Senate
9 July 1925

9^th Parliament · 3^rd Session

QUESTION
- TASMANIAN HOP-GROWERS
QUESTION
- BANKRUPTCY ACT
PAPER
QUESTION
- DEPORTATIONS
QUESTION
- FEDERAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
QUESTION
- COMMONWEALTH ROAD GRANT
QUESTION
- SHIPPING DISPUTE
QUESTION
- AERIAL MAIL SERVICES
QUESTION
- VISIT OF AMERICAN FLEET
QUESTION
- COMMONWEALTH SHIPPING LINE
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE
NORTHERN AUSTRALIA BILL
- Second Reading
POST AND TELEGRAPH BILL
TASMANIAN SHIPPING SERVICES
NAVIGATION ACT
QUESTION
- NAVIGATION. ACT
ADJOURNMENT
- Queensland Aerial Mail Service

The President (Senator the Hon. T. Givens) took the chair at 3 p.m. and read prayers.

page 815

QUESTION

TASMANIAN HOP-GROWERS

Senator J B HAYES:
TASMANIA

– I ask the Minister for Markets and Migration is he aware that the decision of the Government as to assistance for hop-growers in Tasmania is being anxiously awaited by those concerned, and, further, is he aware that thegrowers are absolutely dependent upon such assistance to enable them to cultivate their land and string their hops, and that failure to do this means ruin to them?

Senator WILSON:
Minister for Markets and Migration · SOUTH AUSTRALIA · NAT

– The subject mentioned by the honorable senator hasbeen receiving the careful attention of the Cabinet. The Government realizes the difficulties of the Tasmanian hop-growers, and it is hoped thata decision will be come toat an early date.

page 815

QUESTION

BANKRUPTCY ACT

Senator H HAYS:
TASMANIA

– I ask the Minister representing the Attorney-General if the Bankruptcy Act, passed last session, is now in operation, and, if not, when will the measure be given effect to?

Senator WILSON:
NAT

– The AttorneyGeneral has advised me that he hopes that the necessary action will betaken very soon.

page 815

PAPER

The following paper was presented : -

Report to the League of Nations on the administration of the Territory of New Guinea from 1st July, 1923, to 30th June, 1924.

Ordered to be printed.

page 815

QUESTION

DEPORTATIONS

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Home and Territories, uponnotice -

What were the number, sex, nationality, and offences of persons deported from Australia for the twelve months ended 30th June, 1925?
Will the Minister supply similar information for the six months ended 30th June, 1925?

Senator PEARCE:
Minister of Home and Territories · WESTERN AUSTRALIA · NAT

– The information asked for by the honorable senator will be found in the attached statement: -

Statement showing particulars of persons deported underthe Immigration Act 1920-1924, during (a) twelve months ended the 30th June, 1925, and (b) six months ended the30th June, 1925: -

page 815

QUESTION

FEDERAL CAPITAL COMMISSION

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister for Home and Territories, upon notice -

Has a report for the year ending90th June,1925,been receivedfromtheFederal Capital Commission:andifso,whenwillit be made availableformembers?

Senator PEARCE:
NAT

– No. The commission is required to furnish annually a report on its control and management of the affairs in the Territory during the preceding year, but as it has only been functioning since the beginning of the present year, the first annual report will not be available until after December next.

page 816

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH ROAD GRANT

Senator OGDEN:
TASMANIA

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Works and Railways, upon notice -

Whether it is intended to confer with the state Ministers regarding the allocation and expenditure of the federal road grant beforo regulations arc finalized.

Senator WILSON:
NAT

– Arrangements for a conference could not be made to deal with this year’s grant, but later in the year the Commonwealth Minister for Works and Railways proposes to confer with the Works Minister of each state on the whole question of federal roads grants.

page 816

QUESTION

SHIPPING DISPUTE

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice -

Has the Minister noticed a report in the Aye newspaper of 8th July, 1025, to the effect that an agreement involving the inclusion of the conditions secured to seamen prior to deregistration has been entered into by the Commonwealth Shipping Board and the transport unions ?
Has this action of the Shipping Board the concurrence or disapproval of the Government?

Senator PEARCE:
NAT

– The Prime Minister supplies the following answers to the honorable senator’s questions: -

. Yes.
The Commonwealth Shipping Board was granted by Parliament full powers in connexion with tile internal administration and control of the Line, and the Government was not consulted with regard to the above agreement.

page 816

QUESTION

AERIAL MAIL SERVICES

SenatorFOLL asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice -

Has a further agreement been entered into between the Commonwealth Government and the Larkin-Sopwith Co. to include Melbourne in the aerial mail service!

Did the original contract include Brisbane in its schedule?

If so, when will this part of the contract be carried out?

Senator CRAWFORD:
Honorary Minister · QUEENSLAND · NAT

– The Minister for Defence supplies the following answers to the honorable senator’s questions : - 1 and 2. Yes.

The original contract has expired, and the current agreement does not - require the company to maintain a service which includes Brisbane in its schedule.

page 816

QUESTION

VISIT OF AMERICAN FLEET

Trade Reciprocity

Senator LYNCH:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice -

Whether, in view of the approaching visit of the United States Fleet to this country, and the reasonable assumption that such visit is intended by the United States of America to deepen the cordial relations between that country and this, the Government will acknowledge the compliment by way of opening up negotiations with the United States ‘ of America for the purpose of arriving at a trade reciprocity arrangement on a basis mutually advantageous to both countries.

Senator PEARCE:
NAT

– The suggestion of the honorable senator will receive consideration.

page 816

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH SHIPPING LINE

Senator LYNCH:

asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice -

Whether it has been calculated what the effectof the settlement just arrived at with the seamen will be on last year’s deficit of over £500,000 and on next year’s balance-sheet of the Commonwealth Shipping Line?
If that loss is repeated in a greater or less form, how does the board propose to make good such loss?
In either event, will the board depend on tho taxpayers, or an increase of freights and fares, to square the balance-sheet?

Senator PEARCE:
NAT

– The Prime Minister supplies tho following answer to the honorable senator’s questions: -

I will bring the honorable senator’s questions under the notice of the Commonwealth Shipping Board for comment, and will further inform him as early as possible.

page 816

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Motion (by Senator Newland), agreed to -

That leave of absence for one month be granted to Senator Benny on account of illhealth.

page 817

STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE

Motion (by Senator Pearce) agreed to-

That Senator Drake-Brockman be discharged from, attendance on the Standing Orders Committee, and that Senator Kingsmill be appointed a member of the committee in his stead.

page 817

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA BILL

Second Reading

Debate resumed from 8th July (vide page 762), on motion by Senator Pearce -

That the bill be now read a second time.

Senator GUTHRIE:

– When first I knew the Mallee it was a wilderness in every sense of the word. Before we thought of growing wheat there, my family had practical experience in a heart-breaking undertaking. We lost a great deal of money trying to run sheep in that country. At that time it was indeed a howling wilderness, and apparently was almost useless. This is why people got into the habit of describing any dry country as valueless. I shall never do so again. There is no part of Australia, not excepting even the Nullabour Plains, which I crossed the other day, that I would describe as useless, because I know what can be done with apparently poor land by intelligent treatment under modern conditions of cultivation. Victoria owes a great deal to the late Mr. Lascelles, who devised means to get rid of the mallee scrub and make the land arable, and who, in addition, was responsible for the construction by private enterprise of the railway to Hopetoun. The government of the “day, regarding themallee country as valueless, would have nothing to do with the proposal. What is the position to-day? The great mallee country may fittingly be described as a waving wheat-field, and one of the richest provinces in Victoria. The wheat yield in the north-west of this state is enormous, and is increasing every year. The Government has built railways through it, and returned soldiers who have been settled on that country on liberal terms are, I think, doing better . than returned soldiers settled in any other part of Australia. There is still a considerable area of crown lands in the Mallee available for future settlement. That country- which a few years ago was regarded as useless, is now producing millions of bushels of wheat annually, as well as large numbers of fat lambs, fat sheep, and wool. What has been done there is a wonderful object lesson of what may be possible in other parts of Australia. The history of Australian development is romantic and inspiring. Unlike the pioneers of many other countries, notably South Africa, our early settlers were not called upon to wage war against the indigenous tribes, but they had to fight isolation, droughts, extraordinary hardships, and unsympathetic legislation. In spite of all their difficulties they blazed the trail, and whilst very few of them reaped the full reward of their courage and industry, they made it possible for those who followed them to make good. For this Australia owes them a deep debt of gratitude. On one occasion when in Sydney an inspector of pastoral properties, who probably had inspected more holdings than any other man in Australia, said he was prepared to make a wager that . he could not take a buggy and pair from Sydney through to the Gulf of Carpentaria without passing through properties, the pioneers of which had all failed, either through droughts, low prices, or pressure by financial institutions. I do not know enough about the Northern Territory to say whether certain agricultural products such as cotton and tobacco, can be grown there,’ but I feel pretty certain that wheat will not be successfully cultivated in that portion of Australia, because, as is the case in South Africa, the rain comes at the wrong time.

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

– It is not safe to prophesy.

Senator GUTHRIE:

– I agree with the honorable senator, but we have the experience of South Africa to guide us. Because the rain comes at the wrong time South Africa cannot grow enough wheat for its own requirements. For the same reason I doubt if wheat will ever be successfully grown in the Northern Territory. The rain comes at the wrong time of the year, and then it is too heavy. I remember on one occasion a fall of 19 inches in 24 hours on the Barkly Tablelands. That certainly would have destroyed all wheat crops. As a matter of fact, it killed quite a number of sheep and lambs. It was, of course, a phenomenal fall.

On one occasion I was present at a dinner given - I think it must have been by a Labour Government - at the Oriental Hotel, in Melbourne. It was one of the most amusing functions I have ever attended, because the greater the quantity of wine consumed - and there were ample supplies of champagne available: - the more enthusiastic became the guests concerning the possibilities of the Northern Territory, which, at that time, had only recently been taken.-, over by the Commonwealth. Early in the evening speakerssuggested that blocks of 100 square miles should be made available to settlers; but, as the function proceeded, many said that blocks of 100 acres in extent would be ample, and that the production of strawberries and tomatoes could be profitably undertaken for supplying “-the early markets in Sydney and Melbourne. When I left the gathering, which was fairly early in the morning, none of theguests was suffering from “ D.T’s.”, but many had what might be termed the ‘‘NTs.”, so enthusiastic were they about closer settlement in the Northern Territory. At that gathering it was freely stated, as theevening wore on and the wine flowed freely, that the Northern Territory should be subdivided into farms of approximately 320 acres, and thus theso-called beef baron’s and pastoralists who were then in occupation of certain portions of. the Territory should be taxed off the country. I was requested to make a speech,- because, L believe, I was the only one present who had any experience whatsoever of the Northern Territory.

As the Minister (Senator Pearce) in his able .second-reading speech pointed out, the coastline of the Northern Territory differs very largely from the coastline of Queensland and New South “Wales, in that it consists of very poor country. On the coastal areas in the Northern Territory very heavy tropical rains are experienced, but the land is comparatively poor, and consequently, these lands will be exceedingly difficult to economically settle. I do not know sufficient concerning the conditions to offer suggestions as to how. the coastal country should be developed; that is a question for practical men to settle. There is, however, a huge area of good horse and cattle country; there are also large tracts of land which, as yet, are unsuitable for any. kind of settlement. Honorable senators who have visited the Territory during a record good season may think that there is little unsuitable land, but those who have studied the history of the Northern Territory as I have, since 1882, will understand what I mean. After closely studying the reports of early explorers and pioneer pastoralists, and perusing maps, I have come to the conclusion that in normal years portions of the Northern Territory are quite unsuitable for ordinary settlement. There is, however, good land eminently suitable for the production of beef, and on which fins horses can be raised. By far the best country in the Northern Territory is the Barkly Tablelands, which consist of limestone country, on which Red Flinders and Mitchell grass grow luxuriantly, and it is, therefore, an excellent grazing proposition. In this connexion, I desire to quote the opinion of one of the earliest pioneers in the Northern Territory. I refer to Mr. Benjamin Crosthwaite, who is still alive - he lives at Kew - and who, in 1875, took up Rocklands Station, on the border of Queensland and the Northern” Territory, and which also runs into the Barkly Tablelands. In that year, Mr. Crosthwaite left what was then a comparatively little place, but which is now regarded as the hub of the universe, and is known also as the city in which the Ford motor works and other prosperous and progressive industries are to be established - I refer, of course, to Geelong. This is what Mr. Crosthwaite wrote -

Early in the year 1875 I travelled from Rockhampton, in Queensland, across the Peak Downs, the Barcoo country, and on to the farfamed Bowen Downs. At Mount Cornish I was most hospitably received by the manager. In talking oyer country with him, he asked me why I did not go out to the Barkly Tablelands? Tlie gentleman had had the management of a “ boiling-down “ establishment at Burketown, at the head of the Gulf of Carpentaria, and during hie residence there there were three sheep stations on these tablelands, about 200 miles from Burketown, where the sheep had done remarkably well, both a.s regards the increase and the clip. Owing to the great degression in pastoral pursuits about 1870, tlie settlement at Burketown had to be abandoned. In consequence of this, the sheep were necessarily withdrawn from the tableland stations, much to the regret of -the owners. Acting on Mr. Edkins’ advice, I returned to Mount Cornish, purchased a mob of breeding cattle there, and started for the tablelands with Mr. N. Buchanan, a well-known Queensland explorer, in charge. After travelling about 100 miles west we formed a camp for the cattle on the Western River, which at that time was almost unoccupied, and Mr. Buchanan and I crossed over .the low range at the head of the Diamentina on to the Gulf country. We followed $he lower country round; till !we struck the. road from Burketown -to the abandoned tablelands. This road we had considerable difficulty in following, as the rapid growth in that part of the world had almost obliterated the tracks. Eventually, however, we followed a rocky hollow leading up out of the comparatively barren country bordering the O’Shannessy River, and’ I shall never forget the sensation I experienced when we found ourselves on the noble stretch of richly-grassed undulating downs, “ the Barkly .Tablelands.” From that to Lake Mary was about 40 miles. The growth was so luxuriant that we had the greatest difficulty in following the old track - indeed, wo had actually lost it when Ave caught sight of the lake, where I understand is now the township of Camooweal. From this point Mr. Buchanan and I went over a considerable part of the’ tablelands, travelling about 150 miles west into the Northern Territory, and passing through a considerable part of the present Avon Downs property, which was then unoccupied. Everywhere we found the same beautiful undulating downs, thickly covered with- the best Queensland grasses. On my present and previous journey I had been through some of the best pastoral districts in Queensland, but 1 had seen nothing that 1 liked so well as these limestone downs of apparently unlimited extent. The climate on the tablelands for six months in the year is as fine as any in Australia.

I would draw particular attention to the last sentence, because I wish to disprove the erroneous impressions formed by so many people concerning the climatic conditions in the Northern Territory. The letter goes on -

The increase in both cattle and horses was most satisfactory; indeed, my actual muster when I gave delivery on the sale of the station was considerably higher than the number shown on the station books.

That has been the experience during the last 40 years on every station concerning which 1 know anything. When properties have been sold on a walk-in walkout basis, it has usually been found that the number of cattle and horses has always been considerably in excess of that shown in the books. In consequence of the satisfactory nature of the country, and the good health of the horses and cattle, there has seldom been the number of natural losses for which allowance has been made. Unfortunately, the experience in regard to sheep has been the reverse. The letter proceeds -

I sold this property in 1882, and on my return to Geelong (where I then resided) I had several conversations with Mr. Guthrie about the Barkly Tablelands, and I believe that he was a good deal influenced by my reports in his decision to form a sheep station at Avon Downs - which . is in the Northern Territory. That was the first attempt made to establish a sheep station in that Territory

In conclusion, I should like to point out that the only drawback to this magnificent country is the difficulty of communication,

The difficulty of transport and communication still. exists to a marked degree, and little progress in this connexion has been made during the past fifty years, and that if it was decided to continue either of the Queensland western lines across the Thompson, and so on through the tablelands to Port Darwin, the whole of the Queensland portion of the line would pass through valuable pastoral country showing no serious engineering difficuties, and that it would tap on the Barkly Downs a huge area of the finest sheep country in Australia.

That was the experience of a practical man in 1875, and I think the conditions are the same to-day.

Senator Payne:

– Has it since been verified ?

Senator GUTHRIE:

– It has been verified by nearly every one since then that the great need of that area is a railway connecting it with’ the great western railway system of Queensland.

Senator Foll:

– Cartage costs are , now worse than they have’ ever been.

Senator GUTHRIE:

-They are terrific. After establishing a sheep station, at huge cost, the pioneer of sheep in that country was eventually forced to give it up, largely on account of the cost of transport. That trouble has been in existence for the last 40 years. Mr. David Lindsay, the noted explorer and a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, gave his opinion of the Barkly Tablelands, as follows. -

The whole of the vast tract of country known as the Barkly Tablelands may be described as a luxuriantly grassed country. Much of it, especially the country on the Herbert, James, Lorne, Rankine, Brunette, Cresswell, Playford, Buchanan, and other creeks, can scarcely be surpassed, so far as my experience goes, in Australia.

It is not waterless country.

Senator Ogden:

– Are the creeks dry?

Senator GUTHRIE:

– Some of them at certain seasons of the year are, but there are some very big permanent waterholes, although they are not sufficient for closer settlement purposes or for sheep. Later on I shall explain the great cost of developing that country for sheep, but I hope that, eventually, the Barkly Tablelands will carry 10,000,000 sheep. The country is suitable for raising sheep if worked the right way. Mr. David Lindsay says -

It is equal to some of the finest country on the Cooper in Queensland. I have no hesitation in expressing my opinion that this country is eminently adapted to wool-growing, and sheep will do well, there being sufficient shady trees scattered about the country. The grasses are not too long, and are free from injurious seeds.

I quite agree with him. Its freedom from injurious seeds gives that part of Australia a tremendous advantage for woolgrowing purposes, because in some of the coastal districts, just as in Rhodesia and many parts of Africa, it is impossible to keep sheep on account of the injurious seeds in the grasses. Mr. Ernest Favenc, another explorer, says -

The Barkly Tablelands, which lie between parallels 17 and 21, is of the’ same nature as Landsdowne, Terrick Terrick, Portland, and Northampton Downs, which are recognized as the cream of the Barcoo country.

I know of the stations he has mentioned. They are some of the most famous in ‘the world, and the wool produced there commands high prices, yet, in his opinion, the

Barkly Tablelands country is equally good. He says -

It is ideal wool-growing country, and I should say would carry between 15,000,000 and 20,000,000 sheep.

I do not altogether agree with him there. I think that he might be too optimistic, or that he saw the country in a good season and did not realize the enormous expense entailed in developing a sheep station. Mr. Lewis, a well-known pastoralist, of the firm of Lewis and Bagot, Adelaide, addressing the South Australian Parliament in 1901 upon the Northern Territory, said -

One district alone (the Barkly Tablelands) was capable of keeping 10,000,000 sheep.

Honorable senators will see that all these men are backing up one another in the statement that the Barkly Tablelands country is cap’able of carrying sheep. I think it may eventually carry 10,000,000, and, if so, it will be of enormous advantage to Australia. Mr. Lewis went on to say -

The Barkly Tablelands, of which very little was known, was a tract of very . good country between latitudes 17 and 21, and adjoining the Queensland border. Some of the cattle on that country, after travelling 1,150 miles, sold in the Adelaide market, averaged £12 10s. per head, and some sheep which were recently travelled down brought 16s. It had a very good rainfall, and did not suffer from droughts.

– I am pleased I have drawn that reply from the Minister, and to learn that the board is not neglecting its duties. I have received a letter from Mr. Stewart Field, one of the most extraordinary men I have met in Australia, and probably the most successful drover in the world. He has crossed Australia from north to south on foot about . 20 times, driving sometimes cattle, sometimes horses, and sometimes sheep. Therefore, his evidence as to the route the North-South railway should take is of value. He has made some marvellous trips, and has had some stirring experiences in crossing uncharted rivers with the stock in his charge. He hasseen most parts of Australia in most seasons. In fact, he has walked over most parts of Australia in most seasons. He is an observant man. He is a practical and highly educated man. He has not gone over the country in a motor car travelling at 60 or 70 miles an hour, but has walked over it. In his letter to me, he says -

The northern portion of the tablelands is wonderful grazing country, with 17 to 19 inches of rainfall, and what strikes one is the limited area of waste land as compared with Queensland and other parts of Australia.

Senator Lynch:

– Does he refer to unoccupied land?

Senator GUTHRIE:

– No, he is telling me what a little extent there is of land of poor quality or land which is not well grassed.

Senator GREENE:
NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

– He is referring to the uniform nature of the good country.

Senator GUTHRIE:

– That is so. The uniformity of the grass-carrying capacity of the Barkly Tablelands is extraordinary. Mr. Field says -

At Avon Downs Station I saw no waste land at all. Avon Downs, so far, is the only station in the Territory carrying sheep, doubtless due to want of better railway facilities. Avon Downs also carries a large herd of well-bred cattle. I think this run the pick of any I have seen in these regions, and it certainly stands well ahead of the Richmond and Clon- curry country of Queensland, and it takes much less rain to constitute a good season than the latter. Some years ago 1 saw two mobs (1,000 in each) of fat cattle from Avon Downs, the finest mobs for the numbers I over saw, which averaged in the Adelaide markets£ 13 and£11 respectively. Three lots of wethers (22,000 in all) averaged 15s. 6d., 15s. 10d., and 18s.9d. respectively in the same market, the latter mob being the highest price ever reached . for a* similar number in those markets.Rocklands Station, adjoining Avon, and with country also on the Queensland side, carries an immense herd of cattle, as does Alexandra, to the west of Avon, and Brunette, still further out. All these runs are gradually aidingtheir carrying capabilities by artesian bores. In time to come, all this magnificent grazing country will be under sheep. Queensland people intend shortly carrying the Cloncurry line to Mount Oxide copper mine, and thence to Burketown, theport, and to connect with Camooweal from Mount Oxide, and so tap the trade, and we will before long see this region, with Burketown as a port, carrying several millions of sheep.

He made a mistake in referring to artesian water. There is no artesian water in the Barkly Tablelands, or, so far as I am aware, in the Northern Territory. At huge expense bores were sunk to a depth of 2,000 feet and did not strike a flow. However, the saving feature of the Territory and of a great portion of Australia is the fact that there is an unlimited supply of sub-artesian water at a depth of from 150 feet to 300 feet. In all the bores we put down we never failed to strike sub- artesian water. Sometimes it rises to within 100 feet of the surface, but, generally speaking, it has to be pumped from a depth of about 200 feet. All these experienced men made the same prophecy in regard to the sheep-carrying capacity of this part of the Territory. I would not quote them if they were not experienced and observant. Captain W. R. (now Admiral) Creswell was one of the earliest explorers. I understand he and his people had been connected with the pastoral industry before he joined the Navy. He passed through the Barkly Tablelands in 1885, and he wrote in equally glowing terms of the climate. Although the weather is very hot in summer, the atmosphere is not humid; and in winter I have known of a billy of water to freeze. The climate, therefore, is remarkably healthy. The people of Australia and other countries should know these facts, and not be left under the false impression that the Territory is a great wilderness, and that the money to be spent there by the Government upon railways, roads, water supply, telegraph and telephone lines, and civil aviation will be wasted. It is necessary to deal with this problem earnestly and in a big way. It will be necessary to spend large sums of money there.

Senator GREENE:
NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

– 7?he country cannot be opened up unless it is done in a big way.

Senator GUTHRIE:

– It will be useless to fiddle with it. The work must be done by men with big ideas. If honorable senators opposite are invited to agree to the expenditure of large sums of money in developing northern Australia, I urge them not to belittle their own land by saying that the country is not worth it. Let me assure them that it is a very valuable part of Australia, and a very dangerous part, too, if it is left in its present untenanted condition. At the present time we have no means of developing or defending it, and I regard this bill as the first great step in the right direction, for it aims at doing something on practical lines.

– From a woolgrowers’ point of view they are equal to our own. - [Extension of time granted.]

One hesitates to speak of one’s own family, but I think that I am justified in paying some tribute to my father, who invested in the Barkly Tablelands in 1882 and pioneered from the south. He established the Avon Downs station, which he stocked with sheep, cattle, and horses. That belt of the Northern Territory was then considered by the South Australian Government to be so good that it was not thrown open for leasehold under ordinary conditions, but in 1882 the right to lease the land was sold at public auction. For the right to lease the Herbert River auction blocks as they were called - each covered an area of 300 square miles - people paid as much as £500. But the South Australian Government was very wise, and I exhort the Federal Government to follow its example. It wanted to encourage people such as my father and others to settle in that country, and spend money on developing and stocking it. Certainly large areas were allotted, and these are as essential to the proper development of the country now as they were then. Long leases were granted.

Senator Lynch:

– For what term?

Senator GUTHRIE:

– Forty-two years’ security of tenure. There was no power of resumption, and a pepper-corn rental averaging1s. 9d. a square mile was charged. The total rental my father paid for 2,100 square miles was £255 a year. If such alluring terms had not been offered nobody would have gone there, for the risk was terrible. I was very young at the time, but I remember the first mob of 14,000 merino sheep driven northward from the north-west of “Victoria in an attempt to reach the Barkly Tablelands. Droving was the only way to get them there. As a matter of fact, only 4,000 of them reached their destination. . That alone shows the enormous risk that’ men were obliged to take in their efforts to develop this outback country. Instead of subjecting them to criticism and abuse, we ought to applaud them’ for what they have done. Many years afterwards the Barkly Tablelands property to which I have referred was sold to a company, and I was elected chairman of directors. One of the company’s first acts was to take steps to increase our flock of breeding ewes. We bought 5,000 merino ewes in Western Queensland, engaged drovers, through a firm in Brisbane which I believe knew its business, and instructed them . to take these ewes to the station. We paid 16s. or 17s. a head for those sheep,’ and the whole flock was lost in a single day. An extraordinary heat wave occurred while the sheep were travelling oyer a long, dry. tract of country to Boulia, where there was a good waterhole. On the particular day that they were lost the thermometer registered 123 deg. in the shade. The sheep were struggling along when they smelt the water. They immediately started to run, but, instead of reaching the Boulia waterhole, they ran into a dry billabong some distance from Boulia. They were so mad with the heat and thirst that they simply rushed on top of each other until all were smothered. Not a single animal was saved. Boulia waterhole was only about 3 miles distant. Possibly the drover in charge showed bad judgment. He should have driven the sheep by night and camped by day. ‘ However, that is another illustration of the practical “difficulty and enormous expense which has to be faced whenever an- attempt is made to establish a sheep station in. the Northern Territory or in any other outback country.

When my father first went into the Barkly Tablelands country the nearest railway station was 500 miles away ; there was one mail every six weeks;, there wasno telephone or telegraph station available, and the nearest doctor was hundreds’ of miles away at Cloncurry. One policeman had charge of the whole of the Northern Territory at that time, and I could tell a good story of how he arrested a notorious horse-duffer at the Rankin River police station. When he got hisman he tied him to a horse and took him to Port Darwin, about 500 miles distant, for trial. The man was found guilty and sentenced to a few mouths’ imprisonment. Just about the time the policeman returned to his station the horse-thief was out of jail and back at his old game: and, I believe,. is still at it. We are told sometimes that such tremendous prices are obtained for wool that the pioneers arewell rewarded for all the difficultiesthey face and the expense they incur. I have account sales which show the prices received for wool for the last 30 years. For the fine quality merino wool grown on my father’s station in the early days - wool similar to that which I saw in Africa recently, of short staple, fine diameter of fibre, and free from seeds like the burrs which areto be found in so much of the wool in the south - only5d. or 6d. a lb. was received. The first lot of fat bullocks sent to the Adelaide market were sold for 20s. and 30s. a head. Frequently the accounts he received from the Adelaide agents forhis fat bullocks showed a debit instead of a credit. On many occasions he did not get a single penny for bullocks which had taken five or six years, to raise.His horses, were sold for £2 or £3 a head. I have an account here of a sale in 1903-4 of 4,950 fat wethers from that station. They brought £4,150, but the expenses, including droving commission, amounted to £3,830, so that the cheque received - and, mind you, it was- not a profit by any means - was for only £320.

– The Labour party has the only defence policy.

Senator KINGSMILL:

– Then I must congratulate the honorable senator upon the fact, and upon his ready recognition of a defence policy. It did not strike me that way-

Senator McHugh:

– We have the only effective defence policy.

Senator KINGSMILL:

– So far as I am concerned, the honorable senator is quite welcome to retain it. As this bill does not deal with defence, I shall not proceed further, on these lines except to say that this may be a very good supplementary item to consider in preparing -a Commonwealth defence policy. As was stated by the admiral in command of the Special Service Squadron which visited Australia last year, “With whatever we start we have to come back to the big ships.” It is a necessary process, of evolution. Situated as we are, and expecting, as we must, attacks from the northern hemisphere from whichever direction iti that hemisphere they may come, this portion of the country to which I am alluding offers in the defence of Australia a wonderful jumping-off ground. We must establish listening and observation posts in that portion of the Commonwealth nearest to any of our potential enemies, since whether they come front the east or from tine west they must enter at the north. It is _ to hp, regretted that we have not listening posts in the Indian Ocean - it may be possible later to acquire them - as at some time we may need them. We require not only listening posts, but also a system of defence which will, at all events, partially satisfy the dictum of those who say that our shores must be defended hundreds of miles from the main land - an opinion in which every one who has studied the question of defence will readily concur. Is it not fit and proper, therefore, that those in control of our defence should also have some authority in this territory? That is one of the reasons which compels me to support the bill, more particularly as I hope that the Western Australian Government, which can do very - little indeed with the proposition as a state concern, will see its way clear to concur with the wishes of the Government in this particular. Indeed, it would be taking from them a responsibility and making a success of a proposition which is at present only, a responsibility.

As to the settlement of the country in question - and of course no country is of value until it is settled - I was very much struck with the remarks made by the Minister, when introducing another bill, which is so closely interwoven with this measure that their aims and ideas are identical, concerning the proposed form of land tenure and settlement in the Northern Territory and in those portions of Queensland and Western Australia proposed to be included under this measure. In that measure it is provided that in certain cases and under certain guarantees and conditions companies or associations will be able to obtain the freehold of land in areas up to 20,000 acres. In the first place, I consider 20,000 acres somewhat small; but if this country in Western Australia is to be settled it must be developed, along the natural river basins. The area delineated on the map, vhich honorable senators have had an opportunity of studying, shows that on the coast line from Wyndham to Collier Bay - these are the two extreme points of the western, portion to be. included - several rivers make their entrance into the sea. All these river basins have fairly extensive areas of good land, but, strange to say, access from one river basin to another is absolutely impossible owing to the contour of the country. It would, therefore, seem that if this portion is to be settled - personally

– There is variety of government, at any rate.

Senator McHUGH:

Although the Government proposes to appoint a commission to control the Northern Territory, we have no idea who are likely to be appointed. It is possible that the wrong men may be selected.

Senator Guthrie:

– That is the great danger.

Senator McHUGH:

– There is no doubt about that. I trust that the Government will not make political appointees, but will take every step possible to secure the services of men who are whole-heartedly interested in Australia, who are prepared to make sacrifices to promote the progress of the Territory, and who will be thoroughly qualified to discharge the important duties that will devolve upon them. I trust that under no circumstances will persons who have lost their former position in politics be appointed to the commission without regard being paid to their qualifications. This commission will be one of the most important that any Commonwealth Government has appointed. It will assume control of a territory which, to my mind, has wonderful potentialities. Although I should not be in order if I discussed the general question of the construction of the north-south railway, I may be allowed to observe that in my opinion the Commonwealth Government and the South Australian Government have done wisely in entering into an arrangement to ‘proceed with the work at least as far as Alice Springs. We may look for a marked development in the Northern Territory after the north-south line is built, but there . is very ‘ little chance of progress either there or in Central Australia until then. Even if the line does not return interest on the capital expenditure, the indirect benefit to the Commonwealth will fully justify the outlay.

Senator Thompson:

– But the honorable senator would not favour the line going into Queensland territory?

Senator McHUGH:

– The line should follow the route most calculated to benefit the whole of Australia. I agree that there is room for a difference of opinion as to the route, but South Australia expects the Commonwealth Government to honour the contract made with that state. Railway communication is essential to the development of the Territory. I hope that when the bill is in committee honorable senators will give close attention to its provisions, and, if necessary, so amend them as to ensure’ that the measure will be entirely satisfactory in every respect.

Debate (on motion by Senator New- land) adjourned.

Sitting suspended from 6.24p.m. to 8 p.m.

page 839

POST AND TELEGRAPH BILL

Senator OGDEN:
Tasmania

I move -

That the consideration of the Post and Telegraph Bill 1924, which lapsed by reason of the prorogation, be resumed at the stage it had reached during last session.

The Post and Telegraph Bill, which I introduced last session, and which had reached the second-reading stage, lapsed by reason of the prorogation. If the motion is negatived I shall have again to obtain leave to introduce the bill, and, later, to repeat the arguments I used in moving the second reading. In view of this, I trust no opposition will be shown to the motion.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

page 839

TASMANIAN SHIPPING SERVICES

Debate resumed from 2nd July (vide page 628), on motion by Senator J. D. Millen -

That the Government forthwith give an assurance to the people of Tasmania in particular, and the people of the Commonwealth in general, that. there will be continuity of transport: service for passengers between Tasmania and the mainland; and in the event of any strike, lock-out, or discontinuance of this service from any cause whatsoever, the Government will immediately take the necessary action to maintain, without interruption, this vital service.

Senator PAYNE:
Tasmania

It is to be regretted that there should be any . necessity to submit such a motion as this to the Senate. As honorable senators are aware, Tasmania has, during the past six years, been placed in a most unfortunate position, owing to the annual discontinuance of the shipping service which connects Tasmania with the mainland. I wish to most strongly emphasize the point that the- State of Tasmania has rights equal to those possessed by any other state in the Commonwealth, and the time has arrived when the Tasmanian people are determined to see that those rights are recognized to the full. It appears to me that any state is entitled to expect the Commonwealth Government to see that communication is maintained, practically at all costs, between the various states.

Senator LYNCH:
Western Australia

– I rise to support the motion. At the outset, I should like to express disappointment at the modesty of the mover (Senator Millen), who asks only that there shall be no interruption in the transport of passengers between Tasmania and the mainland. He leaves out of consideration the transport of goods, which in my judgment is equally important, because Tasmania, being isolated from the mainland, is on occasions in much the same position as a beleaguered city or a . country under blockade. Strikes with their consequent interruption of steamship services to Tasmania are just as serious as a blockade by enemy forces. How would honorable senators opposite feel if at a critical lime, when the produce of their twelve months’ labour was ripening in the field, there should come like a bolt from the blue an interruption of those public services by which their products were marketed 1 How would they feel if the product of their labour had to rot on the trees or in the fields? These frequent interruptions are totally unwarranted and unjustifiable. This man-made blight, this man-made calamity, falls upon the state least able to bear it. I heard Senator Needham say something about the Commonwealth line of ships being responsible for much of this trouble. Does not the honorable senator know, without being told, that by instituting a strike to remedy a grievance, those responsible for it are violating a Labour-made law? “When we find in the chamber, as well as out of it, apologists for this- infraction of Commonwealth law, is it not about time that we faced the situation squarely, because what is happening in Tasmania to-day might happen to mainland states tomorrow ? Fortunately the latter states are linked up by railway systems, and even in times of industrial strife are able to keep the wheels of industry going, at least in some sort of fashion. Tasmania, being isolated from the mainland, is in a totally different position. Is it right that one state should have to submit to a condition of affairs which would not be tolerated by other states? Senator Needham; so I understand, is going to vote against the motion. I do not know how many other honorable senators opposite will vote with him, but I am going to vote for it, although it is only an instalment of what I should like to see. I should like the people of Tasmania to appeal to the Commonwealth Government for an assurance that cargo, as well as passenger, services will be maintained, because, unless goods can be freely interchanged between the–’ states, the trade of the state that is penalized must be paralyzed by this man-made blight of strikes and industrial disturbances. Droughts, floods, and such like visitations of nature are as nothing compared with’ the calamity of an organized strike, but if the people do not assert themselves, they deserve to be kicked all the time at the instance of that outlaw section of the community that is behind these industrial upheavals. The motion merely asks for an assurance that the Government will place Tasmania, in relation to its passenger trade, in the same position as other component parts of the Commonwealth. The alternative is a policy of strikes, lockouts, and industrial disturbances, unless the remedy can be applied. Any honorable senator who votes against the motion must, therefore, declare himself to be in favour of the causes that prevent the application of the remedy. I firmly believe that Tasmania, if given a chance, is capable of a great future. Therefore I have much pleasure in supporting the motion. I sincerely hope that honorable senators opposite will do likewise, and that even Senator Needham will see his way clear to change his mind, because it is not playing the game to penalize one state of the Commonwealth by these industrial disturbances. The time has come to speak out plainly. If every other element in the community had the right to strike to-morrow, the resort to this barbaric weapon for the settlement of industrial disputes would soon cease. If, for example, our primary producers - those people engaged in the production of, say. onions, potatoes, wheat, or dairy produce, in Tasmania or elsewhere - could say that their produce would not be marketed unless they received whatever they saw fit to demand, or more, for them, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Garden, and their friends would quickly be brought to their bearings. And because, in the nature of things, they cannot do this, there is no sound reason why any other man, or. set of men, should do it or be allowed to do it. But, because they cannot do that, Mr. Walsh and his friends can hold a pistol at the head of society and say : “I am your master, I am your overlord,” and so effectively disorganize important public services of the Commonwealth. These unscrupulous industrial leaders, who have been engaged over -long in blackmailing society, must be checked. I shall vote for the motion whole-heartedly, and, in the belief, that by its adaption a small measure of justice will be done to the: island state.

Senator MILLEN:
TASMANIA · NAT; UAP from 1931

– I shall be very brief in my reply to the debate.. Dealing, first of all with the reference made by the Minister (Senator Pearce) to the agreement, between the Postmaster-General and certain shipping companies- for the conveyance of mails between Melbourne and Tasmania,” I would remind the Senate that that agreement may be determined at short notice by either side. It would,, therefore, be quite feasible to amend it in the way suggested by me when submitting this motion. As to the suggestion made by Senator Lynch, that we should also ask the Commonwealth Government for an assurance that there will be a continuity of service in the transport of goods, I remind him that the vessels that provide continuity of transport for passengers will have ample space for cargo, and if this mail service is maintained without interruption there will be no further trouble in respect of the carriage of our produce. I was somewhat surprised to learn from the Minister this evening that the Tasmanian Government, when asked for assistance, did not give the Commonwealth the definite and vigorous support that might very properly have been expected in the circumstances. Iwas also very disgusted to find that when the Commonwealth Government provided a volunteer crew to take the Nairana to Tasmania, some of the men employed on the wharf at Launceston absolutely refused to coal the vessel at that port. That element must be firmly dealt with, and I am glad to say that it comprises only a very small section of the people of . Tasmania. The great bulk of the people of that state have been most seriously inconvenienced, and tragic incidents have occurred in consequence of the dislocation of the shipping service between Tasmania and the mainland. I trust that the Senate will carry this motion.

Question - That the motion be agreed to - put. The Senate divided.

AYES: 17

NOES: 8

Majority . . . . 9

AYES

NOES

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Motion agreed’ to.

page 848

NAVIGATION ACT

Effect on Tasmania.

Debate resumed from 2nd July (vide page 633) on motion by Senator Ogden -

That, in- the opinion of the Senate, the Navigation Act should be amended so as to. exclude Tasmania from the operations of the sections of the act relating to coastal passengers, thus providing’ for freedom of intercourse, by any ships between Tasmania and mainland ports.

That this resolution be transmitted to the House of Representatives- with a request for its- concurrence therein.

Senator WILSON:
South AustraliaMinister for Markets and Migration · NAT

.- Many of. the difficulties experienced, owing to the operation of the Navigation Act, have been discussed on the motion which the Senate has just passed. A royal commission has been most carefully conducting investigations into the operations of the Navigation Act, and some of its earlier recommendations have been extensively quoted during the debate on the motion to which I have just referred. The Government have only just received the latest report, of the commission,, and owing, to- the indisposition of the Minister for Trade and Customs (Mr. Pratten), who is in. charge of the Department of Navigation, I have not had an opportunity of conferring with him concerningthe recommendations contained in the report. For these reasons I. ask leave to continue my remarks at a later date.

Leave granted- debate adjourned.

page 849

QUESTION

NAVIGATION. ACT

Effect on Western Australia.

Debate resumed from 3rd July (vide page 701) on motion by Senator Lynch -

That inasmuch as the Navigation Act im- poses severeand burdensome restrictions on trade with Western Australia, and also in the coastal trade of that state, the Senate is of opinion that - (a) The compulsory clauses ofthatact relating to trade and commerce be repealed until such time as the various interests engaged in the coastal trade : are willing to accept the same terms and conditions, no. more and no less, us those governingthe activities and operations of the general body of citizens throughout the Commonwealth, or until the law compels the acceptance, of such conditions,

That this resolution be transmitted to the House of Representatives, with a request for its concurrence therein.

Senator WILSON:
South AustraliaMinister for Markets and Migration. · NAT

– -Ican assure the mover of the motion that the Government fully realize the great difficulties under which Western Australia is at present labouring, and is very anxious to do the right thing at the proper time.

Senator Ogden:

– Has the Minister only sympathy to offer ?

Senator WILSON:

– No-. The Government has, however, not yet had time to consider the report of the royal commis-. sion on the operations of the Navigation Act.

Senator Ogden:

– Has not the report been received ?

Senator Pearce:

– The last: reporthas only just been received.

Senator WILSON:

– Honorable senators will realize- that the recommendations of the royal commission must receive the mature consideration of the Government before I shall be in a position to speak authoritatively on the question. The report of the commission was only received last week and, as I stated on the previous motion, the responsible Minister (Mr. Pratten), whom I must consult before I debate the motion, is indisposed.

Senator Lynch:

– What is the Minister’s personal opinion ?

SenatorWILSON. - In my present position I can express only the views of the Government. We have no desire, to delay the discussion longer than is neces sary ; but, inview of thecircumstances I have mentioned, I ask leave to continue my speech at a later date.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.

page 849

ADJOURNMENT

Queensland Aerial Mail Service

Motion (by Senator Pearce) proposed -

Thai the Senate do now adjourn.

Senator FOLL:
Queensland

.- I desire to bring under the notice of the Minister representing, the Minister for Defence the position regarding the aerial mail contract recently entered into between the Larkin-Sopwith Company and the Commonwealth Government. To-day I asked the Minister (Senator Crawford) a series of questions, in which I pointed out that under the original contract this company was to provide an aerial mail service between Adelaide and Brisbane. That contract was never carried out by. the company, which, I understand, was far a time given permission to exclude the service to Queensland until it had obtained new aeroplanes from Great Britain, which were then on order. I was, therefore, very surprised to learn, from the reply received from the Minister today, that the original contract had expired, and chat a new contract had been entered into between the Government and the Larkin-Sopwith Company which includes Melbourne in the Adelaide to Sydney service, and that the service to Brisbane, which was embodied in the original contract, has been deleted. There is, therefore, little prospect of the service, which was also to serve the Northern Rivers district, being extended to Brisbane for some considerable time. In entering into a new contract under which Queensland has been excluded the Government have acted in a very unfair manner towards that state. It is not unreasonable to ask the Government to make some provision on the lines provided in the original contract,as we were definitely assured by the ex-Prime Minister (Mr. W. M. Hughes) that Brisbane would be included in the company’s itinerary. I have brought this matter wider the notice of the Government in the hope that something will be done on behalf of Queensland, which has not the short train distance from Sydney to Brisbane which exists between Adelaide and Melbourne and Melbourne and Sydney.

Senator PEARCE:
Minister for Home and Territories · Western Australia · NAT

– I shall ask the Minister (Senator Crawford), who is temporarily absent, to bring the remarks of the honorable senator under the notice of the Minister for Defence (Sir Neville Howse).

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Senate adjourned at 9.30 p.m.

Cite as: Australia, Senate, Debates, 9 July 1925, viewed 22 October 2017, <http://historichansard.net/senate/1925/19250709_senate_9_110/>.

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Senate 9 July 1925

QUESTION

TASMANIAN HOP-GROWERS

Senator J B HAYES:TASMANIA

Senator WILSON:Minister for Markets and Migration · SOUTH AUSTRALIA · NAT

QUESTION

BANKRUPTCY ACT

Senator H HAYS:TASMANIA

Senator WILSON:NAT

PAPER

QUESTION

DEPORTATIONS

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator PEARCE:Minister of Home and Territories · WESTERN AUSTRALIA · NAT

QUESTION

FEDERAL CAPITAL COMMISSION

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator PEARCE:NAT

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH ROAD GRANT

Senator OGDEN:TASMANIA

Senator WILSON:NAT

QUESTION

SHIPPING DISPUTE

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator PEARCE:NAT

QUESTION

AERIAL MAIL SERVICES

Senator CRAWFORD:Honorary Minister · QUEENSLAND · NAT

QUESTION

VISIT OF AMERICAN FLEET

Senator LYNCH:WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Senator PEARCE:NAT

QUESTION

COMMONWEALTH SHIPPING LINE

Senator LYNCH:

Senator PEARCE:NAT

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE

NORTHERN AUSTRALIA BILL

Second Reading

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator Pearce:

Senator Lynch:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:QUEENSLAND

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

The PRESIDENT:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

The PRESIDENT:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

The PRESIDENT:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

The PRESIDENT:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

The PRESIDENT:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator H Hays:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator Pearce:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator Pearce:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator Pearce:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator Pearce:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator Pearce:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator Reid:

Senator McHugh:

Senator GRANT:NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GUTHRIE:Victoria

Senator Lynch:

Senator GUTHRIE:

Senator Findley:

Senator GUTHRIE:

Senator Lynch:

Senator GUTHRIE:

Senator Findley:

Senate
9 July 1925

Senator J B HAYES:
TASMANIA

Senator WILSON:
Minister for Markets and Migration · SOUTH AUSTRALIA · NAT

Senator H HAYS:
TASMANIA

Senator WILSON:
NAT

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator PEARCE:
Minister of Home and Territories · WESTERN AUSTRALIA · NAT

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator PEARCE:
NAT

Senator OGDEN:
TASMANIA

Senator WILSON:
NAT

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator PEARCE:
NAT

Senator CRAWFORD:
Honorary Minister · QUEENSLAND · NAT

Senator LYNCH:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Senator PEARCE:
NAT

Senator PEARCE:
NAT

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon T Givens:
QUEENSLAND

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GUTHRIE:
Victoria

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GREENE:
NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

Senator NEWLANDS:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

Senator NEWLANDS:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP; NAT from 1917

Senator GREENE:
NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

Senator GREENE:
NEW SOUTH WALES · NAT

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator GRANT:
NEW SOUTH WALES · ALP

Senator KINGSMILL:
Western Australia;

Senator NEWLANDS:
SOUTH AUSTRALIA · ALP; NAT from 1917