Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

WEDNESDAY, 24 AUGUST 1960

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Governor's Opening Speech [24 AUGUST] Governor's Opening Speech 27

"The opening of this new Parliament marks a memorable occasion in the history of our State. One hundred years ago, on May 22, 1860, the first Parliament of the Colony of Queensland met in what at an earlier date, had been old convict barracks in Queen Street. "When our minds dwell on the Centenary Celebrations of our State, our hearts are filled with gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Kent for her kindness in undertaking a journey across the world to join with us on this unique occasion in our history. "We give thanks to Almighty God for the blessings He has so bountifully showered on Queensland during her first century of vigor­ ous life. "The pioneers brought with them to this vast continent Western civilization which rests on Christianity. They believed in individu­ ality as an integral part of their faith, yet they realised that they were also members of a community who had received great privi­ WEDNESDAY, 24 AUGUST, 1960 leges in the gift of this rich land, and there­ fore, it was their responsibility to develop its latent wealth for the benefit of mankind. These early settlers, together with the genera­ Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, tions who succeeded them, have passed on to Murrumba) took the chair at 11.57 a.m. us a magnificent heritage. "Our State is entering her second century; PRESENTATION OF MR. SPEAKER wide horizons lie ahead. Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that "I have recently visited Shires and Towns yesterday I presented myself to His in the south-west and central districts of Excellency the Governor at Government Queensland. In some areas drought condi­ House, as the member chosen to fill the tions have existed for four years, yet the high and honourable office of Speaker of hearts of our citizens in these stricken lands this House, and that His Excellency was are full of practical courage. They plan to pleased to congratulate me upon my election. mitigate, by hard work and the aid of scien­ tific achievements, the worst effects of these GOVERNOR'S OPENING SPEECH periodic rainless seasons. These men and women possess immense faith in their soil At noon His Excellency the Governor and are acquiring an ever-increasing know­ came in state to Parliament House, was ledge of how to receive from it its gifts, announced by the Sergeant-at-Arms, received under all cooditions. by Mr. Speaker (Hon. D. E. Nicholson) at the Bar, and accompanied to the dais. "This faith in the future is further reflected by the immense civic pride shown in the Honourable members being seated, His townships and countryside. In the most iso­ Excellency read the following Opening lated areas, due to voluntary communal effort, Speech:- modern amenities have been provided which are often lacking in more favourably situ­ " HoNOURABLE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ated towns. AssEMBLY- "You have been summoned to attend this, "These Queenslanders fill me with confi­ the First Session of the Thirty-sixth Parlia­ dence for the future. Success in achieving ment of Queensland, to consider important the great destiny which beckons to us rests business of concern to the people of this on the character of the people. The men State which arose during the last Session of of the outback are setting us a noble the Thirty-fifth Parliament, and to consider example, and I firmly believe that their spirit legislative proposals which my Ministers have is carried in the breast of every Queenslander. prepared for submission to the present Parlia­ "Let us march forward into this new era ment. as a united people, determined to make full "I congratulate the new members of this use of our great heritage, not purely selfishly, Parliament on their election. I am confident but also for the good of humanity. that their participation in this and following "My Ministers inform me that for the first Sessions will be beneficial to the welfare of time in the 1959-60 financial year, both the citizens and vital to the future prosperity receipts and expenditure actually exceeded of Queensland. the £100 million mark. A deficit of £164,675 28 Governor's Opening Speech [ASSEMBLY] Governor's Opening Speech was shown in the Consolidated Revenue 'The Koombooloomba Dam is virtually Fund despite receipts, which on the whole completed and has provided effective water were buoyant, amounting to £103,102,948. storage since January. Expenditure from Trust and Special Funds was also £3,801,435 more than was spent in "Work on the Barron River hydro-electric the previous financial year and Loan Fund project has commenced and surveys and expenditure on capital works increased by other investigations have been in progress in £2,830,449. Total expenditure from these the isolated Herbert River country. two funds was £73,368,966 and £29,361,845. "On the site of the Queensland University "This deficit was partially due to the cost two new buildings have been completed and of maintaining expanding health, hospital nine buildings are in the process of construc­ and educational services which increased by tion. Two University Colleges were com­ £3,057,135. pleted during the year and work on another has commenced. "Seasonal conditions and competition from other transport systems prevented Railway "A further land development is taking Department revenue from reaching the budget place with the construction of the Bribie provision, and the continuing and increasing Island Bridge and tenders will be called in losses incurred are receiving close attention by the near future. my Ministers. "In the metropolitan area, work has com­ "During the financial year advances total­ menced on the construction of an overpass ling £3,903,191 were approved to primary ro eliminate the level-crossing over the rail­ producers under the Agricultural Bank Acts way lines at Albion. and a further £222,097 was advanced under "Contour surveys have been made on land the War Service Land Settlement Acts and on the northern side of Sherwood Road, £121,407 under the Farm Water Supplies F.ocklea, the site of a new public market for Assistance Act. the sale and storage of fruit and vegetables. "The State Government Insurance Office "A committee is still investigating the experienced another good year and 8,889 poli­ recent beach erosion at the Main Beach area cies totalling £9,355,006 were written in the at Southport. year ended December, 1959. The increase in the life fund was another record with "My Government has relieved the dis­ £1,899,867 being added. tressed War Service settlers in the Burdekin "This business was again written at a very irrigation area of their debts to the Crown low expense rate and it was again possible for improvements, plant and machinery and to grant to holders of 'With Profit' policies working capital advances. My Ministers also increased bonuses. wrote off arrears of land rental and of water and drainage charges as at the end of 1959. "Similarly the Fire Department has again The settlers in the area may now sell their experienced a good year and it will be pos­ selections if they so desire. sible to continue the profit distribution which has been allowed during the past fifteen "These measures cost the Agricultural Bank years. alone £388,886. "During the year the Office invested "My Ministers were prepared to proceed £3,175,000 with local bodies and co-operative with the Collinsville-Townsville-Mt. Isa Rail housing societies making the total amount Rehabilitation Scheme without Common­ invested with local bodies more than £33 wealth aid; however the offer of the Common­ million. wealth Government in October to provide £20 million in loan funds was of tremendous "My Ministers inform me that when the importance to Queenslanders. This means bulk sugar terminal at Mourilyan Harbour that the full scheme of £30 million can be i~ opened later this year five ports will have implemented. Exclusive of employment on been equipped to handle sugar in bulk. Port the manufacture of rolling stock and equip­ and wharf improvements are being carried ment, it is estimated that this project will on at Gladstone, Port Alma and Bowen as provide 6,100 man years of employment. well as a State-wide programme of work Work is well in hand on this project, and on jetties, boat harbours and other facilities. the first tenders have been let. "My Ministers inform me that during the "My Ministers have decided to extend the year ended June 30, 1960, the Queensland period of professional training of all primary Housing Commission completed 1,452 houses school teachers to two years commencing in and at the close of the year 682 houses were 1961; this should ensure that Queensland ir.. various stages of construction. teachers will be well equipped to serve the "Some £2-! million was provided for Build­ youth of our State. ing Societies and 850 houses were built from 'Two new educational regions in the Wide this source. Bay and Darling Downs were established "The total number of houses and flats this year. Many schools throughout Queens­ completed in Queensland for 1959-60 was the land have benefited under the subsidy scheme, highest in seven years and is the third best principally in their libraries and playing performance in the history of the State. fields. Governor's Opening Speech [24 AUGUST] Governor's Opening Speech 29

"The children's appreciation of the modern "My Ministers inform me that the chang­ approach to education is reflected in the ing face of Queensland's economy is most growth of Agricultural Project Club activi­ plainly evident in the growth of secondary ties. There are now some 545 schools industries. engaged in some form of school and home "Factory statistics for 1958-59 reveal that project. in that year the number of factories, "My Ministers inform me that parents have employees and the value of production showed been generous in their praises of the newly­ substantial increases and, what is most import­ formed School of the Air which is a supple­ ant the value of production per male equiva­ mentary medium to the Primary Correspond­ lent employed reached a record high. Factory ence Course. employment is 26 per cent. higher than it was a decade ago and the real value of pro­ "Educational provision for the slow-learn­ duction £148.6 million or 52 per cent. higher. ing child has been increased by 55 per cent. "It is interesting to compare, at this stage, in the number of places available. New industrial expansion here with industrial opportunity schools have already been built expansion in South Australia which, until a at Toowoomba, Mackay and Maryborough. few years ago, was a serious rival for the Regular weekly visits of speech therapists position of third place of the Australian are being made to schools in Townsville, States in industrialisation. Toowoomba, Brisbane, Ipswich and Rock­ hampton and it is planned to extend this "In the year 1958-59 the total value of out­ service. put in South Australia rose by £10! million whilst output in Queensland increased by "Guidance services were made available to £45~· million. South Australia's factories all State High Schools for the first time last increased in number by 67 whilst in Queens­ year. Some 23,500 students were tested and land the increase was 123. 10,500 students and 8,000 parents were inter­ "Of all the heavily industrialised States of viewed. the Commonwealth Queensland had the high­ "My Ministers intend to increase the est percentage increase in number of factories number of high schools and secondary depart­ and number of factory employees. ments, institute additional school transport "These are important figures for they reflect services, and with the Department of Public a trend-a trend which you, to a large Works improve designs and in general ensure measure, will have the privilege of promoting. that adequate accommodation and equipment "This increased activity is reflected in the is made available to all who desire secondary increased scope and volume of the work education. carried out by the Secondary Industries Divi­ "My Government has appointed a com­ sion of the Department of Labour and mittee which is reviewing secondary educa­ Industry. A liaison between Commonwealth tion in Queensland. Its report will have a and State officers has been made. big bearing on the future structure of sec­ "My Ministers have inaugurated produc­ ondary education in this State. tivity study groups and work study courses and by other methods have assisted individuals "To meet the changing demands new courses in industry to develop important technical have been instituted; new equipment has been skills and the latest methods of production. installed which caters for the increasingly Further, my Ministers have made every complex demands of a modern education endeavour to improve employer/employee system. relations and to reduce occupational accidents "The Technical Correspondence School, a by the establishment of consultative bodies model for an organisation of this type, this which already operate in ten different centres. year is catering for 5,372 students including "On the other hand, the creation of a Colombo Plan students. Division of Occupational Safety has already effectively reduced occupational accidents. "Plans for permanent structures at the This year for the first time safety officers medium security prison at Wacol have reached visited various cities and towns in the central an advanced state. This type of building is and northern areas of the State. less costly and affords a more positive pro­ gramme of rehabilitation. The Offenders "My Ministers have been distressed by the Probation and Parole Act which came into ever-increasing toll of the road. A State­ operation last September is another positive wide Traffic Commission was established and and progressive step in the treatment of a fifteen-year lag was attacked. In Brisbane offenders. The Board has already released during the past eighteen months, the most several prisoners to the contro I of parole up-to-date traffic signal system available and officers. a one-way street network have been estab­ lished. Zebra crossings and pedestrian actu­ 'The impact of hire-purchase on the ated signals also do their part in protecting economy has been recognised by my Ministers the largest segment of road users-the and the rights of the hirer have been pro­ pedestrians. tected by the Hire-Purchase Act of 1959. "More and more cities are avai!ing them­ These safeguards have been instituted with selves of the expert services of the Traffic the minimum of Governmental control. Engineer and his staff. 30 Governor's Opening Speech [ASSEMBLY] Governor's Opening Speech

"My Ministers have intensified motor "At the present time the estimated cost vehicle inspections with a view to reducing of all works on hand amounts to approxi­ the incidence of un-roadworthy vehicles. mately £90 million, of which £60 million These efforts have been fruitful and during has been spent to date. This work, when the 1958-59 year, road deaths for the first completed, should meet demands until 1966 time in five years have been less than the after which it will be necessary to have preceding year. new power stations in service in the principal "A tribute must be paid to the excellent areas of supply. During the financial year work done by the Police Force in the safety just ended, my Ministers pushed ahead with field. It continues to carry out efficiently its the development of the State's vast network many duties. Several new Police Stations of some 20,000 miles of roads declared have been established and others are in under the Main Roads Acts. The total course of preparation this year. expenditure from the Main Roads Fund was over £16 million, an increase of 60 per cent. "My Ministers inform me that the in five years. The road works programme economic value to the State of the Tourist has been planned to benefit all sections of Industry totals many millions of pounds the community. each year and the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau is extending its activities. "Among other works, my Ministers They report that private organisations are anticipate that the coastal highway between co-operating magnificently in this work, Brisbane and Cairns will have a bitumen notably in the accommodation sphere. surface over its entire length by Christmas 1961. "The future rapid extension of the Industry depends to a very large degree on "Investigations have commenced on an the State's success in attracting overseas extensive programme of road works which tourists. My Ministers are confident that my Ministers propose to undertake in the this can be and is being achieved. channel country and far Western Queens­ land. "The mining industry once again proved to be a major section of the State's economy. "My Ministers have approached the The total value of output increased by Commonwealth Government for a develop­ £1 H million to £47,188,611. Production mental grant towards the cost of construct­ of gold, copper, uranium oxide, tin con­ ing 439 miles of road from Laura to Weipa centrates and coal increased. with connections to Portland Roads and to the Mulligan Highway but at the present "The limitation of the American imports time the Commonwealth Government is caused a decline in the output of lead and unwilling to provide any additional assist­ zinc while there was a considerable drop in rutile and zircon. ance. "The major developments m mining "During the year under review my Govern­ industry over the past year have been the ment has acquired a property at Millaroo in steady progress of the great expansion pro­ the Burdekin basin which will be developed gramme at Mt. Isa, the greatly increased as a beef cattle research station. Other production from Mary Kathleen, the head­ experimentation was carried on at Ayr and way made in the bauxite development at J ulia Creek. Weipa, which foreshadow great expansion "The completion of the Food Preservation in the near future. Laboratory at Hamilton at a cost of 'The number of large independ<:nt £130,000 will open new horizons for our American Oil Exploration compames major horticultural crops. engaged in the search for oil promises events of tremendous significance to the economy "The tobacco industry has continued its of this State. expansion until it is now the third most important of our crops. Nearly 10 million "My Ministers inform me that they plan, pounds of leaf are expected from the as a trial, to provide half of the power required by the town of Roma from natural 1959-60 crop. gas from nearby bores. This will mean "Trials with the new locally developed the consumption of 70,000 cubic feet of hybrid grain sorghums have exceeded gas each day. expectations, and surveys and inquiries into "My Ministers inform me that satisfactory wheat and other associated industries, the progress is being made in the electricity dairy industry, farm budgeting procedures development of the State with ample and the economics of soil conservation and electricity available in all areas. Capital winter feed are continuing. expenditure in the past financial year amounted to £10! million and it is estimated "My Ministers inform me that dry weather that £1 H million will be spent this year. caused a sharp decline in dairy production. There has been an accelerated trend towards "The extension of electricity into rural diversification of dairy products and the areas is proceeding. Last year a review of economy of the dairying industry is becom­ rural areas still to be supplied was under­ ing less dependent on fluctuations of butter taken. prices on overseas markets. Governor's Opening Speech [24 AUGUST] Governor's Opening Speech 31

"Production of sugar cane during the 1959 of the State, had an excess of expenditure season was again in excess of requirements over cash collection of £2,632,543 despite and more than one million tons were left the fact that the latter amounted to in the field or ploughed out. £34,845,921. This loss, though disappointing, was brought about by a number of factors "Because of quota restrictions and the beyond the control of my Ministers. absence of significant shortfalls in other Commonwealth sugar producing countries "Revenue also suffered from the decrease acceptance of raw sugar was kept as close in livestock traffic because of continued as possible to individual mill peaks. The drought conditions and the activities of quantity produced totalled 1,217,736 tons of border-hopping road hauliers operating under 94 net titre sugar. Because of the reduced the cloak of Section 92 of the Common­ crop and the unprecedented depression of wealth Constitution. the world 'free' market price the return for the 1959 season was almost £3.6 million less "As a contribution towards road safety than for the 1958 season. where roads cross railways, the Department completed or is in process of completing, "Commonwealth sugar representatives were seven sets of boom gates and six sets of again able to negotiate an extension of the flashing lights. Work on the erection of new British Commonwealth Sugar Agreement mechanical engineering workshops at Redbank until the end of 1967 but at the cost of a and the quadruplication of tracks between lower negotiated price for the 1960 calendar Corinda and Zillmere, the new depot at year. Northgate, and workshops at Banyo were con­ "Approximately 800,000 tons of sugar are tinued and portion of both Redbank and now handled in bulk and when the Mouril­ Banyo workshops have been brought into use. yan terminal operates this coming season 80 "My Ministers inform me that the total per cent. of the State's sugar production will expenditure by the Department of Public be handled in this way. Works on buildings during 1959-60 was "My Ministers inform me that the past year £6,516,917. Of this 59.9 per cent. was spent has been one of marked activity in forestry on educational buildings including 19 new work. Almost £1~ million was spent on primary schools. In all 461 classrooms were reforestation providing direct employment for provided. 1,370 men. Some 5,200 acres of new planta­ "New police headquarters will be provided tions were established, making a total of in a building in Coronation Drive. The esti­ 93,200 acres. Last year, in addition to the mated cost of the work including additions plantations, 20,000 acres of natural forest and extensive remodelling is £335,000. were silviculturally treated for the first time. The sawmilling industry is relying to a greater "During the past financial year the Depart­ extent than ever on Crown forests. ment of the Valuer-General completed the first valuations of eleven local authority "My Ministers are proceeding with an areas. This is a further step by my Minis­ active policy of integrating public psychiatric ters to have areas for which the Department services with our general hospitals. Special psychiatric services will be established in has not provided a valuation, completed as association with the North Brisbane General soon as possible. Hospital, the Princess Alexandra Hospital, "To date 111 local authority areas have the Townsville General Hospital and, as funds been valued out of a total of 133. The major become available, at other base hospitals. portion of the 22 remaining to be valued are in the far western area of the State. "Some 1,200 persons suffering from physi­ cal and mental infirmities of old age are now "In addition to the new valuations, a second treated in general hospitals and annexes. My valuation was completed for five areas, and Ministers will assist in the founding of a a third valuation for four. My Ministers psychiatric teaching unit in the Faculty of propose to have at least six new areas valued Medicine. Special services for the mentally during the financial year 1960-61, and to subnormal and certain other handicapped expedite the valuation of the remaining areas persons will be developed. A welfare and in the interests of justice and equity. My guidance clinic has been established and a Ministers anticipate that the last area will rehabilitation hospital at Windsor is being be completed by the end of 1963. established in conjunction with it. Aborigi­ "Construction of water supply, sewerage nal welfare continues to receive close schemes and swimming pools by local autho­ attention. rities during the year proceeded at a greater "A native curio industry is being developed rate than in previous yean. and will be the means of providing a further source of income to our aboriginal people. "My Government has at present under construction 154 water supply projects esti­ "The Flying Surgeon Service based on mated to cost £11 million and 44 sewerage Longreach has fulfilled a long-felt want and projects estimated to cost £7 million. A has already proved its value. further 192 water and 99 sewerage schemes "My Ministers inform me that the Rail­ are in preliminary stages. The total esti­ way Department whose true value lies in its mated cost of these projects will be in the continued contribution to the development vicinity of £33t million. 32 Governor's Opening Speech [ASSEMBLY] Governor's Opening Speech

"My Ministers have continued with their "Included in this number were professional of water resources development men, skilled tradesmen and a considerable the two-fold objective of providing for quota of single persons anxious to work in new settlement and production and stabilising the more remote portions of the State. and increasing production from existing developed areas. "The Department continues to render settle­ ment assistance to non-British migrants, spon­ "At lhe end of the year, Tinaroo Falls sored by the Commonwealth Government, Dam was storing some 320,000 acre feet of who settle in Queensland. water and when completed water was con­ veyed across the range to the Dimbulah area "My Ministers will continue to give whole­ tor the tobacco season of 1959-60. Some 84 hearted support to a vigorous immigration miles channel have now been completed policy. Every avenue will be explored in an serving principally the area on the south of endeavour to increase the number of migrants the Walsh River to beyond Dimbulah. coming to Queensland to assist in the develop­ ment of its undoubted potential wealth. "Last year's expenditure of £700,000 the total expenditure on the Mareeba­ "Among the legislative measures which ,~· ' ' scheme to some £12! million. you will be asked to consider this session will be- "Releases are being made down the Barron A measure applying to our territorial waters River maintain the existing hydro-electric provisions agreed to by an international station at full capacity and this has meant convention for preventing the pollution of considerable saving in power generation costs the sea by oil. to the Cairns and Townsville Regional Elec­ The Public Service Superannuation Act tricity Boards. passed in 1958 will be liberalised by an "My Ministers plan to stabilise and increase amending measure. production from existing developed areas A Bill to protect the public against impro­ by the construction of small dams on streams, per inducements to make certain types the provision of technical and financial assist­ of investments in corporations will be ance to farmers, and by the investigation of introduced. It is also hoped before the the availability of underground water close of the session to present a Bill to resources to assist individual land holders. bring into operation in Queensland a completely new code of Company Law "Work commenced on the first of the small dams, the Moogerah, on Reynolds Creek, which, in conjunction with complemen­ tary action in other States, will achieve which is estimated to cost £U million and it a substantial measure of uniformity with i~ expected to be completed early in 1961. the laws of the other States and of the The second, Borumba, on Yabba Creek, a tributary of the Mary, will also provide an Commonwealth. assured supply of water for irrigation and the An amendment of the Coal and Oil Shale city of Gympie. During the year some 580 Miners (Pensions) Act will give practical applications were received for technical and and operative effect to the objective of financial assistance to individual farmers and securing the pensions benefits payable 112 of these also requested financial assist­ under this law upon the basis of aggre­ ance. Some 547 applications were dealt with. gated service in the coal-mining industry in two or more States. "Eight drilling plants have been in opera­ tion on investigations and development and My Ministers propose an amendment of investigations are in progress on the Burnett, the Oaths Acts to enable members of Fitzroy, Logan, Albert, Herbert, and Upper the legal profession to witness statutory Condamine Rivers and on streams in the Cal­ declarations. lide Valley and the Collinsville areas. Amendments of the Traffic Acts will facili­ "During the year my Government has made tate the application of this increasingly available 59 blocks of good quality grazing important branch of onr law to road and mixed farming lands with an area of users from without Queensland. 1,393,379 acres. A further 200,000 acres of cattle grazing land were notified for selec­ Under the Commonwealth Constitution, tion during July and action is in train for this Parliament determines times and the subdivision and opening of a further area places for the election of the State's of nearly 4! million acres. federal senators. My Ministers consider that the time has come for the moderni­ "My Government continues, through its sation of the Act passed for this purpose State Migration Office, to co-operate with the in 1903, and accordingly propose to sub­ Commonwealth Government by meeting the mit to you a Bill covering this matter. costs of reception, welfare and settlement of incoming British migrants, of whom 42,000 My Ministers will propose to you amend­ have arrived from the United Kingdom for ments to the Harbours Acts to give settlement in this State under the existing Harbour Boards wider powers to deal assisted passage scheme which came into with lands vested in them, particularly operation in July 1947. as regards leasing. Ministerial Statement [24 AUGUST} Leadership of the Opposition 33

"My Ministers are appreciative of the loyal (c) appointed- and effective assistance which has been ren- Lloyd Henry Scurfield Roberts, dered officers of the Public Service in Esquire, to be a member of the many varied activities of the State. Executive Council of Queensland; "I invite your earnest consideration of all (d) appointed- matters that may be brought before you and The Honourable Jack Charles Allan I pray that the blessings of Divine Providence Pizzey, B.A., Dip. Ed., to be Minister for attend your labours." Education and Migration of Queensland; His Excellency then left the Chamber. The Honourable Ernest Evans to be Minister for Development, Mines, Main Mr. Speaker left the chair at 12.43 p.m., Roads and Electricity of Queensland; and resumed it at 2.30 p.m. The Honourable Otto Ottosen Madsen to be Minister for Agriculture and Forestry of Queensland; COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATH The Honourable Lloyd Henry Scurfield Mr. SPEAKER: I have to inform the Roberts to be Minister for Public Works House that His Excellency has been pleased and Local Government of Queensland; to issue a commission under the public seal The Honourable Otto Ottosen Madsen of the State empowering me to administer the to be Minister for Public Lands and oath or affirmation of allegiance to such Irrigation of Queensland. members as might hereafter present them­ selves to be sworn, which I now ask the On Thursday, 16 June, 1960, His Excellency Clerk to read to the House. the Governor- (a) accepted the resignation tendered Commission thereupon read by the Clerk. by- The Honourable Otto Ottosen Madsen PANEL OF TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN as Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation of Queensland; Mr. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the require­ (b) appointed- ments of Standing Order No. 13, I nominate The Honourable Alan Roy Fletcher to the following members to form the panel be a member of the Executive Council of Temporary Chairmen for the present of Queensland; session:- (c) appointed- William Edward Baxter, Esquire, member The Honourable Alan Roy Fletcher to for the electoral district of Hawthorne; be Minister for Public Lands and Alexander Tattenhall Dewar, Esquire, Irrigation of Queensland. member for the electoral district of Wavell; I lay upon the table of the House a copy Leslie Frank Diplock, Esquire, member of the "Queensland Government Gazettes for the electoral district of Aubigny; Extraordinary" dated 9 and 16 June, 1960, Eric John Gaven, Esquire, member for respectively containing these notifications. the electoral district of South Coast; Whereupon the hon. gentleman laid the David Alan Low, Esquire, member for "Government Gazettes Extraordinary" upon the electoral district of Cooroora. the table.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT GOVERNMENT WHIP AND SECRETARY Hoo. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ Premier) (2.32 p.m.): I desire to notify the Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ House that on Thursday, 9 June, 1960, His Premier) (2.35 p.m.): I desire to inform the Excellency the Governor- House that the following Government officers (a) accepted the resignations tendered have been elected:- by- Whip, the hon. member for Callide (Mr. The Honourable Adolf Gustave Muller V. E. Jones); and Secretary, the hon. member for Sherwood The Honourable James Alfred (Mr. J. D. Herbert). Heading, C.M.G., D.C.M., M.M., as members of the Executive Council of Queensland; LEADERSHIP OF OPPOSITION (b) accepted the resignations tendered Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West-Leader by- of the Opposition) (2.34 p.m.): I desire to The Honourable Adolf Gustave Muller inform the House that I have been elected as Minister for Public Lands and Leader of the Australian Labour Party, the Irrigation of Queensland; and hon. member for Kedron (Mr. E. G. Lloyd), The Honourable James Alfred Deputy Leader, the hon. member for Heading, C.M.G., D.C.M., M.M., as Maryborough (Mr. H. J. Davies), Whip, and Minister for Public Works and Local the hon. member for Ipswich East (Mr. J. Government of Queensland; Donald), Secretary. 1960-c 34 Death of Mr C. F. Wordsworth [ASSEMBLY] Death of Mr. C. F. Wordsworth

LEADERSHIP OF QUEENSLAND members and he had a very great future as LABOUR PARTY a member of this House if it had not been disposed otherwise. He was very highly Hon. P. .J. R. HILTON (Carnarvon) respected by all who knew him, and always f2.36 '"'.!!!.': T r1P.c1rP. tn 1nfnrrn thP. J...frnlCP. tvvk a v·c;:y kccu :i:u.tcrc:;t iu publi(; u.ftu.ir:;. that { ha've ~ b~~;;--el~~t;c!"·i~;d~;- ~t"-th~ Queensland Labour Party in this Assembly, Prior to his entry into this House he took the hon. member for Aubigny (Mr. L. F. a very prominent part in all worth-while Diplock) has been elected Deputy Leader, objectives for the furtherance of the northern and the hon. member for Cook (Mr. H. A. part of the State, particularly the district he Adair) Whip and Secretary. represented. He was very well acquainted with the problems of the primary producers and had a particular knowledge of the sugar DEATH OF MR. C. F. WORDSWORTH industry. For a number of years he served as Cairns district secretary of the Queensland Mr. SPEAKER: I have to inform the Cane Growers' Association, and during that House that I have received from the time battled very hard for the interests of Registrar-General a certified copy of the the growers whom he represented in that registra~on of the death, on 7 May, 1960, organisation. He also took a very keen part of Carlisle Favell Wordsworth, Esquire, who in industrial activities associated with the was member for the electoral district of sugar industry, and his fair and reasonable Mulgrave. approach to the problems he had to handle as an industrial advocate in the Q.C.G.A. MOTION OF CONDOLENCE resulted in his being held in very high regard by all parties with whom he had to deal. As Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ a result of his personal qualifications and his Pre_mier) (2.37 p.m.), by leave, without approach, he was responsible for amenably notice: I move- adjusting very many difficult situations that "(1) That this House desires to place on arose within his jurisdiction. record its sense of the loss this State has In addition to his public service in the sustained by the death of Carlisle Favell community and in this House, he served for Wordsworth, Esquire, who was member for six years with the 2nd A.I.F. During his the electoral district of Mulgrave. service he earned promotion and upon his dis­ charge he held the rank of major. "(2) That Mr. Speaker be requested to convey to the widow and family of the Apart from his public qualifications, he deceased gentleman the above resolution was a good family man and I know that he together with an expression of the sym~ made very many personal sacrifices to give pathy and sorrow of the members of the his children the best education he could. Parliamen~ of Queensland, in the loss they The House has lost a very well-respected have sustamed." member; the community has lost a very I am sure all hon. members will join with good citizen, and I join with all hon. mem­ me in extending our deepest sympathy to the bers in extending to his widow and family relatives of the late Carlisle Favell Words­ our deepest sympathy and condolence on worth. I am sure too, that everybody was their tremendous loss. shoc~ed at the untimely ending of this com­ paratively young man, particularly those of Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ Leader of the Opposition) (2.41 p.m.): The u~ who have had the privilege of knowing him for many years, and appreciating his members of the Opposition desire to asso­ great personal qualities. His death has taken ciate themselves with the expressions made by the Premier on the motion to be for­ from the political scene one of North warded to the widow and family of the late Queensland's greatest advocates. He was a son of the North. He had a tremendous Carlisle Wordsworth. faith in the future of that important part of I often feel that it is a matter for great Queensland. Throughout his public life he regret that it is only upon an occasion when fought very strenuously for that part of we are dealing with the death of an hon. Queensland, which he loved so well. Although member that we are able to be so unanimous he had represented the electorate of Mulgrave in describing his qualities, and I think that fc;>r only about 12 months, he had previously sometimes we could pause, with perhaps some given three years' service in this House as charity and truth and logic, and pay tribute the hon. member for Cook. Those of us to those who are living and serving the State who had the privilege of knowing him during in a parliamentary capacity. It 1s not that period will remember his vigorous because it is conventional, and not only representation of the area he represented and because it is charitable, that there is will remember that he was a very keen unanimity of opinion on this occasion; but debater in this House. At all times during one rather likes to feel, after such a person the debates he hit hard when he had a point has given a lifetime in public service, that to make and he accepted any comments that there is unanimity about his good qualities. may have been made concerning anything he I fully subscribe to the sentiments expressed said in this House. He was one of the by the Premier about the late Mr. Country Party's most promising younger Wordsworth. Like so many of us he was Death of Mr. C. F. Wordsworth [24 AUGUST] Papers 35

obliged to leave school at a very early age, reservations whatever, endorse the Premier's. but, despite the lack of secondary education, remarks, and we join most sincerely in the he quickly advanced in civil employment, expressions of regret that he has given on until, as the Premier said, he was able to behalf of his party. obtain a position of considerable importance in the commercial community. The sugar Hon P. J. R. HILTON (Carnarvon- industry is noted for its capacity to pay 2.46 p.m.): I wish to associate the party large salaries and, because of its ability to I lead with the expressions of condolence on do so, it is able to command the services the death of the late hon. member for of competent people. That he was able to Mulgrave. I agree with the sentiments satisfy his employers indicated the value they expressed by the Premier and the Leader of placed on his personal qualities. the Opposition. The late Carl Wordsworth was indeed a very, very fine character. He I do not think any of us could say that had personal qualities that endeared him to the late Mr. Wordsworth was a vigorous debater, because he was not; he was a keen all people, whether they were political friends debater. He was not the type of man who or political foes, and while he served in this believed in the vigour and thrust of parlia­ Assembly he acquitted himself with great mentary debates; his was always a thought­ credit. It is true, as the Leader of the ful contribution. He was calm and dispas­ Opposition said, that the Grim Reaper seems sionate, a man who was well liked, a friendly to take a higher toll of those who are elected person and one with whom it was difficult to serve their Country in Parliament than of to engage in any prolonged personal contro­ other sections of the community. Whether versy, because when he made a political statistics actually bear that out I do not point, even if it did affect hon. members on know, but I recall that of the members who this side of the House, invariably you would sat in this House 25 years ago, when I first see a smile lurking at the corners of his entered the Chamber, there are only three mouth, which took away any sting that other­ present today who were present when wise might have been behind his words. It Parliament assembled in 1935. They are the is a great credit to a man that he can carry Premier, my colleague the hon. member for out his parliamentary responsibilities in the Bundaberg, and myself. knowledge that he has satisfied the majority of his constituents, that he has pleased the Mr. Muller: What about me? leader of his party and that we who, on occa­ sions such as this, are not bound by the limi­ Mr. HILTON: I do not think the hon. tations of party membership, can say that member was present in 1935. he was a very good parliamentarian a very Mr. Muller: I was. I came m with christian upright gentleman and a' person you. whom we were very pleased, outside the debates in the Chamber, to regard as a Mr. HILTON: I apologise. I thought friend. I often feel that it is desirable that the hon. member came in a little later. I am we should cultivate that condition to the sorry I made that mistake, and I am happy highest possible degree. I like to think that to know that the hon. member for Fassifern in this Assembly we can engage in very was with us on that occasion. heated, and indeed bitter, debate and that our What I am saying reveals very forcibly attitude towards a speaker is occasioned only by the point of view advanced and not con­ that the lives of representatives in this ditioned by our assessment of him in his Parliament are not very lengthy. However, purely personal capacity. I hope that will we elect to do these things, and despite our always be so. If we are able to preserve that political differences we appreciate the good condition we shall have a better chance of personal qualities of those men who are preserving democracy. elected to serve here. As I said, those qualities were possessed in a marked degree The late Mr. Wordsworth rose to the rank by the late Car! Wordsworth. I heartily ?f ~ajar in the military forces, which, again, associate myself with the motion before the mdrcates that he was able to impress his mili­ House. tary superiors with his qualifications in a military sense. Motion (Mr. Nicklin) agreed to, hon. members standing in silence. I met him when he was about to com­ mence his election campaign and he did not look at all well. To die at 50 years of age PAPERS is indeed to meet a premature death. When The following paper was laid on the table, we consider that from time to time we meet as we are doing this afternoon and are and ordered to be printed:- obliged to pass resolutions of this kind, it Report of the Auditor-General under the does indicate a fairly heavy mortality rate Supreme Court Funds Acts, 1895 to amongst ex-members of Parliament in pro­ 1958. portion to the total population. With only 78 members out of a total of 1,500,000, we The following papers were laid on the very frequently seem to be passing motions table:- of this kind. I am pleased to say that the Proclamation under the State Transport Opposition can, without any restrictions or Acts, 1938 to 1943. 36 Papers [ASSEMBLY] Papers

Proclamations under the Public Works Orders in Council under the Fisheries Land Resumption Acts, 1906 to 1955 Acts, 1957 to 1959. and the State Development and Public Orders in Council under the Harbours Works Organisation Acts, 1938 to 1958. Acts, 1955 to 1956. Orders in Council under the State Orders in Council under the Queensland Development and Public Works Organ­ Marine Act of 1958. isation Acts, 1938 to 1958; the Tully Falls Hydro-electric Project Act of Orders in Council under the Racing and 1950; the Burdekin River High Level Betting Acts, 1954 to 1960. Bridge (Finance) Act of 1958; and the Orders in Council under the Stamp Acts, Metropolitan Water Supply and 1894 to 1959. Sewerage Acts, 1909 to 1959. Orders in Council under the Succession Regulations under the Public Service Acts, and Probate Duties Acts, 1892 to 1958. 1922 to 1958. Orders in Council under the Workers' Rules of Court. under the Industrial Con­ Compensation Acts, 1916 to 1960. ciliation and Arbitration Act of 1932. Orders in Council under the State Housing Order in Council under the Labour and Acts, 1945 to 1957. Industry Acts, 1946 to 1960. By-law under the Harbours Acts, 1955 to Order in Council under the Traffic Acts, 1959. 1949 to 1959. Proclamations under the Farmers' Assist­ Order in Council under the Liquor Acts, ance (Debts Adjustment) Acts, 1935 to 1912 to 1959. 1945. Regulations under the Weights and Proclamations under the Insurance Act of Measures Acts, 1951 to 1958. 1960. Regulations under the Traffic Acts, 1949 to Proclamation under the State Government 1959. Insurance Office (Queensland) Act of Regulations under the Inspection of 1960. Scaffolding ACts, 1915 to 1959. Regulations under the Agricultural Bank Regulations under the Apprentices and (Loans) Act of 1959. Minors Acts, 1929 to 1959. Regulations under the Explosives Act of Orders in Council under the Electrical 1952. Workers' Acts, 1927 to 1931. Regulations under the Fisheries Acts, 1957 Orders in Council under the Apprentices to 1959. and Minors Acts, 1929 to 1959. Regulations under the Fish Supply Man­ Orders in Council under the University of agement Acts, 1935 to 1959. Queensland Acts, 1909 to 1960. Regulations under the Insurance Acts, 1916 Orders in Council under the Libraries Acts, to 1940. 1943 to 1949. Regulations under the Insurance Act of Statutes under the University of Queens­ 1960. land Acts, 1909 to 1957. Regulations under the Land Tax Acts, By-law under the Queensland Arts Gallery 1915 to 1950. Act of 1959. Regulations under the Motor Vehicles Orders in Council under the District Courts Insurance Acts, 1936 to 1960. Act of 1958. Regulations under the Queensland Marine Act of 1958. Orders in Council under the Supreme Court Act of 1921. · Regulations under the Racing and Betting Acts, 1954 to 1960. Orders in Council under the Queensland Law Society Act of 1952. Regulations under the Workers Compen­ sation Acts, 1916 to 1960. Orders in Council under the Criminal Code Amendment Act of 1914. Regulations under the Workers' Compensa­ Regulation under the Elections Acts, 1915 tion (Lead Poisoning, Mount Isa) Acts, to 1959. 1933 to 1941. Proclamation under the Justices Acts, 1886 Regulations under the Main Roads Acts, to 1958. 1920 to 1959. Orders in Council under the Co-operative Orders in Council under the State Elec­ Housing Societies Act of 1958. tricity Commission Acts, 1937 to 1958. Orders in Council under the Co-ordination Orders in Council under the Southern of Rural Advances and Agricultural Electric Authority of Queensland Acts, Bank Acts, 1938 to 1951. 1952 to 1958. Orders in Council under the Explosives Amendments to Electrical Approvals Act of 1952. Regulations. Papers [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 37

Proclamations under the Sugar Experiment GOVERNOR'S OPENING SPEECH Stations Acts, 1900 to 1959. Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that His Orders in Council under the Abattoirs Excellency the Governor this day delivered Acts, 1930 to 1958. to Parliament an Opening Speech of which, Orders in Council under the Banana Indus­ for greater accuracy, I have obtained a copy. try Protection Acts, 1929 to 1937. I presume hon. members will take the Speech Orders in Council under the City of Bris­ as read? bane Market Act of 1960. Honourable Members: Hear, hear! Orders in Council under the Fauna Con­ servation Act of 1952. ADDRESS IN REPLY Orders in Council under the Milk Supply Act of 1952. OPENING DAY Orders in Council under the Primary Mr. ROW (Hinchinbrook) (3.23 p.m.), who Producers' Organisation and Marketing was received with Government "Hear, hears!," Acts, 1926 to 1957. said: I move- Orders in Council under the Sugar Experi­ "That the following Address be pre­ ment Stations Acts, 1900 to 1959. sented to the Governor in reply to the Speech delivered by His Excellency in Regulations under the Abattoirs Acts, 1930 opening this, the first session of the Thirty­ to 1958. sixth Parliament of Queensland- Regulations under the Diseases in Plants Acts, 1929 to 1948. 'May it please Your Excellency,­ 'We, Her Majesty's loyal and dutiful sub­ Regulations under the Fauna Conservation jects, the Members of the Legislature of Act of 1952. Queensland, in Parliament assembled, Regulations under the Fruit and Vegetables desire to assure Your Excellency of our Acts, 1947 to 1959. continued loyalty and affection towards Regulations under the Fruit Marketing the Throne and Person of our Most Organisation Acts, 1923 to 1956. Gracious Sovereign, and to tender our thanks to Your Excellency for the Speech Regulations under the Peanut Industry Pro­ with which you have been pleased to open tection and Preservation Acts, 1939 to the present Session. 1941. 'The various measures to which Your Regulations under the Poultry Industry Excellency has referred, and all other mat­ Acts, 1946 to 1959. ters that may be brought before us, will Regulations under the Primary Producers' receive our most careful consideration, Organisation and Marketing Acts, 1926 and it shall be our earnest endeavour so to 1957. to deal with them that our labours may Regulations under the Regulation of Sugar tend to the advancement and prosperity Cane Prices Acts, 1915 to 1954. of the State.' " Regulations under the Stock Acts, 1915 As a newly elected member of Parliament to 1959. representing the electorate of Hinchinbrook Regulations under the Wheat Pool Acts, I am fully aware of the honour that has 1920 to 1957. been accorded me in being asked to move this motion, and of the responsibility with Orders in Council under the Medical Acts, which I have been entrusted. I shall 1939 to 1958. endeavour at all times to maintain the Orders in Council under the Aboriginals dignity and prestige of this Parliament. Preservation and Protection Acts, 1939 To the best of my ability I shall play my to 1946. part in forwarding the development and pro­ Regulations under the Health Acts, 1937 gress of this State. Queensland is a great to 1959. State and there is no reason why, with its vast area and great resources, it should not By-laws under The Dental Acts, 1902 to become the major State of Australia. 1959. By-laws under the Optometrists Acts, 1917 His Excellency's Opening Speech indicated to 1959. that during the past three years this Govern­ ment proceeded with determination towards By-laws Nos. 837, 838 and 840 to 852 this fulfillment and the legislation outlined for inclusive under the Railways Acts, 1914 this session shows a heavy programme of to 1959. works in all departments. The electors of Ordinances under the City of Brisbane Queensland in no uncertain manner gave Acts, 1924 to 1959. a renewal of their mandate to this Govern­ ment to continue the developmental pro­ Regulations under the Local Government gramme that they have initiated and I am Acts, 1936 to 1959. certain that the northern part of the State Regulations under the Valuation of Land will receive a full share of the support it Acts, 1914 to 1959. deserves from the Government. 38 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

I pay high tribute to our Leader who, areas and the grazing properties adjoining despite his own personal worries and sad the Atherton Tableland and the Charters loss, has proved himself a very conscientious Towers district. and able Premier. He is a great The Herbert River district, which comprises Queenslander and has earned the admiration the main part of the electorate, has been and respect of all sections of the community. growing cane for a very long time-since I believe, too, that the members of the 1872. Macknade and Victoria mills were Cabinet are well chosen for their individual established in 1874 and 1883 respectively and positrons. Already they have shown me are the property of the Colonial Sugar courtesy and consideration which augurs well Refining Co. Macknade has a peak of for the future of my electorate. 52,000 tons of sugar, and Victoria, We are indeed very fortunate in having as which is the only double-train mill in the representative of our gracious Sovereign Australia, has a sugar peak of 90,000 tons. such a splendid man as Sir Henry Abel Smith. His Excellency and his good lady There are more than 700 growers in the have been tireless in their efforts to make district and a labour force of approximately themselves familiar with Queensland, to get 1,200 cane-cutters is required each year to to know its people, to appreciate its move 1,000,000 tons of cane from the field. problems, and to assess its potential. Due mainly to labour difficulties and a shortage of effective cane-cutters, the Herbert We were greatly honoured last year by a River growers and their organisation have visit to our district by His Excellency and played an important part in the development Lady May. His Excellency addressed our of mechanical cane-harvesting. This year assembled school children-more than 2,000 the mill-owners and the canegrowers' execu­ of them-and then visited the rich Aber­ tive, on behalf of the farmers, have pur­ gowrie cane-farming area, which came into chased two machines, and have leased being some eight or nine years ago with another of a different make. Excellent the expansion of the sugar industry and which experimental work has been done with these has a successful complement of returned­ machines. Cane-loaders also play a very soldier settlers. important part in harvesting the crop, par­ He was entertained at afternoon tea by ticularly in the hotter months of the season. the Christian Brothers at St. Teresa's While complete mechanical harvesting is Agricultural College at Abergowrie. It was not yet in sight, I believe it will be hastened the first agricultural college in North Queens­ by labour difficulties and wastage. Too many land and was opened in 1932 in what was men who are completely unsuited for the then bush land. The vision and confidence work or unwilling to cut cane are sent from of the Christian Brothers has been fully the migrant centres, and a more definite justified and the college plays a very method of selection is desirable. The Her­ important part in the spiritual, academic, bert River and Tully districts have many commercial, and agricultural training of farmers and residents who were assimilated young men from all parts of Northern and into these communities through their associa­ Western Queensland. What a pity it is that the tion with cane-cutting, and I strongly recom­ State also has not seen fit to establish an mend to the Department of Immigration a agricultural training college in North Queens­ policy of nomination for selected migrants. land to cater for the large body of students Many of our leading farmers, business and who return to the land after leaving school! professional men either came from Europe or are the sons of migrants, and have played Sir Henry also visited the Returned a very important part in the development and Soldiers' Club, where he met and talked progress of the district. For example, four with men from all walks of life and I can of the nine members of the Hinchinbrook assure hon. members that those men were Shire Council are sons of former migrants. vastly impressed with his obvious knowledge. He also found time to visit a cattle-fattening While sugar has played a tremendously project that was using surplus cane as a base, important part in Queensland's coastal devel­ complemented with molasses and meat-meal. opment and economy, it must be realised that, apart from the home-consumption market,. I mention His Excellency's and Lady May's estimated this year at approximately 570,000 visit in some detail because I want to tons, with an annual increase of approxi­ emphasise how impressed the people of our mately 10,000 tons, the Commonwealth district were and how we look forward to Sugar Agreement quota of 300,000 tons a return visit. I also express the wish that varying according to shortfalls, and the His Excellency and Lady May will be blessed International Sugar Agreement quota, there with good health and will stay with us for a is no market in sight for surplus cane. long time. The impact of the beet sugar industry, par­ Following the redistribution the Hinchin­ ticularly in Europe, because of improved brook electorate is, in the main, a primary­ conditions-mainly in harvesting methods­ producing and timber area stretching from will cause a grave restriction of sugar pro­ near Townsville in the ~outh· to the outskirts duction here in the foreseeable future and it of Tully in the north. It takes in the rich is therefore essential that other avenues of undeveloped Mt. Fox, Mt. Spec and Paluma development must be explored. Address in Reply [24 AUGUST) Address in Reply 39

While I am dealing with cane-growing, I and turned off. However, the major prob­ must point out that one of the main lem is availability of land. Only 25 per problems in North Queensland is the control cent of the Cardwell shire is ratable; the and eradication of the giant sensitive plant, balance comprises Forestry reserves or Crown the seeds of which were introduced with other land, and I believe that the investigation seeds imported from Java. I am happy to know by the Minister should result in some clari­ that the authorities are taking definite steps fication of this matter. to control the importation of seeds, and to It has been stated by experienced investi­ have the seeds tested and held in quarantine gators that if an area of 100,000 acres in for a period before being distributed. I sug­ the Cardwell shire was made available and gest with respect that the Minister should developed for cattle-fattening on. improved consider the introduction of legislation to pastures, it would have the potenttal to turn extend the power of cane-pest and disease­ off annually at least 75,000 head of cattle control boards so that their inspectors can with an estimated value of £3,000,000. patrol holdings adjacent to cane lands. Although shire councils have this power, the This has three important factors tied to boards are now dependent on the it. Firstly, there is the stabilisation of prices, co-operation of holders of land adjacent to controlled, of course, by the continuity of cane land. supply. That would mean full-time employ­ ment for most of the year, for the meat­ It is with extreme regret that, in moving workers, and additional revenue for our this motion, I refer to the passing of Mr. railways. Ronald Muir, C.M.G., general secretary of People have been long aware of this the Australian and Queensland Canegrowers' vacant land, and now they are looking for, Councils. He was one of Australia's lead­ and will certainly receive, assistance. They ing sugar men, a brilliant advocate and do not expect that the North can be magic­ administrator, and his sudden passing was a ally developed by the waving of a Govern­ grievous blow to the industry and a sad loss ment wand. What is wanted in the main to his family and friends. His life's work is technical assistance in determining the on behalf of the industry will ever be most suitable locations for initial utilisation. remembered. Secondly, they will want some degree of With the restriction of the sugar industry financial help in making that utilisation to its assured markets, I believe that it is possible. the responsibility not only of the State and The people in the Herbert River and Federal Governments, but also of respon­ Tully areas-and, for that matter, in the sible citizens, to stimulate and advise on whole of the North and the West-are not other avenues of development, of which thinking in terms of grandiose schemes. They there are many. This vulnerable part of want practical assistance to enable them to Australia-North Queensland-with its rain­ aet on with the job. To emphasise this fall, fertility and great resources offers a point, the Ingham district recently formed challenge and I believe that at long last a Development Investigation Committee, with the challenge is being accepted. the widest possible cross-section of com­ munity representation, and investigations have The visit of the Commonwealth Food and begun into every possible aspect of expan­ Agriculture Development Committee, which sion. Men with practical experience in the is interested in the main with coastal cattle­ particular fields are giving voluntarily their fattening has already created an impetus, time, knowledge and effort to assess the and I congratulate the Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation on his practical and scope in crop expansion, in cattle-fatten­ immediate approach to the main problem, ing, mining, timber industry expansion which is the defining of land that is avail­ through hardboard production, and, most able or suitable for pasture improvement or important, in tourism. cattle-fattening. A committee of practical Whilst Townsville, with its great industrial men has been formed to advise and col­ expansion and the confident expectancy of laborate with the officers of the Departments doubling its population in 10 years, is the of Public Lands and Forestry, who will boom city of the North, people in the Her­ conduct the investigation, with the ultimate bert River area have been showing their aim of a North Queensland development belief in the future of their own district, scheme to attract Commonwealth support. and North Queensland as a whole. In the past six years they have invested £2,600,000 A great deal of credit must be paid to in building work; this figure excludes Gov­ the Federal member for Herbert, Mr. John ernment and semi-governmental expenditure Murray, M.B.E., for his tireless efforts in on buildings and installations. Half this successfully putting the case for such an amount has been spent in the town of investigation. Ingham alone where, in the past four years, The land in the vicinity of Tully would 350 new dwellings have been approved for appear to be the focal point, and it is pleas­ erection. ing to note that there, and in the Herbert Private enterprise has already launched River district, practical men are proceeding a major tobacco industry expansion. I pay with land-clearing and pasture improvement, tribute to those men who pioneered the and already store cattle are being fattened industry in the district in the difficult years. 40 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

Now, with technical advisers, pest and dis­ that the Department of Main Roads will ease-control methods, and suitable varieties, turn its attention to remedying the problem the growing of tobacco will rank high among created by low-level bridges, which cause closer-settlement development. Twelve new indefinite hold-ups in the wet season. . May farms will be in production this year, and I, with respect, suggest that a high-level I believe the Cardwell area could be devel­ bridge over the Herbert River should be a oped for growing this crop. As a point primary consideration? The existing low­ of interest, it is estimated that this year, in level structure, although sound, causes great the Herbert River district, there will be inconvenience to both travellers and local 270 acres under tobacco compared with 150 residents for considerable periods in the wet acres last year. season. The bridge is inundated for periods Private enterprise has made experimental varying from one to two weeks. plantings of cotton, which are being watched The Hinchinbrook electorate embodies all with interest. Private enterprise has also types of country to be found in the tropical reclaimed coastal swamp lands for planting North and it presents the logical area in with artificial grasses, to produce what which to launch a new method of agri­ experts describe as the finest pastures in cultural and pastoral research. Australia. That same enterprise, through We must aim to obtain the maximum the development of tropical breeds of cattle, benefit from rainfall variation and soil types, has made Ingham one of the most discussed and I suggest that the electorate be chosen centres in the cattle industry. as a pilot area for a new type of diversified Local enterprise is making a strong bid to crop and grazing investigation. Rather than capture its share of the tourist industry. an experimental station, I would suggest the Three caravan parks have been established less costly method of using the resources of in the district, and the town of Cardwell, the men on the land, with the advice and at the northern end of the Hinchinbrook co-operation of the department's experts and Channel, could be the mecca of fishermen, technologists. Under such a scheme, with particularly with the construction of a jetty. comparatively little expense there could be Tourist boat facilities are available in the effectively determined the economic minimum North to cruise throughout the beautiful in requirements for- islands--Hinchinbrook, Orpheus, Palms, ( 1) Cattle fattening on improved Bedarra, and the 32 miles of tropical fjord, pasturage; the Hinchinbrook Passage. (2) cattle fattening on surplus cane and protein; Local enterprise is at present building two new hotels to improve an already high standard ( 3) the growing of tobacco, and perhaps of accommodation. One about to be com­ cotton; and pleted will rank among the finest in the ( 4) dairying and the growing of small State. In addition, the public spirited Junior crops in the area with a view to catering Farmers' Club, which has received the Most for the ever-growing needs of Townsville. Progressive Club Award for the year 1960, The develop ment of the timber industry sponsored, with assistance from the shire has played a very important part in North c~)Uncil and a timber company, the construc­ Queensland's history, and I believe there tiOn of a road 12 miles to the magnificent is scope to provide an avenue for employ­ Wallaman Falls at Stoney Creek on the ment for part of the migratory force Herbert River-a sheer drop of 1,000 feet needed each year for the cane harvest. Each the longest falls in Australia and one of the year the earnings of cane-cutters approximate longest in the world. £1,000,000 in the Herbert River district alone, and they take away with them from The people of the electorate have done all these things to show that they warrant the £300,000 to £500,000-enough to start a assistance of Government resources. With new industry. I urge a realistic approach the tourist industry efforts the electorate will to reforestation in North Queensland in an endeavour to absorb some of this migratory look to the Queensland Government Tourist Bureau to publicise its attractions and to labour. The Townsville-Ingham area alone recognise that the district must be con­ has been estimated-and this is only a rough estimate-to contain at least 120,000,000 sidered as a separate tourist centre. Local super feet of timber. effort will be useless if the district continues to be recognised as an adjunct to Townsville. A start has been made already on an access road to the vast Oak Hills timber One of the main incentives to attract stand on the Herbert River. I saw it not tourists must be the construction of all­ long ago and it is well worth a visit. weather bitumen or concrete ·highways. £75,000 is to be spent by 1964 and the With the completion in 1961 of the Bruce opening of this land will give a tremendous Highway, I am sure that travellers from the boost to the timber industry in my district, wintry South to the sunny North will particularly if some of this timber comes to more than double, and it must be assumed Ingham and is not all diverted to Townsville. that among their number will be investors. A point of interest is that the timber industry Following the completion of the Brisbane­ in the Herbert River area is worth, on the Cairns-Mossman State Highway I am sure gross value of sales, £350,000 to £400,000. Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 41

In all the electorate there are 17 mills, Government, and I have no doubt that he including veneer and plywood mills. They will keep these matters in mind in the admin­ employ 500 men and use each year 10,000,000 istration of his department. super feet of timber. The establishment of electricity on a Closely associated with development in regional basis has played a tremendous part North Queensland is the ever-important factor in Queensland's development, and I pay of local authorities. This Government have tribute to the Government of the time who always recognised, and I feel sure will con­ created the four regional boards in 1946, tinue to recognise, the valuable work done by followed by the Mackay Board at a later local government in the development of the date. State. In 133 local-government areas throughout the State local residents, as mem­ Ministerial approval, at the request of the bers of local authorities, have done excellent State Electricity Commission, of the appoint­ work in the advancement of their communities ment of a firm of British electrical engineers, by the provision of roads, water supplies, Mertz & McLellan, to formulate an overall sewerage, aerodromes, playing fields, libraries, plan for future development is indeed a very and various other amenities. Unfortunately, wise move. As a member of the Townsville however, local government is hampered by Regional Electricity Board for eight years, I an out-of-date system of finance, whereby the have some knowledge of the tremendous property-owner is almost wholly responsible extension of electricity throughout the area. for financing these amenities and services. Consumption of units has doubled in the last Certainly substantial subsidies have been pro­ four years, and, with the development envis­ vided by this Govermnent from time to time, aged in the North, more schemes will be and appreciable assistance through the Com­ needed in addition to the present ones. monwealth Roads Aid Act has been provided, but the basic principle of finance is still The harnessing of the Herbert River for taxation of land. I trust that a solution of hydro-electric power is currently being inves­ this problem will soon be found and a more tigated to determine its potential. The dam­ equitable system of finance determined for ming of this river will not only ensure local government to enable it to cope with additional power, but the threat of disastrous the rapidly-increasing need for more and flooding could be removed or mitigated better roads and other services. from the coastal sections and the huge The Local Government Act gives local hinterland area could be opened for land authorities wide scope for the benefit of their settlement and tourist activity. communities, but local government law has The Ingham-Cardwell area is the logical been the subject of some recent criticism. outlet for the whole Herbert basin from the From my experience in local government­ coast through to Herberton and Mt. Garnet. and it has been considerable--1 feel that there Such a link could bring the whole of the is much scope for improvement of the Act. North, the North-west, and even the I am well aware that the previous Minister Northern Territory, into close touch with and the Director of Local Government have the coast. The river systems provide the key been very helpful to local authorities and to the pattern of settlement expansion, and have done what they considered best in pro­ in this the Herbert, with its length, constant posing amendments of the Act from time to flow, and large tributaries, offers an ideal time, but anomalies inevitably occur, and choice. they have occurred in the most recent amend­ While speaking of the Herbert River, I ments of the Act. wish to express the appreciation and thanks It has been suggested recently by an of my district to the Minister for clearing eminent authority on the subject that the up the Mt. Garnet sludge. For very many local government law should be revised and years the glorious Herbert River was polluted streamlined to meet modern needs. I feel by muck and sludge from the tin mines at sure that the Government will give this due Mt. Garnet. The first effective steps to stop consideration, and I suggest now that, when that sludge pollution were taken by the doing so, they give consideration to the Minister, and I am very happy to be able views of the Local Government Association. to say that today the river is again crystal A precedent for this was established when clear. We all hope that condition will be representatives of the accountancy profession maintained in the future. were invited to give their views on a pro­ posed new Companies Act some years ago. The utilisation of our rich vacant lands No interference with Government policy need should be a project to capture the imagina­ be involved by conferring with representatives tion of the whole of Australia, and thus start of local authorities before introducing new us on the second stage of development. A or amending legislation to ascertain the prac­ start has been made during the past three years but it must be taken further and tical needs of local government. further until it snowballs with enormous I congratulate the Hon. Lloyd Roberts momentum. The North has Australia'~ on his appointment as Minister for Local richest resources. 42 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY} Address in Reply

If I have painted a rosy picture of the Earlier, I mentioned the Centenary of our Hinchinbrook electorate, which I am proud State. We celebrated it in our area with a to represent, it is because I have lived all very great deal of, shall we say, local feeling my life in the North; I have come to love as well as State feeling, because the year it and to recognise its tremendous potential. 1959, which was the 100th anniversary of No other part of Australia today has so the proclamation of the State of Queensland, much to offer as North Queensland. The was also the anniversary of the discovery of visits of experts-grazing, mining, industrial, the harbour of Bowen. commercial, scientific and political-have served to focus attention on the North. If you will bear with me, I would like to Today we see the North yielding its wealth tell you something of the early history of this with ever-increasing rapidity. But this is area of Queensland because it was the first only the beginning because I am sure we are part of North Queensland settled and, as on the threshold of the greatest expansion this is a centenary period, I think it is only ever in the northern parts of our fair State right and proper that we should look back of Queensland. on our 100 years' history. Those of us who have made a study of it and have some Government Members: Hear, hear! knowledge of it should put on record and Dr. DELAMOTHE (Bowen) (3.52 p.m.): remind you of all that went to the making In seconding the motion for the adoption of of this great State. the Address-in-Reply to the Governor's Captain Cook-going back as far as that Speech, I am very thankful for the honour -guessed at the existence of the harbour conferred on me so early in my parliamentary of Port Denison, when, from the masthead life. of the "Endeavour" on the morning of 5 To you, Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratu­ June. 1770, he passed along our coast and lations, and I also extend congratulations to named many prominent geographical the many new members in the Chamber. We features. During his inspection, because of certainly look to you to guide us in the the conformation of the hills in the back­ ways of traditional parliamentary procedure. ground, he commented in his journal on the We hope that you will not be too hard on possibility of a harbour. The earliest white us for our transgressions-at least early in man to sail into Port Denison, and to whom our parliamentary career. You may rest all honour is paid as the discoverer was assured that they will be through ignorance Captain Sinclair. He, in 1859, was the and not by design. harbour master at Rockhampton and, lured on by a veiled offer of a reward for the Through you, I should like to convey to discovery of a harbour in the North, made Her Gracious Majesty the Queen the very by the Colonial Treasury of New South loyal sentiments of the people of my area. Wales. of which Queensland was then a Just a few short years ago they were accorded part, set out in September of 1859 to try to the opportunity of seeing her in person. Her earn the reward. presence left in their hearts a warm feeling and a desire to express their loyalty. Not He visited, first of all, the mouth of the Burdekin River, and, finding this unsuitable content with visiting us in person in 1954, and a mass of mud and sandbanks, returned she sent us last year, the State's Centenary on his journey south and entered Port Year, her cousin, Princess Alexandra. We Denison to discover that fine harbour, nam­ were accorded the opportunity of entertain­ ing it after the then Governor of New South ing her, and her visit was very much Wales. appreciated. Sailing back to Sydney to report his dis­ His Excellency the Governor, of course, covery and to claim the reward, he was is in all but name a Queenslander. During amazed-and unfortunate-to learn of Sir his visit to North Queensland following the George Ferguson's proclamation of Queens­ disastrous cyclone in 1958 he demonstrated land; so, when he claimed the reward, the his ready sympathy for the distressed. Many then Colonial Treasurer of New South Wales people can recall his easy manner. He said, "We are very sorry, old chap, but could almost be a North Queenslander after all, we are not interested in North because of the ease with which he is able to Queensland. It is no longer a portion of communicate with the man in the street. New South Wales. Go along to the new The people in the North look forward with Queensland Government. They are the very great enthusiasm to his next visit. people who, no doubt, will reward you." To the Premier and his Ministers we extend As you know, the first Queensland Gov­ our good wishes for a continuation of the ernment was not very well-to-do and, in the good government for which they were respon­ upshot, the only reward that Sinclair got sible in their last term of office. To all other for his discovery of this port was in the hon. members I express my good wishes and way that North Queensland subsequently those of other new hon. members, in the developed and his appointment as harbour hope that Parliament will give us an oppor­ master at Port Denison, which he discovered. tunity of making some satisfying contribution The Queensland Government, however, very to the development of this very great State quickly seized on the information and made of ours. use of it. The riches and attractions of Address in Reply [24 AUGUST] Address in Reply 43

North Queensland had been discovered. It party that came by land and sea, he estab­ will be 100 years on the day after tomorrow lished a settlement on the shores of Port since the "Spitfire", under the command of Denison on 12 April, 1861, in the presence Mr. Joseph Smith, left Moreton Bay, carry­ of 80 whites and 30 natives. From that ing Mr. George Elphinstone Dalrymple, who settlement sprang the whole of the settle­ later became a very famous man, to investi­ ment of North Queensland. gate and report on this discovery. They made out a complete survey of the harbour To most hon. members, I have no doubt and adjacent land and on returning to Bris­ that if the name of Bowen means anything bane reported that, of all the harbours on at all, it means something like the cave of the eastern coast of Australia, Port Denison Aeolus, the home of the wind. Let me dis­ was second only to Port Jackson in beauty abuse hon. members' minds on that. We have and possibilities. to go back to the period of 1899-1903 to find a disaster similar to that of 1958-1959. Before I pass on to land exploration of In the meantime, every town in North the area, I inform hon. members that if I Queensland, from Cooktown to Rockhamp­ refer only to certain points in His Excel­ ton, has had its share of destruction. How­ lency's Opening Speech I shall do so not ever, out of evil oft-times comes good, and because I want to boast about my area, but so, from the disaster of the cyclones there merely because I want to give some informa­ came a blue-print for dealing with similar tion about remote districts. disasters, and these disasters have given this In 1845 Ludwig Leichhardt crossed Aus­ "Mother of North Queensland" a chance to tralia from Jimbour, near Dalby, to Port display to the "daughter communities" what Essington in the Northern Territory. He courage and ingenuity can do to resuscitate passed along what is now the western our damaged towns. boundary of the electorate of Bowen, the Following that original settlement, settlers Suttor River. In fact, he reached the junc­ poured into the area. Graziers who had tion of the Suttor and Burdekin Rivers on been too late to be the "Hentys" of Vic­ 2 April, 1845. He reported in his journal, toria, rushed to be, perhaps, the "Mac­ which is available, on the tremendous arthurs" of the Burdekin. Storekeepers, expanse of pastoral land and its possibilities. technical men, and tradesmen all came, with The next white man to come our way the vision of the prosperity that had been was A. C. Gregory, who was later the first visited upon similar people in the early Surveyor-General of Queensland. He started days of New South Wales, hoping to do as from Victoria River in the north of Western well in North Queensland. Australia, crossed the Northern Territory The roads were soon choked with flocks and the Gulf of Carpentaria, and reached of sheep. Land throughout the area was the Burdekin on 16 October, 1856. On his taken up, but very shortly, spear grass, return journey he followed the route taken attacks by blacks on shepherds, and ?rou)'ht, by Leichhardt. quickly turned the hope of prospenty . mto Mr. W. H. Gaden, who had a grazing almost dire disaster. It was very qmckly property named "Widgee-Widgee" near found that sheep were not suitable for the Gympie, was the next person to visit this area and a change had to be made to cattle, part of Queensland. At about Christmas­ which have been the backbone of the area time, 1856, he discovered the Bowen River ever since. and followed it to its junction with the In those days there was no market for Burdekin, but was forced back by the floods live cattle and they had to be converted that occur in the wet season in those months. into tallow by the boiling down process. It He had great difficulty in getting back, but was not until the discovery of the goldfields the following year, in September 1857, he and the consequent influx of population that tried again and was able to follow the a local market for live cattle grew up. The Burdekin down to the beach, and recorded development of refrigeration in the eighties, that he had a swim in the sea. of course, solved many problems. In 1859 Dalrymple organised an expedi­ I should like to tell hon. members what tion with the financial assistance of pros­ the situation is today, after 100 years. Our perous New South Wales graziers. He coalfield in the Collinsville area has two explored the full course of the Burdekin underground mines and one open-cut. They River to within 30 miles of its mouth, where produce today about 10,000 tons of coal a the town of Home Hill is now situated. It week, and last year they produced almost is a very important town in the Bowen half a million tons. That was worth about electorate. £1,500,000. The 72 cattle properties in the Having received all these reports, the area run 173,000 head and the annual turnoff Queensland Government decided that it is about 30,000 head a year, valued at some­ would be wise to establish a settlement at thing like £1,500,000. Some of those are Port Denison from which the area compris­ killed at our local meatworks and some at ing the electorate of Bowen and the Upper the neighbouring works of Rockhampton and Burdekin district could be settled. George Townsville. ·Our meatworks kill many thous­ Dalrymple was a natural choice, and, with a ands of cattle from the West, too, and, for 44 Address in Reply [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply

the very first time, they have just decided it. What are you doing at present to go to kill sheep for the American market. So further?" Many interesting things are from the drought-stricken areas are being happening in my electorate today. In the brought in many sheep that would have died remote western areas round the Suttor River by Christmas-time and they are being slaugh­ in the area between Mt. Coolon and tered at Merinda. Clermont, which is just over the border of my electorate, the Commonwealth Bureau The sugar produced in the Home Hill of Mineral Resources and the State Depart­ area, which is part of the electorate, ment of Mines are combining to investigate amounted last year to 59,000 tons, valued the geological possibilities of finding oil there. at about £2,750,000. I am sure that all As that was the site of an inland sea many hon. members representing sugar areas know millions of years ago, it is certainly an area that the production of sugar per acre in the worth investigating, and, though oil is a very Home Hill area is the highest in the State. disappointing form of mineral, who knows A further large area of land suitable for what may come out of this. sugar production is available there and I am sure that it will be used for the purpose Great things are happening at the coal just as soon as it is possible to expand the measures at Collinsville. The State coal mine production of sugar in Queensland. consists of two tunnels, one of which is now remechanised, if I may use that expression, At the coke-works we produce coke to and working very satisfactorily. I visited the value of about £200,000, and at the salt it only last week, so I can give hon. mem­ works we produce, by solar evaporation, bers first-hand evidence of that. At Scott­ salt worth about £200,000, too. ville a second highly mechanised tunnel is With all the little bits and pieces added being put in by the Consolidated Mine. together, I suppose the value of production A very intense drilling programme is being in the area is between £7,000,000 and carried out not only throughout the Mt. Isa £8,000,000. That is not bad, after all, split area but also the State lease to determine up amongst 9,000 people. Probably it is what are the true reserves of coal there. the highest per-capita production in Of course, there is a great deal of coal, with Queensland-! do not know-but at least very, very, big seams superimposed one on it is very high. the other. The Blake seam, the lowest one, is 20 feet; the Bowen seam, which is being The small population, of course, is worked at the State mine, is 20 feet or scattered over the very large area of more; and the Garrick seam, which is in 8,000-odd square miles. In that area are the State mine lease, is about 8 or 9 feet. roughly 1,500 miles of road. I am looking Apart from the drilling programme, this at the Minister in charge of Main Roads Garrick seam, which is nearer the surface, now. Of those 1,500 miles only about 100 is being investigated. It has always been are bitumen and approaching 700 are in known to have a fairly high sulphur con­ their virgin state. tent, but it is hoped that by proper treatment That is the existing state of affairs. We the sulphur can be reduced sufficiently to are on the verge of developing our tourist enable coal from the seam to be used for industry. We have always had the best steaming and so save the coking coal in climate in Queensland. We have always the Bowen seam. The Bowen seam contains had some of the best beaches. Not only a little sulphur-! understand it is only are they good, but also they are within about 2t per cent.-but it is just too much walking distance of the post office. to make coke made from it entirely suitable for iron smelting. An investigation is to be We have a unique attribute for tourism in carried out, and it is hoped that the coke that adjacent to the area of the town is a made from that coal will then be sufficiently very large, natural wild bird area. good to enable it to be married with the tremendous iron-ore deposits in the Gulf of Mr. Morris: And a beautiful area it is. Carpentaria in a steel works. Dr. DELAMOTHE: And I might say that The hon. member for Hinchinbrook, who the Deputy Premier was the one who first knows a great deal more about the sugar brought to our notice the fact that this industry than I do, has told the House of indeed was a unique tourist attraction. On developments in that industry. However, one of his visits we took him out there, and I should like to tell hon. members what is he can tell you very much better than I happening in the sugar areas around Home can just what an amazing place it is. It Hill. It is being highly mechanised by the covers 30 square miles and the beautiful use of mechanical loaders. In common with part about it is that the area is leased by other sugar areas, there is a fair amount the local gun club, so that shooting is well of standover cane, but it is not such a great controlled and bags are limited. With the worry in that area. Because of the copious completion of two new motels being built supplies of underground water in the Burdekin in the area, this will be the centre-piece for Delta, the standover cane can be maintained, the development of a specialised type of and it is often harvested in the following year. tourist industry. You might say, "That all However, experiments are being carried out sounds very good, but do not be smug about in the means to utilise surplus cane for Address in Reply [24 AuGUST] Special Adjournment 45 cattle-feeding. It is being mixed with meat­ That is all the local story, but it is only meal. It certainly increases their weight but one facet. We are part of North Queens­ the economics have not yet been worked land; we are part of Queensland; we are out. part of Australia and, in relation to our Bowen has suffered many disappointments fitting into the North Queensland picture, during the last century. First of all, the Gov­ without our coal most trains in North Queens­ ernment of the day in 1886 failed to live up land would come to a stop; without our to a promise to give Bowen an inland coke, Mt. Isa would stagger; without our railway. In 1920 the promise of a steel lovely tomatoes and mangoes many a dinner works evaporated. As recently all the 1950's table would be less attractive; our salt is the promise for the maintenance of the sugar used not only in the meatworks but also trade vanished into thin air. Generations of in the production of uranium. We are con­ Bowen people have come to rely more on tributing to the prosperity of Queensland themselves than on Government or other in that our exports of meat and sugar, outside help. Let me point out two ways in valued at so many millions of pounds, add which they have recently engaged in self­ to the prosperity of this State. We play help; it might well be an example to people our part in adding to the national prosperity in other areas of Queensland. About three of Australia as a whole, not only in our years ago, at the suggestion of a certain exports but also by the large taxes paid section of the Bowen people, the University from the area and the saving in imports of Queensland agreed to carry out a regional by the growth of such crops as tobacco and survey of the area. It was the first properly­ cotton. organised regional survey in Queensland. Through their local authority the Bowen In North Queensland today there is an people provided £600 annually towards the exuberant spirit of enthusiasm for progress cost of the survey. Not content with that and I think I, as a fourth-generation North as the time for the production of the report Queenslander, would be failing if I did not drew near they went a step further. They have have something to say about it. I think now committed themselves to finding £3,000 much of it is misdirected. Every town and a year for the next five years to employ a every area wants to progress, but I am full-time research officer to investigate, tabu­ afraid that we have reached the stage where late and promote raw materials and the we should be starting to think of integrated opportunities for the development of the progress with a development of a particular area. type in the best areas for that type of development. While on that subject, I have We come now literally to the meat of a suggestion to make. The Government the coconut. What is being done with cattle sho~ld consider establishing an all-party in our area? Many interesting things are Parltamentary Standing Committee composed happening. New breeds such as Brahmin­ of North Queensland members whose job it cross are being developed by people on would be to sort out all these varying urges, the Burdekin River. In the Bowen-Inkerman pressures, and aims of development into some area the great argument still goes on whether easily digestible form, and to act as a sort there should be one-eighth, three-eighths or of clearing-house so that the material can five-eighths Brahmin-crosses. If one wants then be presented to Ministers and the to start a really good argument among Cabinet in an easily-concentrated form so graziers he opens a discussion about the that they can spend their time on decisions desirable mixture in a Brahmin-cross. and not waste it trying to reconcile diver­ In the field of pasture development, during gent points of view. the last few years Townsville lucerne has spread through many of the coastal areas. May I say in conclusion that for over 100 Efforts are being made to foster its growth years North Queensland has been fallowing. and spread by means of artificial cultivation Now is the seeding time and the harvest will because it has proved to be an extremely depend, to a very great extent, on what has good cattle fattener. Some graziers are over­ been done and is to be done by this stocking the spear-grass country to keep it Parliament in the next three years. I eaten down in the lush season. Experiments commend the idea to the Government. are being carried out in burning off at the Honourable Members: Hear, hear! right time. Some graziers have spent a lifetime working out which is the right time Debate, on motion of Mr. Duggan, to burn off spear grass. Others have engaged adjourned. in intensive ringbarking programmes. A station in the Collinsivlle area has imported poll Devon cattle from America in order to SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT introduce a new strain into the herds. That Hon. G. F. R. NICKLIN (Landsborough­ station, I am very happy to say, is still in Premier): I move-- the hands of the family that settled it 100 years ago this month. The present owner "That the House, at its rising, do is the son of the man who organised the adjourn until 11 a.m. tomorrow." Scartwater Trust, as I think all hon. members Motion agreed to. know, and later I hope to have an oppor­ tunity of speaking about it. The House adjourned at 4.32 p.m.