House of Representatives
22 March 1929

11th Parliament · 1st Session



Mr. Speaker (Hon. Sir Littleton Groom) took the chair at 11. a.m. and read prayers.

page 1726

QUESTION

DEFERRED QUESTIONS

Mr BOWDEN:
PARRAMATTA, NEW SOUTH WALES

– To manyquestions asked of Ministers during the last week, honorable members have received the answer that the information is being obtained. When it is obtained will Ministers convey the answers to those honorable members who asked the questions?

Mr BRUCE:
Minister for External Affairs · FLINDERS, VICTORIA · NAT

– Certainly. That is the usual practice in regard to questions asked on the eve of recess.

page 1726

QUESTION

PROSECUTION OF JACOB JOHNSON

Mr THEODORE:
DALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

– On Saturday last I met, in Sydney, Mr. Tudehope, the secretary of one of the maritime unions in Sydney, and I have since had a further telephone message from him regarding the prosecution and imprisonment of Jacob Johnson. Mr. Tudehope told me that he had interviewed Andresen, one of the principal witnesses in the Johnson case, in regard to the statement made by the Attorney-General that Andresen was not the instigator of the prosecution, and that the department had prior declarations by other witnesses. Andresen said that two statements were made prior to his, but they were not used iri the prosecution of Johnson, nor were the informants called as witnesses. Rigby and Powell, who, apparently, were regarded by the Crown as important witnesses, were, he says, called merely to corroborate Andresen’s statement, which was given to them in order that they might know what his evidence would be. He says, further, that his own statements were wilfully untrue, find that one of them was drafted at the suggestion of Mr. Dillon, the Secretary of the Shipping Company, and, that prior to entering the witness box, he was handed, by one of the Commonwealth officers, Longmuir, a transcript of the evidence to be given by Rigby. Mr. Tudehope says that he has received a communication from Mr. McKernan, Secretary of the Adelaide Branch of the Seamen’s Union, informing him that Powell has made a sworn declaration that he did not hear Johnson make the statement which he, Powell, swore in the witness box Johnson had made. In view of this testimony, involving grave allegations against the officers of the Crown Law Department, does not the AttorneyGeneral think that an inquiry into all the circumstances of this prosecution is warranted ?

Mr LATHAM:
Attorney-General · KOOYONG, VICTORIA · NAT

– I gather from the statement, of the honorable member for Dalley, ihat Mr. Tudehope has told him of what he says Andreson told him (Tudehope), which the honorable member now tells to this House, so this information is at least third hand. As far as I follow what the honorable member has said, Andreson’s statement now is that his evidence was obtained before that of Rigby and Powell. The documents show, however, that the statements of Rigby and Powell, which they subsequently repeated on nath at the trial, were in the possession of the department before Andresen had anything to do with the case.

Mr Theodore:

– What statements were those ?

Mr LATHAM:

– I refer to sworn declarations by Rigby and Powell and longer signed statements subsequently made. The sworn declarations were not used in the court as evidence, because the deponents went into the witness box. I am at present in communication with Messrs. Sullivan Brothers, the solicitors for Johnson, in respect to this matter, and if Andresen will make a statutory declaration in Australia - not in New Zealand, because no responsibility attaches in the Commonwealth to a statutory declaration made outside of it - containing the substance of what the honorable member for Dalley has said, I shall certainly be prepared to take action.

page 1727

QUESTION

COAL-MINING INDUSTRY

Prosecution of Mr. John Brown

Mr HURRY:
BENDIGO, VICTORIA

– Has the AttorneyGeneral completed his inquiries into the matter of instituting proceedings against the mine-owners in respect of the lockout in the coal-mining industry? If so, is he in a position to make a statement to the House?

Mr LATHAM:
NAT

– Investigations in relation to this matter have been proceeding ever since the beginning of what is described as a lock-out. The inquiries were completed yesterday, the facts were finally considered by counsel last night, and proceedings will be taken to-day against Mr. John Brown.

Mr CHIFLEY:
MACQUARIE, NEW SOUTH WALES

– The AttorneyGeneral has stated that proceedings are to be taken against Mr. John Brown in connexion with the lock-out of the coalminers in certain New South Wales collieries. Will he inform me under what statute the prosecution will be made?

Mr LATHAM:

– Under a provision of the Industrial Peace Act 1020, applied in conjunction with a provision of the Arbitration Act, certain of the provisions of which are made applicable in the case of awards made by special tribunals under the Industrial Peace Act.

page 1727

QUESTION

DAYS OF SITTING

Mr PARSONS:
ANGAS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– Following up the question the honorable member for Hindmarsh (Mr. Makin) yesterday regarding the days on which this House meets, I have made a canvass of honorable members on the Ministerial side of the House, and have ascertained that almost. without exception they desire that when the House is meeting on three days a week, T hose days should be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, instead of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. As the Prime Minister . is now advised of the wishes of the majority of honorable members on both sides of the chamber, will he give effect to them when the sittings of Parliament are resumed.

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– Any recommendation by the Government to the House regardingthe days of sitting when the House re-assembles, will certainly take into account the representations made by the honorable member for Hindmarsh yesterday, and supplemented to-day by those of the honorable member for Angas.

page 1728

QUESTION

REPATRIATION DEPARTMENT

Transfer to Canberra

Mr McGRATH:
BALLAARAT, VICTORIA

– I ask the Minister for Repatriation whether the officers of bis department, who are about to be transferred to Canberra, will beplaced on the same footing in regard to allowances as permanent officers of the Public Service ?

Sir NEVILLE HOWSE:
Minister for Health · CALARE, NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

– The matter is still under consideration.

Mr MAKIN:
HINDMARSH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– What is the approximate date when it is intended to transfer officers of the Repatriation Commission from Melbourne to Canberra, and will the decision of the Government regarding the date of the transfer, and the application of the officers for compensation, be intimated to them prior to their leaving Melbourne?

Sir NEVILLE HOWSE:

– I cannot give the honorable member even the approximate date; hut I can assure him that the matters to which he has referred will be carefully considered. The officers will be given good, and even long notice, before their removal.

page 1728

SYNTHETIC WOOL

Mr LISTER:
CORIO, VICTORIA

– The following para graph appeared in this morning’s Canberra Times : -

page 1728

SYNTHETIC WOOL

Industry Seeks Protection

Sydney, Thursday, The President of the Graziers’ Association, Mr. F. H. Tout, asked to-day that the wool industry be afforded protection against syn theticwool and other substitutes. He considered that these substitutes should be sold under their correct name, and not marketed as wool. Mr. Tout’s remarks were accompanied by an announcement, by the Premier, in reply to a question thathe would make inquiry into the matter of a factory being established in Victoria, for the manufacture of a product known as synthetic wool.

In the event of such a factory being established in any part of Australia, will the Minister for Trade and Customs consider the need for legislation to protect the woollen industry by insisting that synthetic products shall be correctly labelled ?

Mr GULLETT:
Minister for Trade and Customs · HENTY, VICTORIA · NAT

– I shall be pleased to give sympathetic consideration to this request, but I am not certain of the Commonwealth’s powers in this regard.

page 1728

QUESTION

NAVIGATION ACT

Mr BEASLEY:
WEST SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

– A paragraph in the newspapers states that the Board of Trade will shortly commence an inquiry in Melbourne into the Coastal Provisions of the Navigation Act which prevent overseas ships from carrying interstate cargo and passengers. I ask the Minister for Trade and Customs what opportunities will be afforded the unions that will be affected by any alteration of the act to put their case before the board?

Mr GULLETT:
NAT

– The inquiry is to be undertaken, not by the Board of Trade, but by the Tariff Board, and, in accordance with its practice, notice of the hearing will be widely advertised, and an opportunity will be afforded interested parties to put their case before the board.

page 1728

NATIONAL INSURANCE BILL

Mr THOMPSON:
NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Will the Prime Minister inform the House of the Government’s intentions in regard to the National Insurance Bill?

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– The bill was introduced into the last Parliament and the second reading moved, so that the provisions of the scheme might be fully explained and an opportunity’ afforded people and organizations who are interested to consider it fully. The debate was then adjourned. During the forthcoming recess a conference of representatives of the Commonwealth and the State Premiers will be held, and national insurance and social legislation generally will be considered with a view to definite action being taken when this House re-assembles later in the year.

Mr BLAKELEY:
DARLING, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Will the Prime Minister state whether there is any relation between the rumoured crisis in the caucus of the Nationalist party last year, when the National Insurance Bill was under consideration, and the fact that that bill has not been re-introduced? If there is no relation between those matters, can the Prime Minister say when he is likely to re-introduce the measure?

Mr BRUCE:

– The first part of the question obviously has nothing to do with the administration of any department, nor, in fact, has it anything to do with any public question; but, since the honorable member is interested in the subject, I may say that his information is totally incorrect. As to the second part of his question, I have already intimated to the honorable member for New England (Mr. Thompson) that the subject of national insurance and social legislation generally will be discussed with the Premiers, and the measure that has already been considered in this House will probably be re-submitted to it when we reassemble after the coming recess.

page 1729

QUESTION

SHEPHERD INQUIRY

Mr FENTON:
MARIBYRNONG, VICTORIA

– Will the Prime Minister inform me what were the total expenses of the Shepherd inquiry, what expenses were allowed to Mr. Shepherd, and what part, if any, of Mr. Larkin’s expenses were paid by the Government? Is it true that, owing to the suspension by the Minister of his chief executive officer, considerable friction exists between these two individuals? If that is so, does the Prime Minister intend to relieve the Minister of his position in order to restore harmony in an important public department?

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– There is no truth in the statement that friction exists between the Minister and Mr. Shepherd, and I have no intention of taking the action suggested by the honorable member. I will obtain and let the honorable member have the other information he requires.

page 1729

QUESTION

GOULBURNCANBERRAROAD

Mr HUGHES:
NORTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Yesterday the Minister for Works and Railways, replying to a question that I asked him, said -

Yesterday the right honorable member for North Sydney (Mr. Hughes) asked a question concerning the road from Goulburn to Canberra, via Tarago and Bungendore. I have ascertained that the State authorities have made provision for an expenditure, this year, of £5,133 on purely maintenance work, with the object of keeping this road in atrafficable condition, pending the construction of the newroad from Canberra to Goulburn, via Collector, the estimated cost of which is £250,000.

That was not a reply to the question which I originally put to the Minister. I asked him what his department intended to do in regard to this road, not what the State Government intended to do about it. I now ask the Minister what his department intends to do to put all the roads leading from the Federal Capital tothe State capitals into properorder? His predecessor accepted some responsibility in relation to the CanberraGoulburn road, and said that he would do what was possible to put it into good condition.

Mr GIBSON:
Postmaster-General · CORANGAMITE, VICTORIA · CP

– This road is in New South Wales, and that State must take the initiative in regard to any work in connexion with it. When the State intimates that it is ready to find its proportion of the cost of reconstructing it, the Commonwealth will do its share.

page 1729

QUESTION

CENSORSHIP OF LITERATURE

Mr JAMES:
HUNTER, NEW SOUTH WALES

– Reverting to the question that I asked last week respecting the censorship of literature, I now bring under the notice of the Minister for Trade and Customs the following letter which I have received from the New South Wales Co-operative Wholesale Society Limited on this subject: -

We hand you herewith two communications from the Customs, and would be glad if you would make inquiries regarding the hold-up of these. You could point out these publications are being allowed to enter England quite freely to the Co-operative Union. As far as we know they consist mainly of a summary of the progress of the Co-operative Movement in Russia.

The publications referred to are two issues of the Information Bulletin of Centrosoyus, which were withheld in Sydney on the 14th February, 1929, and the 1st

March, 1929. As these are purely cooperative journals, I should like the Minister to review his decision in relation to them.

Mr GULLETT:
NAT

– I shall be pleased to do so.

page 1730

QUESTION

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION WITH FLINDERS ISLAND

Mr JACKSON:
BASS, TASMANIA

– In February last I asked the Postmaster-General a question relating to wireless telegrams between Flinders Island, Tasmania, and the mainland, for which a minimum charge of Ja. Sd. is made. The Minister said that lie would make an inquiry into the matter, la he yet in a position to inform me of i lie result of his investigations? If he finds that he cannot reduce the minimum charge, will he consider increasing the maximum number of words that may be transmitted for it?

Mr GIBSON:
CP

– A definite decision has not yet been made on this subject. I point out that Flinders Island is one of the coastal stations in respect of which a separate charge is made by the Amalgamated Wireless Limited. I will have the matter determined as soon as possible.

page 1730

QUESTION

MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY

Awards of Merit

Mr MARKS:
WENTWORTH, NEW SOUTH WALES

– I have received an intimation from one of the largest film producing companies of England, another from one of the leading companies nf America, and yet another from ii well-known young Australian producer who has just returned from Hollywood, that they desire to produce a big film in Australia. Will the Minister for Trade and Customs, therefore, ask Cabinet to consider instituting at an early date the scheme recommended by the Motion Picture Industry Royal Commission for the granting of awards of merit? The commission recommended that this scheme should run in conjunction with the quota system, but, as there seems to be considerable delay in the States in passing legislation necessary to enable the Commonwealth to legislate on this subject, it would, be advisable for the proposed awards of merit to be offered at once.

Mr GULLETT:
NAT

– I shall be pleased to bring this matter under the notice of Cabinet.

page 1730

QUESTION

UNIFORM RAILWAY GAUGE

Char les worth’s Device.

Mr LONG:
LANG, NEW SOUTH WALES

– In connexion with the question that I asked the Minister for Markets and Transport on this subject on the 28th February, I have now received the following letter from Mr. Charlesworth : -

The reply you received from the Hon. Mr. Paterson is, in my opinion, not correct. 1 would like you to ask the honorable member who gave the Royal Commission the information with regard to the working of the Charlesworth system. I did not, neither was I allowed to take any part in the proceedings. Not one member of that commission knows as much about the working of the model as you do. If you care to put any of them to the test you will find they know nothing about it. ] am condemned without being heard, ls this British justice?

I ask the Minister who gave him the information contained in his reply to my question ?

Mr PATERSON:
Minister for Markets and Transport · GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA · CP

– The information was supplied to mc by the Secretary of the Commonwealth Railways Department. If the honorable member will hand me the letter which he has just read, I will make further inquiries into the subject, and communicate with him later by mail in regard to it.

page 1730

QUESTION

PETROL TAX

Mr BOWDEN:

– Is the Minister for Trade and Customs yet in a position to make a statement in reply to my request for rebates of the petrol tax to users of petrol for other than transport purposes ?

Mr GULLETT:
NAT

– A decision has not yet been reached, but I hope that it will be made at an early date.

page 1730

QUESTION

DEVELOPMENT AND MIGRATION COMMISSION

Mr PRICE:
BOOTHBY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– On the 13th March I asked the Prime Minister certain questions relating to the Development and Migration Commission. Is he yet in a position to reply to them?

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– I shall reply to a number of deferred questions this morning. If the honorable member’s question is not among them I shall forward him the information as soon as I receive it.

page 1731

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH HOUSING ACT

Mr THOMPSON:

– Will the Treasurer make available to honorable members an official statement as to the steps that should be taken by applicants who desire to apply, through the State authorities, for loans under the Commonwealth housing scheme? A number of people have asked me what course they should pursue, but I am as much in the dark as they are.

Dr EARLE PAGE:
Treasurer · COWPER, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP

– I shall have a statement prepared and circulated to all honorable members on this subject.

page 1731

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH OFFICES IN SYDNEY

Mr E RILEY:
SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– Can the Prime Minister inform me whether anything has been done to give effect to the recommendation of the Public Works Committee that Commonwealth offices should be erected in Sydney for the accommodation of our public departments there, with the view of saving the heavy rents that are at present being paid?

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– That subject was considered when the Estimates for the current year were being prepared; but it was not found possible at that time to make provision for the building to be commenced. No doubt, the matter will receive consideration again when the Estimates for the coming year are being considered.

page 1731

QUESTION

SOLDIER LAND SETTLEMENT

Mr. Justice Pike’s Report

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

– Will the Prime Minister make an urgent effort to secure Mr. Justice Pike’s report upon soldier land settlement before the conference with State Premiers is held in May, so that our returned soldiers may be informed as early as possible of the extent of any further assistance they may expect from Commonwealth and State sources?

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– It is most desirable that Mr. Justice Pike’s report should be available before the conference which it is proposed to hold with the States takes place; though I should make it clear that the States have not yet agreed to attend a conference. I shall do all in my power to obtain the report, so that it may be discussed at the conference, should one bc held.

page 1731

AUSTRALIAN FLEET

Parliamentary Inspection

Mr MARKS:

– Will the Prime Minister assign a special day for the inspection of the fleet, so that honorable members, and a limited number of their friends, may visit the ships of our navy; say, one of the cruisers, one of the submarines and the Platypus^

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– lt would be an excellent idea, if a suitable place and date could be arranged, to enable honorable members and their friends to inspect our submarines, one of the cruisers, and the seaplane carrier. I shall see if a convenient opportunity can be found.

page 1731

QUESTION

DARWIN HOSPITAL

Mr NELSON:
NORTHERN TERRITORY, NORTHERN TERRITORY

– I notice that order of the day, No. 10, deals with the Commonwealth Employees Compensation Bill. I think that it is safe to assume that, at this late hour of the session, that important measure will be among the “slaughtered innocents.” Seeing that it has a vital bearing on Commonwealth employees who have met, and may in future, meet with accidents, and that, under the present law, the maximum compensation obtainable is £2 a week, will the Minister for Home Affairs consider the immediate reduction of the hospital charge at Darwin from £3 10s. to 35s. a week, which was the charge formerly made?

Mr ABBOTT:
Minister of Home Affairs · GWYDIR, NEW SOUTH WALES · CP

– If the honorable member will be good enough to write to me fully on this matter, I shall give it attention.

page 1731

QUESTION

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CENTENARY

Mr MANN:
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

– Have any arrangements yet been made for a part of the Australian squadron to visit Western Australia in connexion with the centenary celebrations to be held there?

Mr MARR:
Honorary Minister · PARKES, NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

– That matter is still being considered by the department, and when a determination has been reached, the honorable member will he notified of it.

page 1732

QUESTION

WOOLLEN UNDERWEAR,

Mr PARSONS:

– In view of the fact that medical men often advise patients to wear woollen underwear for health reasons, will the Minister for Health consider what steps could be taken to ensure that the health of persons advised to wear woollen garments is not jeopardized by the inadvertent use of synthetic wool?

Sir NEVILLE HOWSE:
NAT

– That matter requires very grave consideration. I shall give it attention, and reply to the honorable member in due course.

page 1732

TOBACCO BOUNTY

Mr JONES:
INDI, VICTORIA

– Will the Minister for Trade and Customs consider the advisability of granting a bounty on tobacco leaf, in order to stimulate its production in Australia in view of the increasing demand for that article.

Mr GULLETT:
NAT

– The honorable member’s question obviously deals with a matter of Government policy

page 1732

QUESTION

NAVAL MANOEUVRES

Claimsof Hobart

Mr McWILLIAMS:
FRANKLIN, TASMANIA

– Since Hobart is the finest harbour in the southern hemisphere, and the only port in Australia where extended naval manoeuvres may be carried out, is there any reason why it should not be selected as the port for the manoeuvres of the Australian fleet?

Mr MARR:
NAT

– If the honorable member advises the department as to the position of Hobart on the map, and gives it the other information in his possession on the subject, the department will give his representations full consideration.

page 1732

QUESTION

CLAIMS OF EX-SOLDIERS

Appeal Tribunals

Mr BRENNAN:
BATMAN, VICTORIA

– Seeing that, barring accidents, we are about to separate, and the Minister for Repatriation will not have the benefit of the good advice and counsel of the Opposition for some months, and as the establishment of repatriation appeal boards has been agreed to by this House, can the honorable gentleman tell us when the tribuanls will be established and put into operation, in view of the fact that a large number of urgent cases await consideration by them?

Sir NEVILLE HOWSE:
NAT

– The bill that was passed in this chamber last night is now before the Senate. If the measure becomes law, and I can obtain the services of the men with special qualifications required for the entitlement tribunals, they should be able to operate by the 1st May.

page 1732

QUESTION

BUFFALO FLY

Mr G FRANCIS:
KENNEDY, QUEENSLAND · NAT

– In view of the fact that the protection of flocks and herds against the ravages of the buffalo fly is the responsibility of the Queensland Government, is the Prime Minister in a position to inform the House what action that Government is taking?

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– The major part of the work being done at the present time is being carried out by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. For the moment I do not know that any assistance is being rendered by the Queensland Government, hut I shall look into the matter, and advise the honorable member of the position.

page 1732

QUESTION

COTTON GROWING

Protectionof Industry

Mr FORDE:
CAPRICORNIA, QUEENSLAND

– In view of the fact that the Government has decided not to grant protection to the cotton industry before the adjournment of Parliament for the coming recess, will the Minister for Trade and Customs accept an invitation from the cotton-growers of Queensland to visit the Northern Burnett, Callide, Wowan, and other districts so that firsthand information may be obtained from the growers’ point of view ? Is the Minister aware of the statement made in the Senate yesterday by Senator Greene, exMinister for Trade and Customs, and Chairmanof Directors of the BritishAustralasian Cotton Growing Association, severely criticizing the Government for breaking the definite promise to both the growers and this House to give protection to the industry?

Mr GULLETT:
NAT

– I do not for a moment agree that theGovernment has not given protection to the cottongrowing industry in Queensland. In the event of an invitation being extended to me by the Queensland cotton-growers to visit their areas, I shall be pleased to see if I can make the necessary arrangements to do so. Of course, I cannot give any definite undertaking in the matter.

page 1733

QUESTION

DISTRESS IN PORT PIRIE DISTRICT

Mr LACEY:
GREY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

– About a fortnight ago I asked the Prime Minister if he would make inquiries concerning the distress that exists on account of unemployment in Port Pirie, South Australia, and, if he found that it was as severe as I stated it to be, whether he would consider the payment of a subsidy at the rate of £1 for £1 on all collections made in the district. The right honorable gentleman promised to have inquiries made. If those inquiries are not yet completed, will he endeavour to hasten them, and let me know what the Government intends to do?

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– I regret that I have not yet received a report in connexion with this matter. So soon as I receive it I shall apprise the honorable member of the Government’sintentions.

page 1733

QUESTION

CASEOF CAPTAIN DANIEL

Mr BRENNAN:

– Early this morning the Prime Minister furnished me with certain information in relation to the case of Captain Daniel, formerly master of the Jervis Bay. I appreciate that information, but I should like to know from the right honorable gentleman whether weare to assume that he has disposed of Captain Daniel’s claim as a part of the Government’s policy, or whether it is still a matter in respect to which representat ions may be made to the Shipping Board ; and, generally, if something can be done to ameliorate the hardship that arises out of this sad case?

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– Certain recommendations were made by the Shipping Board in relation to the payment of pensions to a portion of the staff of the Commonwealth Shipping Line. Those recommendations were accepted by the Government, and have been put into effect. I understand that representations are still being made to the Shipping Board in the case of Captain Daniel, and communications on the subject have been sent to the Government. It is not proposed to vary the decision that has been come to. It is a matter for the discretion of the honor able member or the individual concerned whether any advantage would be gained by continuing to make representations to the Shipping Board.

page 1733

QUESTION

TRADE WITH FIJI AND JAVA

Mr MACKAY:
LILLEY, QUEENSLAND

asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

What is the total amount sterling of the imports and exports with Fiji and Java respectively for the year1920, as compared with 1928?

Mr GULLETT:
NAT

– Statistics are tabulated in financial years only. Particulars for the years 1919-20 and 1927-28 are appended. In the case of Java, separate figures are not available, the particulars being recorded under the heading “ Netherlands East Indies “ : -

page 1733

QUESTION

TROPICAL DISEASES LABORATORY AT BROOME

Mr A GREEN:
KALGOORLIE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936

asked the Minister for Health,upon notice -

Has he considered the question of the desirability of the establishment of a Tropical Diseases Laboratory at Broome; if so, what decision has he arrived at?

Sir NEVILLE HOWSE:
NAT

– The establishment of a laboratory at Broome has been considered in connexion with the general question of extending the laboratory system, but the financial situation has rendered necessary a delay in the final decision.

page 1733

QUESTION

CEMENT PRODUCTION

Mr GREGORY:
SWAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

  1. What were the tonnage and value of cement imported into Australia during the year 1927-28?
  2. What were the tonnage and reported value of cement manufactured in Australia during the same period?
  3. What was the rate of duty imposed on imported cement - (a) British, and (b) foreign?
  4. As it is reliably stated that cement can be imported and delivered c.i.f. Melbourne or Sydney at 57s. per ton, will the Minister reconsider his decision and refer to the Tariff Board for inquiry the present rate of duty on cement?
Mr GULLETT:
NAT

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

  1. 22,696 tons, value £73,692.
  2. For1926-1927 (the latest period available),638,175 tons, value £2,795,636.
  3. British preferential and intermediate tariffs,1s. per cwt. ; general tariff,1s.6d. per cwt. 4.No.

page 1734

QUESTION

POSTAL DEPARTMENT

Mail Officers, General Post Office, Sydney - Sale of Postage Stamps

Mr COLEMAN:
REID, NEW SOUTH WALES

asked the PostmasterGeneral, upon notice -

  1. What was the total number of temporary and permanent mail officers employed in the Mail Branch, General Post Office, Sydney, during February, 1928?
  2. What was the total number of temporary and permanent mail officers employed in the Mail Branch, General Post Office, Sydney, during February. 1929?
  3. What was the total amount paid for overtime, Sunday duty, and holiday duty to temporary and permanent mail officers employed in the Mail Branch, General Post Office, Sydney, during February, 1928?
  4. What was the total amount paid for overtime, Sunday duty and holiday duty, to temporary and permanent mail officers employed in the Mail Branch, General Post Office, Sydney, during February, 1929?
  5. What did the sales of postage stamps in New South Wales amount to during February, 1928? (i. What did the sales of postage stamps in New South Wales amount to during February, 1929?
Mr GIBSON:
CP

– The information desired by the honorable member is being obtained.

page 1734

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC WORKS

Relief of Unemployment

Mr PRICE:

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

In view of the number of unemployed in Australia, and in consideration of the question of Commonwealth works of national character -

Will he supply the House with alist of works which the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Workshas recommended during the last three years, and which the Government has not proceeded with?

Will he consider the advisability of making a statement, before the House goes into recess, concerning the works on which the Government proposes to commence operations ?

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– I am not at the present moment able to supply the honorable member with the information asked for in the first portion of his question, hut, as I indicated to him yesterday in reply to a question without notice, the Government has been pressing on with all works the construction of which is practicable at the present time, and will continue to do so as far as the funds that are available will permit.

page 1734

QUESTION

GLASSES FOR PARLIAMENT HOUSE

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

asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

  1. With reference to his statement on the 20th March, in reply to a question by the honorable member for Melbourne, that800 glasses for the Parliamentary refreshment rooms were of Belgian and Norwegian origin, and that similar glasses were not being made in Australia, will he make inquiries to ascertain whether there are any glassesbeing made in Australia that would have met the purpose for which these glasses are being imported?
  2. What docs the department intend to do with these foreign glasses?
Mr GULLETT:
NAT

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

  1. Yes.
  2. The importers have been given the option of removing the marking which infringes the proclamation.

page 1734

QUESTION

MATERNAL HYGIENE

Appointment of Director

Mr C RILEY:
COOK, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP; FLP from 1931

asked the Minister for Health. upon notice -

  1. Whether any appointment has yet been made to the position of Director of Maternal Hygiene?
  2. If not, what is the reason of the delay, and when is it contemplated that an appointment will be made?
Sir NEVILLE HOWSE:
NAT

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

  1. No.
  2. Steps towards an appointment are actually proceeding,but it is difficult to anticipate when finality will be reached.

page 1735

QUESTION

TINNED FOODSTUFFS

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

asked the Minister for Health, upon notice -

  1. Is it a factthat tinned fresh fruits, jams, meat, fish and food generally have more value the sooner they are eaten after being tinned?
  2. Does age, extending to years, increase the danger of eating tinned fruits?
  3. In order to raise the quality and standard of tinned foods, will the Government take steps to have the date of tinning impressed on the tin, so as to ensure that no old foods can be foisted on to the consumer?
Sir NEVILLE HOWSE:
NAT

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

  1. Generally speaking, the position is as stated.
  2. There is no indication that age, as such, has relation to any risk associated with tinned fruits.
  3. Action in this direction would require to be simultaneously taken bythe Commonwealth and all States. It is, therefore, properly a matter for the next Food and Drugs Conference.

page 1735

QUESTION

CANBERRA

Hotel Employees

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

asked the Minister for Home Affairs, upon notice -

  1. Is it a fact that hotel employees were brought to Canberra for a week’s work during the Rotary Conference, without being told they would only be employed for that period?
  2. How many (a) male, and (b) female employees were brought here?
  3. What were the expenses pertaining thereto?
Mr ABBOTT:
CP

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

  1. No. Under explicit instructions to the Labour Bureau in Sydney they were engaged as casual employees, and were paid the prescribed higher award rate in consequence. 2. (a) two. (b) eleven, of whom three (3) have been retained. £.5411s7d.

page 1735

QUESTION

PROHIBITED LITERATURE

Mr CHIFLEY:

asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

  1. Will he have a review made of all workingclass literature which has been banned, with the object of allowing works of an educational character to be circulated?
  2. Is it a fact that works which are being published, and circulated inEngland are banned from admission into Australia?
  3. If so, will he give consideration to allowing such works to be circulated in Australia?
Mr GULLETT:
NAT

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

  1. Each publication now prohibited was carefully considered before being restricted. If the honorable member will bring any particular publication under notice, it will be re-considered.
  2. Yes, in a few instances.
  3. This aspect of the subject has always received consideration.

page 1735

QUESTION

COAL PRICES

Mr J FRANCIS:
MORETON, QUEENSLAND · NAT; UAP from 1931; LP from 1944

asked the Minister for Trade and Customs, upon notice -

What was the average paid for coal supplied to the Commonwealth Marine Department in both Queensland and New South Wales in each year from1916 to1928, inclusive?

Mr GULLETT:
NAT

– The information is being obtained.

page 1735

QUESTION

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE

Appointment of Workers’ Representative

Mr D CAMERON:
BRISBANE. QLD · NAT

asked the Prime Minister, upon notice -

  1. Have any steps been taken towards nominating a workers’ representative for the International Labour Conference to be held in May next?
  2. Will the Prime Minister lay on the table any correspondence relating to this nomination ?
Mr BRUCE:
NAT

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

  1. In conformity with Article389 of the Statute of the International Labour Office that the employees delegate should be a person nominated by the Government, and chosen in agreement with the industrial organizations representative of workers, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Workers Union, and the Port Adelaide Trades and Labour Council were in January last asked to submit three nominations for selection as employees’ delegate. The Port Adelaide Trades and Labour Council have submitted three nominations, the Australian Council of Trade Unions have not yet done so, and the Australian Workers Union have decided to take no action.
  2. I lay on the table of the House copies of the correspondence relating to the matter.

page 1735

QUESTION

COCKATOO ISLAND DOCKYARD

Tenders for Lease

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– Yesterday the DeputyLeader of the Opposition asked me a question, without notice, with regard to the invitation of tenders for the leasing of Cockatoo Island Dockyard.

I have looked into the matter, but, as tenders do not close until the 30th March, it will not be possible to make any information available to honorable members at this stage.

page 1736

QUESTION

MIGRATION

Arrivals and Departures

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– On the 8th March, in replying to a question, upon notice, by the honorable member for Lang (Mr. Long) concerning the number of arrivals in and departures from Australia during the year 1927-28, I promised to obtain information as to the number of migrants brought to Australia and the cost. I am now in a position to furnish the following information : -

During the financial year 1927-28, 20,915 British migrants were brought to Australia miller the migration policy.

The cost to the Commonwealth was £340,492, and includes, inter alia, free passage money grants, £274,173, subsidies to voluntary organizations, £10,010, and contributions towards cost of establishment and maintenance by States of reception and farm trailing depots, £5,425. In addition, loans of pa.s-sage money, landing money and medical fees, were advanced to migrants to the extent of £20.700, this amount being recoverable.

page 1736

PAPERS

The following papers were presented : -

Contract Immigrants Act - Return for 1928.

Immigration Act - Return for 192S.

North Australia - Report on the Administration for year ended 30th June, 1928.

Postmaster-General’s Department - Eighteenth Annual Report, 1927-28.

Ordered to be printed.

International Labour Organization of the League of Nations - Correspondence relating to the selection of employees’ delegate to the 12th Session.

Royal Australian Naval College - Annual Report, 1928.

New Guinea Act - Ordinance of 1929 - No. 2 - Lands Registration.

page 1736

TARIFF BOARD

Report on Fur Felt and Wool Felt Hats.

Mr GULLETT:
Minister for Trade and Customs · Henty · NAT

– I lay on the table the report of the Tariff Board on fur felt and wool felt hats, and I move -

That the paper be printed.

Mr COLEMAN:
Reid

– I do not expect the Minister to give a clear and definite indication of Government policy; but I, nevertheless, take advantage of this opportunity to ask him. when it is intended to give this House an opportunity to consider the various recommendations that have been made to the Government from time to time by the Tariff Board. When I referred to this matter on a previous occasion, the Minister did not deal with it in his speech in reply to the debate. There are quite a large number of outstanding recommendations of the Tariff Board. I should like the Minister to state how many are actually before him at the present time. This problem is causing a great deal of concern to manufacturers, and, in view of the unemployment that is rife throughout Australia, its solution brooks no delay.

Mr GULLETT:

– I shall bear in mind the honorable member’s representations, but I am unable to make a definite statement at present.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

page 1736

QUESTION

DEVELOPMENT AND MIGRATION COMMISSION

Investigation Officers

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– On the 7th March, the honorable member for Fremantle (Mr. Curtin) asked me the following questions, upon notice -

  1. How many investigation officers are now engaged under the direction of the Development and Migration Commission?
  2. What arc the salary and allowances paid to each investigating officer, and what are the qualifications each lias for the work he is engaged on ? 3. (a) What inquiry is each investigating officer occupied with at the present time; (6) when did each inquiry commence; and (o) when is it expected that each inquiry will conclude?

I am now able to supply the honorable member with the following information : - 1 and 2. The following are particulars of officers employed by the commission partly or wholly on investigational and developments work, and to a considerable extent in connexion with schemes under the £34,000,000 agreement submitted by the various States: -

Each of these officers possesses the necessary qualifications for the work upon which he is engaged. In addition to the officers mentioned, other members of the staff of the commission, exclusive of the migration section, are from time to time required to assist in investigational and developmental work. 3. (a) to (c). The services of officers of the commission are, under the direction of Commissioners, utilized on a number of investigations as the urgency and necessity of the occasion dictate. It is seldom, if ever, that officers are specifically detailed for one investigation alone, as, owing to the number of subjects with which the commission is called upon to deal under the £34,000,000 agreement, and in some cases at the request of the State Governments submitted through the Commonwealth Government, the services of the staff are utilized to the best advantage, and re-adjustments of work are made from time to time as is considered best under the circumstances. The second annual report of the commission, which will be available at an early date, will furnish in full detail the various investigations which are in progress and those which have been completed since the date of the commission’s last annual report.

page 1737

QUESTION

PUBLIC SERVICE

High-Salaried Officers

Mr BRUCE:
NAT

– On the 8th March, the honorable member for Melbourne (Dr. Maloney) asked me the following questions, upon notice -

  1. How many officials in the Commonwealth service in 1913 and 1928, respectively, drew salaries of £1,000 per annum and upwards?
  2. What are the names, positions and salaries of the above officials?

I am now in a position to furnish the following information : -

  1. The number of officers of the Commonwealth Public Service in receipt of salaries of £1,000 and over was - At 30th June, 1913, 6; at 30th June, 1928, 50.
  2. Officers of the Commonwealth Public Service in receipt of salaries of £1,000 and over -
Officers of the Commonwealth Public Service in receipt of salaries of £1,000 and over - *continued.* {: .page-start } page 1739 {:#debate-49} ### QUESTION {:#subdebate-49-0} #### DAIRY EXPORT CONTROL BOARD Saving on Exported Butter. {: #subdebate-49-0-s0 .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr PATERSON:
CP -- Yesterday the honorable member for Capricornia **(Mr. Forde)** asked me the following question : - >What has been the total saving made by the Dairy Export Control Board in handling the exportable surplus of butter for 1025-26, 1926-27 and 1927-28, and how was such saving effected ? I am now in a position to furnish the following information: - >The total saving was £360,719 and was effected in the following way: - {: .page-start } page 1739 {:#debate-50} ### QUESTION {:#subdebate-50-0} #### WIRELESS BROADCASTING {: #subdebate-50-0-s0 .speaker-KAY} ##### Mr GIBSON:
CP -- On the 21st March, 1929, the honorable member for Boothby **(Mr. Price)** addressed to me the following questions: - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. Is it a fact that immense educational value attaches to the present activities of the British Broadcasting Corporation? 1. Is it a fact that between 7,000 and 8,000 schools are linked with Savoy Hill, and that, in addition to this, a clear policy for systematically furthering adult education is now coming into operation ? 2. Does the Government intend that the people of Australia shall benefit in a like manner ? 3. If so, can well-organized educational activities (calling for highly expert direction) be secured under a system of public contract? 4. Is the Government in possession of figures which would show the profits nowmade by broadcasting companies, more especially in the States of Victoria and New South Wales; if so, will the Government disclose those figures ? 5. If such figures show a disproportionate profit, will the Government be prepared to consider a substantial reduction in the licencefees now paid by listeners? I am now in a position to furnish the following replies: - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. The British Broadcasting Corporation has undoubtedly undertaken very valuable work in transmissions of an educational character. 1. Large numbers of schools in Great Britain are equipped with receiving sets, and it is known from information systematically supplied to my department that the corporation is endeavouring still further to stimulate adult education. 2. The Government is particularly anxious that the people of Australia shall gain the maximum benefit possible from educational transmissions. 3. It is believed that means can be found for adequately catering for educational activities under a system where the programme is provided by public contract. 5 and 6. The Government is in possession of information which shows that, while certain companies are making profits, the general position, judged from the Commonwealth stand-point, is such that the revenue is barely sufficient to ensure an expansion of the service as contemplated under the national broadcasting scheme; consequently it would be unwise in the extreme at the present juncture to make any alteration in the licence-fees. The Government is anxious that additional stations should be erected as rapidly as possible, and I think it will be generally agreed that the service should be self-supporting. {: .page-start } page 1740 {:#debate-51} ### QUESTION {:#subdebate-51-0} #### WIRELESS Power for Pennant Hills Station {: #subdebate-51-0-s0 .speaker-KAY} ##### Mr GIBSON:
CP -- On the 21st March, 1929, the honorable member for Parramatta **(Mr. Bowden)** addressed to me the following questions: - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. What arrangements were made by the Government with the New South Wales Railways Commissioners for the supply of electric power to the Pennant Hills wireless station ? 1. *For* what term were these arrangements made ? 2. Has Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Limited taken over the liability of the Government to the New South Wales Railways Commissioners ? 3. Is Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Limited working under the old agreement, or has that company made a new agreement with the Railways Commissioners? 4. If so, what are the terms of the new agreement, and what is its duration? I am now able to furnish the honorable member with the following particulars : - 1 and 2. An agreement was entered into on 19th December, 1918, for the supply of electric power to Pennant Hills wireless station. A copy of the agreement will be made available for inspectionby the honorable member. {: type="1" start="3"} 0. Yes. 1. The Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Limited is working under the old agreement. 2. See answer to No. 4. {: .page-start } page 1740 {:#debate-52} ### QUESTION {:#subdebate-52-0} #### COTTON INDUSTRY {: #subdebate-52-0-s0 .speaker-KFS} ##### Mr GULLETT:
NAT -- On the 21st March the honorable member for Capricornia **(Mr. Forde)** asked the following question, *upon notice -* {: type="1" start="1"} 0. What quantities and values of cotton yarn (a) mercerized, and (b) cotton (n.e.i.) were imported to Australia for 1927-28, and to howmany bales of cotton lint are the total imports of cottonyarn equivalent? 1. What were the importations in *(a)* weight, and (b) value of raw cotton into Australia for 1927-28, and what were the weight and value of exports of raw cotton from Australia in the same period? 2. What were the weight and value of importations of cotton lint exported from Australia and re-imported during 1927-28? I am now able to furnish the honorable member with the following information : - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. The value of cotton yarn imported in 1927-28 was - The quantity is not recorded. The relative quantity of cotton lint is not ascertainable. 2 - {: type="1" start="3"} 0. There were no re-imports of Australian raw cotton (including lint) in 1927-28. {: .page-start } page 1740 {:#debate-53} ### QUESTION {:#subdebate-53-0} #### WAR LOANS- WAR PENSIONS {: #subdebate-53-0-s0 .speaker-C7E} ##### Dr EARLE PAGE:
CP -- On the 18th March, the honorable member for Adelaide **(Mr. Yates)** asked the following questions: - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. What amount has been paid in war loan interest each year to date? 1. What amount of war loans has been redeemed from revenue each year to date? 2. What is the total amount of war loans (a) borrowed, and (b) now owing? 3. What is the present number of *(a)* bondholders, and (b) inscribed stock holders? 4. What amount has been paid in soldiers' pensions each year to date? 6. (a) What is the number of soldier pensioners at present, and (b) what has been the total number of pensions granted to date? The answers to the honorable member's questions are as follow: - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. Interest paid on the Commonwealth war debt to date is as follows: - {: type="a" start="a"} 0. includes two-years interest from 1st July, 1917 to 30th June, 1919, on account of debt due to the Government of the United Kingdom. {: type="1" start="2"} 0. Since 1914-15 the following amounts have been provided from revenue in the years shown, and, excepting for the sum of £567,012 hold by the National Debt Commission as an investment, have been applied in redemption of war debt: - 3. (a) Total war loans borrowed, including indebtedness to the British Government, £340,984,867; (b) total war loans outstanding, including indebtedness to the British Government, £290,939,987. These figures do not include the sum of £35,848,008 raised in war loans and lent to the States by the Commonwealth for soldier land settlement and other purposes. 4. (a) The number of bondholders is not known, as bonds are transferable by delivery, and no record can be kept of transfers; (6) 77,169. {: type="1" start="5"} 0. The following amounts have been paid in soldiers' pensions each year from the inceptiontothe30thJune1928. - {: type="1" start="6"} 0. (a)The number of pensions payable to persons who were members of the forces is 73,187; (b) the total number of pensions granted to 19th March, 1929. including pensions to dependants, was 403,290. Particulars of the total number of pensions granted to date to persons who were members of the forces are not available, as separate statistics were not kept in the early years of those payments. {: .page-start } page 1741 {:#debate-54} ### QUESTION {:#subdebate-54-0} #### CANBERRA Hotels - Housing - C anberra House. {: #subdebate-54-0-s0 .speaker-JLJ} ##### Mr ABBOTT:
CP -- Yesterday the honor able member for Melbourne **(Dr. Maloney)** asked me - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. What are the names of the architect or architects of the hotels in Canberra? 1. What were the complete costs of each of such hotels? 2. How many guest rooms are there in each hotel? 3. Are there any similar hotels erected in any Australian city by the same architect or any other architect; if so, where? I now desire to advise him as follows: - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. Hotel Canberra, Hotel Acton, Hotel Kurrajong, designed by the Department of Works and Railways ; Hotel Ainslie, Messrs. Burcham, Clamp and Finch; Hotel Wellington, Messrs. Stephenson and Meldrum. 1. Hotel Canberra, £155,199; Hotel Kurrajong, £73,732; Hotel Acton, £68,458; Hotel Ainslie, £31,554; Hotel Wellington, £29,530. (Includes cost of buildings also necessary services, such as electric light and power, heating and hot water, paths, sewerage, drainage, and water supply within the area allotted to the buildings.) 2. Hotel Canberra, single rooms 55, double rooms, 02; Hotel Acton, single rooms, 42, double rooms, 40; Hotel Kurrajong, single rooms, 79, double rooms, 26; Hotel Ainslie, single rooms, 20, double rooms, 19; Hotel Wellington, single rooms, 20, double rooms, 14. 3. I am unable to say. Yesterday the honorable member for Melbourne **(Dr. Maloney)** asked me - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. How many houses in Canberra have been lent free of charge for storage and other purposes to officials or Commissioners? 1. What are the names of such officials or Commissioners, and what was the total rental value of each property? I am now in a position to advise him as follows : - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. Four. 2.(a) Colonel T. J. Thomas, Commissioner (two houses in succession); (6) **Mr. T.** R. Casboulto, Executive Architect; (c) **Dr. E.** McKinnon, Department of Health. The rental values of the houses in question are - (a) £3 7s.6d. and £3 5s. per week; (b) £38s.6d. per week; (c) £3 4s. per week. In each case the figures do not include rates. On the 21st March, the honorable member for Melbourne **(Dr. Maloney)** asked the following questions, *upon notice -* {: type="1" start="1"} 0. What is the total cost to date, including alterations and additions such as tennis courts, &c, of Canberra House, occupied by **Sir John** Butters? 1. What is the valuation for rental purposes, and what is the rental paid? 2. What percentage is this on the total cost? 3. Does this include rates and taxes: if so, what is the amount of such rates and taxes? 4. What is the total cost of the cheapest house built in Canberra by the Commission? 5. What is its valuation for rental purposes, and what is the rental paid? 6. What percentage is this on the total cost? 7. Does this also include rates and taxes; if so, what is the amount of such rates and taxes ? I am now in a position to advise the honorable member as follows: - 1 to 4. The information asked for by the honorable member was supplied to him in answer to a similar question asked on the llth June, 1928, to which he is referred. The rental, which includes rates and services, is based on 10 per cent. of the Chief Commissioner's salary. {: type="1" start="5"} 0. Approximately £455. 1. £455 and 14s. per week. 2. 8 per cent. 3. Yes.1s. per week. {: .page-start } page 1742 {:#debate-55} ### QUESTION {:#subdebate-55-0} #### DEFENCE EXPENDITURE {: #subdebate-55-0-s0 .speaker-KMW} ##### Mr MARR:
NAT -- Yesterday the honorable member for Melbourne **(Dr. Maloney)** asked the following question : - >What is the total amount expended on (a) military, (b) naval, and (c) air services each year from the 30th June, 1926, to date? I am now in a position to inform the honorable member as follows : - >The expenditure on services each year from 30th June, 1926, to date is as follows: - {: .page-start } page 1742 {:#debate-56} ### NATIONAL DEBT SINKING FUND BILL {:#subdebate-56-0} #### Second Reading Debate resumed from 20th March *(vide* page 1571), on motion by **Dr. Earle** Page - >That the bill be now read a second time. {: #subdebate-56-0-s0 .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr THEODORE:
Dalley .- I have no wish to criticize or oppose the bill. It is a small measure and 1 take it that the Treasurer has discussed with the Premiers the nature of the representation on the National Debt Sinking Fund Commission. Obviously, under the financial agreement, the States should have representation on the commission. I presume that the Treasurer has also discussed the method of selecting the representatives, so there is nothing more to be said on that subject. As the method of securing the retirement of State representatives and the appointment of their successors has, no doubt, been agreed upon by the Premiers, there is no criticism that fan be offered to the bill. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill read a second time, and - *by leave* - passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate. {: .page-start } page 1742 {:#debate-57} ### DAIRY PRODUCE EXPORT CHARGES BILL Order of the day (second reading) discharged; hill withdrawn. {: .page-start } page 1742 {:#debate-58} ### CANNED FRUITS EXPORT CHARGES BILL Order of the Day (second reading) discharged; bill withdrawn. {: .page-start } page 1742 {:#debate-59} ### DAIRY PRODUCE EXPORT CHARGES BILL (No. 2) *In Committee of Ways and Means:* {: #debate-59-s0 .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr PATERSON:
Minister for Markets and Transport · Gippsland · CP . -I move - >That where, in respect of any butter or cheese exported from the Commonwealth the Governor-General has, after report to the Minister by the Dairy Produce Control Board constituted under the Dairy Produce Export Control Act 1924, exempted by order published in the *Gazette,* either unconditionally or for such period (if any) and subject to such conditions as were specified in the order, such butter or cheese from the charges imposed by the Dairy Produce Export Charges Act 1924, the Governor-General may, by order published in the *Gazette,* cancel any such exemption and thereupon the charges imposed by the Dairy Produce Export Charges Act 1924 shall, from the date fixed by the order, become payable in respect of the butter or cheese to which the exemption related. The bill which it is proposed to introduce is identical with the measure that honorable members have already had an opportunity of studying. Question resolved in the affirmative. Resolution reported. Standing Orders suspended; resolution adopted. *Ordered -* >That **Dr. Earle** Page and **Mr. Paterson** do prepare and bring in a bill to carry out the foregoing resolution. Bill presented by **Mr. Paterson,** and read a first time. Secondreading. {: #debate-59-s1 .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr PATERSON:
Minister for Markets and Transport · Gippsland · CP -- I move - >That the bill be now read a second time. The first amendment of the existing act will be found in clause 2 of the bill. It is a minor amendment to make possible the payment of export charges to such officers as are prescribed instead of, as at present, to an officer of the Department of Trade and Customs. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr Theodore: -- The same principleis included in the Dried Fruits Export Charges Bill. {: .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr PATERSON: -- Yes. The other amendments in the bill will make it possible by order in council to exempt from the payment of charges small quantities of butter or cheese, such as ship's stores and small orders for the island trade, which under the existing law are not exempt from the levy. The charge is so small that it really costs more than it is worth in time and trouble to collect it. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr Theodore: -- The same principle of exemption shouldbe extended to the farmers who use petrol for motive power. {: .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr PATERSON: -- That has nothing to do with this bill. The levy on, say, two boxes of butter weighing about one cwt., would be about 2s. 8d. a box. That levy would be required to be entered in triplicate, checked and banked, and it is obvious that to go to that trouble for such a trifling amount is really absurd. The amendment will make it possible to exempt small quantities of cheese and butter from these charges, but, if necessary they may be re-imposed at any time, {: #debate-59-s2 .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE:
Capricornia .- The subject of the bill is most important, because it opens up the whole question of dairy produce. Honorable members should have been given time to make suggestionsas to what the Government might do in assisting the dairy farmers generally to market their produce. I should have liked the Minister to bring down a bill providing for a comprehensive scheme for the marketing of dairy produce in Australia as well as overseas. {: #debate-59-s3 .speaker-KFK} ##### Mr SPEAKER (Hon Sir Littleton Groom:
DARLING DOWNS, QUEENSLAND -- The hill relates to export charges and the honorable member must confine his remarks to the bill and to the act that it is proposed to amend. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE: -- When the House reassembles I should like the Minister to introduce a bill making provision for an Australian-wide marketing butter pool, to enable the dairy-farmers to get a more reasonable return for their products. Queensland has a wonderful pooling system, but because of jealousy and cutthroat competition between the States, it is greatly handicapped in its endeavours to give the farmers a fair return for their labour and investment in the industry. {: #debate-59-s4 .speaker-10000} ##### Mr SPEAKER: -- The honorable member is now discussing a subject which is quite outside the scope of the bill. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE: -- This morning I asked the Minister what was the total saving made by the Dairy Export Control Board in handling the exportable surplus of butter in 1925-26, 1926-27, and 1927-28. I am pleased to note that the board was responsible for effecting certain savings. Speaking in behalf of the Opposition on the motion for the second reading of the original bill on the 18th September, 1924, I commended it as a step in the right direction, but pointed out that it covered only one-third of Australia's butter production. In respect of the twothirds which is consumed on the Australian market, this Government has done nothing to bring about a more orderly system of marketing. The Paterson scheme is not a government conception. I believe that a man in Queensland claims to be the originator of it. {: .speaker-10000} ##### Mr SPEAKER: -- Order! This bill relates to dairy produce export charges and the honorable member is not in order in going beyond the scope of the bill. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE: -- The bill deals with the exportable surplus of butter and I am sorry that the Minister has not gone a step further, because there is a big field that is still neglected. I do not agree with the statement that section 92 of the Constitution acts as a bar to the creation of an Australian-wide dairy produce pool. Mr.Webb, the Solicitor-General of Queensland, advised the Dairy Council that the Commonwealth had ample power to legislate for an orderly marketing scheme for the whole of the butter produced in Australia. {: .speaker-10000} ##### Mr SPEAKER: -- Order ! The honorable member must confine his remarks to the bill. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE: -- I have been asked by various interests to deal with this matter. {: .speaker-10000} ##### Mr SPEAKER: -- That does not justify the honorable member in ignoring my direction. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE: -- As the House is about to go into recess, I thought that the Minister would not object to my bringing this matter to his notice. {: .speaker-10000} ##### Mr SPEAKER: -- This matter is not within the discretion of the Minister. The honorable member must conform to the rules of debate. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE: -- I shall not pursue the matter further. I hope the Minister will investigate the subjects I have brought to his notice and will see that dairy farmers are exempted from the petrol tax in respect of petrol used for milking. {: #debate-59-s5 .speaker-KEV} ##### Mr FENTON:
Maribyrnong -- The bill gives power to exempt certain butter from the charges to be imposed under the act, and the Minister by way of illustration of the intention of this provision said that ships' stores for a voyage might include two boxes of butter. What will happen in respect of the stores of a big mail steamer carrying from 1,000 to 1,500 passengers? I assume that between Australia and Europe more than a ton of butter would be used on such vessels? Will that quantity be exempt? {: .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr Paterson: -- No. **Mr. LAZZARINI** (Werriwa) [12.201. - The bill gives to the Minister fairly wide discretion in regard to the exemption of dairy produce from the charges imposed under the act. It may not be practicable to prescribe the maximum quantity that should be exempt, but I hope that the Minister will give an indication of the quantity he has in mind. {: #debate-59-s6 .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr PATERSON:
Minister for Markets · Gippsland · CP -- If honorable members will refer to proposed new section3a they will see that before any produce can be exempted by the Minister, he must receive a report from the Control Board. Obviously, a body which will be dependent upon these levies for its administration expenses will wish to exempt as little as possible. The proposal is to exempt only those quantities on which the levy would not be more than 2s. The cost of collecting such a charge would make it not worth while. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill read a second time. *In committee:* The bill. {: #debate-59-s7 .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE:
Capricornia .- Will the Minister take into consideration my suggestion for legislating soon after the Parliament re-assembles for the more comprehensive control of the marketing of dairying producethroughout Australia? This bill is necessary; hut I desire something further to he done to help the co-operative dairy farmers to get the benefit of an Australian-wide pool. {: #debate-59-s8 .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr PATERSON:
Minister for Markets · Gippsland · CP .- The legislation already proposed by this Government in regard to the export of dairy produce goes about as far as the Constitution permits. The Commonwealth has no powers in regard to trade and commerce within a State. This Parliament is limited to dealing with the export trade. In his remarks on the second reading, the honorable member referred to cut-throat interstate competition ; but I remind him that an arrangement has been made between the producers in certain States to avoid that competition. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr Forde: -- The Parliaments of New South Wales and Victoria have not passed legislation for the establishment of a pool as the Queensland Parliament has done. {: .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr PATERSON: -- The Commonwealth Government is not responsible for that. It is doing all that is possible within the limits of the Constitution. Bill agreed to and reported without amendment; report adopted. Bill reada third time. {: .page-start } page 1745 {:#debate-60} ### CANNEDFRUITS EXPORT CHARGES BILL (No. 2) *In Committee of Ways and Means:* Motion (by **Mr. Paterson)** agreed to - >That where, in respect of any canned fruits exported from the Commonwealth the Governor-General has, after report to the Ministerby the Canned Fruits Control Board constituted under the Canned Fruits Export Control Act 1020, exempted by order published in the *Gazette,* either unconditionally or forsuch period (if any) and subject to such conditions as were specified in the order, those canned fruits from the charges imposed by the Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1020, the Governor-General may, by order published in the *Gazette,* cancel any such exemption and thereupon the charges imposed by the Canned Fruits Export Charges Act 1020, shall from the date fixed by the order, become payable in respect of canned fruits to which the exemption related. *Ordered -* >That Mr.Paterson and **Mr. Abbott** do prepare and bring in a bill to carry out the foregoing resolution. Resolution reported. Standing Orders suspended ; resolution adopted. Bill presented by **Mr. Paterson** and read a first time. {:#subdebate-60-0} #### Second Reading {: #subdebate-60-0-s0 .speaker-KXT} ##### Mr PATERSON:
Minister for Markets · Gippsland · CP .- I move- >That the bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this amendment is similar to that of the measure to which the House has just agreed. I understand that it is the intention of the Canned Fruits Export Control Board to suggest to me that exemption be granted to small quantities of canned fruits on which the charge does not amount to more than10d. It is merely intended to exempt from charges small quantities of five cases and under. Question resolved in the affirmative. Bill read a second time, and passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate. {: .page-start } page 1745 {:#debate-61} ### FORESTRY BUREAU BILL {:#subdebate-61-0} #### Second Reading {: #subdebate-61-0-s0 .speaker-JLJ} ##### Mr ABBOTT:
Minister for Home affairs · Gwydir · CP -- I move - >That the bill be now read a second time. A Forestry Bill was received from the Senate, and, on the motion of the Prime Minister, read a first time in this House on the 30th November,1928, but no further progress was made with it. This differs from that formerly submitted only in that clauses 6 to 12 have been inserted. During the past few years interest in forestry has quickened, and there is a growing consciousness that more should he done to preserve and develop the forest resources of the country. From the time of the pioneers almost until now the clearing of the land for agricultural pursuits and for the sale of the timber on it has been the chief consideration of land settlers, and the perpetuation of the timber growth upon it by proper treatment has been regarded as of little or no consequence. The cutting over process meant that only the best of the trees were cut down, and of the felled trees only the best logs were utilized, the others being left to rot. Periodical fires have destroyed the young trees that would have grown had care been taken in controlling the fires. That sufficient attention has not been paid to the restoration of our depleted timber supplies is shown by statistics. In 1927, we imported into Australia 499,920,000 super feet of timber, principally softwood. This was valued at £5,034,000. In the same year we exported 114,000,000 super feet of timber, valued at £1.372,000. This was mainly hardwood timber, and the bulk of it jarrah, from Western Australia. The quantity of timber reaching here from other parts is, therefore, approximately four times as great as the quantity wo send away. Reducing this to a unitofpopulation basis we find that while 84 super feet of timber for each unit of the population is brought into the country, only18 feet *per capita* is sent away. The difference between our imports and exports of timber is a matter of serious moment. The gravity of the position is emphasized when we look at the timber export trade statistics over a series of years. In 1903 we exported 30 super, feet of timber *par capita,* and in 1913 the quantity had increased to 37 super, feet *per capita.* Thirteen years later it had fallen to 20 super, feet *per capita,* and in 1923 it suffered a further reduction to IS super, feet. Our chief exporter is Western Australia, jarrah being the principal timber sent away. But the last of the virgin jarrah country in that State will soon be cut out, and the export of this timber must then cease. The larger mills are gradually closing down. This is a sure indication of the decline and ultimate fall of this valuable industry, and of our increasing dependence upon sources of supply from overseas. At the present time the bulk of our imported timber comes from America. Her virgin forests on the Pacific slope enable her not only to meet the requirements of her population of 110,000,000, but also to send large quantities away. But these supplies are not inexhaustible. Forest authorities have computed that within the next 25 years the American stands of Oregon, western yellow pines and redwood will have been so reduced that there will be no exportable surplus. Our timbers of commerce fall into one of two classifications, hardwood and softwood. Of hardwoods, Australia has a splendid range of first quality woods. Jarrah, redgum, mountain ash, messmate, blackwood, .blue gum, red ironbark, grey and narrow-leafed ironbark, tallow-wood, spotted gum and turpentine, are timbers with the qualities of which we are all more or less familiar. Cedar, maple, white beech, crowsfoot, elm and black bean are a few of the cabinet woods that, with artistic treatment, compare with the best timbers in the world, being only rivalled by mahogany. Our softwoods are of high quality. Hoop pine, bunya, kauri, celery top and huon pine are splendid timbers. Unfortunately our supplies of all these timbers are fast coming to an end. Even now the annual cut represents only a very small part of our softwood consumption. The unenviable forestry position in which Australia finds herself is due to the lack of appreciation in the past of the fundamental principle that forests should be managed so that the cut of timber does not exceed the annual growth. If this principle is not observed the inevitable result must be that our forests will become exhausted. In older countries of the world it is now generally recognized that to meet the timber need of a civilized community, 0.86 acres of fully developed and scientifically managed forest is required for each unit of the population. Had our original forests been properly exploited 5,000,000 acres of forest would have been sufficient to meet the needs of our present population of approximately, 6,000,000 people. Australia still has approximately 19,500,000 acres of forest, so that, with proper management, we should be able not only to supply our own needs, but to export the yield from 14,500,000 acres annually. The scientific management of our forest heritage would have enabled it to supply the needs of a population of 24,000,000. At the present rate of increase this position will not be reached for more than 60 years. Much of the mischief done is beyond remedy, but all is not lost. The Government has realized the national importance of afforestation and has already taken steps to encourage it. It is satisfactory to know that the British Empire Forestry Conference which met in Australia last year has endorsed this action. The report of this conference is of such great interest that copies have been circulated among honorable members and their attention is particularly directed to those sections dealing with purely Australian matters. The lines along which progress has been made are: - {: type="1" start="1"} 0. A sound policy has been developed in the Federal Capital Territory and extensive coniferous plantations have been made within the catchment .area of the Cotter: 1. An investigation of the forest resources of the Territories of Papua and New Guinea has already been made and a report furnished. The question of giving effect to the recommendations contained in it is under the consideration of the Government. 2. There are small but very valuable reserves of Norfolk Island pine timber in the territory bearing that name, and it is proposed to train one of the young islanders to take charge. 3. The Forestry Bureau has acted in an advisory capacity to several of the States, principally Tasmania, and has furnished a detailed report on the forestry position of Tasmania and also reported upon the pine planting proposition that has been instituted in the south. 4. The Australian Forestry School has been established and is being successfully conducted in Canberra. I would advise all honorable members to pay a visit to the School of Forestry, and inspect the samples of timbers there. The staff has a number of specimen boxes containing samples of Australian timbers and one of these may be had by any honorable member who desires it. No actual forestry exploitation work has been undertaken in the Northern Territory, but it seems that the local market that is available for its minor forest products, such as sandal, gums, resins and tans may prove valuable. The determination of this is, however, a matter for research by the Forest Products Laboratory which has yet to be established by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The new clauses in the bill provide for the acceptance of gifts, donations and endowments. It is pleasing to know that the Australian Forestry School is being appreciated by the people of Australia and elsewhere. The trustees of the Schlich Memorial Fund, which was established to honor the memory of the late **Sir William** Schlich, of the Indian Forest Service, and of Oxford University, have made a gift of £75 to the school on the condition that the money is invested and the interest earned each year used for the purchase of a gold medal to be awarded to the best student of the school each year. We may be sure that the trustees of the fund were satisfied with the educational sta?-dard of the school before they made this gift. **Mr. Russel** Grimwade, of Melbourne, has recently endowed the school to the extent of £5000. This magnificent gift will provide a travelling scholarship every two years to qualified Australian foresters. The advantage of this to Australia will be apparent when it is borne in mind that the successful scholars will have the opportunity of studying forests in other parts of the world that have been under scientific management for upwards of three hundred years. Another valuable endowment has been given by the Sydney and Suburban Timber Merchants Association. This consists of a sum of £50 annually, which this year will be devoted to books for the library of the students. Other like contributions will, no doubt, be contributed. A prize of £10 annually has also been given, and this will be awarded for the best essay on a forestry subject. It will be seen that the bill provides for a forestry fund, which will be under the control of trustees. These trustees will consist of the Inspector-General of Forests, the Secretary to the Department of the Treasury, and the Secretary to the Department of Home Affairs. The trustees are to have power to invest the fund moneys and apply them to the furtherance of forestry in such manner as the Minister approves. Donations to the fund will be receivable by the InspectorGeneral, who will be responsible for their payment into the fund. I have briefly explained the provisions of the bill, and T think that it will commend itself to all honorable members. Debate (on motion by **Mr. Blakeley)** adjourned. *Sitting suspended from 12.47 to 2.15 p.m.* {: .page-start } page 1747 {:#debate-62} ### QUESTION {:#subdebate-62-0} #### AUSTRALIAN EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC Paper Debate resumed from 21st February *(vide* page 463) on motion by **Mr. Bruce** - >That the paper be printed. {: #subdebate-62-0-s0 .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN:
Yarra .- When the Prime Minister **(Mr. Bruce)** made to the House a statement in which he informed honorable members that it was proposed to send an expedition to the Antarctic I asked him to move the formal motion " That the paper be printed " so that Parliament might express its views upon the matter. In doing that I had two objects in view: I wished to study the right honorable gentleman's statement, but more particularly I desired that the Commonwealth Parliament and not the Government only should stand behind those who are asked to take the risks which are inseparable from such an expedition. This is one of the matters that should be handled by us as a nation. Nobody knows what lies ahead in the Antarctic. These expeditions of exploration may enable us to plant the Australian flag on new soil; but what the developments may be only the future can reveal. The cost of this expedition, according to the Prime Minister, will be £16,000. That seems to me to be an under-estimate, in the light of our experience of previous expeditions of a similar character. That of **Sir Douglas** Mawson cost in the vicinity of £60,000. A very important item of cost, however, is the ship, and I gathered from the right honorable gentleman that the vessel which is to be used on this occasion, the *Discovery,* is to be placed at our disposal free of cost by the British Government. Mention has been made of the financial results which may accrue from the planting of our flag in certain portions of Antarctica. The honorable member for Franklin mentioned whaling. {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr Mcwilliams: -- Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of oil are taken by foreign whalers in that portion of the Antarctic every year. {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN: -- I believe that Austra'ian people ought to have the opportunity to share with foreign countries the exploitation of that area of water. To me, however, that is a secondary consideration. I believe that the principal advantages lie in the direction of the scientific discoveries that may be made. I recently read a statement by **Mr. David** Stead, the president of the Geographical Soc; Pty in New South Wales, in which he said - >The data to be obtained in relation to biological, meteorological and geographical problems, will amply repay the cost of the expedition. It has been claimed that if we possessed a greater knowledge of the weather conditions in the Antarctic we should be in a better position to forecast future conditions in different parts of the world. Whether that claim can be established, I do not know; but if there is any basis for it we should certainly explore it. I have very vivid recollections of the last expedition undertaken by **Sir Douglas** Mawson in 1911. I was then, as I am now, a member of the Federal Parliament. The expedition was guaranteed by the Government of the day, and I watched with keen interest for each report that came to hand. I am pleased to be able to say that Australasia leads the world in the discoveries that have been made in the Antarctic regions, and **Sir Douglas** Mawson is in the van of those who have undertaken expeditions in the extent of the work that he has accomplished. Therefore, I consider that in him we have made a very happy choice of leader for this expedition. Australia owes an obligation to future generations to enlarge the knowledge of the world, and to other countries to contribute towards the discoveries that are made. Excursions into the unknown are always fascinating, and accounts of discoveries cannot fail to stir the imagination. That is the appeal which this expedition makes to me, and I believe that it will appeal in a similar way to the majority of the people of Australia. Australians have never been backward in penetrating into the unknown. Our forefathers, with the true pioneering spirit, blazed the track through the unknown continent of Australia, and Australians have always played a not inconsiderable part in voyages of discovery. I have no doubt that the adventurous spirit of our people to-day is as strong as it has ever been. I, and those who sit on this side, support the Prime Minister and the Government in its proposal to send these daring men on this expedition. It is our earnest wish that their mission may be successful, and that they may have a safe return. {: #subdebate-62-0-s1 .speaker-KMQ} ##### Mr MANN:
Perth .- An enterprise which is inspired by a spirit of adventure not only is good for those who undertake it, but also reflects credit upon the country which supports it, and cannot fail to have a beneficial effect upon the community as a whole. Unquestionably the scientific knowledge of the world is' enlarged by such expeditions as this; but I am rather doubtful if it will have any material financial result. The most important result, to my mind, will be the extension of our meteorological knowledge, and that is of supreme importance to Australia. This country is now, and has been for some time, suffering from adverse natural conditions, and it is incumbent upon us to investigate thoroughly every source from which we may be able to draw information that will assist us to predict adverse seasons and prepare against them. If we had a greater knowledge of changes that may occur in cycles in the Antarctic it might be possible for us to determine in advance the nature of any particular season of the year. For that reason alone the expedition is justified. My principal reason for rising, however, was to refer to a matter that is becoming more and more important to Australia. It concerns a sphere of knowledge that so far we have not sufficiently explored. Time and again it has been urged that we should co-operate with South Africa in studying climatic cycles, with a view to our being notified at the earliest possible moment of any climatic changes. Hitherto it has been our custom to look only to the north and north-west, and to consider the influence of the monsoonal seasons upon our own. I believe that a comparison of those monsoonal seasons with antarctic variations of climate will prove very fruitful in increasing our knowledge, and enable us to predict the future with greater certainty. I again ask the Government to enter into negotiations with South Africa so that we may work co-operatively in this matter. Question resolved in the affirmative. {: .page-start } page 1749 {:#debate-63} ### LEAGUE OF NATIONS {:#subdebate-63-0} #### Report of Australian Delegation to Ninth Assembly Debate resumed from Sth February *(vide* page 145) on motion by **Mr. Bruce** - >That the paper bc printed. {: #subdebate-63-0-s0 .speaker-JOM} ##### Mr BEASLEY:
West Sydney -- I take this opportunity to express my disgust at the action which the Prime Minister took against me in 1926, when I was selected by the trade union movement as its delegate to the International Labour Conference. Those of us who were associated with the 1925 elections will remember that a good deal was said regarding the necessity for making provision for the appointment of trade union leaders by the agency of the secret ballot. Long before that time it was decided that Australia's delegate to the International Labour Conference should be chosen by means of a ballot of the labour councils throughout Australia. Those councils were asked to submit nominations, the idea being that if more than one nomination was received, a ballot would be taken by a central body. Prior to 1926 this method of selecting Labour's representative was approved of by the Government, if not directly, at least indirectly, because the delegates who had been chosen in that way were accepted by the Government. In 1926 a similar course was followed, and the ballot revealed that the choice had fallen upon me. One would naturally think that the Prime Minister would have been very keen to give effect to a decision obtained in that way in view of his utterances during the previous election campaign. Yet when my nomination was submitted to the Government, it refused to accept it and endeavoured to get some one else to accept nomination and thus scab upon the Labour movement. Its efforts were unsuccessful because of the solidarity and loyalty of the trade unions. Had the Government been successful in getting some one outside the circle of the trade union movement to accept this nomination, there was a strong possibility that when that representative went to Geneva the representatives of the workers of other nations would refuse to associate with him. Some time previous to this incident, a similar position arose in respect of a Japanese delegation. The Japanese Government refused to accept the nominee of the bona fide labour movement and chose a representative outside of the trade union movement in that country, but the genuine representatives of the movement were able to reach Geneva first, and, as a result of their efforts, the government's nominees were ignored by the representatives of the workers of other countries. No doubt that incident bore heavily on the mind of the Prime Minister, because at a conference of this nature, where the nations of the world gather, the ventilation of grievances such as I have referred to does not do the country concerned any good. It was only within three days of the vessel leaving Sydney that I was informed of the decision of the Government to accept my nomination. That will live long in my memory. This Government has used its power to inconvenience and humiliate, if possible, a humble citizen of this country, and for the moment it was successful. Perhaps the time will come when those responsible for that action will suffer somewhat similarly at the hands of those with whom I am associated to-day. {: .speaker-JRH} ##### Mr Bowden: -- Two wrongs do not make a right. {: .speaker-JOM} ##### Mr BEASLEY: -- This policy of victimization has been carried further. {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr Scullin: -- I do not think that we should follow the bad example of the Government. {: .speaker-JOM} ##### Mr BEASLEY: -- It is a good practice at times to give some people a dose of t their own medicine, because that is the only way to bring home to them the fact that the working class sections of the community are entitled to at least some consideration at the hands of the Government. I attended the conference in question of the International Labour Organization on behalf of the workers of Australia, and I returned to this country convinced that the purposes for which that movement had been established were not being given effect. When President Wilson went to the continent, he had in view, I believe, the establishment of a giant organization for the settlement of differences of opinion between nations and the improvement of industrial conditions throughout the world. That was the original policy of the International Labour Organization, but I have followed its development since its establishment, and I am now fully convinced that it is not carrying out the work for which it was intended. As a matter of fact it is misleading the people. The preamble to part xiii. of the treaty which governs the International Labour Organization, reads - >The ultimate object of the International Labour Organization is to contribute to the establishment of world peace, which is the aim of the League of Nations. It is implied, however, that peace cannot be secured simply by the prevention of war between nations. It must be based on social and industrial peace within the separate communities of the world. > >Social peace' must be endangered as long as the masses of the workers of the world have to work under inhuman conditions. It is expressly recognized that such conditions of work do exist. One of the chief reasons for their existence is that under the present economic competition between nations, the exploitation of labour in any country re-acts on conditions of labour and prevents or retards the progress of the standard of living among the workers in other countries. That is a praiseworthy objective, hut unfortunately the ideals of the International Labour Organization are not being car ried out. In 1919, at a conference held in Washington, the question of a universal 48-hour working week was discussed. All the countries of the world who are signatories to the treaty were represented at that conference, and the different points of view were thoroughly and exhaustively examined. A uniform standard of hours was arrived at. Since then only four countries have ratified that decision, two of those ratifications being conditional. That is an extraordinary position, considering that the League of Nations comprises 56 countries. Great Britain is one of the worst offenders. At a recent meeting in Germany of the governing body of the International Labour Organization, the British Government's representatives explained that while they agreed to the decision arrived at in 1919, for a universal 48-hour working week, they did so believing that certain inquiries would first be instituted. Although several years had elapsed since that decision had been made, they now suggested that the whole question should again be referred to the International Labour Organization, and another conference called together to discuss it, thus proving their insincerity on the whole question. We look to Great Britain for a lead in these matters, and one would certainly not expect that great industrial country which had been responsible for the calling together of many conferences between 1919 and 1926 on the same matter, not to recognize the solemn obligation that it had undertaken at the conference of 1919. That is conclusive evidence that the holding of these conferences is waste of money, and at the same time is misleading the workers of the countries associated with Geneva. When the governing body of the International Labour Organization met in Germany, the French workers' delegate castigated the British Government on its attitude, comparing her attitude as being on all fours with that of other countries who treated agreements simply as scraps of paper. Great Britain failed to carry out its undertaking to right the wrongs of its workers, although that undertaking should have been just as binding as any agreement entered into between Great Britain and airy other power for mutual protection in time of war. I strongly support the opinion of the French workers' delegate, because Great Britain was in duty bound to give effect to the decision that had been arrived at by the representatives of the nations that attended the conference. The preamble in the report makes reference to bringing backward countries to the stage reached by the more advanced countries. One would naturally expect any representative appointed by this Government who attends the conference, to vote for a standard of living throughout the world, similar to that of Australia. Any vote to the contrary would be an act of treachery on his part to the people of Australia. This Government was returned to power on the understanding that it accepted the condition of labour now prevailing in this country. We have built up in Australia social standards which are far in advance of those established in other parts of the world. One would therefore think that the Government's policy would be to advise its representatives to vote for a standard of living similar to that existing in Australia, but what happened? The Government's representative on every occasion voted for a standard far below that of Australia, and one in line with the backward countries of Europe. His actions proved that honorable members opposite accept the prevailing industrial conditions here only because strong labour organizations force them to do so. If those organizations ceased to exist, the logical attitude of those honorable members would be to attempt to lower our standards to those of southern Europeans. **Sir Joseph** Cook, who represented the Commonwealth Government on this occasion, voted on every occasion for standards lower than those which prevail in Australia. I was not surprised that the employers' delegate did so, because the organized employers do not believe in the hours of labour and rates of pay that our workers now enjoy. Therefore, the opposition of their delegate was to be expected ; but surely the representative of a Government that professes to subscribe to the social and industrial standards of Australia might have been expected to support a policy which would bring the more backward countries up to the level of the more advanced or at least in line with the country he represented. {: .speaker-JRH} ##### Mr Bowden: -- That might be done step by step. {: .speaker-JOM} ##### Mr BEASLEY: -- I have referred to what has happened since 1919, and it is apparent that at the present rate of progress that decision will never be realized in my time, if at all. Before the British Delegation leaves London for Geneva a conference is held, to which the Australian delegate is invited. The matters to be discussed at the Conference of the International Labour Organizations are considered, and an understanding is arrived at so that the representatives of the United Kingdom and the dominions may vote *en bloc* in accordance with the wishes of the British Government. Does the Commonwealth Government believe in the maintenance of the conditions now imposed on the British workers? If it does, the vote of its delegate was consistent with that belief. But the Government at election time speaks in hearty approval of the industrial legislation introduced in Australia by the Labour party, assures the electors that it has no intention to remove it from the statute-book, and sometimes even promises to amend it for the purpose of carrying reforms still further. Having regard to such protestations, the Government's representative might reasonably be expected to endeavour to give effect to that policy at conferences on the other side of the world. I take strong exception to the Australian delegate being called into conference with those of the United Kingdom, and committed to a programme that is not in conformity with Australian standards. On one occasion when **Sir Joseph** Cook was absent from Geneva he was represented by his private secretary. Some question arose in regard to which a decision had not been reached in London. At the conference the employers' and workers' delegates sit together. I naturally expected that the acting representative of the Commonwealth Government would have discussed with the employers' delegate and myself the attitude to be adopted in regard to these matters, but instead of doing that he sought advice from the British delegation as to how he should vote on a matter affecting the interests of the Australian people. I have no desire to blame him personally, because he was only carrying out instructions. {: .speaker-KXQ} ##### Mr Parkhill: -- What was that particular subject? {: .speaker-JOM} ##### Mr BEASLEY: -- We were dealing with maritime matters, including the codification of seamen's articles and the inspection of migrants on board ship. I am afraid that at these conferences, both at London and at Geneva, we are often committed to things which, if the people understood them, they would not approve for one moment. The representatives and supporters of the Government when travelling abroad and meeting foreign representatives of industry boast of the high industrial standards in Australia, and their jealous protection of them, but when opportunities are given to them to put their professions into practice, and bring the backward countries up to our standards, they vote in the opposite way. I have no doubt that those workers' delegates who have followed me to Geneva since 1926 will bear out the statements I am making. I doubt whether the League of- Nations is accomplishing the purpose for which it was created. This huge institution is being used to make the world believe that it is functioning to maintain peace. In reality, it is just tiding the world over a transition period during which the various peoples are not prepared to visualize another war. The League is being controlled by the larger powers, and the old system of bartering between nations is proceeding as of yore. Every second person one meets in Geneva is connected with some publication. These men have a very intimate knowledge of what is going on behind the scenes, and while in Geneva I often discussed matters with them. They know the methods adopted by the larger nations to retain control of the League - the bartering of seats on the Council to small nations, the selling of the rights of one country to another, in order to secure votes. These things are happening under the auspices of the Council as extensively as before the League was established. The Council was discussing some time ago the reduction of armaments, but that was a mere gesture. Expenditure on armaments at the rate which modern invention had made necessary towards the conclusion of the war would have meant bankruptcy to the nations. If Britain were to continue to compete against Germany, France, Italy, and the United States of America in the race of armaments, the cost would be ruinous. Realizing this, the nations had to devise a means whereby they could tide over this awkward period of readjustment. There is no sincerity of purpose in those who are foremost in the League. In illustration of that, I remind the House that at the time when the League was discussing the reduction of armaments Great Britain and France were negotiating a secret treaty to proportion their naval armaments to their present financial means. The following cablegram from London was published in the Sydney *Sun* on the 8th October last - " It is not surprising that some governments are beginning to lose faith in the League of Nations," says the *Manchester Guardian* in a leading article. " The League was never more shamefully betrayed than it was by the private naval agreement reached between Britain and France, because it was made when tlie League was trying to secure a general reduction of armaments." {: .speaker-KFE} ##### Mr Gregory: -- The honorable member knows that that was not true. {: .speaker-JOM} ##### Mr BEASLEY: -- It is very easy for the honorable member to make that statement, but can he adduce any evidence in support of it? The rivalry and rapacity of the nations threaten to produce war in the East. The French Minister of the Interior (M. Sarraut) said, on the 20th September - >Let there be no mistake. The Pacific is the theatre in which will be staged at no distant period the most formidable conflict civilization has ever known, beside which the late war will appear a mere skirmish. > >For years the rivalry in the East was for China, its vast markets, its inexhaustible mineral deposits, its hundreds of thousands of acres of oil lakes, and its endless supply of labour. Among the rivals of the western world, it is a case of first come, first served. That is evidence that behind the huge organization at Geneva the Powers are adopting measures to secure control of the resources of China, and until I soc some more tangible evidence that the League is operating sincerely in the interests of world peace, I shall remain convinced that it was not established for the purposes set out in the preamble of its covenant. {: #subdebate-63-0-s1 .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr LATHAM:
Attorney.General · Kooyong · NAT . - The House has just heard the honorable member for West Sydney **(Mr. Beasley),** who represented ibc workers of Australia at the; 1926 Conference of the International Labour Organization, declare that it is a useless body, and is designed to defeat rather than promote the interests of the workers. I went to Geneva as the representative of Australia at the 1926 Assembly of the League, and there for the first time I beard a good deal about the honorable member. I found that he had utilized I lis position as the representative of the workers of Australia at an international convention to make a partisan attack upon the Commonwealth Government. The result was that the people in Geneva had a most unfortunate impression of the manners of Australians. In this Parliament and in Australia it is quite proper for us to have our party fights, but we should not carry them into an international conference. Because the gentleman who has just resumed his seat was unable to exclude from the International Labour Conference that acute, intense and suspicious party feeling which has characterized every speech that he has made in this Parliament, I found my position at Geneva as the representative of the people of Australia a very difficult one. I suggest that the men and women who leave Australia for the purpose of representing Australia at international conferences should at least leave behind their excessive political partisanships. Unless they do so they will do Australia very grave injury in the eyes of the nations of the world. Surely we should seek a reputation for courtesy rather than for bad manners. The honorable member for West Sydney used the opportunity which his position at Geneva gave him to attack the present political regime in Italy, although no person acting in the capacity in which he was acting is warranted in attacking a government upon which the Australian Government is on friendly terms. The honorable member said that the International Labour Organization was useless and that it was designed to injure rather than help the workers; but he adduced no evidence whatever in support of his statement. I suggest that the International Labour Organization should be commended for anything that it does to raise the status of the workers in other parts of the world. Such action must be of advantage to Australia. Our people enjoy a high standard of living and we have great difficulty in competing with what wc regard as the low-grade labour countries overseas. If the international labour organization can do anything to elevate the standards of these countries it is to our advantage, irrespective of our particular party politics. This morning the Prime Minister, in reply to a question by the honorable member for Brisbane **(Mr.** D. Cameron) regarding the appointment of the workers' delegate to the next conference, laid upon the table of the House certain papers dealing with the subject. I propose to acquaint members with the contents of those papers, for the purpose of indicating the great difficulty with which the Government has to contend in securing a representative of the workers of Australia at Geneva. The appointment of representatives of both employers and employees to go to Geneva is governed by the Treaty of Versailles, which provides that they shall be nominated by the Government, and by no other authority, and be chosen in agreement with representative organizations in each case. The act of nomination rests with the Government, and no other authority has any right to nominate or select the delegates. In order to secure mutually acceptable delegates the practice of the Government has been to invite representative organizations of employers and employees to suggest at least three names, though they may suggest more if they please, from which a final selection may be made. An attempt has been made by the so-called Australasian Council of Trade Unions, though it is not Australasian in any sense, to arrogate to itself an exclusive right to appoint the delegate to represent the workers of this country. Every honorable member of this House knows that this organization does not represent the whole of the workers of Australia. It does not even represent all our trade unions, for the largest and most important of them, the Australian Workers Union, is not affiliated to the council and in fact positively repudiates it. In spite of this the council has sought to choose the delegate to go to Geneva. The Government has resisted this action, as it would resist similar action on the part of any particular organization of employers to appoint the employers' representative. The nomination must be made by the Government in agreement with the various organizations concerned. The organizations and the Government should have an equal share in making the choice. To illustrate the tactics which the Australasian Council of Trade Unions has adopted in the past, and which it is attempting to repeat this year, I call the attention of honorable members to the following telegram received from the secretary of the council on the 29th January last : - >Would be pleased to hear as to whether Government intend delegatesgoing to Geneva Conference this year; if so desire to remind Government no information been received Australasian Council Trade Unions who last year conducted arrangements for industrial side *re* Australian Union Movement representative. {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr Scullin: -- I rise to a point of order. Is the Attorney-General entitled on this motion to discuss the method of procedure of appointing delegates to the next Assembly of the League of Nations? {: #subdebate-63-0-s2 .speaker-10000} ##### Mr SPEAKER: -- In view of the fact that the proceedings of the international labour organizations are so intimately connected with the proceedings of the League of Nations, as the paragraph in the report in reference to the budget of the International Labour Office discloses, . 1 gave the honorable member forWest Sydney the fullest liberty to discuss the whole subject, and he availed himself of it. I must now afford the Attorney-General the same liberty. {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr Scullin: -- For the guidance of honorable members I should like you to elaborate your ruling, sir. I understand that the honorable member for West Sydney asked for permission to discuss the past representation of Australia in dealing with the report of a past conference. I wish to know whether the Attorney-General will be in order if he proceeds to discuss the method of selecting the delegates to the next conference. {: .speaker-10000} ##### Mr SPEAKER: -- I rule that the motion brings under review the proceedings of the League of Nations as well as the principle of representation at conferences. This is the principal opportunity given to honorable members to deal with the operations of the league and consequently they should be afforded full latitude. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr LATHAM: -- It is strange that honorable members opposite should object to my discussing the method of selecting the representatives of Australia to attend the International Labour Conference, but I assure them that I shall deal with the subject briefly. In reply to the telegram that I have already quoted from the Australasian Council of Trade Unions the Government sent the following letter : - >I refer to my letter of the 11th January sent in reply to your telegram to the Prime Minister, reading as follows: - > >Would be pleased to hear as to whether Government intend delegates going to Geneva Conference this year. If so desire to remind Government no information been received by Australasian Council Trade Unions who last year conducted arrangements for industrial side re Australian Union Movement representative. > >Before taking any steps towards seeking nominations of a workers' representative the Government wishes to be informed by your council as to its attitude towards the International Labour Office. This information is desired by reason of the fact that statements have been published under the authority of the Australasian Council of Trade Unions and have been expressly approved by the council as representing its views which condemn the International Labour Office as an institution designed to injure, and in fact injuring, the interests of the workers. > >These statements are contained in the *Pan Pacific Worker,* a journal which is issued by the Pan Pacific Relations Committee of the Australasian Council of Trade Unions. > >In the issue of 1 5th May,1928. the following resolution of the Australasian Council of Trade Unions is published. The Australasian Council of Trade Unions executive takes cognizance of the first two issues of the *Pan Pacific Worker* and herewith expresses its full satisfactionwith the character given to the journal. " > >In the first issue of the journal (2nd April. 1928) an article appears which states (page 25) that - "The League of Nations and all its agencies and agents must be combated ruthlessly. " The International Labour Office is organically associated with the League of Nations. In the second issue of the journal there is a special article upon the International Labour Office. The character of this article can best he illustrated by quoting portion of the " Conclusions " of the writer ( page6 ) as follows - The Geneva " Labour " Office is a creation of the Imperialist League of Nations which is run by and in the interests of the leading imperialist powers. It is nothing but the agency of the capitalist governments and the employers, intended to demoralize the working class by rousing in the latter's ranks the dangerous illusion that the International Labour Office can do something for the working class. But by its very nature the International Labour Office cannot serve the workers' interests. It can only serve as a smoke-screen for camouflaging the clash of class interests. " In the fourth issue, on the same page as that which the resolution first quoted is printed there appears also the following report under the heading of " Important Derisions of the April Session of the Australasian Council of Trade Unions " - The question of the further relations of the International " Labour " Office of Geneva was brought up for discussion. A resolution was moved by certain members of the council to the effect "...... that after careful review of the nine years' operation of the International Labour Office and their failure to endorse the most elementary decisions in the interests of the working class, and. . . . ...... in view of the clear alliance of the International Labour Office with the most reactionary governments in the world and in the interests of the Australian Trade Union Movement, the Australasian Council of Trade Unions withdraws from attending the International Labour Office conferences in future." An amendment to the effect " that Labour's connexion with the International Labour Office and with the League of Nations be considered at the next AllAustralian Trade Union Congress" was adopted so that the question of the future relations of the Australian Trade Union Movement with the International Labour Office will be finalized by the next congress which is to meet in May, 1929, in Melbourne. This attitude towards the International Labour Office is maintained throughout the *Pan Pacific Worker.* A further example is to be found in the article on the International Labour Office in the twelfth issue dated 15th October, 1928. The Government desires to know whether the Australasian Council of Trade Unions desires to take part in the work of a body which it has described in the language which I have quoted. The Government therefore wishes to receive an explicit statement on the subject from the council before a further reply is given to your inquiry with regard to the nomination and selection of representatives for the 1929 conference. In the reply to that letter the secretary of the council wrote on the 15th February, 1929, as follows:- >I desire to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 25th ult. having reference to representation at the forthcoming Geneva Conference. > >In reply to your inquiry as to the attitude of my council towards the International Labour Office, I am to say, it is governed by decisions of the All-Australian Trade Union Congress and its component parts, the Trade and Labour Councils of the States. > >Regarding your references to statements appearing in the *Pan Pacific Worker,* I would particularly refer you to the one on page 3 of your letter which simply indicates that the matter of the International Labour Office may be discussed at the congress which it is proposed to hold in May next. > >Under all the circumstances it is submitted this council is the body entitled to select any representative or representatives proceeding to Geneva to speak on behalf of the Trade Union Movement of Australia. To that letter the following reply was sent on the 28th February, 1929 : - >With reference to your letter of the 15th instant, addressed to **Senator the** Honorable J. E. Ogden, Assistant Minister for Industry, I observe that you do not deal with the matters mentioned in the letter to you, dated the 25th January, 1929, in reply to which your communication is written. You do not make any statement (explicit or otherwise) as to the views of the Australasian Council of Trade Unions with reference to either the good faith or the utility of the International Labour Organization. Your letter does, however, state that the question of the relation of the Australasian Council of Trade Unions to the International Labour Organization may be considered in May next. As the representatives to the conference must leave Australia by the 23rd April at the latest, it is impossible to postpone the matter until next May. > >The ambiguous attitude of the Australasian Council of Trade Unions towards the International Labour Organization creates a real difficulty for the Government. It now appears that the Australasian Council of Trade Unions does not purport to control its own policy, but that it is governed not only by decisions of what is described as the All Australian Trade Union Congress, but also by decisions of the Trades and Labour Councils of the States. > >With reference to the last paragraph of your letter, previous communications from the Government have informed you of the fact that neither your organization nor any other organization in the Commonwealthhas either theright or the power to select a workers' representative. The Government invites suggestions from organizations, but the representative must, to use the words of tlie Treaty of Versailles, which apply to this matter, be nominated by the Government and chosen in agreement with the most representative industrial organizations. > >The Government, however, has no desire to limit the field of choice of representatives unless this is absolutely unavoidable, and if you will promptly forward the names of three persons who would be regarded by your council as persons suitable to take part in the work of the next conference as workers' representatives, the matter will receive consideration. A telegram was sent on the 19th March, asking the Australasian Council of Trade Unions to expedite the matter in order that a selection might be made without delay. The reply received, dated the 19th March, was in these terms - >Letter and telegram received *rr.* Geneva delegate. Vote now been taken in matter. It must not be taken that the Australasian Council of Trade Unions submit its nominee to take a chance or selection by the Government with nomination from any other source. In other words, though the Australasian Council of Trade Unions had expressed its views in regard to the International Labour Organization, disapproving of it in extreme language, it insisted upon what is alleged to be its right to select the workers' delegate for Australia. The reply sent to that letter is dated the 20th March, and it is the last letter on the file. The telegram is acknowledged and quoted, and the letter concludes - >I am directed to state that it has already been made clear that no organization of employers or employees has the right or power to choose a delegate to the conference, and your lettergram does not alter this position. The Government has the responsibility of nominating the delegate to represent the workers of Australia at the conference of the International Labour Organization at Geneva. That delegate has to be chosen in agreement with representative workers' organizations. The Government has got into touch with the most representative of those organizations in Australia. There are the Australasian Council of Trade Unions, which represents a largo number of the trade unions of Australia, and the Australian Workers Union, which is the most powerful and important Union in Australia, and is not affiliated in any way with the Australasian Council of Trade Unions. Then the Port Adelaide Trades and Labour Council insists on an individual right to submit nominations. It is not for the Government to deny to any organization the right to make suggestions. If it were to disqualify any organization from submitting names, it would be rightly condemned in this House. Letters have been written to the Australasian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Workers Union and the Port Adelaide Trades and Labour Council, asking for three names to be submitted, and the Government finds itself in a position of genuine difficulty. The Australasian Council of Trade Unions, as honorable members will see from what I have read, has been responsible for the publication of articles strongly condemning, fundamentally, the International Labour Organization. The Government wrote to the Australasian Council of Trade Unions asking whether it really desired to be represented at a meeting of an organization of which it so strongly disapproved, and which it evidently mistrusted. The reply was that, notwithstanding those expressions of opinion, it demanded the right to. select a representative for the whole of the workers of Australia, and that the question of the relation of the Australasian Council of Trade Unions to the International Labour Organization would be dealt with in May next. Possibly in May next the Australasian Council of Trade Unions will disown any association with, or any degree of support of, the International Labour Organization. What would be the position if a person suggested by the Australasian Council of Trade Unions had been chosen, and that person was on his way to Europe in May next? It is very embarrassing for the Government. In the meantime, the Australasian Council of Trade Unions insists on the right to nominate one person, who must be chosen by the Government to go to the conference. A letter in identical terms was sent to the Australian Workers Union, and by a majority of one vote that organization decided not to send in any names to the Government: but three names have been received from the Port Adelaide Trades and Labour Council. The result is that the only nominations that the Government has are from the latter body. I think that honorable members will agree that this is a position of extraordinary difficulty for the Government. {: .speaker-L07} ##### Mr Lazzarini: -- It is always in difficulties. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr LATHAM: -- If the honorable member had listened to the correspondence that I have read, he would have realized that it is a position of genuine difficulty not created by the Government itself. The Government desires to send to Geneva a delegate who genuinely represents the workers of Australia; but in the performance of its duty to the people, it cannot surrender its right of choice in conjunction with the workers' organizations. The Government cannot possibly agree that any single organization has the right to dictate who shall be the representative of the workers. Under the terms of the treaty, the appointment must be made in agreement with the workers' organizations; but there must be some field of choice for the Government. If the Australasian Council of Trade Unions persists in nominating one man only, and says that the Government is bound to adopt ite nomination, the result may be - although the matter is still to be considered by the Government - that this year no workers' representative will go to Geneva. I have taken this opportunity of placing the position before honorable members in order that they may understand some of the difficulties that confront the Government. {: #subdebate-63-0-s3 .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN:
Yarra .- I have no hesitation in condemning the attitude of the Attorney-General. The House will adjourn for a long recess in about half an hour, and he comes down with sheafs of prepared typewritten notes to launch an attack on the organized trade-union movement of Australia. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- I rise to a point of order. I ask that the statement of the honorable member be withdrawn. I did not use a single note in my speech. I merely road correspondence. {: .speaker-10000} ##### Mr SPEAKER: -- The statement by the Leader of the Opposition casts no reflection on anybody and does not raise a point of order. If the Attorney General considers that he has been rais represented, he will be entitled at a later stage to make his position clear. {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN: -- It does not take much to stir the Minister. He thinks that he can get this House " lifted " just as it suits the Government, and that honorable members on the Opposition side must remain silent while he is allowed to " get away with " general attacks of this description. I have no objection to a discussion of the attitude of the organized trade unions to the Internal iona Labour Organization. If we are to understand that an opportunity will be given for a full-dress debate, I am willing that this discussion shall be continued until the matter has been thoroughly thrashed out, and if it causes any inconvenience to honorable members, they will know on whom to lay the blame. It will be laid at the door of the AttorneyGeneral. {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- No; the honorable member for West Sydney. {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN: -- That honorable member took advantage of a motion for the printing of a paper to deal with some incident connected with a past conference, and he was within his rights in raising the matter to which he referred. Whether the Attorney-General or other members think that it was a proper contribution to the debate is another matter. But at least the honorable member for West Sydney took the first opportunity available to him to make his comments upon the attitude of the Government to himself, which I think he was entitled to do. The Attorney-General opened his remarks by a castigation of the honorable member. He regards him as being entirely in the wrong in raising the matter. If any ill feeling exists, it was caused by the Government when it held up the nomination of the honorable member for West Sydney as the representative of organized labour in Australia, because he did not happen to suit it. When the Government asked the honorable member to take that trip across the sea on three days' notice, it was guilty of an act of discourtesy and contempt which the honorable member was justified in resenting at the earliest opportunity which was afforded after he had come face to face with it. Listening to the cold-blooded utterance of the AttorneyGeneral, one would imagine that the honorable member had been a disgrace to Australia and that he had not upheld the dignity of organized labour; that his language and demeanour were such that we ought to be ashamed of him as a representative of the workers of Australia. It is only fair to tell this House, and through it the country, that that view was not held by the delegates who attended the conference and came in close touch with our delegate. There is no better proof of that than the fact that **Mr. John** Beasley was elected Chairman of the International Workers Group on the nomination of the British delegate. That was the first occasion upon which the representative of Australia or of any other dominion had had such an honour conferred upon him; and since that time no Australian representative of the workers, the employers, or the Government has been elected chairman of his respective group. That is my answer to the Attorney-General's attempt to slander the name and fame of the honorable member for West Sydney. He endeavoured to disparage his work by saying that he made an attack upon Fascism. The honorable member merely carried out a decision that had been arrived at by the International Workers Group. Apparently the Attorney-General would have our representative stifled, or compel him to deliver speeches written by the Government. First of all he wants the representative of the workers to be handpicked by the Government, and then wishes to dictate his utterances. The Government will learn that the organized workers of this country will not submit to such dictation. The Attorney-General went further, and lodged an attack upon the Australasian Council of Trade Unions and organized labour because they insisted upon the right to elect their own representative. The labour organizations of this country simply declared that that was their right, and that their representative was not to be hand-picked by the Government. The Government wishes to have a representative, not of organized, but of disorganized labour, and with that object has been issuing invitations to various bodies so that they will compete with one another and bring about disruption in the ranks of the workers. The Attorney-General admitted to-day that a separate invitation was sent to the Aus tralian Workers Union, than which there is not a greater organization in Australia. At the last conference of the Australian Workers Union, the Government was repulsed by the refusal of that organization to send a separate nomination. It now admits that its interference, and its attempts at dictation, have brought matters to such a pass that we are not likely to have at Geneva any representative of the organized workers of Australia. Debate (on motion by **Mr. Bruce)** adjourned. {: .page-start } page 1758 {:#debate-64} ### BILLS RETURNED FROM THE SENATE The following bills were returned from the Senate without amendment or request : - Australian Soldiers' Repatriation Bill. National Debt Sinking Fund Bill. Dairy Produce Export Charges Bill (No. 2). Canned Fruits Export Charges Bill (No. 2). {: .page-start } page 1758 {:#debate-65} ### MANUFACTURE OF NEWSPRINT IN AUSTRALIA {: #debate-65-s0 .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE:
Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs · Flinders · NAT -- *(By leave.)* - Honorable members will recall that from time to time during the past few years it has seemed possible to establish in Australia the very valuable newsprint industry. In 1925 the proposals submitted seemed likely to result in the immediate establishment of the industry. But it was evident that, before that could happen, some measure of assistance, either by way of tariff protection or a bounty, would have to be given. I then stated that the Government was prepared to pay a bounty of £4 a ton upon newsprint manufactured from Australian hardwoods. Unfortunately those expectations were not realized. In 1926 I authorized the publication in London of the statement that the Government still held to its offer to bring down a measure for the payment of a bounty in the event of the industry being established. Considerable progress has since been made, and it is now quite clear that newsprint can be produced on a commercial basis from Australian hardwoods. Two very large enterprises for the carrying out of this work are in contemplation, and their plans for raising the necessary capital are, according to information in the possession of the Government, practically completed. But as some doubts appear to exist regarding the present attitude of the Government, I desire to make to the House, and through it to the country, the definite statement that we are prepared to submit to this Parliament a bill providing for the payment of a bounty at the rate of £4 a ton on newsprint manufactured in Australia wholly from Australian timbers, and also to provide for a deferred duty of a similar amount to come into operation when the payment of the bounty ceases - a condition of the bounty to be that it shall be paid only if there is an immediate production of 30,000 tons. I have very little doubt that if the industry is established, that quantity will be very considerably exceeded. {: .speaker-KVS} ##### Mr Theodore: -- What is the present cost of imported newsprint? {: .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE: -- I understand that it is about £16 or £17 a ton. {: .speaker-JZK} ##### Mr Coleman: -- Will there be any limit to the amount that the Government will make available? {: .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE: -- It will be for this Parliament to determine that limit. I am perfectly certain that it would provide an amount which would enable a substantial proportion of our newsprint requirements to be manufactured in Australia. I do not wish those who are dealing with this matter to get the impression that we might pay a bounty only upon some comparatively small quantity. If this enterprise is seriously pressed on, and a big proportion of our requirements is produced in Australia, that will not deter either the Government or this Parliament from carrying out its undertaking to assist the industry to the extent of £4 a ton. {: .speaker-KYV} ##### Mr E RILEY:
SOUTH SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP -- In what State is the industry likely to be established? {: .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE: -- I believe that the State of Tasmania will be the chief gainer by the establishment of this industry. Any bill that is introduced will provide that, if the company receiving the bounty makes a profit of more than 10 per cent., there will be a corresponding reduction in the amount of the bounty paid. The bill will also contain the usual provisions for the inspection of books and the verification of accounts. I make this statement, so that there shall be no misunderstanding regarding the attitude of the Government which might hamper the negotiations in progress for the establishment of the industry. {: .page-start } page 1759 {:#debate-66} ### SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT {: #debate-66-s0 .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE:
Prime Munster and Minister for External Affairs · Flinders · NAT .- I move- >That the House, at its rising, adjourn until a date and hour to be fixed by **Mr. Speaker,** which time of meeting shall be notified by **Mr. Speaker** to each member by telegram or letter. It will be of interest to honorable gentlemen to know when Parliament is likely to re-assemble. We shall probably be called together in August on a day which will permit the budget to be presented almost immediately upon the resumption of Parliament. If any circumstances arise necessitating the sitting of Parliament at an earlier date, honorable members will be given due notice. I quite appreciate the enthusiasm with which honorable members opposite view the prospect of an early summons. {: #debate-66-s1 .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN:
Yarra .- We have only to look at the business paper to see that the Government has not by a long way carried out all its election promises, yet the Prime Minister now proposes to adjourn the House until August. One piece of legislation, the Workers' Compensation Act, has been on the stocks for a long time, although it has passed through the Senate. To-day we are working under the most obsolete Workmen's Compensation Act in the world, and yet no attempt has been made to pass the amending legislation through this House. The Government is eager to get into a long recess, because it fears that it cannot command a majority in divisions. During the session it has been watching with anxious eyes the individual members in the corner. We have been sitting for 25 days and the election was held last November. We are not to sit again until some time in August. Is that carrying on the business of the country? {: .speaker-JMG} ##### Mr Atkinson: -- Does not the honorable member think that we have done enough damage in six weeks? {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr SCULLIN: -- One thing that I appreciate about the honorable member when he is wide awake is his candour. I am prepared to accept his frank admission. This Government has done too much damage, and I suggest that it might continue to sit, in order to carry out some of its election promises and by that means balance some of the damage that it has done. I suggest that it might contribute immediately to the credit side of its ledger. A bill providing for national insurance has been introduced to carry out a three-years-old promise, and is still in the second-reading stage, but it contains no provision for unemployment. The unemployment in this country is growing and the problem should be faced. The imports to Australia are increasing ;md adding to unemployment. The financial drift is day by day getting worse, and we have industrial upheavals everywhere. The number of unemployed this winter will be greater than it has ever been before in the history of Australia. Instead of going into recess, this Parliament should be sitting and safeguarding tlie affairs of the nation. {: #debate-66-s2 .speaker-KZ6} ##### Mr LACEY:
Grey .- I join in the protest of the Leader of the Opposition respecting the Government's neglect to pass through this House the bill amending the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Commonwealth Government, as the employer of a large number of workmen, should set an example to other employers in Australia. I urged last session that this bill should be passed through Parliament. When it was introduced the Minister made a second-reading speech and I obtained the adjournment of the debate. No further opportunity was given for discussion before Parliament prorogued. The Prime Minister mentioned this legislation in his policy speech. There are many anomalies under the existing act, and it is only fair to the Commonwealth employees that they should receive the benefits that are outlined in the amending legislation. I ask the Prime Minister to provide in the bill for the payment of compensation to be retrospective, so that Commonwealth employees who may be injured during the recess may reap the benefit of that legislation. {: #debate-66-s3 .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE:
Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs · Flinders · NAT -- I fully appreciate the demonstration that the Leader of the Opposition has made. It was an admirable effort, and I recognize that it was necessary in view of his position as Leader of the Opposition. I am encouraged to find a deep feeling among honorable members opposite that Parliament should continue its sitting and carry out the Government's programme as outlined to the country at the last election. This is the first occasion on which I have seen any enthusiasm among members of the Opposition for the Government's policy and programme. But there is a limit to the amount of work that this Parliament can do. We have had a session of six weeks, and it is undoubtedly a monument of achievement for all time. It is well established that one should not attempt too much. It is very desirable that we should consult the States before submitting to this Parliament the measures which the Government has outlined to the country. The Government proposes to pursue that course, and I assure honorable members opposite that in the latter part of this year they will have plenty of opportunity to sit in this Parliament and discuss the Government's programme. I ask honorable members to compare the sittings of the State Parliaments with those of the Commonwealth Parliament. If they do that, they will find that we have every justification for being proud of our record. I regret that it has not been possible to complete the passage of the Commonwealth Employees Compensation Bill, which has already passed the Senate this session, but full consideration will be given by the Government to the suggestion made by the honorable member for Grey **(Mr. Lacey)** that no Commonwealth employee should be prejudiced by this unavoidable delay. Question resolved in the affirmative. {: .page-start } page 1760 {:#debate-67} ### LEAVE OF ABSENCE Motion (by **Mr. Bruce)** - *(by leave)* - agre"ed to. That leave of absence be given to every member of the House of Representatives from the determination of this sitting of the House to the date of its next sitting. {: .page-start } page 1761 {:#debate-68} ### H.M.A.S. BRISBANE {:#subdebate-68-0} #### Case of Stoker W. Molineux {: #subdebate-68-0-s0 .speaker-KMW} ##### Mr MARR:
NAT -- On the 14th March last the honorable member for Newcastle **(Mr. Watkins)** referred to the matter of the discharge from the Royal Australian Navy of Stoker W. Molineux. I promised to bring the honorable member's remarks under the notice of the Minister for Defence and to make a further statement on the subject. The statement read by the honorable member for Newcastle on the 14th March contains three main allegations. The first is that money was criminally wasted on refitting H.M.A.S. *Brisbane.* The Naval Board state that Stoker Molineux is not competent to express an opinion on this matter, which is one for engineering experts. The facts are that the *Brisbane* had been undergoing her quadrennial refit and was a stand-by job at the dockyard. The quadrennial refit is a very exhaustive one. It entailed On this occasion the re-tubing of boilers, the renewal of water reservoirs, the internal examination and cleaning of turbines, and the renewal of electric wiring. The cost, which had been foreseen before work was commenced and for which provision had been made, was £83,000, and the *Brisbane* was rendered efficient for a long period of service. It is recognized that her engine-room staff had a lot of work to do in preparing her for sea, and this work was well done. The second allegation is that bad food was supplied to the *Brisbane.* In fact, the honorable member in his speech referred to it as "rotten" food. The Naval Board deny that such comments have any justification in fact. The standard of food supplied to the Royal Australian Navy is excellent, and it is carefully inspected before acceptance from contractors. Moreover, the naval cooks are experts, trained in the Cookery School at Flinders Naval Depot. No complaints were received about the food supplied to H.M.A.S. *Brisbane* on the cruise to Honolulu, and the officers' messes obtained provisions from the ordinary ship's stores. For the information of honorable members I have obtained the menu for a week at the identical period referred to, and it speaks for itself. The Naval Board will welcome at any time an inspection by honorable members of the victualling arrangements in H.M.A. ships, which provide for a most satisfactory dietary. The third and main allegation is that ex-Stoker Molineux was unjustly punished because he indulged in what the honorable member describes as "a prank." The naval authorities do not hold the view that it was a prank. They regard it very seriously. One well-recognized naval precept, they state, is that every person in the fleet is to conduct himself with the utmost respect to his superior officer and with strict obedience to his orders; he is at all times to discharge every part, of his duty with zeal and alacrity, and so far as circumstances admit, to assist all officers in the duties they have to perform. He is on all occasions to strive to promote the welfare of the naval service, and by the good order and regularity of his conduct show an example to those who may be subject to his command. One has only to peruse the statement read by the honorable member to see that it transgresses the spirit of this precept, and that its tone is insubordinate. Under naval regulations the captain is authorized to investigate certain offences and deal with them summarily. Stoker Molineux was charged with an offence to the prejudice of good order and naval discipline in that he did type poetry, the subject-matter of which was subversive to naval discipline. The naval regulations definitely give the captain the power to try offences of this kind and award punishment up to an authorized limit. Molineux had an officer to assist him at the first investigation, and at his subsequent appeal a second officer, selected by himself, assisted him. He had the right to call and examine witnesses. The charge was proved and Molineux was sentenced to 90 days' imprisonment. The captain recommended, also, that he be dismissed from the Service. The Naval Board carefully reviewed the evidence and confirmed the sentence, except that discharge was substituted for dismissal. In order to appreciate this case, it is necessary to remember that this rating was a member of a disciplined force, and of his own free will enlisted and took an oath of allegiance. He had the opportunity which is available to every man in the Naval Service of making a complaint to hia superior officer if he had a grievance of any kind. Instead of adopting such a course, he deliberately set out to foment disaffection in the ship by surreptitiously publishing verses of an insubordinate character. These verses were also published in the Sydney press, with scurrilous allegations that a state of mutiny was existing in H.M.A.S. *Brisbane,* thus bringing the Naval Service into disrepute. Honorable members have only to read the so-called poem which this man typed and they will see that he was false to his oath. He talks of his ship as " this cursed ship," and he threatens his superior officers with violence. Verses of that nature surreptitiously placed, as they were, on the stokers' notice board cannot be described as " a prank." They are insidious propaganda intended to foment disaffection in a disciplined force, and such conduct cannot be tolerated in the Naval Service. I wish to assure honorable members that this man was tried strictly in accordance with the naval regulations, that he had every opportunity to bring forward evidence, and that his sentence was also in accord with naval regulations, and confirmed by higher authority. The following is the menu to which 1 have referred: - {: .page-start } page 1763 {:#debate-69} ### ADJOURNMENT Dismantling of H.M.A.S. " Sydney " - Assistance to Gold Mining - Tasm anian Fruit Industry - Peanut Growing - Northern Territory Needs - Retirement of **Mr. Mitchell.** {: #debate-69-s0 .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE:
Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs · Flinders · NAT -- I move- >That the House do now adjourn. The other night the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, **Mr. Theodore,** made reference to the manner in which the dismantled parts of H.M.A.S. *Sydney* were being handled, and suggested that there was a lack of business method in the disposal of them. He also made reference to a capstan which he said had cost £1,000 and had been sold for £22. At the time I told the honorable member that I had no knowledge of any such happenings, but I have since received from the Chairman of the Shipping Board, which controls the Cockatoo Island dockyard, a telegram which, because of the publicity given to the suggestion that the methods adopted by the board in regard to the disposal of the *Sydney* fittings has been unbusinesslike, I think I should read. The telegram is as follows: - >Reference Theodore statement in Parliament reported last night Sydney *Sun* and reply thereto that the sale of material from *Sydney* has been carried out in unbusinesslike way, that a large electrically controlled capstan which cost one thousand pounds was sold for twenty-two pounds and that no tenders had been called for material which apparently had been sold to first person making offer. > >For your information procedure connexion sale material as follows. *A.* Large advertisements were inserted in all Sydney newspapers,B. Circular letter sent all shipping and other firms likely interested in arisings enumerating material available and inviting offers. C. Competitive prices have been received from firms. D. Tender Board was constituted to deal with all quotations. E. Before final action taken recommendations Tender Board referred Chairman Shipping Board for approval or otherwise. > >Statement regarding capstan incorrect. This has not been sold but remains on vessel, no offer having been received. Original cost would not exceed five hundred pounds, present value is only scrap. This capstan and all other auxiliaries and material had definite value when placed in this naval shop for their special purpose seventeen years ago. but have now little or no commercial value except as scrap. Much material has no market value. Statement that material sold to first person making offer also incorrect. Reasonable com mercial prices have been obtained for all material sold to date. > >Regarding conduct of yard notwithstanding disabilities under whichwe labour and wellknown restriction of operations it is maintained that control will compare favorably with any business of similar character.It should be borne in mind that during past seven years dockyard has under present control consistently shown profit. Unfortunate that such statements received publicity amuch harm done to dockyards and character of officers impeached. {:#subdebate-69-0} #### Chairman Shipping Board The honorable member said that he was making no charges and was merely bringing under notice certain facts which had come to his knowledge. I am sure, therefore, he will welcome, as much as I do, the refutation given by this telegram to rumours which apparently are unfounded. {: #subdebate-69-0-s0 .speaker-KF9} ##### Mr A GREEN:
KALGOORLIE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA · ALP; FLP from 1931; ALP from 1936 .-I wish to discuss the assistance which the Prime Minister the other night announced was to be given to the goldmining industry of Australia. To the amazement of all connected with the industry, all that the Government proposes to make available is the small sum of £25,000. To say that the right honorable gentleman's announcement came as a sort of bombshell to the mining interests of Australia is putting it mildly. I shall not trespass on the patience of honorable members at this hour by reciting the many efforts that have been made to arrive at what extent of assistance should be given by the Federal Government to an industry whose importance to Australia can be gauged by the fact that it has been responsible for half the value of Australian mining production. From the beginning of Australia up to date, the value of its mineral output, including coal, has been £1,200,000,000 and gold has been responsible for £600,000,000 of this. There is no doubt that the Prime Minister is fully seised of the importance of giving assistance to the goldmining industry. Five years ago he called together men engaged in gold-mining all over Australia. They met in the Treasury at Melbourne and put forward certain proposals. Subsequently the Western Australian Disabilities Commission investigated the position of the industry, and the chairman of tlie commission recommended what the mining interests thought desirable - the payment of a gold bonus. Subsequently the Development and Migration Commission was asked to investigate the necessities of gold-mining in Australia, and over twelve months ago the Government received its recommendations, one of which was that a sum of £2.">0,000 should be appropriated to assist the mines in the purchase of machinery. In the event of machinery having to be imported, because of its highly technical character, it was proposed that portion of this amount should be used for paying the customs duties upon it. Among those who made this recommendation was one gentleman who had a splendid technical knowledge of the subject of goldmining. Another recommendation was that the unexpended vote of £36,000 under the Precious Metals Prospecting Act, should be set aside for the purpose of enabling technical advice to be obtained by people engaged in gold-mining. A further sum was to be set aside for special development in mines. I have tried to show that gold represents fully half the mineral and carboniferous wealth that has been Avon from the soil of Australia. This industry was the prime factor in the development of Victoria and Western Australia, and to a less extent, Queensland. The reason for its decline is that although the average cost of mining has increased from 19s. per ton before the war to 38s. per ton now, gold has a standard value, and because it is a medium of exchange it is impossible to get more for it now than when the cost of winning it was 50 per cent. less. For this reason, the industry is in a precarious condition and I ask that Western Australia, Queensland and other States which arc remote from the highlyprotected industries of the Eastern States and, therefore, do not get much benefit from the protective policy but are, in fact, penalized by the extra imposts on primary production, should participate in the assistance which the Government gives by way of bounty. It is remarkable that for other primary products, including wine and dried fruits, no less a sum than £900,000 was paid last year in bounties; this Parliament gave freely to them without requiring anything like the extensive preliminary investigation that has taken place into the gold-mining industry. But in regard to the one industry which is unfortunate enough to be represented by only one man, the recommendations of the commission appointed by the Government have not been adopted. The commission suggested the setting aside of £250,000 as one means of assisting the gold-mining industry, and the allocation of £25,000 at this late hour is nothing but a gratuitous insult to a worthy section of the community. Western Australia contributes over £2,000,000 annually to customs revenue, and what does it get in return? Its people are willing to contribute towards the maintenance of the Queensland sugar industry, and most of them will support the continuance of the protectionist policy that costs £5 for every man, woman and child in Western Australia. But they are entitled to reciprocal treatment. The great interior of the continent may never be of great value for the production of stock, but its auriferous areas are the richest in the world. The people of Western Australia are entitled to assistance in the development of them, and 1 hope that the Government will see its way clear to propose something more adequate than the paltry £25,000 that has been offered. The Wiluna Consolidated Goldmining Company which is financed by capital from abroad on the understanding that the Commonwealth will do something substantial to assist the industry, is waiting to import £100,000 worth of machinery. The amount that the Government has set aside for the assistance of the gold-mining industry throughout Australia would not suffice to pay more than half the customs duty on that plant. I trust that later this evening the Prime Minister will grant an interview to the Western Australian representatives with a view to the more just treatment of one of the great primary industries of the Commonwealth. {: #subdebate-69-0-s1 .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr MCWILLIAMS:
Franklin -- As I have not been able to move the motion which has been standing in my name on the notice-paper since the opening of Parliament, for the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the fruit and hop industries, I take this opportunity to acquaint honorable members with the parlous condition of the small fruits industry in Tasmania. Last year there was practically no market for these fruits. The processers who had been buying the fruit for years past suddenly announced that their purchases would be restricted, and that some of them would not be buying at all. The result was that the Premier of Tasmania, in Sydney, and I, in Melbourne, were seeking the assistance of retailers, housewives associations, and other bodies to enable the orchardists to dispose of portion of their crop. I have hero a copy of the contract which is forced upon the growers of apricots by the firm which is practically the only buyer in Tasmania. I intended to reserve it for investigation by the select committee; but that inquiry has been declined. In doing this, Ministers are sinning with their eyes open, because I have shown to them and others copies of the contract. This is the undertaking that the apricot-grower has to sign on pain of not being able to sell any of his fruit to this company which has almost a monopoly of the processing industry: - >Mywhole crop of apricots, estimated at approximately........bushels to be paid for at your market price for the season. All apricots must conform to the conditions on the back hereof and must be not less than one and a half inches in diameter. This contract is for five years. .... > >Mr.Scullin. - Is no price fixed? {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr McWILLIAMS: -- No. The purchasing company fixes its own price each season. I shall vote against any motion for the adjournment of this House until the Government agrees to the appointment of a committee to inquire into this iniquity. I impress upon honorable members that the grower has to contract to sell for five years the whole of his firstclass crop at the average price fixed each season by the purchasing company. No more scandalous condition of affairs ever existed in Australia and I appeal to the representatives of the primary producers to say that it shall be stopped. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr Forde: -Where are they? {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr McWILLIAMS: -- I do not know; but I told most of them that I proposed to deal with this matter to-day. Recently the Development and Migration Commission issued a report dealing with the berry fruits of Tasmania. I have no hesitation in saying that its conclusions concerning the industry are the greatest drivel that one could read in any document of the kind. There is no reference in the report to raspberries, and I suppose that the relative production of raspberries and blackberries is in the ratio of 25 tons to 1 ton. Apparently, the members of the commission were unaware that raspberries are grown in Tasmania. The commission's recommendations are ludicrous. One of its suggestions is that if the growers leave the stalks on the strawberries, the fruit may be exported to Sydney or Melbourne ! That is what the growers have known for many years. The commission mentions incidentally that its recommendations should not in any way interfere with the development of private concerns. It suggests the formation of a. marketing company, on the directorate of which there shall be two representatives of existing monopolistic companies, two growers, and a chairman to be selected. Members of the commission draw high salaries, and no doubt they are men of ability; but it is unreasonable to expect any three men to be experts in the working of every industry in Australia. Certainly, members of the Development and Migration Commission are not experts in the fruit industry. Their report relating to the berry fruits industry in Tasmania is an absurd production. I have done my utmost to persuade the Government to institute an inquiry into the industry. I know only too well that thousands of men were practically beggared last year through not being able to dispose of their crop, and I know that large numbers willbe in desperate straits this year. It is the duty of this Government to appoint a competent commission. Mr.Fenton. - I think Parliament would act, but the Government will not. {: #subdebate-69-0-s2 .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr McWILLIAMS:
FRANKLIN, TASMANIA · REV TAR; ANTI-SOC from 1906; LP from 1910; NAT from 1917; CP from 1920; IND from 1928 -- I emphasize the need for the appointment of a competent commission. I am certain that there could be selected from members of this House a small committee cognizant of the difficulties confronting our primary producers, who would be able to take evidence in Tasmania, analyse it, and present a useful report. Throughout the Huon, the Derwent Valley, and Collinsvale growers are producing raspberries and currants under most unfavorable marketing conditions. Even when they get a big crop and big prices, their returns are only fair, because the monopolistic concerns that are operating in Tasmania have a stranglehold on the industry. These growers naturally look to their representatives in Parliament to help them. {: .speaker-KNP} ##### Mr Maxwell: -- Has the honorable member a copy of the contract? {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr MCWILLIAMS: -- I have an original contract, -and I quoted from it word for word just now. Is nothing to be clone to prevent the loss of next season's crop? Are the growers to be compelled to sign this contract for another five years? If they refuse to sign it, the companies will not take any of their fruit, and their position will be utterly hopeless. Actually the small fruit-grower in Tasmania is at the mercy of Tiberius --these monopolistic companies that have a stranglehold on the people. {: #subdebate-69-0-s3 .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE: -- Why did not the Country party demand that the Government should do something? {: .speaker-KZO} ##### Mr Latham: -- What does the honorable member for Capricornia suggest could be done by this Parliament regarding a contract made in a State? {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr MCWILLIAMS: -- The Federal Government, I believe, could do something to help the growers. At all events, it must accept responsibility for the stupid report issued by the Development and Migration Commission, because that body was appointed by this Government. The report will be the subject of ridicule from one end of Australia to the other among people who understand the fruit-growing industry. It is because this Government is, through the Development and Migration Commission, responsible for its conclusions, that I appeal now to the Prime Minister to take action to help the fruit-growers in Tasmania. I invite the right honorable gentleman to select three honorable members from this House who are acquainted with the fruit industry, and appoint them as a select committee to investigate the conditions of the growers. If he does this I will give a guarantee that the inquiry will not cost the Government ls. for witnesses' fees. This is a fair offer. {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr Scullin: -- Does the honorable member know if evidence concerning the small fruits industry was given before the Development and Migration Commission? {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr Mcwilliams: -- God knows where the Commission got its evidence. I should say, if one may judge from the recommendations, that it was obtained from the processing companies. {: .speaker-F4Q} ##### Mr Scullin: -- Did the Commission invite evidence? {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr Mcwilliams: -- i do not know. I knew nothing about the inquiry until I saw a copy of the Commission's report. If evidence was taken at all, it must have been *in camera,* because I saw no reference to the inquiry in the Tasmanian press, and I watch the newspapers pretty closely. The suggestion has been made that officers of the Markets Department, should make the investigation. I do not wish to be severe upon those officials; but I feel sure that any inquiry which they could carry out would be useless. It is not to be expected that departmental officers in Canberra, Melbourne or Sydney would be able to understand fully the details of the industry. The inquiry should be conducted by men who have a thorough knowledge of the fruit-growers' difficulties. Again I appeal to the Prime Minister. Again I invite him to appoint three members of this House as a select committee. If necessary, he can limit the investigations to a period of two months. I repeat that, if he accepts my suggestion, the Commonwealth Government will not incur any expenditure by way of fees to witnesses. I earnestly urge the right honorable gentleman to do something to save these people. If only he could meet them as I do, and if only he realized how desperately they are struggling to obtain the financial resource needed to tide them over until the next season's fruit is ripening, he would not hesitate to accede to my request. {: .speaker-KEV} ##### Mr Fenton: -- There are some small fruit-growers in the Prime Minister's constituency. I do not know why he refuses to help them. {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr MCWILLIAMS: -- We have heard a good deal of late about the plight of certain primary industries on the mainland, but not one of them is in the parlous condition of the small fruit industry of Tasmania. The products of practically every other primary industry will keep for a short while without special provision having to be made, but the small fruit is ripe and rotten in three days. It must be handled immediately it is ready. If the process companies refuse to purchase it, it becomes a dead loss. While the right honorable member for North Sydney **(Mr. Hughes)** was Prime Minister, the company to which I have already referred advertised in the press that it would buy this small fruit for12/8d. per lb. only until the succeeding 1st January. This was a big blow to the growers, and in their behalf I made representations to the Prime Minister to grant them relief. He advanced £10,000 to a local cooperative company under certain conditions. The result was that the private company suddenly discovered that it could accept all the fruit offered to it at 4d. a lb. The £10,000 advanced was repaid to the Government. The condition of many of these small fruit-growers is wretched in the extreme, and I should not like to be the Minister of the Crown who had it in his power to grant them relief, but failed to do so. {: .speaker-KNP} ##### Mr Maxwell: -- Is the co-operative company to which the honorable member referred still in business? {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr McWILLIAMS: -- Yes, but it is now dealing with larger fruit. What is required is a co-operative jam manufacturing and preserving company specially to handle this fruit. At present Tasmanian small fruit is pulped and exported to England, where surplus Queensland sugar, also exported there, is used to manufacture it into jam. That is an absurd situation. I intend, in the near future, to make strenuous endeavours to bring representatives of the fruit-growers and sugar farmers together to consider ways and means of advancing their mutual interests, for there is no enmity between them. The only conferences held in the past have been between **Sir Henry** Jones and the sugar refining companies. We must inquire outside these monopolistic concerns which, at present, have a stranglehold upon the industry. In the meantime I urge the Government, with all the earnestness at my command, to do something to protect these people from the misery and ruin which is staring them in the face. I trust that an inquiry will be granted along the lines and under the conditions which I have suggested. {: #subdebate-69-0-s4 .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE:
Capricornia -- I regret that the Government is adjourning Parliament without having done anything for the peanut industry, and I appeal to the Prime Minister to do something during the recess to protect the interests of the 600 peanut-growers in Queensland, who are at present in a most unfortunate position. Their industry is of considerable importance to the country. {: .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr Bruce: -- The honorable member for Wide Bay **(Mr. Bernard Corser)** has been in communication with me for some weeks on this subject. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE: -- He represents some of the peanut-growers, and I represent, others. We have both made representations in their interests, but the Government has taken no action. I promised my constituents that I would personally bring this matter under the notice of the Government. The growers are asking for the re-imposition of the embargo, or alternatively, an increase in the existing duties to at least 6d. per lb. all round; but an embargo is preferable and can be justified. In consequence of the encouragement given to the peanut-growers while the embargo was in operation in 1927, they increased the area under cultivation considerably. In 1922-23 only 132 acres were under peanut cultivation in Queensland, and only 61 tons of peanuts were grown. In 1926-27, the figures were 60,500 acres and 3,000 tons. At that time 400 growers were engaged in the industry. Last year approximately 600 peanut-growers were operating on nearly 70,000 acres, and they produced nearly 4,000 tons of peanuts. This was sufficient to supply Australia's requirements. I point out that peanuts arc sold not only over the shop counters, but also to confectioners, nut-food companies, and certain oil manufacturing concerns. Hitherto the settlers on the land have been able to grow wool, wheat and sugar profitably because they held comparatively large holdings; butin these days of more intense cultivation smaller holdings are becoming the rule, and other crops are being grown. Peanuts are a drought-resisting and good rotation crop. Because this crop is conducive to soil fertility, agriculturalists engaged in growing maize and other crops have also commenced growing peanuts, for which the climate of Queensland is eminently suitable. As the result of an agitation in 1926, the Minister agreed to impose an embargo upon the importation of peanuts, chiefly because it was represented to him that there was a danger of introducing to Australia the rosette disease. {: .speaker-KNP} ##### Mr Maxwell: -- Who are the chief competitors in the industry. {: .speaker-F4U} ##### Mr FORDE: -- Most of the imported peanuts come from Java and China. If the rosette disease had been introduced into Australia, there was serious danger that it might attack the tomato and potato crops. A guarantee was given to the late Minister for Trade and Customs **(Mr. Pratten)** that if the embargo was imposed, Queensland growers would supply all the peanuts needed for the Australian market. Accordingly, the embargo became effective from January, 1927, but it was lifted again in October of the same year. The imposition of the embargo had the effect of building up the industry to a surprising extent. It was worth practically nothing in 1922, but at the present time its value to Queensland is £100,000 a year, and it is still growing. Indeed, it is of value to other States, also, because the growers in Queensland buy the products of Sydney and Melbourne factories. The chairman of the Peanut Board, in a statement which is reported in the Brisbane *Daily Mail* of the 22nd August, 1928, expresses strong resentment that the peanut-growers should be denied that measure of protection which is afforded to other primary producers. This newspaper extract states - > **Mr. C.** F. Adermann, chairman of the Peanut Board, stated to-day that though he sympathized sincerely with tlie cotton growers, he was not surprised at the information contained in the statement of the crisis in the cotton industry, issued by **Mr. D.** C. Pryce, chairman of the Queensland Cotton Board, and published in the *Daily Mail.* " Like **Mr. Pryce,** " said **Mr. Adermann,** " I, too, am a supporter of the Bruce-Page Government. I am bound to say, however, that like the cotton industry the peanut industry has been badly ' let down ' by the Commonwealth Government. " > >The Federal Government seemed to be completely unaware of the detrimental effect on Queensland industries of its vacillating policy. Steps would have to be taken by a combination of the agricultural industries affected, to impress forcibly on the Commonwealth authorities that action of that kind, imperilling the fortunes of whole industries, would have to cease. That is strong language to come from a government supporter. The embargo was lifted in October of 1927, and by June of the following year 700 tons of peanuts had been imported from China and Java. This was equivalent to 500 tons of Australian kernels which should have been sold at the ruling price of £74 a ton. Because of this competition, a large part of the Australian crop had to be disposed of at oil values, resulting in a loss to the Queensland growers of £26,000 for the year 1927-28. **Mr. C.** F. Adermann, chairman of the Peanut Board, summed up the position in the following words : - >This loss to the growers was due wholly to the vacillation of an ill-advised government. The Director of Agriculture in Queensland, summarizing the progress of the industry in that State, stated in his annual report of the 30th June, 1928- >The withdrawal by the Commonwealth authorities of the embargo after the brief period of its operation, and without notice to the growers after the planting of the crop, was a considerable blow to the industry, as it had been encouraged to plant extended acreages to fill Australia's requirements. Figures have been prepared by the statistician's office showing the quantity of peanuts imported during recent years. In 1924-25, Australia imported 3,263,520 lb. of peanuts, valued at £42,296, including 3,057,684 lb. from China, at a cost of £37,593. In 1925-26, we imported 4.934,211 lb., valued at £67,839, including 4,310,766 lb., at a cost of £58,874, from China. In 1926-27, our total importations were 5,870,334 lb., for which we paid £69,662. Included in the importations for that year were 5,341,335 lb. from China, bought at a cost of £62,631. In 1927, Queensland grew 4.967,428 lb. of peanuts. Australia's yearly requirements are growing and are now estimated to be 6,700,000 lb. If the growers were given effective protection, or if the embargo were reimposed, they would be able to supply the whole of Australia's needs. The embargo could be justified on the grounds that the rosette disease will probably be introduced from the East if importations continue, and will do serious damage to the tomato and potato crops. The demand for peanuts in Australia is increasing. If we consumed the same quantity of peanuts per head as America does, we could use twelve and a half times the quantity we are using now. Because of the importation of peanuts from China and Java, the Peanut Board last year had to sell a big proportion of the crop for making oil, thereby sustaining a loss of £26,000. The value of the nuts for oil is 21/2d. a lb. of kernels f.o.b. Brisbane, as against 8d. a lb. of kernels for other purposes. These low prices have greatly reduced the previous average return to the growers of85d. per lb. for 1926-27. To-daywe are buying that commodity from Japan and China, whereaswe should produce it in Australia by white labour in sufficient quantity to meet the local demand. The average production of Queensland in the last seven years was 1,141 lb. of peanuts per acre, and the profit amounted to1/2d. a lb., which equals £2 7s. 6d. an acre. That profit is not sufficient. The Australian market is increasing, and wo should not be importing this commodity at all. The present duty on imports is absolutely ineffective. The growers have spent £13,000 of their own money in erecting an up-to-date silo in which to store their products, and the Queensland Government is assisting them with a guarantee of £37,000, making a total expenditure of £50,000 for silos, all of which will really be borne by the growers. There is now on hand with the Peanut Pool Board 1,800 tons of peanuts with a probable carry over to next season of 1,200 tons. They will be ruined unless the Government comes to their assistance, and adequately protects the industry. Inquiries should be made immediately with a view to imposing an embargo on imports. The Tariff Board should be asked to make an immediate investigation witha view to increasing the duty to such a figure that the foreign product will be kept out of Australia. I want action taken by the Government without further delay. {: #subdebate-69-0-s5 .speaker-JVT} ##### Mr NELSON:
Northern Territory -- There are several matters of vital importance to my constituency that I desire to bring before the House, because probably six months will elapse before I shall have another opportunity of addressing it. As it is anticipated that the Minister for Home Affairs will shortly be taking a trip to the Northern Territory, I draw his attention to a statement appearing in *Sun Pictorial* headed, "Doctors outspoken about pitiable plight of aborigines." It is a rather scathing indictment of the administration of aboriginal affairs in Central Australia. The article states, *inter alia -* " A man constantly without the company of white women and always in the company of aborigines," says **Dr. Walker,** "gradually loses his finer feelings, and becomes not merely immoral, but unashamedly unmoral." There are so few white women in the interior because, among other disabilities, there is, in ordinary circumstances, no doctor for 1.300 miles north and south between Oodnadatta and Port Darwin, and for 1,000 miles east and west betweenRoebourne and Cloncurry. " Is there anywhere else in the civilized world that can claim this unenviable distinction?" asks **Dr. Walker,** who favours the suggested inauguration of an aerial medical service for Alice Springs. We owe a duty to the pioneers in those far-flung parts of Australia to see that they are supplied with medical attention. No wonder settlers hesitate to take their womenfolk into those areas. The health of the community should be the first consideration of the Government, and I hope that the Minister will investigate the matter during his tour. I again direct attention to the unemployment problem in North Australia. Truly, the workless there have asked for bread and have been given a stone. Tenders were called recently for the carting of broken metal required in the construction of oil tanks at Darwin, but the work is to be done by prison labour. Consideration should be shown to men who are out of work, particularly when public works are under construction. I protest against the employment of prison labour, much of which is native labour, when white men are available. Another subject which calls for a protest is the method in which the Aliens Restrictions Act is being administered. I have received the following telegram on the subject : - >Copy telegram sent Minister Customs. Canberra. - Two indentured labourers were imprisoned by master pearler for refusing work in tlie transport of cargo carrying. These duties were connected pearling only. They appealed against imprisonment. After serving *two* weeks were released on bail. Appeal cannot be heard until Justice Mallan) returns middle April, lt is anticipated these people will be deported six o'clock Tuesday morning. It should be recognized that even indentured labourers have rights, and they desire to appeal against the treatment they have received. Before a judge can return to the Northern Territory, these men will have been deported. That is not justice. They should be given the opportunity to establish their case. I trust that when the Minister **(Mr. Abbott)** visits the Northern Territory, he will make a detailed investigation, of these questions and not listen to only one side. I wish to touch briefly on the question of mineral production. Assistance has been sought to enable operations to he carried on in connexion with a metal called " tantalite," which is worth from £700 to £S00 a ton. It does not come within the classification of precious metals, and therefore that fund cannot be drawn upon for the development of the deposits that are known to exist. An amount of approximately £20 has been made available out of the leper fund and the indigent fund. I understand that tantalite is found in only three countries, of which Australia is one, and North Australia is particularly well-favoured, because the ore contains 90 per cent, of the metal. Surely a metal which is worth £700 a ton can be considered precious ! Recently a gentleman named Litchfield, whose qualifications cannot be questioned, endeavoured to obtain assistance to carry on this enterprise, but failed to do so. I hope that the Minister will inquire into this and other matters, so that something may be done for the development of the North. He should issue instructions immediately to prevent the employment of prison labour in a labour market that is already glutted. {: #subdebate-69-0-s6 .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE:
Prime Minister and Minister for External Affairs · Flinders · NAT . - The honorable member for Kalgoorlie **(Mr. A. Green)** has taken con siderable exception to the fact that the Government has not provided a larger amount than £25,000 for the assistance of the gold-mining industry. It was the desire of the Government to make the amount much larger, but unfortunately the financial position of the Commonwealth at the present time is opposed to such a course being taken. The other night I stated that the Government had considered the recommendation of the Development and Migration Commission that £250,000 should be provided over a period of years for the assistance of the industry. If the financial resources of the Commonwealth warrant it, the Government will endeavour to supplement in the near future the amount that it has now undertaken to make available. The honorable member for Franklin **(Mr. Mcwilliams)** has referred to a private motion of his on the notice paper, for the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the fresh-fruit industry, and *the* hop industry in Tasmania. I regret that the House has not had an opportunity to consider that matter. I cannot accede to his request that he should be given preference over two other honorable members who also have on the notice paper motions for the appointment of select committees : the honorable member for Bass **(Mr. Jackson)** relating to Australian aborigines, and that of the honorable member for New England **(Mr. Thompson)** concerning the tobacco industry. However sympathetic the Government might be towards the objects of those select committees and this of the honorable member for Franklin, it could not agree to the appointment of the three. If there were no other reason, the expense would be a bar. The nonappointment of a select committee, however, does not signify that it is impossible to take action that will assist the freshfruit and hop industries. Even on the facts outlined by the honorable member for Franklin, several courses are open. One of the most essential things is to bring the growers together in a co-operative scheme, so that they might obtain advances from the Rural Credits Department of the Commonwealth Bank. I understand that the State Government of Tasmania is about to bring into operation a scheme under which advances will be made against rural products. The Department of Markets could render the honorable member very great assistance, and I am sorry that he has said he has not the slightest confidence in it. {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr McWilliams: -- Not the slightest. {: .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE: -- The honorable member cannot be acquainted with the qualifications of the public servants in this country, who are rendering very material and valuable assistance in matters such as this. If I were a private member, desirous of organizing in my electorate an industry such as the fresh fruit industry, I should prefer to have the assistance of one of the public servants of this country rather than that of a special committee. I regret that the honorable member has stated his views in such unqualified language in regard to both the Markets Department and the staff of the Development and Migration Commission. {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr Mcwilliams: -- I invite the Prime Minister to read the Commission's report and judge for himself. {: .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE: -- I have read the report, and in it the Commission suggests the formation of a co-operative company. {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr McWilliams: -- For sending strawberries and black-currants abroad. {: .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE: -- That is not so. The Commission recommends the formation of *a* co-operative company to deal generally with the position of the small fruits industry in Tasmania, and it suggests that it be started in the south. The honorable member also referred to a contract which is common in that State; but whatever views this House or this Government may hold regarding that form of contract, it has no power to alter it. {: .speaker-JUV} ##### Mr McWilliams: -- This Government could help the people to help themselves. {: .speaker-F4B} ##### Mr BRUCE: -- That contract is one between two citizens of the State of Tasmania. It has relation to trade and commerce inside the borders of that State, and the Commonwealth has no power to interfere with it. If it will assist the honorable member at all in his laudable desire to help Tasmania, I am quite prepared to make arrangements for a Minister to visit that State to attend meetings in company with the honorable member. I cannot accept the honorable member's request that a select committee be appointed, if for no other reason than that, that would be giving the honorable member preferential treatment over other members of the House. The honorable member for Capricornia **(Mr. Forde)** has referred to the peanut industry of Queensland, and he has given the House much information on the subject. At the moment the honorable member could not tell me anything new about peanuts. I am saturated and soaked with information about peanuts, because the honorable member for Wide Bay **(Mr. Corser)** has been haunting me for the last two or three or four weeks with respect to that industry. As a result of the discussions which I have had with the honorable member for Wide Bay, and the information that he has given me, I am hopeful that we shall be able to find some solution of the difficulties confronting the peanut industry. The Minister for Home Affairs **(Mr. Abbott)** is not here to reply to the points raised by the honorable member for Northern Territory **(Mr. Nelson)** ; but I assure the honorable member that I shall bring his representations under the Minister's notice {: #subdebate-69-0-s7 .speaker-KFK} ##### Mr SPEAKER (Hon Sir Littleton Groom: -- I wish to place on record our appreciation of the services of. one of the members of the parliamentary staff who will retire from the Public Service before we meet again ; I refer to **Mr. Robert** Mitchell, who, in June, will have completed 49 years and one month of service with the Victorian and Commonwealth Parliaments. He has been in close personal touch with honorable members, and I feel that I am only uttering their opinions when I say that he has proved a most competent and loyal officer. He has always been deeply devoted to his duty, and in our relations with him he has been most courteous and considerate. We shall miss his presence very much indeed. We wish him on his retirement a period of rest and happiness. Not only is he deeply attached to Parliament, but he has a high appreciation of its dignity and value. He has done all in his power to make the services of Parliament efficient. Question resolved in the affirmative. {: #subdebate-69-0-s8 .speaker-10000} ##### Mr SPEAKER: -- The House stands adjourned to such time as shall be fixed by me and notified to each honorable member by telegram or letter. House adjourned at 5.10 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 March 1929, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/hofreps/1929/19290322_reps_11_120/>.