11th Parliament · 1st Session
The Senate met at 3 p.m.
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The Right Honorable Sir Adrian Knox, P.O., K.C.M.G., Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, appointed by His Excellency Sir Dudley de Chair, K.C.B., M.V.O., the Deputy of His Excellency the Right Honorable Lord Stonehaven, P.O., G.C.M.G., D.S.O., GovernorGeneral of the Commonwealth of Australia, to attend and swear in newlyelected senators, entered theChamber and, taking his seat on the dais, directed the Clerk to read his commission to administer the oath or affirmation of allegiance to senators.
Commission read by the Clerk.
The Clerk produced and laid on the table the writs and certificates of return for members elected on 17th. November, 1928, to serve in the Senate as senators for their respective States.
The following honorable senators made and subscribed the oath or affirmation of allegiance : -
The Chief Justice having retired,
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Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia - Vice-President of the Executive Council [3.16]. - I acquaint the Senate that the time has now arrived for honorable senators to elect a member of the Senate as its President. I move -
That Senator Kingsmill do take the Chair of this Senate as President.
– I beg to express my sense of appreciation of the honor proposed to be conferred on me, and to submit myself to the Senate.
Senator KINGSMILL being the only honorable senator proposed as President, was conducted to the dais and said -
It was no empty form of words that I employed just now when I expressed my high appreciation of the honor to be conferred upon me. The position of President of the Senate is a high, honorable and responsible one, and I approach it with a full sense of the responsibilities that attach to it. I hope that I may be able always to keep intact the rights and privileges of honorable senators and to preserve the dignity of the Chamber. I remind honorable senators, however, that these ideals are impossible of accomplishment without their assistance and I therefore pray their aid in my effort to achieve them.
[3.22].- -On behalf of honorable senators on this side of the chamber, I desire, sir, to extend to you our congratulations on the honour that has been conferred upon you by the Senate in electing you as its President. The position, as you have said, is one of grave responsibility and great dignity. We recognize that it is our duty as senators to assist you to discharge the obligations of your position, and to uphold the dignity of the Senate by bowing to your decisions and by cooperating with you in the observance of the Standing Orders. I trust that during your term of office, Mr. President, you will have the help of every honorable senator, and feel sure that your interpretation of the Standing Orders will be conducive to the efficient discharge of public business.
SenatorDALY (South Australia) [3.23] . -On behalf of the members of the Opposition I desire to convey to you,- sir, our congratulations upon your election to the presidential chair. I endorse everything that has been said by the Leader of the Government in the Senate (Senator Sir George Pearce) but I feel that some explanation is necessary as to why there was no other nomination for the position.
In the first place it is ‘ recognized that our numbers on this side of the chamber are small and for that reason we could not afford to nominate one of our members for the office of President. Another reason is that it was common knowledge that ministerial supporters had unanimously decided to support your election. Concerning that decision we have no complaint to make. There was no personal feeling in the minds of members of the Opposition concerning any of the three ministerial candidates for the position; any one of them would have been equally acceptable to us. We congratulate you, sir, on being the elect of your party. We recognize that on the floor of the chamber you were a faithful supporter of the Government, and for that support you were selected by your party for the very high and honorable position’ to whichyou have just been elected by the Senate. I assure you that during your term of office the Opposition will do everything it can to enable you to achieve the ideals at which you aim. You will receive our loyal support and we feel confident that you will carry out your duties with absolute impartiality. On behalf of the Opposition I sincerely and heartily congratulate you on your election.
The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. W. Kingsmill) [3.25]. - I thank honorable senators for their kind wishes and for the promises of support which I have been accorded.
Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia - Vice-President of the Executive Council) [3.26]. - I desire to announce that His Excellency the Deputy of the Governor-General will be pleased to receive Mr. President, and such honorable senators as may wish to accompany him in the Parliamentary Library at 5 o’clock.
-I shall suspend the sitting until 4.55 p.m., and will be glad if those honorable senators who wish to accompany me to the Deputy of the Governor-General will assemble at the time mentioned.
Sitting suspended from 8.86 to 4.55 p.m.
– I remind honorable senators that the time has now arrived when it is necessary topresent the newlyelected President to His Excellency the Deputy of the Governor-General. I ask, therefore, that as many honorable senators as wish to do so will accompany me to the Library, where the presentation will take place. I shall now leave the Chair until the presentation is over, which time will be notified by the ringing of the bells.
Sitting suspended at5 p.m.
The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. W. Kingsmill) took the Chair at 5.1 5 p.m. and read prayers.
– I have to announce to the Senate that, accompanied by honorable senators, I, this day, presented myself to the Deputy of the GovernorGeneral as . the person chosen by the Senate. His Excellency was pleased to congratulate me upon my election and to approve of the choice of the Senate.
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The following papers were presented : -
Report of Commissioner appointed to inquire into and report upon matters relating to Mass Meetings of Natives at Malaguna Mission Stations, Rabaul (January, 1929) ; together with Transcript of Evidence.
Royal Commission on the Finances of South Australia as affected by Federation; Report, together win Appendices.
Power Development in Australia. - Report by Alex. J. Gibson, M.E., M.Inst. C.E., M.I.E. Aust.
Overseas Shipping Conference convened by - the Right Hon. the Prime Minister of Australia. - Report.
Conference of Commonwealth and State Ministers, held at Canberra, May,1 929. - Proceedings and Decisions of the Conference.
Air Inquiry Committee in connexion with the flights of Aeroplanes “Southern Cross “ and “ Kookaburra”, March-April, 1929. - Report
Losses due to Soldier Settlement. - Report by Mr. Justice Pike.
Arbitration (Public Service) Act - Determinations by the Arbitrator, Ac: -
No. 6 of 1929 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.
No. 7 of 1929 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association.
No. 8 of 1929 - Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Association.
No. 9 of 1929- Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.
No. 10 of 1929- Federated Public Service Assistants’ Association of Australia,
No. 11 of 1929 - Commonwealth Medical Officers’ Association.
No. 12 of 1929- -Fourth Division Officers’ Association of the Trade and Customs Department.
No. 13 of 1929 - Commonwealth Public Service Artisans’ Association.
No. 14 of 1929 - Australian Third Division Telegraphists and Postal Clerks’ Union.
No. 15 of 1929 - Arms, Explosives and Munition Workers’ Federation of Australia, Amalgamated Engineering Union and Australasian Society of Engineers.
No. 16 of 1929 - Arms, Explosives and Munition Workers’ Federation of Australia.
No. 17 of 1929 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.
No. 18 of 1929 - Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union of Australia.
Audit Act -
Regulations amended - Statutory’ Rules 1929, No. 31- No. 33- No. 68.
Transfers of amounts approved by the Governor-General in Council - Financial Year 1928-29 -
Dated 22nd March, 1929.
Dated6th June, 1929.
Development and Migration Act - Develop ment and Migration Commission - Second Annual Report, period ended 31st December, 1928.
Estate Duty Assessment Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 32.
Housing Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 46.
Land Tax Assessment Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 45.
New Guinea Act - Ordinances of 1929 -
No. 3 - Electric Light and Power.
No. 4 - Laws Repeal and Adopting.
No. 5 - Public Service.
No.6 - Land.
No. 7 - Administrator’s Powers.
No. 8 - Explosives (No. 2).
No. 9- Supply (No. 1) 1929-30.
No. 10 - Superannuation.
Norfolk Island Act - Ordinance No. 5 of 1929 - Customs.
Public Service Act -
Appointments - Department of -
Health- W. W. Hurst; G. R. Osborn.
Home Affairs- R. W. McNair.
Postmaster-General - A. J. McKenzie.
Treasury - L. F. Johnston.
Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1928, No. 113; 1929, No. 36- No. 66- No. 67.
Treaty of Peace (Germany) Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 73.
Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 37.
Cotton Bounty Act - Return for 1928-29.
Excise Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 74.
Iron and Steel Products Bounty Act - Return for 1928-29.
Lands Acquisition Act - Land acquired at - Fitzroy, Victoria - For Public purposes. Launceston, Tasmania - For Postal purposes.
Tully, Queensland - For Postal purposes.
Papua and New Guinea Bounties Act - Return for 1928-29.
Post and Telegraph Act - Regulations amended, &c. -
Statutory Rules 1928, No. 97- No. 99- No. 123; 1929, No. 14- No. 15- No. 16- No. 65- No. 80.
Power Alcohol Bounty Act - Return for 1928-29.
Shale Oil Bounty Act - Return for 1928-29.
Sulphur Bounty Act - Return for 1928-29.
Wine Export Bounty Act - Return for 1928-29.
Wireless Telegraphy Act - Regulations amended- Statutory Rules 1928, No. 129.
Elections and Referendums - Statistical Returns in relation to Senate Elections, 1928; General Elections for the House of Representatives, 1928; and submission to Electors of Proposed Law for alteration of Constitution, entitled “ Constitution Alteration (State Debts) 1928”; together with Summaries of Elections and Referendums, 1903-1928.
Elections, 1928 - Statistical Returns showing Voting within each Subdivision in relation to Senate Election, 1928, and General Elections for the House of Representatives,. 1928, for the State of Victoria.
Northern Territory Election, 8th December, 1928 - DetailedReturn.
Air Force Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 75.
Air Navigation Act - Regulations amended, &c- Statutory Rules 1929, No. 48- No. 49.
Australian Imperial Force Canteens Funds Act- Ninth Annual Report, 1st July, 1928, to 30th June, 1929.
Defence Act - Regulations amended, &c. - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 29- No. 34- No. 38- No. 51- No. 59- No. 70- No. 71.
Electoral Act - Regulations (Joint Electoral Rolls)- Statutory Rules 1929, No. 57- No. 78.
Naval Defence Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 35 - No. 64- No. 72.
Northern Australia Act -
Central Australia -
Ordinances of 1929 -
No. 4. - Public Service.
No. 5. - Interpretation.
No. 6 - Printers and Newspapers.
No. 7. - Birds Protection.
No. 8. - Supreme Court of Central Australia.
No. 9 - Registration of Births and Deaths.
Crown Lands Ordinance - Regulations.
North Australia -
Ordinances of 1929 -
No. 5 - Public Service.
No. 6. - Interpretation.
No. 7 - Printers and Newspapers.
No. 8 - Birds Protection.
No. 9 - Supreme Court of North Australia.
No. 10. - Registration of Births and Deaths.
Crown Lands Ordinance - Regulations.
Quarantine Act - Regulations amended -
Statutory Rules 1929, No. 50- No. 82.
Seat of Government Acceptance Act and Seat of Government (Administration) Act-
Ordinance of 1928- No. 21 - Public Health.
Ordinances of 1929 -
No. 3 - Queanbeyan Lease.
No. 4 - Lotteries and Art Unions.
No. 5 - Rates.
No.6 - Amendments Incorporation.
No. 7 - Interpretation.
No. 8- Meat.
No. 9 - Weights and Measures.
No. 10 - Federal Capital Commission’s Arms.
No.11- Statistics.
No. 12- Rates (No. 2).
No. 13 - City Area Leases.
No. 14 - Leases (Special Purposes).
No. 15 - Liquor.
Seat of Government (Administration) Act - Public Bathing By-laws.
Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1929, No. 30.
Order for variation of plan of layout of the City of Canberra and its environs, dated 24th April, 1929.
Export Guarantee Act - Returns showing assistance granted -
To 31st March, 1929.
To 30th June, 1929.
Railways Act - By-law No. 52.
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Penny-a- Word Messages - Report of Select Committee.
Motion (by Senator Herbert Hays) -by leave - agreed to -
That the time for bringing up the report from the Select Committee appointed to inquire into and report upon the desirability and commercial possibility of sending messages from Australia to England over the Beam Wireless at a pennya word be extended to this day week.
– I bring up the report of the Select Committee, together with minutes of proceedings and minutes of evidence, and move -
That the report be printed.
Motion agreed to.
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Motion (by Senator Sir George Pearce) agreed to -
That Senator Plain be appointed Chairman of Committees of the Senate.
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– (By leave) - For the information of honorable senators I desire to intimate that I have been elected Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, that Senator Dooley has been elected as Deputy Leader, and that Senator Dunn has been elected Opposition Whip.
[5.28]. - On behalf of honorable senators representing the Government I congratulate Senators Daly and Dooley upon their appointment as Leader and Deputy-Leader respectively of the Opposition in the Senate. With some trepidation, I venture to repeat the hoary chestnut that has been so frequently heard in various parliaments: that we trust that they may long continue to adorn those positions. In British Parliamentary procedure the Leader of the Opposition has a very important function to perform, and I am confident that Senator Daly will exercise his undoubted gifts in the performance of his duties. I trust that, in our respective capacities, we shall be successful in preserving the high standard of debate that has characterized the proceedings of the Senate in the past and that, in differing, we may do so impersonally. I assure Senator Daly that he will receive from the Government and its supporters that consideration which is the right of the Leader of the Opposition, even though he is representing a minority. The rights of minorities should be respected, and I hope that the time will never come when in a British Parliament a minority will be denied an opportunity to state its case.
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Assent to the following bills reported : -
Wine Overseas Marketing Bill 1929.
Wine Grapes Charges Bill 1929.
Supply Bill (No. 1) 1929-30.
Economic Research Bill 1929.
Seat of Government Acceptance Bill 1929.
Income Tax Assessment Bill 1929.
Dried Fruits Export Charges Bill 1929.
War Service Homes Bill 1929.
Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Bill 1929.
Dairy Produce Export Charges Bill 1929.
Canned Fruits Export Charges Bill 1929.
National Debt Sinking Fund Bill 1929.
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– I have to inform the Senate that, in accordance with section 196 of the Electoral Act, the Principal Registrar of the High Court has forwarded to the Clerk of the. Senate a copy of the Order of the Court of Disputed Returns made on the 13th day of March, 1929, in the matter of the petitions filed respectively by Albert E. H. Blakey and Edward Findley, together with a copy of the reasons for judgment.
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– The following letter was received by my predecessor from Mrs. Fisher in connexion with the resolution of sympathy passed on the occasion of the death of her Husband, the late Right Honorable Andrew Fisher: - 57, South Hill Park, Hampstead, N.W.
DearSir John, -
I should like to thank you for your kind thought insending me the bound copy which you signed and the six facsimiles of the resolution moved in the Senate by SirGeorge Pearce, and seconded by Senator Needham. We shall treasure them.
Yours sincerely, (Signed) Margaret Fisher.
THE LATE HONORABLEJ.H. McCOLL.
– I have also to announce that the following letter has been received from Mrs. McColl in response to the resolution - of sympathy passed by the Senate on the occasion of the death of her husband, the late Hon. J. H. McColl 8 Second Avenue, East Kew, E4,
March 21,1929.
Sir John Newlands, President of the Senate, (the Parliament of the Commonwealth), Canberra.
Dear Sir, -
Would you kindly convey to the members of the Senate the grateful thanks of myself andmy family for the sympathy which they extended to us on the death of my husband. It was very fitting, and a great consolationto us all to know that a tribute to his public service was recorded in the Senate. I will be honoured to receive the bound copy of the resolution of the two Houses, as a lasting reminder of his service to the Commonwealth.
Believe me,
I am,
Yours sincerely, (Signed) Sadie McColl.
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– I have to announce that I have received a letter from Senator Payne tendering his resignation as a member of the Public Works Committee.
Motion (by Senator Sir George Pearce) - agreed to -
That Senator Payne be discharged from attendance as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
Motion (by Senator Sir George Pearce) - by leave - agreed to -
That in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Public Works Committee Act 1913-21 the following senator be appointed to fill the vacancy on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, namely, Senator Sampson.
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– I have to announce that I have received a letter from Senator Kingsmill, tendering his resignation as a member of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts.
Motion (by Senator Sir George Pearce) - by leave - agreed to -
That Senator Kingsmill be discharged from attendance as a . member of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts.
Motion (by Senator Sir George Pearce) - by leave - agreed to -
That in accordance with the provisions of the Committee of Public Accounts Act 1913-20 the following senator be appointed to fill the vacancy on the Joint Committee of Public Accounts, namely, Senator Thompson.
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[5.39]. - I move -
That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn until Wednesday next.
My reason for moving this motion is that a motion of censure has been moved in another place. The usual parliamentary practice is for the Senate to adjourn while such a motion is under consideration.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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Motion (by Senator Sir George Pearce) proposed -
That the Senate do now adjourn.
– I should like the Leader of the Government to give honorable senators, if he can, an indication of the business that will be brought before them when they reassemble. If merely formal matters are to be submitted, it is questionable whether some honorable senators will think it necessary to make the journey to Canberra for that sitting.
[5.41]. - The business will be the introductory steps that must be taken to place bills and other business on the notice-paper. These formal steps obviously have to be taken before we can deal with any business. I have to-day given notice of the introduction of the Life Insurance Rill. It will be brought down at our next sitting, and I hope that before the end of the week we shall be able to discuss it. Other business will also be introduced.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Senate adjourned at5.42 p.m.
Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 14 August 1929, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1929/19290814_senate_11_121/>.