried on under the conditions which the workers sought to impose upon it.

Mr Scullin:

– What does the honorable gentleman suggest?

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– It is not easy to make suggestions to those who are so tied up that they cannot follow them. The position in regard to the Customs Tariff (Industries Preservation) Act is perfectly clear. The Board whose duty it is to advise the Government with respect to its operation has not been idle. On the contrary, it has made very complete investigations throughout the length and breadth of Australia. It has gone from State to State, and has met and examined the representatives of industrial organizations, as well as representatives of those conducting primary and secondary industries. The members of the Board have sought in every way to see for themselves the conditions of our industries. I feel it necessary to ask the Leader of the Opposition to read the Act, aud to remind him that it imposes upon the Board the obligation of advising the Government whether any injury to industry has taken , place. The Board can do that only when those in charge of our industries make out a case that an industry is likely to suffer by treason of abnormal conditions. That requirement, however, has not debarred the Board from making very full investigations, not only within the Commonwealth, but abroad. We have been in cable communication with the Imperial authorities. We have asked for and obtained, through the High Commissioner’s office, a report on the. working of the antidumping legislation of Great Britain. We are in touch with our representatives in the United States of America. We have made investigations wherever the Department of Trade and Customs has a representative, and we are possessed of information of a wide and comprehensive character. The Board has now laid down, and I, as the responsible Minister have approved, a whole schedule of instructions for the proper administration of the Act. That schedule will be made available immediately to the whole of those engaged in industry. It will be made available not only to the employers, but to the. employees, so that all sections of the community may know how it is proposed to administer the Act. I would remind honorable members that this legislation is in a great measure experimental. It has to be tried and proved. Until it has had a trial, what is the use of saying in what respect it fails, and where it is effective? So far as I know, the goods of former enemy countries have not yet reached Australia. Neither samples, nor price-lists. from such countries are admitted, as far as we are able to prevent their admission.

Mr Charlton:

– Does the honorable gentleman say that no goods have come iri, indirectly, from Germany?

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

– So far as I know, no such goods have come in. The Government was very apprehensive that, by reason of the tremendous depreciation in the exchange value of the currency of former enemy countries, traders in those countries would enjoy such a tremendous advantage that no measure of Protection would be too great to counteract it. But up to date, notwithstanding that the Board has been working night and day, we have no definite proof of the landing of any such goods in Australia or that any contracts for delivery ahead have been made by merchants here. The Board has discussed the matter with Chambers of Commerce and Chambers of Manufacture. Never yet has it been able to discover a parcel of German goods landed for delivery in Australia. Under such conditions, how can the Board recommend to the responsible Minister that injury has accrued to Australian industries? How can it make such a . recommendation until there has been an opportunity to examine the conditions under which the goods are bought? All I can say is that the Act provides very definite and very positive remedies. It varies, or differs, in very vital, respects from the legislation in the Old Country; our legislation is more definite, the provisions are clearer, and their application is less involved. The powers in the hands of the Minister are vital, but I point out to the honorable gentleman that we are right in taking great precautions in this country. The conditions of Germany are, however, very often exaggerated by those who, instead of making inquiry, cry out “ Wolf !” in order, as the honorable gentleman himself ingeniously’ has done, to cast on the Government the responsibility for unemployment in this country. The German colonies are gone, and with Silesia. ‘ Alsace-Lorraine, and the Saar Valley gone, Germany has been unable to supply coke and coal according to arrangement. Thus Belgium and France have been unable to carry out their contracts for large supplies of iron and steel. These matters we have inquired into, and the information we have shows that the position of Germany is much exaggerated. Her capacity to trade and flood the world with goods presupposes a sound condition in Germany, with availability of raw material as before the war, when she was a great composite empire with all her colonies. But her colonies are gone, her internal territory is severed, and her financial position is known. Her paper capital is plentiful, for what it is worth. To-day .we find from what trade is done through American channels that there is a difference between her home consumption price in Germany and her price for export outside Germany. It is stated in the GovernorGeneral’s Speech that we intend to amend the Customs Act to enable us to meet this position. If the price of export suits us better for the imposition of duties than the homeconsumption price - and this is the policy to-day here, as in other countries - we will so amend our legislation as to get the benefit of the most protective means.

As to the Act generally, if experience teaches us, after the date when trade is resumed, that the present measure is not effective, the Government will tighten it up in whatever respects it is proved to be ineffective. In the meantime I challenge the Opposition to say from what country goods have come which can be dealt with under this Act.

Mr MAHONY:
Dalley

.- There is no doubt about the fact that unemployment in Australia to-day has been contributed to very seriously by the inaction of the Government in hot carrying out the decisions of this Parliament, and in neglecting to put into operation the powers they have to protect the industries of this country. The remarks I desire to make this afternoon will deal, I hope, with specific matters, and I shall show clearly that the Government have deliberately, of their own volition, contributed seriously to the present unemployment.

Mr Fleming:

– The Prime Minister showed Tom Walsh how to do the things he does.

Mr RILEY:

– They both graduated in the same industrial school. The Prime Minister, instead of replying to the charges preferred by the Leader of the Opposition, put up the Minister for Trade and Customs (Mr. Rodgers), and what a miserable answer he gave! He said that on account of strikes and the activities of Tom Walsh the great iron and steel industry must die, and the Government are powerless to assist it. The Prime Minister showed his weakness when he allowed that excuse to be offered by his colleague.

Sitting suspended from 6.30 to 8 p.m.

Mr RILEY:

Mr RILEY:

– A waste of time. There are some honorable members who conscientiously oppose the Canberra business. They held a meeting, and elected as chairman of the anti-Canberra Committee a gentleman for whom I have the highest respect. But when the House went into recess, the Government, in order to develop Canberra and shove it along, appointed as Minister to administer the Federal Capital, the very gentleman who was chosen as chairman of the Committee to which I refer. I believe that he has since been converted, but I do not think that the Prime Minister (Mr. Hughes) was aware that his Minister had been chairman of the anti-Canberra agitation.

Mr Hughes:

– I have heard of Saul of Tarsus, who became an apostle of Christ, and was the greatest apostle of them all. That is why I put the honorable member on that job.

Mr.RILEY. - Had the £200,000 passed by this House been spent, it would have absorbed some of the unemployed upon reproductive work. For every house built in Canberra there are two or three people waiting. There is no doubt that a demand for houses exists there, and that it would be a paying proposition for this Parliament to transfer to Canberra. I trust that the Minister for Works and Railways (Mr. Richard Foster) will get a hustle on, and employ more labour there, .particularly with a view to relieve unemployment. I hope the amendment submitted by the honorable member for Hunter (Mr. Charlton) will be carried, for then we shall have on the Treasury bench a capable body of men who will stand for Australia every time.

Mr FENTON:
Maribyrnong

.- I was prevented from attending the House at 8 o’clock because I was receiving a large deputation of men who are to be discharged to-morrow night from the Cordite Factory.

Sir Robert Best:

– Ask the honorable member for Hunter (Mr. Charlton) about that.

Mr FENTON:

– If the honorable member for Kooyong ia anxious to see people fully employed, he will pay heed to the amendment submitted to-day. What has happened is only what some of. us prophesied. I am well aware that the honorable member for Kooyong pointed to this side of the chamber and said that if men were being discharged from the Small Arms Factory and the Cordite Factory, and other places connected with the manufacture of munitions of war, it was largely due to the efforts made by this side of the chamber. All along, we on this side have declared that there was bound to be a reduction in Defence expenditure. We have fought for this, because we believed what the Washington Conference has since indorsed, that people in every part of the world were prepared to cease the manufacture and use of death-dealing implements. All over the world there has been a reduction in the manufacture of munitions of war; but what has happened in Great Britain in this regard? No doubt, there were many private firms engaged in the manufacture of munitions, but when their employees were discharged upon the .partial reduction of the firms’ operations, they were, to a large extent, provided with other employment by the British Government. But our Government, with hearts like stone and as relentless as it is possible for human beings to be, throw men and women out of employment on to an already overloaded labour market, so that to-day we have the spectacle of men, many of them returned soldiers, begging in the streets for a crust of bread to keep them alive. The Labour party contend that, before a Government throw men and women out of employment, they should give them other work. We have machinery lying idle in our Small Arms Factory, Cordite Works, and other Munition Works that might be converted to the manufacture of the requirements of our Post Office and other public Departments.

Mr Watkins:

– Why do not the Government make commercial blasting powder ?

Mr FENTON:

– Eoi- the reason that the Minister for Defence submitted, when he was speaking of the Geelong Woollen Mills, which, he said, were up for sale because they could not be kept employed for more than three months of the year upon Government requirements, and because the Government did not propose to trade with the community generally. The only inference we can draw from such a statement is that that section of the community outside who are desirous of supplying material to the Government and the public have urged the Ministry to dispose of the Woollen Mills, and thereby play into the hands of the capitalists, local or overseas. A man tried yesterday to disarm me with the argument that these mills would be enlarged and give more employment than could possibly be afforded under Government control– but during the progress of the war it was these works and other factories established by a Labour Administration, that proved an insurance against some of the extortions of people who,’ while mouthing patriotic sentiments, yet dipped their hands very deeply into the pockets of the consumers. It was said from the Ministerial bench that I would suffer in regard to men and women in my constituency, because there were factories at Maribyrnong ; but I was not influenced on that account in giving my vote. I said, and I repeat now, that it was the duty of the Government, when tipping men out on to an overloaded labour market, to find them work. I found the following remarks in the North American

Review, in an article written by William McLellan : -

Not long ago I heard the chief executive of one of the largest manufacturing businesses in the country say that his workmen had a perfect right to expect him to keep them busy all the time. This was his business, and if unemployment came it was his fault, or the fault of his class. The man was not a rabid Socialist, but is accepted by capitalists and conservative businessmen of the country as one of their own. Unquestionably, his state of mind must become more general if unemployment troubles are to disappear, or even lessen in severity.

We heard, in the Governor-General’s Speech, some “flap-doodle” about the encouragement of primary production -

My Advisers recognise that the welfare and progress of the Commonwealth depend upon primary production.

That is well enough so far as mere words go, but the primary producers of Australia have been so little encouraged by its Governments that within the last ten years they have decreased by 30,000 or 40,000. How can a Government that is killing such enterprise say that it recognises that the welfare of the Commonwealth dependsupon primary production? The honorable member for Maribyrnong (Mr. Fenton) told a doleful tale of persons lacking bread; but with sensible government no one in Australia need be out of work. The conditions of t he rural parts of this country have not changed since I was a lad.

Mr Mahony:

– That is a terribly long time.

Mr PROWSE:

– Nevertheless, conditions have not changed since to the advantage of the primary producers. When I was thirteen years of age, I had about fifteen cows to milk each morning, and then to walk five miles to school, where I frequently got the cane for being late. I never then knew such a tiling as a pay-day, and when visitors came to our home I had to back out, for reasons that were obvious.

Mr Lazzarini:

– Do you want child slavery to continue?

Mr PROWSE:

– Child slavery is continuing in Australia largely because of the actions of the honorable member and his party, who want price-fixing Boards to feedthe “ non-laying variety “ for less than the food costs. It is because a majority of “ non-layers “ is dominating the situation, and appointing price-fixing Boards to bring down the price of butter and other primary products to an unprofitable figure, although these commodities are already cheaper here than they are in other countries, that child labour continues. Why cannot the manufacturers make for the rural workers things which are relatively as cheap as are the primary products thatthey get from the rural workers? It is a levelling-up that we need. So many primary producers would not have ceased operations had they not thought it better to belong to the “ non-laying variety.”

The motion submitted by the Leader of the Opposition provides that the Government should be “ censured for their callous administration which has caused dislocation in industry, intensified unemployment, and created widespread misery and distress.” Such a motion is justified when we realize that the Government have been sitting idly by and allowing thousands of tons -of iron and steel to come into Australia when a great undertaking in which hundreds of thousands of pounds have been invested is lying idle. In view of this alarming situation it cannot be said that maladministration of the Government has not created severe industrial dislocation. What is a Government for if it is not to protect die interests of the people? Are we to be thrown to the wolves because there are amongst the supporters of the Government - I will go so far as to say right in the Cabinet - representatives of the importers. One member of the Government is directly representing the interests of the big importers of Australia, and is at present holding a most influential position in the Cabinet. I refer to the Treasurer (Mr. Bruce), whose interests are very closely associated with the large importers of goods into Australia, and whose policy is directly opposed to the manufacturers. The iron and steel industry, which has been well established, must be protected in every way if Australia is to be self-contained. We need not take any notice of the arguments submitted by the honorable member for Swan and the views he holds regarding our industries. He says, of course, that if we protect an industry we immediately throw additional burdens upon the shoulders of the people. If the honorable member adopts that attitude he should follow that line of reasoning further and suggest that if wheat and w.ool and iron and steel can be obtained at a cheaper rate abroad than we can produce it we should purchase in foreign markets, and not have any industries at all. The honorable member says, in effect, that we should not endeavour to find employment for our own people. When the duty on onions was under consideration he supported a high duty to protect the producers of that commodity; but when it is a question of protecting an important key industry he adopts a different attitude.

Mr Watt:

– He admits that since the imposition of the duty on onions the price has been reduced.

Mr CUNNINGHAM:

Mr Hector Lamond:

– The Tariff does not prove that.

Mr CUNNINGHAM:

– The Tariff does not make any difference. If industries are to be closed down, it is better for the Tariff to be amended, because it merely provides an excuse for the importers to charge higher prices.

– It is the members of the Country party who sit on a rail, dropping off only when it is necessary to do so to save the Government.

Our desire is to give a fair deal to the manufacturing interests of this country as well as to the public generally. It is all very well for honorable members opposite to do nothing. Some of them are of independent means. Many of them occupy comfortable positions, and, unlike thousands of the general public, are not faced with the spectre of unemployment. There are married men who do not know from week to week where they are going to obtain work. On the Monday following the defeat of the New South Wales Labour Government, many such men received notice that the rentals paid by them were henceforth to be increased by 5s. per week. We have in New South Wales skilled tradesmen - fitters and engineers - working halftime, and receiving from £2 8s. to £2 10s. per week, who have to pay 35s. per week for a four-roomed cottage or half a house. Only to-day I was told by a worker in Melbourne that house rent here had justbeen increased by 5s. a week. Is it fair that honorable members opposite should do nothing to help the great body of the people outside who are being crucified?

Mr Prowse:

I may be permitted to refer to two very important industries which wc have in Australia, and which have been mentioned. These are the coal and steel industries. The coal industry is regarded as the key industry to all other industries, and it is said that upon it largely depends the successful working of other subsidiary industries. The honorable member for Swan (Mr. Prowse), in answer to my interjection as to whether he would advocate a reduction in the wages of those who were employed in the industry, very frankly and openly declared that he would. But I say that the present statistics that represent the cost of living do not justify the captains of industry, or the great community of Australia, in asking the working man to take less than- ho is receiving. The standards of living received by the worker to-day are not in accordance’ with the standards he is justified in expecting. I find that in the coal industry there are such great profits made that I have reason to challenge further the position of the Government, and demand why they have not endeavoured to make these great industries do their fair part by the people of the Commonwealth of Australia, and provide the essential for the success of other industries that have to compete with outside industries I find that the manufacturing industries are demanding a reduction in the price of coal. They say that such ft reduction is essential to thom if they are to contend successfully with outside competition, and then the coal barons in turu say that, if there is to be a reduction in the price of coal, there must bc a reduction in the wages of those employed in that industry. As far as that is concerned, I find the statistics prove that four coal companies, reporting in the last, quarter of the year 1921, made a profit of £122,5S4, as against £7S,08’d for the last quarter of 1920, an increase in the last quarter of £44,501, or 56 per cent. Those four companies paid dividends of 12.89 per cent, to ordinary shareholders and 8 per cent, to preference shareholders, and placed “19.83 per cent, of net profits to reserve for future capitalization. Seven coal companies paid profits in 1921 totalling £347,271, as compared with £179,771 in the previous year. In. other words, they took from the public during 1921 double the profits made in the year 1920. Eleven coal companies made a net profit in 1921 of £422,900, as against £225,0S5 in the previous year, an increase of £1S7,S45, or. 73.48 per cent. Those astounding, figures show how the people of Australia ure being unfairly dealt with, and that the Government, having failed to take the necessary steps to protect them from the exploitation of these coal barons, deserve our severest censure. The net profits of the coal companies in 1921 represented 15.51 per cent, on a paid-up capital of £2,855,075, and those are only the revealed profits. What, I wonder, are the unrevealed profits that they have been able to hide from the general public? Some light is thrown upon the operations of these companies by the finding of the Coal Commission in 1919, when the profits of the coal barons were less than they are making to-day. After an exhaustive examination, m camera, of the books of the coal barons, the Commission reported that twentyeight coal companies were making profits of over 10 per cent., seventeen’ companies were making profits of over 20 per cent., nine were making profits of over 30 per cent., three were making profits of over 60 .per cent., and one was making the stupendous profit of 154-1- per cent. Surely the conditions in this industry are well worthy of our consideration, especially when we know to what a limited extent the working miner participates in the fruits of the industry in which he is engaged. The average miner receives to-day 4s. per ton for the coal that he hews in the mine. Seventyfive per cent, of the coal, sold to the

Broken Hill Proprietary Company’s Steel Works is known as “smalls,” at 17s. 9d. per ton, and the best coal is sold at 21s. 9d. Of those amounts, the man who is responsible for the winning of the coal, and has to undergo the very great dangers incidental to this industry, receives the small pittance of 4s. Even if we followed the argument of the honorable member for Swan and his associates in the Country party, and reduced wages even to the extent of 25 per cent., which would be a tremendous cut in wages, would that meet the circumstances? Absolutely no. Where the reductions will have to be made is from these gigantic profits. This attempted industrial outrage upon the worker to reduce wages is the sinister objective. It may be contended by some honorable members opposite that coal could be imported at a cheaper rate than that at which it can be bought locally, and that that is the reason why many of those who should bc engaged in the industry are idle to-day. But, according to the latest advices, the average price paid by the Broken Hill. Pty. Coy. for coal is 19s. Id. per ton ; whereas quotations cabled last week to certain industries for the. delivery of coal from Great Britain were 22s., 23s.,. and 25s. per ton. Coal of perhaps better quality is being supplied to the Broken Hill Pty. Coy’s works at 19s. Id.

Mr Richard Foster:

– That company buys 1,000,000 tons of coal per annum.

Mr MAKIN:

– Quite so; and the Australian coal miner can provide that coal, and this allegation about the cheaper price of foreign coal is only a miserable excuse advanced by the captains of industry for creating a big army of unemployed as a preliminary to a reduction of wages. The figures I have quoted prove that there is no reason why our secondary industries should be idle, and people walking the streets workloss and unable to provide themselves with the necessaries and comforts that they have a right to expect.

When the Broken Hill Pty. Coy. are urged to provide cheaper iron and steel, they say that there must first be a reduction in the wages of those engaged in the industry. But that company, instead of exploiting the people by charging excessive prices for their products, should realize that, after having received such liberal protection against foreign competition, it should do the fair thing by other manufacturing industries. I say candidly that if I had an opportunity to review my vote upon the Tariff items relating to the iron and steel industry, I would feel very much inclined to reverse my previous attitude, because I do not feel inclined to give further protection to an industry that has proved unfaithful to the best interests of this country and unworthy of the protection which this Parliament afforded. In. July, 1918, the Broken Hill Proprietary Company had a capital, of £600,000. It had been paying an annual dividend of 10 per cent., and had reserves amounting to £3,270,572. Nine months later - in March, 1919 - the capital account was watered to the extent of £1,500,000 from reserves. Not . one penny of this money was provided by the shareholders, who from then ..onward collected a nominal dividend of 15 per cent, on the total nominal capital of £2,100,000. To-day this gigantic industry pleads poverty as an excuse for permission to sweat its workers, while in actual fact it is placing in the pockets of its wealthy shareholders a net profit of 52£ per cent, on its actual cash capital. Having a knowledge of these circumstances, and feeling sure that the Government are equally well aware of them, and are not prepared to make those industries do their duty to the Commonwealth, the Government, possessing all the necessary powers to make them prove their loyalty by engaging in those industries for which they have received protection, should compel them to keep their industries going. If the Government are not prepared to do that, the sooner they make way for a Government that will protect the interests of the people the better it will be.

I heartily support the amendment of the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Charlton) censuring the Government for their callous indifference towards those people who to-day are tramping our streets and looking for employment. Daily I am interviewed by men, including a large number of returned soldiers, who desire assistance in obtaining work. A returned soldier recently came to me and said, “ I approach you as a last resort, and you must find me work. I have tramped the streets for the last, eight weeks without getting employment. I have a wife and family dependent on me, and there will be another little soul born into our home at any moment. All I have in the world is 4s., and I have come to you in this desperate state for you to find me something to do, because I. am willing and anxious to work.” I am glad to be able to say that after a good deal of search it was possible to place this returned man temporarily in some form of employment, but his position is the same as that of thousands of our people. It is a reflection on those responsible for the government of the country that such conditions- are allowed to exist. There is ample opportunity in Australia for the energies of every person to be devoted to some useful purpose. On a recent tour of inspection of portion of the Commmonwealth I was wonderfully impressed with the great opportunities for development that this continent affords. With our vast unexploited resources, Australia should be able to work out its destiny, in a manner conducive to the comfort of its inhabitants, and there is criminal neglect on the part of any Government who allow people to be unemployed. The trouble is rendered more acute by the bringing in of more people from overseas. Our voices cannot be raised too emphatically on this question, because it concerns the home life of our citizens. Many wives and children are called upon to go without necessary food and clothing. If the present Government are not prepared to do their duty, we draw the attention of the public to this serious anomaly, and we hope that at the first opportunity the people will intrust the duties of government to a party that will place Australia’s interests first and will make the condition of Australia’s working people its chief concern. My motto is that of the Australian people. With the party with which I have the honour to be associated, I wish to see Australia advance, but it will not advance under the guidance of those who to-day occupy the Treasury bench and enter into a conspiracy with the great commercial interests to bring about conditions calculated to reduce wages and increase the hours of those employed in industry.

The people of the Commonwealth will join with the Labour Opposition in censuring the Government, as’ it is right they should be censured, and thus perform the public, service that Australia expects from them.

Dr EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · FSU; CP from 1920

– Yesterday we had the Government’s electioneering pamphlet. To-day we have heard one of the Opposition’s electioneering pamphlets. Despite the talk of unemployment and general distress we find that during the last three weeks a shearing strike has been called after an award has been given by the Federal Arbitration Court. The Country party have felt a certain amount of resentment in regard to the appointment of the Tariff Board, not so much about the actual delay in making the appointments, but because we found that although the primary industries of the Commonwealth produce something like three-quarters of the total wealth of the country - last year it was £250,000,000 out of £348,000,000- their claim to be represented on a Board designed by Parliament to correct anomalies, and make sure that the Customs duties imposed should operate equitably on every industry, was not recognised’, while the importing and manufacturing interests who are responsible for only one-quarter of the total wealth of Australia’s production have two representatives on the Board. The position that has arisen to-day in regard to the amendment is rather interesting. It seems to me very much like “ the’ pot calling the kettle black.” Last year we had in this Chamber an alliance - an unholy alliance it is said by the Prime Minister (Mr. Hughes) to be when any one combines with Labour - between the Opposition and the Government in regard to the imposition of duties on iron and steel. It was suggested from the Country party that the iron and steel manufacturers should get a moderate protection in the shape of duties and a bonus. We contended that iron and steel, being the basis of every other manufacturing industry in the Commonwealth, should be treated in this way, but our advice was disregarded, the Ministry insisting that the only way to get the iron and steel industry going was by fixing enormously high protective duties. These duties were designed simply to squeeze the consumer, but we find now that they have squeezed - every one, not only the consumers, but also the employees in the iron works and all those who use anything made of iron or steel. Because there has been no work in these establishments for many months past, barbed wire, wire netting, and so forth, and those implements used in the various manufactures and industries in the Commonwealth have had to pay a heavy toll of extra duty through being imported, thus swelling the revenues of the Government. We find that these revenues are regarded by the Government with satisfaction and not dismay. But they should be regarded by every one with dismay, because they have been brought about by the fact that Australia’s industries which should’ have made these articles have nol; been operating. The position will not be rectified by antidumping duties, but can only be remedied by an internal re-arrangement of our industrial situation as regards coal and iron. While we regret the existing unemployment the blame has to be apportioned pretty well between the Government side and the Labour side of the House. What is really wrong with these industries is unquestionably the high price of coal, which is partly due to Government embargoes and Government control for the last four years, and partly due to the fact that there is not that efficiency of production that there should be in the allied industries of coal and steel.. Mr. Pratten. - ‘Then you would favour decontrol of coal?

Dr EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · FSU; CP from 1920

– Most decidedly. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Charlton) quoted at length the figures o£ importations of iron and steel from various countries’, and I gathered that imports from the United States of America and Canada” were equal to those from Great Britain and Belgium. I doubt if very much steel has come from Germany, but what has reached here- from that country must have come through Great Britain or Belgium. However, the imports from the United States and Canada were equal to those from Great Britain and Belgium, and no one can contend that our labour conditions are any better than those in the two former countries. In tha United States of America and Canada the manufacturers are in a position to get cheap coal, and they are making proper use of their opportunities’ for producing cheap power. The Canadian steel industry has been practically built up by making proper use of water power, and installing electric furnaces. Any one who has given thought to the subject can see plainly that it is the coal control that has had most to do with the position of our iron and steel industry. Sir Thomas Henley said a few weeks ago, just after he resigned his portfolio in the New- South Wales Government-

The Federal Government and our own State Government must face facts. The position is so serious that the State Government will of necessity require to get some relief from Federal domination, this particularly in regard to coal control, high protective tariff, and industrial interference. Out primary industries are to-day being sacrificed to these causes. Construction costs for railways, bridges, and all that goes to the opening up of a country, together with the cost of engines and other forms of implements and plants, are excessively high.

He went on to point out that many public works were not being carried out because of the fact that the cost of material was excessively high. If we are anxious to reduce unemployment at the earliest possible moment, one means by which we may do so is by enabling this material to be produced at a reasonable rate in Australia, or brought here without the payment of excessive duties. The history of the coal position is well known. In 1916, when a coal strike was in progress, the Arbitration Court was overridden, and a new Tribunal was established which gave au award in consonance with the wishes of the Government of the day. This question of coal control has very much to do with the present state of affairs. It resulted in an increase in the price of coal by 3s. per ton, the miners getting a certain amount, and the coal-owners taking the balance. That price has since been increased, and owing to this continuous control of coal, and interference with cargoes, our export trade has been, to a largo extent, destroyed. We find, also, that the present price is seriously interfering with our possibilities of selling coal abroad. When I was in Singapore recently I saw a steamer of the Commonwealth Line unloading Cardiff coal, which was landed there cheaper than coal from Newcastle. At present coal at Newcastle is worth 21s. 9d. per ton as against the Pittsburg price of 13s. 6d., and coke here is selling at 46s. per ton as compared with 25s. in England. Coke is being produced for 35s. per ton by the Broken Hill Proprietary itself. We find that though the British coal miners’ wages have gone back in consequence of the fall in the cost of living - miners in the Mother Country are only getting 25 per cent, above their pre-war wage- yet coal is being sold at Port Pirie at prices ranging from 300 to 100 per cent, more than in 1914.

Mr Charlton:

– Are you aware that coal at the Newcastle Steel Works is 19s- Id. as against 21s., 22s., and 25s. in Great Britain?

Dr EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · FSU; CP from 1920

– I am basing my comparison as regards coal prices and the production of steel and iron upon the imports from the United States of America and Canada because of the fact that anything imported to Australia from Great Britain must be, to some extent, suspect. It is possible, as I have already shown, that some of it may come from another source.

Mr GREENE:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP; NAT from 1917

– As a matter of fact, pig- iron in England at the present time is at a lower price than it has been for very many years. That is the source of the whole trouble.

Dr EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · FSU; CP from 1920

– In these circumstances, then, it seems to he that the proper course is for the various sections of the industry to get together and see if they cannot arrive at some workable understanding whereby coal may be made available at- a cheaper rate to the advant- age, not merely of the iron and steel industry, but the whole of’ the Commonwealth. At the same time some internal industrial arrangement may be made to enable the Broken Hill workmen to carry on. If is scandalous to think that, in a country like Australia, where so much developmental work is necessary, there should be this present deadlock.

Mr Considine:

– What you suggest really means a cut in the wages of the workmen.

Dr EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · FSU; CP from 1920

– We shall have to come down to an adjustment in our economic conditions. Ever since the Harvestter award we have been trying to fix a basic wage, and in our ‘endeavour to do that we have been like a dog chasing its own tail, with the result that the standard of material comfort for the worker has been getting lower. The secret in securing an increase in ,the standard of living is to be found, not in the continual raising of wages, but in an increase in the effective value of wages. That oan only be made possible by an increased efficiency, am increased output, and especially by securing <a condition of good-will between employer and employee.

Mr Maxwell:

– And a more equitable distribution.

Dr EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · FSU; CP from 1920

– Quite true. And that can only be brought about by a proper appreciation of the workers’ position’ in society, as well as the rights of employers and the interest on capital.

Debate (on motion by Mr. Lazzarini) adjourned.

House adjourned at 10.31 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, House of Representatives, Debates, 29 June 1922, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/hofreps/1922/19220629_reps_8_99/>.

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House of Representatives29 June 1922

TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES

PAPERS

QUESTION

PRICE OF SUGAR

Mr LAIRD SMITH:DENISON, TASMANIA

Mr HUGHES:Prime Minister · BENDIGO, VICTORIA · NAT

QUESTION

TRAVELLING CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE

Mr MAHONY:DALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:NAT

Mr HAY:NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:

QUESTION

GEELONG WOOLLEN MILLS

Mr LISTER:CORIO, VICTORIA

Mr GREENE:RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP; NAT from 1917

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH STEAMSHIPS

Mr RILEY:SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:NAT

QUESTION

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

Mr CHARLTON:HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:NAT

QUESTION

IMMIGRATION

Mr BURCHELL:FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Mr HUGHES:NAT

QUESTION

SHIPBUILDING

Mr PARKER MOLONEY:HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Mr HUGHES:NAT

Mr MAHONY:

Mr HUGHES:

Mr MAHONY:

Mr HUGHES:

QUESTION

COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING

Mr BOWDEN:NEPEAN, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr GREENE:RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP; NAT from 1917

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Federal Capital Works

Mr MATHEWS:MELBOURNE PORTS, VICTORIA

QUESTION

SOUTH AFRICAN MAIZE

Mr CORSER:WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND

Mr RODGERS:WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

IMPORTATIONS FROM GERMANY

Mr FENTON:MARIBYRNONG, VICTORIA

Mr RODGERS:WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

EMPIRE EXHIBITION

Mr BURCHELL:

Mr RODGERS:WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

QUESTION

WAR SERVICE HOMES

Mr MACKAY:LILLEY, QUEENSLAND

Mr HECTOR LAMOND:Assistant Minister for Repatriation · ILLAWARRA, NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

Mr BOWDEN:

Mr BRUCE:Treasurer · FLINDERS, VICTORIA · NAT

DAYS OF MEETING

QUESTION

GENOA LABOUR CONFERENCE

Mr BLUNDELL:ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mr HUGHES:NAT

MINISTERIAL REPRESENTATION

House of Representatives

Mr HUGHES:NAT

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH WOOLLEN MILLS

Mr McGRATH:BALLAARAT, VICTORIA

Mr GREENE:RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP; NAT from 1917

KIDMAN-MAYOH SHIPBUILDING CONTRACT

Mr CUNNINGHAM:GWYDIR, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:NAT

QUESTION

SHIPMENTS OF “B” GRADE FLOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA

Mr McGRATH:

Mr RODGERS:WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

House of Representatives
29 June 1922

Mr LAIRD SMITH:
DENISON, TASMANIA

Mr HUGHES:
Prime Minister · BENDIGO, VICTORIA · NAT

Mr MAHONY:
DALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr HAY:
NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr LISTER:
CORIO, VICTORIA

Mr GREENE:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr RILEY:
SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr CHARLTON:
HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr BURCHELL:
FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr PARKER MOLONEY:
HUME, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr BOWDEN:
NEPEAN, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr GREENE:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr MATHEWS:
MELBOURNE PORTS, VICTORIA

Mr CORSER:
WIDE BAY, QUEENSLAND

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr FENTON:
MARIBYRNONG, VICTORIA

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr MACKAY:
LILLEY, QUEENSLAND

Mr HECTOR LAMOND:
Assistant Minister for Repatriation · ILLAWARRA, NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

Mr BRUCE:
Treasurer · FLINDERS, VICTORIA · NAT

Mr BLUNDELL:
ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr McGRATH:
BALLAARAT, VICTORIA

Mr GREENE:
RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr CUNNINGHAM:
GWYDIR, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Dr MALONEY:
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

Dr MALONEY:
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

Mr HECTOR LAMOND:
NAT

Mr POYNTON:
Postmaster-General · GREY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA · NAT

Mr POYNTON:
NAT

Mr WEST:
EAST SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr MAKIN:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Dr EARLE PAGE:
COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · FSU; CP from 1920

Mr RODGERS:
WANNON, VICTORIA · LP; NAT from 1917

Mr WATKINS:
NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HECTOR LAMOND:
NAT

Mr FLEMING:
ROBERTSON, NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr HUGHES:
NAT

Mr JACKSON:
Bass