2nd Parliament · 2nd Session
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The Senate met at 2.30 p.m. pursuant to the proclamation of His Excellency the GovernorGeneral.
The Clerk of the Parliaments read the proclamation.
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NOR-GENERAL entered the chamber, and took the chair. A message’ was forwarded to the House of Representatives intimating that His Excellency desired the attendance of honorable members in the Senate chamber, who being come with their Speaker,
HIS EXCELLENCY was pleased to deliver the following speech : -
I have called you together, after a reasonable recess, to resume your Parliamentary duties.
In 1903 plans for the distribution of seats throughout the Commonwealth were prepared by Commissioners appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, and were submitted1 to Parliament.
The Divisions recommended for South Australia and Tasmania were adopted by both Houses. Those for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia were rejected by the House of Representatives.
During the recess My Advisers, in accordance with their duty under the law, appointed Commissioners for those four States in order that new Divisions might be submitted, and the Reports containing their recommendations have been furnished to the Government.
It is the intention of My Advisers to submit these proposals for your consideration without delay.
His Excellency the Governor-
General having retired,
The President took the chair and read prayers.
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– I wish to ask a question, without notice, of the leader of the Senate, in reference to the business of this Chamber. In yesterday’s newspapers there was given an outline of the policy of the Government. We expected to-day to have that policy laid before us ; and I think it is only fair that we should receive some explanationfrom the Government as to their sudden collapse in reference to proceeding with business. As I have said, in yesterday’s newspaper, a very elaborate programme was presented-
The PRESIDENT. I think that the honorable senator is hardly in order, except in giving reasons as to why he asks a question.
– I am doing that. We have had a list of measures presented through the public press, but to-day we have had such a meagre programme put before us that it is an absolute insult-
– I do not think that the honorable senator is in order in making a speech.
– I wish to ask for an explanation.
– Will not the editor of the newspaper referred to offer the explanation required?
– I think that the leader of the Senate is the right person to explain the policy of the Government, not the editor of a newspaper.
– The honorable senator is not in order in making those remarks.
– I will give way to allow the leader of the Senate to make an explanation, which, I think, is verv much required.
– I need not tell my honorable friend, Senator de Largie, that I am not responsible for policies propounded in newspapers, but I am responsible for the policy propounded by the Government, and contained in the GovernorGeneral’s speech.
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– I should like to ask the Attorney-General whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Fraudulent Trades Marks Bill, taking it up at the stage at which it was left last session ?
– The Fraudulent Trades Marks Bill is not in this Chamber. Of course, the prorogation has taken place since we last dealt with the Bill, and it will be a matter for consideration what course will be taken in respect of it.
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– I should like to ask whether the Government have taken steps to safeguard the marriage tie, and to protect the purity of the home?
– I donot think that my honorable friend expectsan answer.
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– I have to report to the Senate, in pursuance of standing order 10, that His Excellency the GovernorGeneral has to-day made a speech to both. Houses of Parliament ; and I lay a copy of it on the table.
– South Australia-Attorney-General) - I move -
That the speech of His Excellency the GovernorGeneral be taken into consideration to-morrow.
Question put; division called for.
– This has always been the practice.
– But this is the most shameful thing ever done in Parliament.
Call for division withdrawn.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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Senator Sir JOSIAH SYMON laid upon the table the following papers : -
Pursuant to the Public Service Act 1902 : Regulations : - No. 104, Shipping Patrol Officer, and repeal of. Statutory Rule No. 46 of 1904 (Statutory Rules 1905, ‘No. 8); No. 229, persons registered, and repeal of Statutory Rule No. 66 of 1904 (Statutory Rules. 1905, No. ir); No. 102, seniority, &c, and repeal of Statutory Rule No. 74 of 1904 (Statutory Rules 1905, No. 17) ; Nos. 36 and 104, officers to obey summons, &c. (Statutory Rules 1905, No. 28) ; papers re the appointment of Messrs. Teece and Skertchly as junior assistant examiners in the Patent Office, Melbourne.
Pursuant to the Customs Act 1901, Regulations relating to fees for warehouses (Statutory Rules 1905, No. iS) ; enforcement of penalties and forfeitures (Statutory Rules 1905, ‘No. 21) ; standards for condensation, &c. (Statutory Rules 1905, No. 39)-
Pursuant to the Property for Public Purposes Acquisition Act 1901, notifications of the acquisition of sites for defence purposes at Armidale and Lismore, N.S.W. ; for post offices at Gular, Humula, Kingston (The Rock), and Mullumbimby, N.S.W., and at South Richmond, Victoria.
Pursuant to the Audit Act 1901, transfers of amounts approved by the Governor-General in Council for the financial year 1903-4, and the financial year 1904-5, dated 26th June, 1905.
Pursuant to the Immigration Restriction Act 1901, a return showing (a) persons refused admission to the Commonwealth during 1904; (i) persons who passed the prescribed test during 1904; (c) persons admitted without being asked to pass the education test during 1904.
The Clerk laid upon the table the following papers : -
Return to order of the Senate of 9th December, 19041 as to the sale of lands and conditions of purchase in British New Guinea.
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Motion (by Senator Sir Josiah Symon) agreed to -
That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn until to. morrow at 2.30 p.m.
Senate adjourned at 3 p.m.
Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 28 June 1905, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1905/19050628_senate_2_25/>.