16th Parliament · 1st Session
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The Senate mct at 10.30 a.m., pursuant to the proclamation of His Excellency the Governor-General.
The President (Senator the Hon. J. B. Hayes) took the chair.
The Clerk read the proclamation.
The Deputies appointedby His Excellency the Governor-General for the opening of the Parliament, the Sight Honorable Sir George Edward Rich, K.C.M.G., Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, and the Honorable Edward Aloysius McTiernan, a Justice of the High Court of Australia - having been announced by the Usher of the , BlackRod, entered the chamber and took their seats on the dais.
The Senior Deputy (theRight Honorable Sir George EdwardRich), through the Clerk, directed the Usher to desire the attendance of the members of the House ofRepresentatives, who being come,
The SENIOR DEPUTY said-
Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the HouseofRepresentatives :
HisExcellency 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 theSenate and Gentlemen of the House ofrepresentatives :
We have it in command from the Governor-General to let you know that, as soon as the members of the House of Bepresentatives 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 Bepresentatives shall be first chosen, you, gentlemen of the House of Representatives, will retire to the pla.ee 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 McTiernan will 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 members of the House of Representatives retired.
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Representation of the State of Victoria.
The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. J. B. Hayes). - I have to inform the Senate that I have received, through His Excellency the Governor-General, from the Governor of the .State of Victoria, a certificate of the choice, at the election held on the 21st September, 1940, of John Armstrong Spicer to fill a casual vacancy existing in the representation of the State of Victoria.
Certificate laid on the table, and read by the Clerk”.
Senator Spicer made and subscribed the oath of allegiance.
Silting suspended from 1048 a.m. to S p.m.
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NOR-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 have been called together to deliberate upon matters of importance to the well-being of the Commonwealth.
The position of the war continues to be a grave one, but recent events encourage our confidence in ultimate victory. Practically without warning, and entirely without excuse, Italy has launched an attack upon Greece which is gallantly resisting, with powerful aid from British forces. The success which has so far attended the numerically inferior Greek forces on the ‘ Albanian frontier, whilst encouraging, must not be overstated, but, taken in conjunction with the magnificent . recent exploits of the British Mediterranean squadron and fleet air arm at Taranto and the entrance to the Adriatic, it has produced such a setback to Italian arms as to affect the balance of power in- the Mediterranean.
Germany’s intentions in’ relation to Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, however, remain undefined, and consequently the problem of the defence of the Middle East is one which must continue to engage the attention, not only of- His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, but also of Australia, which has large forces in Egypt and Palestine.
Speaking broadly, however, while the difficulties, and dangers confronting the British Empire are greater than at any other time in its history, there is much to support the view that the German ambition ‘ to achieve a quick victory by a sudden development of overwhelmingforce has been frustrated, that the ideasof an invasion of Great Britain have, for the time being at least, been foiled, and that we are entering what no doubt will be a. lengthy period in which the immense resources of the British Empire, backed by the undoubtedly friendly neutrality of the United States of America^ will more and more effectively be marshalled and used for the winning of a complete victory and the establishment of a just peace.
My Government is in constant communication with His Majesty’s Government in Great Britain, and with His Majesty’s Governments in the other dominions, ir. connexion vita the provision of armaments necessary for the carrying on of the war.
Ministers are proceeding with the utmost expedition, and with remarkable success, with the Government’s programme for the production of armaments in Australia, so that not only will Australian forces be adequately equipped, but all possible aid may be given as required to the-other parts of the Empire. The rapid development of munitions manufacture in Australia has made immense demands upon the skill, industry and resources of our people, and those demands are being increasingly satisfied.
When I addressed you at the opening of the second session of the last Parliament, I was able to refer to the fact that, pursuant to its policy of making contribution to peace in the Pacific by establishing direct diplomatic representa-. lion of Australia in selected Pacific countries, my Government had made certain diplomatic appointment*. These have now been added to by the appointment of a Minister Plenipotentiary to Japan, and a reciprocal appointment of a Japanese Minister to Australia is expected at an early date.
Since the last session of Parliament, an Australian Advisory War Council has been set up under the authority of the National Security Act, with membership representative of all parties in Parliament, and with the function of advising the Government in relation to Australia’s war effort and the problems which relate thereto.
Already several meetings of this council have taken place with useful results. My advisers earnestly hope that the experience gained through those deliberations will enable members on both sides of Parliament to concentrate upon the urgent problems of war, and to make that joint contribution to the solution of those problems without which the fullest national effort cannot be achieved. In particular, the council has given consideration to the question of industrial stoppages during war time, and has been able to make recommendations which my advisers hope will lead to a perfecting of the machinery of industrial peace, and at the same time to a maintenance of full and uninterrupted labour and production.
The Government feels strongly that, in a country in which there is adequate and accessible machinery for the settlement of disputes and the adjustment of grievances, there can be no justification for direct action. This is particularly true in time of war, when any cessation of work in a war industry, or in any industry which is related to the war effort, constitutes a real blow at the national security. A fortnight’s work in some munitions factory, once lost, can never be recovered. It means inevitably at least a fortnight’s delay in the production of some gun, some piece of ammunition or some equipment urgently, and in some cases desperately, needed by Australians serving in a theatre of war.
The principal business which you will be asked to consider in the early part of this new session will be the making of financial provision for the carrying on of the war and for the ordinary civil services of government. The Treasurer (-Mr. Fadden) will, within a few days, lay before you a budget which will impose’ upon the Australian people financial burdens heavier than they have ever before been called upon to bear. I am confident that these burdens will be cheerfully accepted and successfully borne. If we are called upon to pay a great price for victory, we must still remember that the price is great because the liberties which we have at stake are even greater.
Living in this country in remoteness and quietness, we have much reason to be thankful that we have been left, ever since the war began, to develop our industries and strengthen our economy undisturbed by bomb or battle. My Government relies confidently upon the support of the people of Australia in doing, and paying for everything that is within the physical capacity of Australia for the protecting of our own integrity and the making of the greatest passible contribution to the success of the British arms.
Interruptions to shipping, the disturbance of foreign markets and, in recent months, the occurrence of a disastrous drought, have all aggravated the difficult problems of the primary industries of Australia. The Government has given a great deal of thought to these problems, and has also discussed them with State Governments and with representatives of the industries affected. It will place before honorable senators and members details of a plan for the stabilization of the wheat industry, and will also place information before you as to steps taken, and to be taken, in connexion with other primary industries.
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 members of the House of Representatives having retired,
The President (Senator the- Hon. J. B. Hayes) took the chair, and read prayers.
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– I move -
That the Senate records its sincere regret at the death of the Right Honorable Neville Chamberlain, a former Prime Minister of the
United Kingdom, places on record its appreciation of his devoted service to the British lim pi re and to the cause of peace in the world, and tenders its deep sympathy to the widow and family in their bereavement.
It was with very deep regret that the Australian- people learned on the 9tl] November of the death of Mr. Neville Chamberlain, who was Prime Minister of Great Britain during three years of unparalleled difficulty. There is little doubt that Mr. Chamberlain’s end was hastened by that devotion to duty whichwas the outstanding feature of a long and distinguished career of public service. The late Prime Minister did not enter political life till 191S, when he became a member of the House of Commons; in 1923 he was Postmaster-General and Minister for Health in the Ministry of Mr. Bonar Law. He was later appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer when Mr. Baldwin became Prime Minister. In 1937 he was elected to the leadership of the Conservative party and succeeded Mr. Baldwin as Prime Minister; that office he held until his resignation in May of this year.
Mr. Chamberlain, throughout his whole life, personified those qualities which make an English gentleman. His steadfastness of purpose had always endeared, him to his people. He will be’ remembered as one who unceasingly laboured to obtain peace in Europe and in. the world. But when it was clear that that peace was impossible in the face of dictatorial governments, he threw himselfwith equal determination into the fierce struggle of war, with the realization that war was the only means to obtain that peace. Never before had a man been Prime Minister of Great Britain in sucha crisis as England faced in September of last year. The United Kingdom was confronted with the most formidable fighting machine which had ever been evolved by the hands of man - a machine operated by one who regarded it as a< means of subjugating the whole world to his power. “Whatever may be said of events in- 1938, we now know that Mr. Chamberlain obtained for the Empire that precious breathing space which enabled it to commence the tremendous effort which was to become .the answer to the “total war”. The- words in hisbroadcast to the English people on the outbreak of war are a source of inspiration and hope to us all. He said -
We have a clear conscience. AVe have done all that any country could do to establish peace. The situation in which no word given by Germany’s ruler could be trusted and no people or country could feel themselves safe has become intolerable. And now that we have resolved to finish it, 1 know that you will all play your part with calmness and courage.
AVe have lost a great leader. . But he will ever be remembered by British .people as a statesman whose life represented all those things which are the essence of British character.
– In expressing on behalf of the Opposition our sincerest sympathy with Mrs. Chamberlain in the irreparable loss she has sustained by the passing of her distinguished husband, and with the British people in the loss of a great statesman, I may be excused if I feel a measure of pride on having paid my tribute in this chamber to the Bight Honorable Neville Chamberlain and his worthy public service while yet he lived. People generally, especially those engaged in public life, are all too prone to wait until a man is dead before acknowledging his virtues. Let us look back over all that has happened in the distressing times since September of last year. When, as Prime Minister of Great Britain, this gentle man, distinguished in the service of his country, first in municipal affairs and later in Parliament, again saw the war clouds gathering over Europe, he took his courage in both hands, and, although 70 years of age and frail in health, conquered hi3 aversion to air travel, which he had never previously undertaken, and risking his political future, flew three times to Germany in order to interview Hitler. That he was deceived does not detract in the least degree from the wonderful effort that he made. It is cruel - perhaps it is just fate - that Neville Chamberlain passes with but few left to do him honour or justice. He tried to avert from England the concentrated horrors it is now experiencing so tragically. It will surely be recorded in the Book of Time to his eternal credit that he strove manfully to prevent this second world war, and that the months of respite which his action secured for Great Britain, giving its splendid people time to. prepare to resist the invader as they have so wonderfully done, may well prove to be the basis of the final triumph of liberty and freedom over despotism and tyranny, and the victory of those who love the good and true over the forces of evil and dishonour.
– With the concurrence of my colleagues, I associate members of the Country party in the Senate with the motion. I agree with what the Leader of the Opposition (Senator Collings) has just said. I, too, feel a great deal of satisfaction that, through thick and thin, I consistently supported every action taken by that great and good man, Neville Chamberlain, to avert this disaster which has overtaken the world. At this tragic time I do not deem it proper to raise any controversial matter, but to me it is a matter of amazement that what that great statesman did, for not only England but also for the whole world, and’ its future, has not been more generally recognized. He gave to England an opportunity which, at the time of Munich, it did not possess, to defend, itself against the powers of cruelty, tyranny, aggression, injustice and. greed that now threaten the world. When the history of those times as relating not merely to England, but also to the world generally, has been written, men thousands of years hence will recognize this man as one of the outstanding figures of the age - a man who, seeing the fate of civilization in the balance, took those fateful journeys to Munich in order to try to preserve peace. In to-day’s press we are reminded by one more competent to speak, perhaps, than any other person, Sir Nevile Henderson, of the precise state of our preparedness at the time of the crisis. He said -
On September 28, 1038, we did not have a single Spitfire and only one or two experimental Hurricanes. There were exactly Haven modern anti-aircraft guns with which to defend London out of the 400 estimated as the minimum necessary.
Germany could have dropped 2,000 bombs a day on London and we could not have replied. Marshal Goering told me: “If you insist on making war, there will lie very little left of London and absolutely nothing of Czecho-Slovakia.” He waa undoubtedly perfectly correct.
Mr. Chamberlain failed to avert this war, but it was not his fault. I think Hitler regretted Munich more than anyone. He thought he had missed an opportunity. I agree with him.
History will endorse the views expressed by Sir Nevile Henderson. Only last week, after the news of the death of this hero of the British race was recorded in the cables, I received a personal letter from him. For some years he. had expressed very strong views about the future organization that should be undertaken to ensure the preservation of security in the world, and I arn flattered to think that he had taken some interest in the efforts that I have made and intend to make, in the Senate towards this end. I shall always take the deepest pride in, and derive the greatest satisfaction from this letter, which concluded with these words -
At the same time I should like to take this opportunity of sending you my grateful thanks for your kind appreciation and support.
Every word of appreciation of his action expressed in the press and in the Parliaments of many countries must have been tremendously encouraging and heartening to him, and must have fortified him in the belief that he had taken what was the right and only course open to him for the sake of humanity and the future of civilization. That belief is held to-day by many millions of people.
– I desire to associate my party and myself with the motion and express our deep ‘ sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr. Chamberlain in their bereavement.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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– I move -
That the Senate expresses its sincere regret at the death of Dr.- William Robert Nuttal Maloney, former member for the division of Melbourne .in the Hm,se of Representatives, places on record its appreciation of his ‘long and meritorious public service, and .tenders its profound sympathy to the members of his family in their bereavement. ‘
It is with deep regret that I submit this motion. The late Dr. Maloney had one of the longest parliamentary careers in Australian history, his service extending over a period of about 50 years. Having been elected to the Legislative Assembly of Victoria for the constituency of West Melbourne in 1889, he was re-elected for the same seat in 1S92, 1S94, 1897, 1900 and 1902. In’ 1904 he successfully contested the federal division of Melbourne and represented that constituency continuously until the time of his death. He was a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Party that visited England in 1911 at the invitation of the “ Imperial Government to attend the coronation ceremony of King George Y. From 1910 to 1917 he was a Temporary Chairman of Committees. He was a member of the Royal Commission on the Pearling Industry in 1913. and of the Royal Commission on Electoral Laws in 1914. From 1914 to 1917 he was a member of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts, and , in 1917 and 191S he was a member of the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee. As a member of the Commonwealth Delegation of the Empire Parliamentary Association he visited South Africa in 1924, and in 1937 he was a member of the Delegation which visited England for the coronation of King George VI. Outside Parliament he was for many years actively engaged in social welfare in relation to his own profession of medicine. He was affectionately known as “ the Little Doctor “ to honorable members and to his many friends in Melbourne, and he will be sadly missed by all. To his family we extend our deepest sympathy in their sad loss.
– I first made personal contact with Dr. Maloney just 25 years ago and from then until the time of his death recently, he was my personal friend. I had known of him for a quarter of a century before I met him and he was my ideal of a social reformer. In the electorate which he- represented in -the House of Representatives for so many years, he was affectionately known by everybody as “ the Little Doctor “. He had to his credit a long life of unselfish community service, unequalled probably by that of any other man, and certainly not surpassed by any public man with whose life I am familiar. No pensioner in his electorate was ever allowed to have a pauper’s funeral; Dr. Maloney looked after that. Then there was his wonderful fight extending over some years to establish a fund to supply milk free of charge for babies of poor parents. 13 is medical services were always available, in countless cases without any payment whatsoever, and, in other cases, when the patient could, afford it, for a merely nominal payment. It is fitting that we should pay tribute to a public man of the character of our departed friend, and it is also most .fitting that we should express to his relatives how fully we share their grief.
– With the concurrence of my colleagues, I associate the Country party with the motion. I knew Dr. Maloney for 22 years and for the whole of that time and many years “before, he represented the great city of Melbourne. He had a host of friends, and probably was better known as a philanthropist than as a politician because of the generous manner in which he ministered to the needs of the people in his electorate. As the Leader of the Opposition (Senator Collings) . has said, Dr. Maloney set out to give to the children of Melbourne an opportunity to face life with the strength that is so necessary in these strenuous times. He also gave medical advice to all who sought it, in most cases merely at the cost of a bottle of medicine. Thousands of people in the electorate of Melbourne are indebted to him for his practical help, and their sympathy is extended to the bereaved family of one who did so much for the electorate, and his native country.
– As a lifelong friend of the late Dr. Maloney, and as a fellow Victorian, 1 desire to add my tribute to the memory of this great man. Members of my party will recollect that at Dr. Maloney’s last appearance with us at the close of last session, he said in our party’ room that he would probably not contest another election. He added that he prayed to Cod that if Labour should come to power, it would not forget the needs of the poor. He hoped that those who died in indigent circumstances would be given decent burial, and that the needs of the women and children would always be kept in mind. That utterance was almost prophetic, for only a few weeks later Dr. Maloney contracted a fatal illness. The nation, and this Parliament, are much poorer for his passing.
As other speakers have said., Dr. Maloney did amazing work among the people of Melbourne. Blessed with a sound’ education, some share of the world’s goods, and a good professional knowledge, he freely placed all at the disposal of the poor. He sought, neither office nor honours, and I believe that his like lias not graced the Federal. Parliament. He never deviated from the principles which he held, and he sought no recompense for his services, other than the gratitude of those whom he benefited. I therefore join with other speakers in paying my tribute to the memory of “ The Great Little Doctor “.
– AH of us knew Dr. Maloney as “ The Little Doctor”; but, whilst he may have been little in stature, we, and his constituents, will remember him as a big man. Dr. Maloney’s work on behalf of the less fortunate members of our community will long be remembered-, and in addition, a worthy memorial to his efforts is being erected. Virtually a foundation member of the Commonwealth Parliament, Dr. Maloney will remain in our thoughts as one of the greatest contributors to the democratic principles that we enjoy to-day.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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.. - I move -
That the Senate expresses its ‘sincere regret at the death of former Senator Colonel Percy Phipps Abbott, C.M.G., V.D., places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and extends its sincere sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.
I regret to inform the Senate that former Senator Colonel Percy Phipps Abbott, C.M.G., V.D., died at Tamworth, New
South Wales, on the 9th September, Colonel Abbott was elected to the House of Representatives for New England, New South Wales, in 1913, 1914 and 1917. He was elected to the Senate in 1925 for the State of New South Wales and remained a senator till 192S. He was a member of the Royal Commission on the. Commonwealth Constitution in 1927-29. For many years the late gentleman was associated with the Commonwealth Military Forces. On the outbreak of the Great War of- 1914-18,. he was appointed major in the 6th Light Horse Regiment, and was afterwards appointed lieutenant-colonel commanding the 12th Light Horse Regiment which left Australia early in 1915. He served abroad with the regiment and was afterwards attached to the 5th Division in France in 3 9.1 7 and 191 S. He was made -a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1917. I have to express to his widow and family our sympathy in their bereavement.
– I did not know the late Colonel Abbott personally - he left, the Senate just prior to my advent here - but I should like to say on behalf of members of the Opposition that we respect his memory because of. the services which he rendered to Australia both at home and abroad, and we join with the Leader of the Senate and hon.orable senators opposite in conveying the condolences of honorable senators to the bereaved family.
– I desire to associate my colleagues of the Country party and myself with thismotion. I knew the ‘late Senator Abbott very intimately, although he was not a relative of mine, as might be supposed from the name. In the House of Representatives he represented the New England electorate which included the State electorate represented by me in the Parliament of New South Wales. That close association extended beyond Parliament. On his return from the war, Colonel Abbott took a very great interest in what many people of Australia then thought, and probably would be thinking to-day, but for the war, the urgent necessity for constitutional reform in Australia. He took a lively interest in what, at thai time, was a very live movement in New South Wales, to bring about some readjustment of the constitutional relations of Commonwealth and States. I, too, was very closely associated with that movement, and I can testify to the genuine, broad outlook of Colonel Abbott, his statesmanlike approach to .matters of that sort, and his earnest desire, without any sei f- > aggrandisement, to bring about a necessary reform. He was a member of the royal commission which exhaustively investigated the operation of the Australian Constitution. The recommendations of that body appear to have been pigeonholed for the present, but I hope, that some day they will be dealt with, in which event it will be found that the deceased gentleman and his fellow commissioners performed a great service to Australia in the investigation which they undertook. I desire, therefore, to place on record our appreciation of the public-spirited service and life of the late Senator P. P. Abbott.
– I did not know the late Senator P. P. Abbott, but on behalf of myself and colleagues, I express our deepest sympathy with his relatives in their bereavement.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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– I greatly regret to announce that the Honorable Albert Ernest Green, Member of the House of Representatives for the Division of Kalgoorlie, died at Kalgoorlie on the 2nd October.
The late Mr. Green represented Kalgoorlie in the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 1911 to 1921. In 1922 he was elected to the House of Representatives for the Division of Kalgoorlie, and was the member for that division until his death. He was a member of the select committee on the effect of the operation of the Navigation
Act on trade in 1923, and was also a member of the Royal Commission on National Insurance in 1923-27. From February, 1929, to September, 1929, he was a member of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts. He was appointed Minister for Defence in October, 1929, and held that portfolio till February, 1931. From that month until January, 1932, he was Postmaster-General and Minister for Works and Railways.
His passing, I am sure, means a personal loss to all the members of both Houses. I extend to his widow and family our sincere sympathy.
I move -
That the Senate expresses its sincere regret at the death of the Honorable Albert Ernest Green, Member for the Division of Kalgoorlie in the House of Representatives and former Commonwealth Minister, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and extends its sincere sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.
– Those of us who knew the late Honorable Albert E. Green intimately and shared his confidences find it extremely difficult to realize that he is no longer with us. His record of public service was more remarkable than the mere length of it, and that was considerable, for he served for ten years in the State Parliament of Western Australia and eighteen years in this National Parliament. An intensely earnest man, he took the problems of life seriously, as they shouldbe taken, and gave of his best in every department of those activities which constituted his life. We knew him as “Texas” Green; it was always difficult to think of him by his proper title - the Honorable Albert E. Green. He was a big Australian with a wide international outlook; his ideals of brotherhood, fellowship, and service to his fellow men were the guiding rules of his life. To all of us who knew him intimately, he was a good companion. He could be severe in his criticisms, but “ Texas “ Green was never bitter or uncharitable. He was an omnivorous reader, gifted with a wonderful memory. He loved poetry, and could recite with eloquence and great effect the gems which most appealed to him. Among my most, treasured possessions are some of the things which I have heard him recite and which I afterwards asked him. to commit to writing so that I might preserve them.
Because of his wide interests and extensive travel, the late Mr. Green became known to many people as the honorable member for New Guinea in this Parliament. He made himself acquainted with the people of the Mandated Territory and in that way he was able to render valuable service to a section of people far removed from the national capital. To Mrs. Green, a wonderful mate to “ Texas “, whom many of us know well, the deepest sympathy of honorable members on both sides of the chamber goes out this afternoon.
– With the consent of my colleagues, I associate the Australian Country party with the expressions’ of regret that have been voiced, in connexion with the death of the Honorable Albert Ernest Green, popularly known as “Texas’” Green. I had the privilege of the personal friendship of the late Mr. Green for well over 30 years. We were associated in public affairs in Kalgoorlie before either of us entered Parliament. Both of us were elected to the Parliament of Western Australia for the first time on the 3rd October, 1911, nearly 30 years ago, and we were there together for over ten years. In 1922, the late Mr. Green was elected to the Commonwealth Parliament as the member for the Division of Kalgoorlie, and he retained the confidence of the people of the goldfields until his death. For many years prior to his election to Parliament, he was an official of the post office in Kalgoorlie. From there he graduated to politics, and. his many friends both inand out of the department were delighted when, in 1931, he achieved his ambition and became PostmasterGeneral of the Commonwealth and. head of the department in which he had spent so many years. The late Mr. Green’ also did excellent work for Australia as Minister for Defence in the Scullin Government. He was a man with aremarkable personality, and his cheerful and friendly disposition made firm friends for him wherever he went. He had an extraordinarily firm hold of the Kalgoorlie electorate, which comprises more than nine- tenths of the area of Western Australia, as it extends from Wyndham in the north to Esperance in the south. I travelled with him on many occasions; the energy he displayed in traversing his huge electorate will always be remembered there, as he was the friend of every one even in the most remote part of that great constituency. At the general elections, he received the wholehearted support from persons holding the most varied political opinions. Miners, prospectors, pastoralists, pearlers, farmers and other workers joined in showing their appreciation of his public service and personal qualities. He stood for a fair deal for all sections in his vast electorate. His death makes a void in the public life of Australia, particularly Western Australia, and I join with others in extending sympathy to his wife and family in their bereavement.
– I support the motion. The late Mr. Green was always known as “Texas”. One might say that his heart was as big as his electorate. He was not merely a politician. His knowledge of human life and sympathy for human suffering endeared him to every one, and particularly to hia constituents, in whose interests he always worked. It was a striking tribute to the esteem in which ‘he was held that he was able to represent the electorate of Kalgoorlie from 1922 until the time of his death. On two occasions he was returned unopposed. I offer the deepest sympathy of my colleagues and myself to his widow and family in their bereavement.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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– I m o ve -
That the Senate expresses its sincere rome at tlie death of The Honorable John Henry Keating, former Senator and Commonwealth Minister, places on record its appreciation of his lone and meritorious public service, and extends its sincere sympathy to the members of his family in their bereavement.
It is with regret that I announce that a former member of the Senate, the Honorable John Henry Keating, died in Melbourne on the 31st October last. The late Mr. Keating was a member of the First Commonwealth Parliament, being one of the Senators elected for the State of Tasmania at the general elections held in 1901: he was re-elected at all subsequent elections until 1917. He ceased to be a senator in 1922. In 1901 he was chairman of the Select Committee on Steamship Communication between Australia and Tasmania. He was an Honorary Minister in the Deakin Ministry from July, 1905, to October, 1906,” when he was appointed Vice-President of the Executive Council, an office which he held until February, 1907. In the same Ministry, he wa3 Minister for .Home Affairs from January, 1907, to November, 190S. In 1906 he was also a member of the Select Committee on the Tobacco Monopoly, and in 1913 was a member of the Select Committee on General Elections. From 1914 to 1917 he was a member of the Joint Committee on Public Works, and in 1915 of the Select Committee on Mount Balfour Post Office, Tasmania. In 1916 he visited England at the invitation of the Imperial Parliamentary Association, and in 1924 was made an Officier de 1’Instruction Publique of France. At the time of his death Mr. Keating was acting as legal adviser to the Department of Information. I extend to his family our deepest sympathy.
– I desire to associate the members of the Opposition with all that the Leader of the Senate (Senator MeLeay) has said concerning the late Mr. Keating. His death was a great surprise to those who knew him, particularly as shortly before he was actively engaged in public service. One achievement which will always stand to the credit of the late Mr. Keating was the drafting of the Australian Copyright Act, which, in itself, was a work of some magnitude. We honour ourselves in paying tribute to this public man who has rendered long and meritorious service to the Commonwealth, and we extend to hia widow and family our sincere sympathy.
– I wish to associate myself and the members of the Country party in this chamber with the expressions of regret concerning the death of Mr. Keating. I had not the honour of being a member of the chamber when he was a senator, but I know of his meritorious service to Australia. It is interesting to record amongst his varied, achievements that during his trip to Great Britain in 1916 he was invited by the Allied Agricultural Relief Committee to visit France and Belgium. That was one indication of his extensive grasp of public affairs.
– I asso-elate myself with the remarks made by the Leader of the Senate (.Senator McLeay) and other honorable senators who have paid tribute to the late exSenator Keating, not only because of his achievements as a public man, but also he-cause he was my close personal friend. I was a member of the House of Representatives when the late Mr. Keating was a member of the Senate, and by that contact I had an opportunity to appreciate both his eloquence and his knowledge of constitutional matters. “When he had ceased to be a member of the Senate, he and I forgathered a good deal’, and I found that his knowledge of constitutional matters and his stories of the early days of the Australian Commonwealth made him a delightful companion and a splendid host. The late Mr. Keating, did a great deal towards directing Commonwealth activities in the early days of federation, and overcoming some of the difficulties with which Australia was confronted when operating under a. new constitution. I pay tribute to the memory of a charming gentleman, and a dear personal friend, and a great public man.
– I desire to associate myself with the motion moved. Ex-Senator Keating was a foundation member of the Federal Parliament. He entered the Senate as a comparatively young man. He possessed great attainments, was a brilliant speaker, and served’ his country faithfully. In the early days of federation he played an important part in framing gome of the legislation under which the Commonwealth is working to-day. On behalf of the Tasmanian senators, I pay tribute to the memory of this great man who did so much, not only for the State of Tasmania, also for the whole Commonwealth which he served with great distinction.
– Although I did not know the late ex-senator, I extend the sincere sympathy and that of the members of my party, to the relatives and friends of the deceased.
– As. a very old friend of the late John Henry Keating, I join in the expression of sympathy with his relatives at his passing. I had known the late ex-senator for many years, and I remember his election as a member of this Parliament for the first time. I attended his funeral recently, when leading citizens of Hobart paid tribute to a man who had rendered, great service to the State of Tasmania. I bear testimony to his worth, and to his valuable contribution to the public life of Australia.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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– I move -
That the Senate expresses its sincere regret at the death of the Honorable Frank Anstey, a former Member for the Division of Bourke in the House of Representatives and a former Commonwealth Minister, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and extends its sincere sympathy to- the members of his family in their bereavement.
It is with regret that I submit a motion in respect of the death, of another former member of this Parliament. The late Mr. Anstey died in Melbourne on the 3.1’st October. He was a member of the State Parliament of Victoria from 1904 to 1910. He was then elected to the House of Representatives as the member for Bourke, which he represented from 1910 until 1934, a period of 24 years. From 1922 to 1927 he was Assistant Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives. He was a member of a royal commission which, in 1.923, investigated the effect of the operation of the Navigation Act on Australian trade and industry; and a member of the Joint ‘ Committee of Public Accounts from February to. September, 1929. In October, 1929, hewas appointed Minister for Health and Minister for Repatriation, which office he held until March, 1931. I extend our sincere sympathy tohis family in their loss.
– The late Frank Anstey was a remarkable man, because of both his gift of oratory and his power with the pen. I was about to say that some of us young fellows who knew him years ago looked up to him as a guide, philosopher -and friend ; but, actually he was only of the same age as myself. His contribution to literature, particularly with regard to financial subjects, was a great inspiration to those of us who were taking part in reform work outside Parliament, with no ideas in those earlier days of ever joining him in the National Parliament. Among the books he wrote were Facts and Theories of Finance, Money Power, The Kingdom of Shylock,Red Europe, and Monopoly and Democracy , and each of these works was a classic of its kind. It was with great grief that Mr. Anstey’s friends noticed in 1934 that his health was- deteriorating, and that he was losing the fire and vigor that had ‘ characterized him in earlier years. He reached the age of 75 years, and had 30 years of parliamentary experience, six years in the Parliament of Victoria and 24 years in this National Parliament. His eloquence was remarkable and his sincerity intense. Those were the outstanding characteristics of a distinguished man. To those whom he has left behind the Opposition extends its sincere sympathy.
– I desire to associate the Country party with the motion before the Senate. I knew the late honorable gentleman for about 22 years. He was an orator of the first water. Every body in the House knew when Frank Anstey was about to make a speech, because his demeanour made the fact evident. Whenever he addressed the House he was listened to by a full audience. His was a colourful personality. As the Leader of the Opposition (Senator Collings) remarked, he wrote many books which’ created great interest, although probably every body did not agree with . the views advanced by him. He was a man of undoubted sincerity, as well as of great eloquence. I express my sympathy with his family at the loss of one who served his country well and with very great ability.
– As one of the oldest friends of the late Frank Anstey,. I add my meed of praise to his memory. His oratorical powers made him an inspiration to the majority of the young men of the Labour movement in Victoria. Hewas doubly blessed with the gift of eloquence, and a high literary capacity. What impressed me most was that he was a rebel against the . social conditions under which he was reared, and heused his undoubted talents in a valiant effort to improve them. His declining years, unfortunately, were saddened by the disappointment that, when he became a Minister of the Crown, he was unable to give effect to some of the aspirations of his party. He passed away practically as he lived, not desiring the applause of anybody. He died one night, and was buried the next morning. Even his most intimate friends did not know of his passing. In my judgment he was in the same class as an orator as Alfred Deakin, and he took his . place among men of the highest literary achievement Australia has produced. His death is a milestone in the history of the Labour movement in this country. I offer to his family my deepest sympathy. Australia is poorer, and the Labour movement is weaker, by reason of the loss of a man of his calibre.
.; - I concur in all that, has been said with regard to the late Mr. Anstey, and offer my . sincere sympathy, and that of the members of my party, to the relatives and friends of the deceased.
– Many years ago, before I entered politics. I was a great admirer of the lateMr. Anstey because of his strenuous fight for monetary reform. He was not only a valiant fighter, but also a man of high ideals. He always evinced a deep knowledge of the subjects on which he spoke. I agree with Senator Keane that he rendered great service to Australia. His abilities and service will not be-forgotten by those who knew him in the prime of his life.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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. - I move -
That the Senate expresses its sincere regret at the death of the Honorable James MacKinnon Fowler, a former member of the House of Representatives for the Division of Perth, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service, and extends its sincere sympathy to his widow and family in their bereavement.
I regret to announce to the Senate the death of yet another former member of the Commonwealth Parliament, the Honorable James MacKinnon Fowler. Mr. Fowler died in Melbourne on the 3rd November.
He was a member of the first parliament,being elected to the House ofRepresentatives for the Division of Perth, Western Australia, in 1901, and at each subsequent election to 1919. He represented that division for 22 years. He was a member of the Select Committee on Decimal Coinage in 1.901, and of the Select Committee on Electoral Act Administration in 1914. From 1904 to 1907 he was a member of the Royal Commission on the Tariff. He was a temporary Chairman of Committees from 1906 to 1912, and Chairman of Committees from August, 1913, to July, 1914. He was also a member of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts from 1914 to 1917 and chairman of that committee in . 1920. Many of us were never associated with the late member, but it is in keeping with the traditions of the Senate that we should honour his memory. I extend to his widow and family our deepest sympathy.
– The Opposition associates itself with all that the Leader of the Senate has said regarding the late Mr. Fowler. The deceased gentleman began his parliamentary career at the inception of federation, and was a member of this Parliament for 22 years. He contributed in no mean degree to the foundation of the movement for federation, , and supplemented that good work as a member of this Parliament. To his widow and family we extend our sincere sympathy.
– On behalf of the members of the Country party in the Senate I support the motion which expresses ourappreciation of the public service rendered by the late Honorable James MacKinnon Fowler. Mr. Fowler was a prominent advocate of federation when in 1900 the people of Western Australia decided by public ballot” in favour of union. In 1901 he was elected to the first Commonwealth Parliament for the division of Perth, and he held that seat uninterruptedly for 22 years, during which period the policy of federation was consolidated. He was returned for the division of Perth at eight successive elections, and throughout his career in this Parliament he was a respected, capable and eloquent advocate of the interests of Western Australia, particularly in respect of tariff policy. We extend our sympathy to his widow and family.
– I did not know the late Mr. Fowler, but on behalf of the Australian Labour party - nonCommunist in this chamber, I ‘extend sincere sympathy to his widow and family.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
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– I move -
That the Senate expresses its sincere regret at the death of the Honorable Henry Gregory, member for the Division of Swan in the House of Representatives and former State Minister, places on record its appreciation of his long and meritorious public service, and tenders its profound sympathy to’ his widow and family in their bereavement.
It is with great regret that I have to inform the Senate of the death on Friday last of the Honorable Henry Gregory, whowas member for the division of Swan, Western Australia, in the House of Representatives.
Before entering the Commonwealth Parliament, the late member had been for many years a member of the “Western Australian Legislative Assembly, having been elected to that chamber in 1S97. He was Minister for Mines from 1901 to 1904, and Minister for Mines and Railways from 1905 to 1911. He was acting Premier and Treasurer in 1910 to 1911. Elected to the House of Representatives for the division of Dampier in 1913, he represented that division till its abolition in 1922. In 1922 he was elected for the division of Swan,, which he continued to represent until his death.
He was a member of the Royal Commission on the Pearling Industry in 1913, and chairman of the Royal Commission on Powellized Timber in 1914. He was a member of the Joint Committee on Public Works from 1914 to 1926, being chairman of that committee from October, 1917, to February, 1926. He was again a member of the same committee from February, 1929j to November, 1931. He was also a member of the Joint Select Committee on the Moving Picture Industry in Australia in 19-27, and of the Royal Commission- on that industry in 1927-28. In 19-35 he visited’ England as a member of the Commonwealth delegation of the Empire Parliamentary Association. He was highly respected- by all of us, and his death removes one who gave many years of his life- to public service. I extend to hi3 widow and family our deepest sympathy.
– The late Mr. Gregory was a remarkable personality. In years, he was the oldest member of this Parliament in which lie rendered outstanding service on behalf of Australia. Although for many years he did not enjoy robust health, he carried on uncomplainingly, and was always so cheerful that only those who knew him intimately realized how great was his suffering. Right up to the last, he was as keen mentally as at any period of his career, a fact which is apparent from the speeches he made during last session. In that regard he was most remarkable. Most honorable senators know his good wife quite well. All of us admire her wonderful devotion and attention to heu husband. The fullest sympathy of every one of us goes out to Mrs. Gregory.
– It is with deep sorrow that I speak to this motion on behalf of members of the Country party- in this chamber. Australia has sustained’ a- great loss through the passing of Mr. Gregory. He had been a. member of the House of Representatives without interruption since 1913, a period of 27 consecutive years. He.wa3 an original member of the Australian Country party, and was its first Deputy Leader. For the last 40 years his name has been a household word in Western Australia. He entered the State Parlia-ment in 1897 as the member for Menzies on the eastern gold-fields, and held that seat, mainly because of his vigorous personality, until 1911. As the Minister for Mines in successive governments, he placed on the statute-book of Western Australia mining, laws that are recognized as being the best of their kind in the Empire. That legislation did much to assist the State in the establishment of its gold-mining industry. He also founded the system of State batteries for the purpose of aiding prospectors. In the Federal Parliament for over 27 consecutive years, the late Mr. Gregory wa3 always a valiant fighter for the interests of Western Australia in general and primary producers in particular. He was conspicuous in his endeavours to free the primary industries from the burdens of the tariff, and on more than one occasion he refused to accept ministerial -office rather than compromise on his fixed political principles in regard to protection. The amount of detailed work that he did on behalf of the primary industries during his long and busy life-time was enormous.
The late Mr. Gregory was a firm friend and a loyal colleague. When I was first selected as a candidate for the Senate, he gave me every assistance in his power, both before and during- that election campaign and in each succeeding campaign-. I mourn the loss of a valiant friend who was a wise adviser in time of difficulty. He was ‘ one of the most influential workers for the Country party movement in Western Australia and in- the national sphere. Since 1897, a period of 43- years, he was one of the most prominent political leaders in his State. He was also one of the leaders of the federal ‘movement, and in 1900 was an advocate of federation. He was always a capable, fearless and courteous fighter for principles that he considered ‘ to be right. Though he fought hard, he-fought fairly. His death leaves a vacancy in the public life of Western Australia and of the Commonwealth that cannot easily be filled. He is mourned by a host of friends and I am sure that the sympathy of this Senate is extended to Mrs. Gregory, whom we all know so well, and to his three sons and daughter. Mr. Gregory’s long and useful life of public service will remain an inspiration to those who follow him.
– I desire to associate the party that I lead with the motion of condolence in respect of the death of’ Mr. Gregory, and extend to his widow and family our sincere sympathy in their tragic loss.
– In associating myself with the remarks of previous speakers upon the motion, I wish to refer to the work -that the late Mr. Gregory performed on behalf of members of the Australian Imperial Force when they returned from the Great War. So’ extensive and so greatly appreciated were his- activities in that sphere that the Western Australian branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia conferred on him its certificate of merit, which is one of the highest awards that can be bestowed by that organization, upon a member of the public. The late Mr. Gregory displayed a keen interest in all repatriation work, designed to fit returned soldiers to take a useful place in peace-time avocations. To his wife and. family I extend my deepest sympathy.
Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places.
page 19
The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. J B. Hayes). - I have to report that for greater accuracy I have obtained -from
His Excellency the Governor-General a copy of the Opening Speech which His Excellency was pleased to deliver to both Houses of the Parliament.
That the consideration of the Speech be an order of the day for the next day oi sitting.
page 19
Motion (by Senator McLeay) agreed to -
That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn till 3 p.m. to-morrow.
Senate adjourned at 4.35 p.m.
Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 20 November 1940, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1940/19401120_senate_16_165c1/>.