13th Parliament · 1st Session
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The Senate met at 10.30 a.m., pursuant to the proclamation of His Excellency the Governor-General.
The President (Senator the Hon. W. Kingsmill) took the chair.
The Cleric read the proclamation.
The Deputies appointed by His Excellency the Governor-General for the opening of the Parliament, the Honorable Sir Frank Gavan Duffy, K.C.M.G., Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, and the Honorable George Edward Rich, a -Justice of the High Court of Australia, having been announced by the Usher of the Black Rod, entered the chamber and took their seats on the dais.
The Senior Deputy (the Honorable Sir Frank Gavan Duffy), through the Clerk, directed the Usher to desire the attendance of the members’ of the House of Representatives, who being come,
The SENIOR DEPUTY said-
Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :
His Excellency the Governor-General, not thinking fit to be present in person at this time, has been pleased to cause letters patent to issue under the Great Seal of the Commonwealth constituting us his Deputies to do in his name all that is necessary to be performed in declaring this Parliament open, as will more fully appear from the letters patent which will now be read -
The letters patent having been read by the Clerk,
The SENIOR DEPUTY said-
Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :
We have it in command from the Governor-General to let you know that as soon as the members of the House of Representatives shall have been sworn, the causes of His Excellency calling this Parliament will be declared by him in person at this place; and it being necessary that a Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be first chosen, you, Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, will retire to the place where you are to sit, and there proceed to the choice of some proper person to be your Speaker ; and thereafter you will present the person whom you shall so choose to His Excellency, at such time and place as he shall appoint.
Mr. Justice Richwill attend in the House of Representatives for the purpose of administering the oath, or affirmation, of allegiance to honorable members of that House.
The Deputies and the members of the House of Representatives having retired,
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– I have to announce to the Senate that casual vacancies in the representation of the States of South Australia and Victoria have been filled by the election of John Grant DuncanHughes and Thomas Cornelius Brennan respectively. The Clerk will lay on the table the certificates of election.
Certificates laid on the table and read by the Clerk.
– I have further to inform the Senate that, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, I notified the Governor of the State of New South Wales of the vacancy caused in the representation of that State by the resignation of Senator Walter Leslie Duncan, and that I have received through His Excellency the Governor-General from the Governor of New South Wales a certificate of the choice of Patrick Frederick Mooney as a senator to fill such vacancy.
Certificate laid on the table and read by the Clerk.
Senators Duncan-Hughes, Brennan and Mooney made and subscribed the oath of allegiance.
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The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. W. Kingsmill) . - It is with much regret that I have to inform the Senate of the death on the 5th February last, of Senator the Honorable James Ernest Ogden. On behalf of the Senate I conveyed to Mrs. Ogden an expression of sympathy, pending the more formal resolution of the Senate.
I have further to inform the Senate that, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, I notified the LieutenantGovernor of the State of Tasmania of the vacancy caused in the representation of that State in the Senate by the death of Senator Ogden.
Sitting suspended from 10.52 a.m. to3
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VERNOR-GENERAL entered the chamber and, being seated, with the President on his right hand, a message was sent to the House of Representatives intimating that His Excellency desired the attendance of honorable members in the Senate Chamber, who, being come with their Speaker,
HIS EXCELLENCY was pleased to deliver the following speech: -
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives -
You are called together to deliberate upon matters of urgent importance to the well-being of the Commonwealth.
My Ministers are deeply consciousof the fact that transcending in importance all other matters of public business at the present time is the necessity for maintaining the soundness of national finance and for hastening, so far as is within their power, the conditions that will bring employment to the workless. It is to the solution of these two fundamental problems that you will bo asked to direct your ‘ energies largely during the coming months.
While my advisers believe that the new year has opened with a healthier and brighter feeling in the community, they stress the importance of realizing that, in the final result, a return of prosperous conditions in the Commonwealth must depend, in large measure, upon the recovery of world prices of commodities. So far, they point out, there are no indications of such a general upward trend of price levels as would justify anticipations of an immediate recovery from the prevailing economic depression. The upward trend in export prices noted recently has arisen mainly from depreciation of sterling, and there has been little, if any, improvement in gold prices.
A policy of merely waiting for an improvement in world prices would involve very grave risks to the nation as a whole. Expenditure, both public and private, must be adjusted to. available means.
In the circumstances, therefore, my Ministers believe that it is their paramount duty to ensure that all the governments of Australia should faithfully and steadfastly pursue a common objective in adjusting their budgetary expenditure to meet the altered position of the nation as a whole. Strict adherence to this principle is of vital importance in the rehabilitation both of our national credit and of Australian industry. With this purpose in view, my Ministers recently called into conference representatives of the governments of the States. The exceptional circumstances of the States of Western Australia and Tasmania have necessitated special financial consideration being extended to them. My advisers, however, are satisfied that there is a general determination to adhere to the plan of financial and economic rehabilitation which has already produced a favorable effect upon the position of Australia.
My Ministers find it necessary to qualify this statement by reference to the position of the State of New South Wales. They deem it their duty to emphasize that the deficit in the accounts of the Government of that State gravely affects the whole budgetary position of Australia. Unless definite action is taken the whole Commonwealth may be involved in a financial collapse, the avoidance of which has been the main objective of the selfsacrificing measures adopted by all the other Governments. My Ministers also view with the utmost concern the failure of the Government of the State of New
South Wales to meet its public obligations. The effect of this default has been most serious. While unhesitatingly condemning the policy that has led to public default by the Government of the State of New South Wales, my advisers have felt impelled, in the interests of the credit of the nation as a whole, to honour the obligations of that Government. My Ministers will take steps to compel the repayment of these moneys to the Commonwealth by the Government of the State.
It is impossible, at the present time, to proceed with large programmes of public works. The great majority of wageearners must necessarily be dependent upon private industry, whether primary or secondary, for their livelihood. My advisers, therefore, regard it as of cardinal importance that all possible steps should be taken to stimulate private industry, and all proposed legislation should be viewed in the light of this consideration.
My Ministers consider that the Disarmament Conference is one of the most vitally important international conferences that has yet been held. A real reduction and limitation of armaments would make a great contribution to the peace and welfare of humanity. The problems of disarmament are closely allied to those of reparations and of war debts. All of these problems have a fundamentally important bearing on the well-being and progress of our Commonwealth. My Ministers have, therefore, made provision for representation of the Commonwealth at this conference.
My Ministers believe that the present year affords an unprecedented opportunity for making a definite advance in the direction of empire trade reciprocity.
Owing to world-wide depression, the volume of world trade has declined, and the struggle for markets is becoming still more intense. My advisers are convinced that these new circumstances must be met with a new policy and that that policy should be one of reciprocal empire trade. My Ministers will, therefore, take steps to ensure that the Commonwealth of Australia is adequately represented at the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference at Ottawa. The decisions of the conference will be of great importance in relation to the future prosperity of our country. The representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia will take their part in the discussions not in a spirit of selfish bargaining but with a determination to formulate policies that will prove to be of lasting benefit to the British peoples as a whole.
My Ministers recognize the special importance of the tariff at the present time, and its intimate relation to the welfare of both primary and secondary industries. It is considered that, with industry generally in its present depressed condition, changes in duties should be made with caution and only after full inquiry and consideration. In preparing proposals for tariff revision, my Ministers will give close attention to recommendations made by the Tariff Board. Subject to certain alterations which will be proposed, steps will be taken to ensure the continuance of the tariff schedules now in force, pending inquiry by the Tariff Board into a number of important items in the schedules. My Ministers will, in dealing with all phases of the tariff, , bear closely in mind the importance of preserving a satisfactory balance of trade, but, subject to that consideration, will review the existing special schedules of surcharges and prohibitions . of imports.
A measure will be introduced for the purpose of providing that companies and others carrying on the business of insurance in the Commonwealth shall make deposits with the Commonwealth in order to safeguard the interests of policyholders upon a uniform basis throughout Australia.
A measure to amend the law with respect to unlawful associations will be submitted.
Consideration has been given by my Ministers to important aspects of wireless broadcasting in the Commonwealth, and, in particular, to the future control of the technical and programme activities of broadcasting. A bill to provide for the appointment of a commission to control broadcasting programmes on the national service will be submitted for your consideration.
The railway services constitute the chief problem confronting the governments of Australia in their efforts to re-organize their public finances. My Ministers attach great importance to effective measures for the co-ordination of the various transport services in Australia. Every activity in the Commonwealth is affected by transport, and the ability of primary producers, manufacturers and’ merchants successfully to carry on their businesses and to provide employment depends, in no inconsiderable measure, upon the provision of reasonably cheap transport facilities. The governments of the Commonwealth and the States have agreed that the whole question of the effective co-ordination of the various transport services should be considered by a conference of experts, under an independent chairman.
In order to reduce parliamentary expenditure, it is proposed to introduce legislation to suspend the operation of the Committee of Public Accounts Act and the Common-wealth Public Works Committee Act. If it should be thought desirable to have a parliamentary inquiry into any matters, it would be possible to constitute a select committee for that purpose.
A bill embodying amendments to the War Service Homes Act will be submitted to you.
It is proposed in the present session to deal with the immediate and pressing problems to which reference has been made. There are other questions of great importance, such as those of constitutional alteration, which require consideration, but the time available since the election has not been sufficient to make it possible to formulate a detailed policy on thi-se matters.
In the earnest hope that Divine Providence may guide your deliberations and further the welfare of the people of the Commonwealth, I now leave you to the discharge of your high and important duties.
His Excellency the GovernorGeneral and the members of the House of Representatives having retired,
The President (Senator the Hon. W. Kingsmill) took the chair, and read prayers.
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Representation in the Senate.
. - by leave - Consequent on the resignation of the Right Honorable James Henry Scullin as Prime Minister, His Excellency the Governor-General commissioned the Honorable Joseph Aloysius Lyons, M.P., to form a ministry. The Ministry, which was sworn in on the 6th January, 1932, is as follows: -
Minister of State for Defence and Leader of the Government in the Senate - Senator the Right Honorable Sir George Foster Pearce, P.O., K.C.V.O.
Vice-President of the Federal Executive Council and Minister administering the Development’ Branch and the Commonwealth Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of the Prime Minister - Senator the Honorable Alexander John McLachlan.
Minister of State for Health and Minister of State for Works and Railways and Secretary to the Cabinet - The Honorable Charles William Clanan Marr, D.S.O., M.C., V.D.
Minister assisting the Leader of the Government in the Senate - Senator the Honorable Walter Massy Greene.
Assistant Minister for Defence, and Minister administering War Service Homes - The Honorable Josiah Francis.
I desire also to inform the Senate that the following arrangements have been made for ministerial representation in the Senate : -
The Departments of the Prime Minister, External Affairs, Home Affairs and Industry will be represented by myself; the Departments of the Treasury, Trade and Customs, and Transport by Senator Greene, and the Departments of the
Attorney-General, Works and Railways, Health and Repatriation, Markets, and Postmaster-General by Senator McLachlan.
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– by leave - I desire to inform the Senate that honorable senators of the Opposition have honoured me by unanimously electing me as their leader. Senator Dooley has been elected Deputy Leader, and Senator Hoare Whip. These appointments were also made unanimously.
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. - by leave - I should like to inform honorable senators that the AttorneyGeneral and Minister for External Affairs, the Honorable J. G. Latham, will leave Australia shortly, in order to represent the Commonwealth at the Disarmament Conference at Geneva.
Owing to the great importance of the problems of disarmament and their possible inter-relation with problems of war debts and reparations, it has been decided that the Commonwealth should be directly represented at Geneva. The importance of the problems to be dealt with makes it imperative that the ablest available representative should attend on behalf of Australia as leader of the delegation.
In the meantime, the High Commissioner, Sir Granville Ryrie, will represent Australia . at the conference.
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. - by leave - I take this opportunity to inform the Senate that the Assistant Treasurer, the Right Honorable S. M. Bruce, and the Minister for Trade and Customs, the Honorable H. S. Gullen, will represent the Commonwealth at the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference at Ottawa.
After the Ottawa Conference has concluded, Mr. Bruce will proceed to London as Minister representing the Commonwealth. He will discharge the functions of the High Commissioner, thus avoiding the necessity of a further appointment to that office after Major-General Sir Granville Ryrie’s term expires in May next. The financial position in London requires the most skilled and careful attention. There are the questions of the large short-term debt, and of meeting the loan of £13,000,000 which falls due in November. It is considered that the services of Mr. Bruce in connexion with these matters will be of the greatest value to the Commonwealth, and the Government is satisfied thatthe arrangement proposed is that which is most calculated to promote the interests of Australia during the present critical period.
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Assent to the following bills of 1931 reported : -
Customs Tariff Validation Bill.
Excise Tariff Validation Bill.
Customs Tariff (Primage Duties) Validation Bill.
Customs Tariff (Special Duties) Validation Bill.
Commonwealth Debt Conversion Bill (No. 2).
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– I have to report that for greater accuracy, I have obtained from His Excellency the GovernorGeneral a copy of the opening Speech which His Excellency has been pleased to deliver to both Houses of the Parliament.
That the consideration of the Speech be an order of the day for a later hour of the day.
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[3.41]. - by leave - I move -
That the Senate expresses its profound regret at the death of Senator the Honorable James Ernest Ogden, who was a representative of Tasmania in the Senate since 1022, and performed valuable service as a member of State and Commonwealth Governments, and tenders its deep sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.
The late Senator Ogden rendered valuable service to his country in the Parliament of Tasmania, and later in the Commonwealth Parliament. He was well known to all of us, and was held in the highest regard by honorable senators on both sides of the chamber. For sixteen years he was a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly, and during that period held office as a Minister in several governments. Later, he entered the Commonwealth Parliament, and, for a period of approximately twelve months commencing in November 1928, acted as an Honorary Minister. It may well be said that he was one of the old type of trade unionists. As a working miner, he devoted a considerable part of his earlier life to the organization of his fellow workers into trade unions for the protection of their mutual interests, and in that capacity ho earned their profound respect and gratitude. As an unpaid trade union official, ho took part in many conferences. It was at one of these that I first met him and, like so many others who knew him in his prime, I was deeply impressed by his earnestness and sincerity, his fearlessness and independence of mind. These were marked characteristics of his political life. He differed from many honorable senators on a number of vital political issues, and since he was most outspoken in the expression of his views, his criticism sometimes brought him into violent conflict with those who held opinions contrary to his own, but I am sure that I am voicing the opinion of all honorable senators when I say that even his strongest opponents always gave him credit for honesty and sincerity. Indeed, sincerity, courage and plain common sense were his outstanding attributes. I deeply regret his death. He was a personal friend of mine, as well as of many other members, and the Senate is the poorer for his passing. But our loss is as nothing compared with the loss sustained by his widow and family. Possessing as he did, characteristics which earned for him the deep respect and regard of his fellow men, he must have enjoyed, in full measure, the love and affection of his wife and family, We can only hope that Divine Providence will solace them in their bereavement. I am sure the. Senate will carry this motion with great regret at the passing of this earnest, capable and loyal Australian citizen.
.- I second the motion and ‘associate myself with the remarks which have been made by the right honorable the Leader of the Senate -(Senator Peace) in submitting it, I feel that, irrespective of our political views, we can all join in conveying our deepest sympathy to the widow and children and other relatives of the late senator. His was a rugged personality. As the Leader of the Government has said, Senator Ogden was always vigorous in the expression of his views concerning any subject which came up for discussion in this Chamber, but I do not know that the vigorous expression of one’s opinions should be offensive to any one. Eather should we all admire a man who has the courage to say fearlessly what is in his mind. If for nothing else, a man who has the courage of his convictions is entitled to our respect; and of Senator Ogden it can truly be said that he had the respect of all who knew him regardless of whether or not they shared his political views. I join with the Leader of the Government in expressing our deepest sympathy with the relatives of the late honorable senator.
.- As one who, perhaps, was more closely connected with the late Senator Ogden in the political life of Tasmania, than was any other honorable senator, I associate myself with the motion so ably moved by the right honorable the Leader of the Senate, and supported by the Leader of the Opposition. Twenty-six years ago I first met Senator Ogden as a member of the State Parliament; but I had .already known of him as a private citizen residing on the west coast of Tasmania. While members of the Parliament of Tasmania, he and I differed widely in our political views ; but I always held him in the highest esteem, because of his manly attitude in debate. Senator Ogden deservedly earned the respect of every member of the Tasmanian Parliament during his long association with it, and there is no need for me to remind honorable senators of the esteem in which he was held here when, later, he was transferred to the higher sphere of federal polities, as a member of this chamber. Senator Ogden was never ashamed of his convictions. “When ‘he felt that he had been holding wrong views, he was man enough to admit his error, and to espouse opinions which previously he opposed, so long as he was convinced that they were right. Knowing his relatives, I feel sure that this mark of appreciation from the late senator’s colleagues will alleviate to some extent their sorrow at his death. I join with others who have spoken in expressing to his widow and children our deep . sympathy in their bereavement.
– As one whowas for many years a close friend of the late Senator Ogden, I visited him during his last illness. Shortly before his death he gave me a message to convey to you, sir, and his fellow senators. He told me that he realized that the state of his health was such that he was not likely to attend the sittings of this Parliament again, and he asked mc, therefore, to give to you, sir, and to the other members of the Senate, his very best wishes. Honorable senators know the sterling worth of their late colleague. He was a conscientious man, a true patriot, and while I am pleased to associate myself with the motion, I deeply regret the occasion for it.
– During recent weeks, the Great Reaper has been so active among the members of this Parliament that the words of the Persian poet may aptly be quoted -
Tis all a Chequer-board of Nights and Days,
Where Destiny with Men for Pieces plays:
Hither and thither moves, and mates, and slays,
And one by one back in the closet lays.
As time goes on, death will come to each of us. After death comes burial, and with the burial the covering of any defects, the obliteration of all errors, as well as the extinguishing of all dissension, leaving only tender memories and loving recollections. When we reflect on tie life of Senator Ogden, and review his work, we appreciate that he had a profound knowledge of politics, coupled with the practical sense that kept’ his idealism in touch with facts. His faith in democracy, hia cautious handling . of economic tendencies, saved him from mistakes. He had, moreover, a de.ep knowledge of men, while his deeper knowledge of history tended to keep his views always sane. But, perhaps, the one thing that stood out in Senator Ogden was his great love of nationality. He saw its essential relationship to democracy, and he ever endeavoured to put it on an unassailable foundation. A man of wide vision, he was above petty jealousies, and free from malice. Notwithstanding that in others, as in himself, he saw defects, he was tolerant in all his dealings with his fellow men, excepting, perhaps, when in the political sphere he felt that vital principles were at stake. Yet his tolerance did not prevent him from standing foursquare for what he regarded to be his duty. With Senator Ogden duty was no abstract theory, but something for which he was prepared to sacrifice even the prospect of power and success. Within the Commonwealth today is being waged a fight for the very existence of democracy. The people of Australia have far too much faith in freedom, too great a sense of justice, too much love and goodwill for their glorious heritage, to remain subservient to those powers of reaction and tyranny which menace its life and would reduce democracy to a condition of serfdom. Only by emulating men like Senator Ogden along the path of duty can we do for the people of Australia what they desire of us. The death of Senator Ogden is a distinct loss to Tasmania, a personal loss to senators from that State, and the Commonwealth Parliament is the poorer for his passing. With other honorable senators I join in expressing my sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.
– I wish to associate myself with the remarks of those who have spoken in support’ of this motion. The late Senator Ogden literally devoted his life to the work of improving the conditions of the people of Australia. He was ever kind, courteous and industrious; above all, he was conscientious and absolutely fearless. His place in Australian politics will be hard to fill. I join with other honorable senators in offering the deepest sympathy of the Senate to those whom he has left behind.
– As an old colleague and close personal friend of the late Senator Ogden, I desire to associate myself with the motion of sympathy submitted by the leader of the Government in the Senate (Senator Pearce). The late honorable gentleman was of frail physique, but of outstanding character and possessed a powerful mind. He was born in the district in which I now reside, and, as a mere stripling whose health even then was not robust, set out to make his way in the world. While yet a youth, he was employed in the shearing sheds in the district in which he was born, and afterwards in the mines of Western Australia. Some time later he rendered splendid service to Tasmania as a member of the Parliament of that State, and later was selected by the people of the island State to represent them in the Senate.
Senator Ogden was a great Australian democrat, a splendid, fearless, scholarly man, and rendered great service not only to the State of Tasmania, but also to the whole Commonwealth. He was earnest, energetic, and capable, one of nature’s gentlemen. We deeply regret his passing, and our hearts go out to those whom he has left behind. His colleagues in the Senate, and those who were his comrades, will miss him very much indeed. .
– Before putting the motion I should like to endorse all that has fallen from the lips of honorable senators. I knew Senator Ogden very well. Apart from our parliamentary association we had tastes that in many respects were similar, and this led to our spending many hours together in discussing a variety of subjects. I was familiar with the honorable senator’s history, and was quick to learn that the dominating trait of his character was moral courage. He was also always considerate for others. To me the most pathetic note struck during the short debate on this motion was that sounded by Senator Herbert Hays, when he conveyed to honorable senators their late colleague’s good wishes for their future in his closing hours. Although he knew his end was near, he yet had time to think of those with whom he had been so long associated. I shall take steps to see that this motion of sympathy and condolence is appropriately conveyed to the widow and family of the deceased gentleman.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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[4.0]. - by leave - I move -
That the Senate expresses its sincere regret at the death of the Honorable John Earle; a former member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly and the Senate of the Commonwealth Parliament, places on record its appreciation of the public service rendered by him as a member of the legislature, and as a State and Federal Minister, and tenders its deep sympathy to his widow in her bereavement.
The late Senator Earle was not so well known to many honorable senators as was the late Senator Ogden, but those who were associated with the deceased gentleman both as a senator and as a member of a former Government, know that he was a man of strong character and high attainments, and that by his death the Commonwealth has lost a worthy citizen. On behalf of the Senate I desire to express our sympathy with his widow in her great loss.
.- In seconding the motion I endorse the sentiments expressed by the Leader of the Government in the Senate (Senator Pearce). Like the late Senator Ogden, to whom reference has just been made, ex-Senator Earle had been associated with the political life of Australia for some years, and although he had reached an age when death is not altogether unexpected, I am sure his passing over will be deeply regretted. Death ‘always brings sadness, and it is only right that we should extend our sympathy to the widow of the deceased gentleman.
.- I was associated with the late John Earle for exactly the same period that I was with Senator Ogden, and in supporting the motion I should like to say that the deceased gentleman was as much noted for his moral courage as was the late
Senator Ogden. When we were both members of the Tasmanian Parliamentand a question of vital importance came before the electors of Australia the late Senator Earle felt that duty demanded that he should take a stand which meant severing his connexion with the party that he loved. He had been associated with that party for years, but he put duty before all other considerations, and his action on that occasion earned for him the profound respect of the people. His work as a parliamentarian is well known. In his early political career he was a member of the State House of Assembly, arid later became a Minister, in which capacity he rendered excellent service to Tasmania, as also he did to the Commonwealth when subsequently he became a member of this Parliament. I associate myself with the motion and express my personal and sincere sympathy with his widow in her bereavement.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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[4.4]. - by leave - I move -
That the Senate expresses its sincere regret at the death of the Honorable Richard Witty Foster, who was a member of the House of Representatives for Wakefield, South Australia, from 1909 to 1028, and rendered conspicuous service to Australia as a member of State and Federal legislatures, and as a Minister of the Crown, and tenders its’ deep sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.
For no less than nineteen years the late Hon. R. W. Foster served as a member of the House of Representatives, and for thirteen years as a member of the State legislature of South Australia, during a considerable portion of which time he w.as a Minister of the Crown. He was esteeemed and respected by all “with -whom he came in contact, and I am sure that the Senate will desire to join with another place in expressing regret at his demise, and extending sympathy to his widow and family in their great loss.
.- I second the motion. The late Mr. Foster was connected with the
Federal Parliament for such a lengthy period that he was known to practically everybody,” and his genial nature endeared him to those who knew him, and who met him socially, no matter what political beliefs they held. Although he lived to a ripe old age, the relatives whom he has left behind probably feel his death just as keenly as they would have done had he not been so advanced in years. I join with the right honorable senator in extending to those relatives our deepest sympathy with them in the. loss that they have sustained.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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Senator Sir GEORGE PEARCE (Western Australia - Minister for Defence [4.6]. - by leave - I move -
That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the sinking of British submarine M2, and tenders its heartfelt sympathy to the relatives of those who so tragically lost their lives, and to His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom in the loss the country has sustained.
Honorable senators will remember the tragic circumstances which accompanied the loss of this submarine, when 56 officers and men perished. It is a great tribute to the men who compose the British Navy that the submarine service, which is the most risky of all the services, even in training, has always attracted to it the largest number of volunteers. Several, tragedies of this character have been associated with it in peace time, but thi* is perhaps one of the most tragic of all. I feel sure that honorable senators desire to be associated with a motion expressing regret at the sinking of the submarine, and our sympathy with the bereaved in the loss that they have sustained by the death of their loved ones under such sorrowful circumstances.
– I second the motion. Unquestionably the sinking of this submarine was a tragedy,, because of the number of gallant men who lost their lives without apparently having a chance to put up a fight to save themselves. The fact that such a thing canhappen in peace time should be an inspiration to those great minds whose influence is being exerted in the direction. of securing the abolition of submarines. The tragedy in this case is accentuated by the widespread nature of its effects, and it will be felt just as. keenly by the relatives of the men as it will in the homes that have been left behind by the officers who perished. It is fitting that we should extend our deepest sympathy to those who have been bereaved, because they are of our own kith and kin. Let us hope that the sacrifice that has been made will furnish a forcible reason for the abolition of such a dangerous occupation in every civilized country.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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[4.10]. - As a mark of respect to the late Senator Ogden, may I suggest that the sittings of the Senate be suspended for one hour? In the past it has been the practice, upon the death of a sitting senator or a member of the House of Representatives, for the House concerned to be adjourned for the day. By mutual arrangement between the parties - the Leader of the Opposition in another place (Mr. Scullin) was consulted, but such a course was not possible in this chamber, because at the time no Leader of the Opposition had been appointed - in future the adjournment will be not for the day but only for one hour.
Silting suspended from4.11 to 5.11 p.m.
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The following papers were presented : -
Air Force Act- Regulationsamended - Statutory Rules 1932, No. 9.
Air Navigation Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1932, No. 8.
Commonwealth Public Service Act - RegulationsStatutory Rules 1931, No. 153.
Defence Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1932, No.6- No. 7.
Nationality Act - Return showing the number of persons to whom Certificates of Naturalizationwere granted during the year 1931, and the countries whence the applicants came.
Naval Defence Act - Regulations amended, &c- Statutory Rules 1931, No. 146- No. 150.
Norfolk Island Act -
Ordinances of 1931 -
No. 11 - Married Women’s Property.
No. 12 - Infants’ Maintenance and Protection.
Education Ordinance - Regulations.
Northern Territory Acceptance Act and Northern Territory (Administration) Act-
Ordinances of 1931 -
No. 10 - Firearms Registration (No. 2).
No.11 - Licensing.
No. 12 - Employees’ Accommodation.
No. 13- Public Service.
Brands Ordinance - Regulations amended. Mortgagors’ Interest Reduction Ordinance - Regulations.
Public Service Ordinance- Regulations amended.
Papua Act - Ordinances of 1931 -
No. 9 - Native Labour.
No. 10 - Natives (Non-Indentured Service ) .
No. 11 - Mining.
No. 12 - Superannuation.
No. 13 - Land.
Seat of Government Acceptance Act and Scat of Government (Administration) Act -
Ordinances of 1931 -
No. 23 - National Memorials.
No. 24- Crimes.
No. 25 - Companies.
Ordinance No. 2 of 1932 - Auctioneers.
Apiaries Ordinance - Regulations.
Companies Ordinance - Regulations.
Mining Ordinnnce - Regulations.
Judiciary Act - Rule of Court - Dated 2nd December, 1931.
Puteuta Act - Regulations amended - StatutoryRules 1981, No. 147.
Post and Telegraph Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1931, No. 135 - No. 130- No. 137.
War Service Homes Act - Report of the War Service Homes Commission, together with Statements and Bnlance-sluTet, year ended 30th June, 1931.
Wheat Bounty Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1931- No. 149.
Wine Grapes Charges Act- Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1932, No. 5.
Wine Overseas Marketing Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1931, No. 148; 1932, No. 4.
Appropriation (Unemployment Relief Works ) Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1932, No. 3.
Commonwealth Debt Conversion Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1931, No. 152.
Commonwealth Employees’ Compensation Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1031, No. 143.
Commonwealth Inscribed Stock Act - Regulations umeuded - Statutory Rules 1931, No. 101.
Excise Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1932, No. 13.
Financial Emergency Act - Regulations amended - Statutory Rules 1931, No. 154.
Navigation Act - Regulations amended -
Statutory Rules 1931, No. 142.
Transport Workers Act - Regulations amended, &c. - Statutory Rules 1031, No. 144- No. 145; 1932, No. 1- No. 2- No. 10.
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– I have the honour to move -
That the following Addross-in-Reply to Bis Excellency the Governor-General’s Speech he agreed to: -
ToHisExcellency the Governor-General -
May it Please Your Excellency:
We, the Senate of the Commonwealth of Australia, in Parliament assembled, desire to express our loyalty to our Most Gracious Sovereign, and to thank Your Excellency for the Speech which you have been pleased to address to Parliament.
I ask leave to continue my remarks on a future date.
Leave granted; debate adjourned.
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Motion (by Senator Sir George Pearce) agreed to -
That the Senate at its rising adjourn till 3 p.m. to-morrow.
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Leader, Deputy Leader and Whip of the Opposition.
[5.15]. - In. moving -
That the Senate do now adjourn,
I wish to congratulate Senator Barnes and Senator Dooley on their elections as Leader and Deputy-Leader respectively of the Opposition, and also Senator Hoare on his appointment as Opposition Whip. I am sure honorable senators were all ploased to be informed that the election of these honorable senators had been unanimous. When I was occupying a seat on a bench opposite, I realized what a blessing adversity is in bringing us . together. I can assure honorable senators -who are leading the Opposition, that the Government will extend to them the same courteous treatment which they extended to myself and other Ministers when our positions were’ reversed. I need not repeat the hoary old joke about the length of time honorable senators will be in Opposition. I hope that on both sides of the chamber there will be a desire to.’ advance the interests of the country.Even though we may differ in our opinions, if we keep that end in view, we shall be carrying out our duties as they should be carried out.
.- I appreciate the remarks of the right honorable the Loader of the Senate (Senator Pearce). I reciprooate by saying that honorable senators of the Opposition are amazed at the galaxy of talent which they will have to direct their bombs during this session. Our task will indeed be a difficult one, but we shall endeavour to carry it out. We shall, in the interests of the country, give the Government, quite courteously, as much trouble as we are capable of. I am sure that this chamber will do its share of the very necessary and urgent work that is required of this legislature for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, and I can assure Ministers that whatever legislation they may bring forward with that end in view, will find no obstruction from this side of the chamber.
, - As one who is now a rankandfile member of the Labour movement, may I be permitted to join with the right honorable the Leader of the Senate in congratulating the Leader and DeputyLeader of the Opposition. When elections arc about to take place certain tips are given, and many kites are flown, but I can. say that if Ministers have for our leader the same affection that we on these benches have for him, his task will be a light one. I am certain that the courteous treatment that Senator Barnes has promised to accord to Ministers will be cordially extended to them.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Senate adjourned at 5.20 p.m.
Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 17 February 1932, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1932/19320217_senate_13_133/>.