6 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Tke First COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENT cA Paper prepared by Sir john Kirwan and read to the IVA. Historical Soci'ely on 27tlt September, /946.

HE first Prime Minister of , the Smith, Alexander Percival Matheson, George Right Honourable Sir , Pearce, Hugh de Largie, Edward Harney and T formed his Government on 1st January, Norman Ewing. Senator Ewing resigned 1901. By that time the Commonwealth Con­ from the Senate in April, 1903, and H. J. stitution had been accepted by the votes of Saunders wa selected to fill the vacancy at a majority of the electors in all the six a joint sitting of the State Parliament- colonies, the Imperial Parliament had passed the necessary legislation and the essential Of these eleven members, Sir proclamation had been signed by Her was the only one with notable or extended Majesty, Queen . parliamentary experience. He already had a distinguished career as an explorer, also he The result of the referendum, in West had worthily filled various public offices and Australia was 44,BOO in favour of federal had been Premier for more than ten years. union and 19,691 against, the majority being Of the others, Mr. Solomon and Mr. Ewing more than two to one, and had sat for some years in the Legislative gave substantial majorities for federation and Assembly and Mr. Saunders in the Legisla­ on the Goldfields the Yes vote was 15 to one. tive Council. Staniforth Smith at the time of his election for the Senate, was Mayor of I had taken a prominent part in further­ . As those who invited me here ance of Federation and a huge petition, tonight wished me to refer specially to the signed by all sections of the Goldfields resi­ members from West Australia in the first d-ents, was presented to me asking me to National Legislature, I will have more to become a candidate for the Kalgoorlre seat say about them later. in the House of Representatives. That peti­ tion is now in the possession of the Kal­ The Parliament was opened on 9th May, goorlie Council as a historical document and 1901, by His Royal Highness, the Duke of it is much' prized and frequently inspected, Cornwall and York, afterwards King G-eorge containing as it does, hundreds of names of the Fifth. He was accompanied by the old time prospectors and early pioneers, Duchess. In accordance with the terms of the nearly all of whom are now dead. Commonwealth Constitution the Federal Par­ liament sat at until the establish­ Members for .. ment of the Federal Capital. The ceremony was probably the most brilliant, spectacular In response to the petition I became a and magnificent that has ever been seen in candidate and after an extremely lively and Australia. It took place at the Exhibition hard-fought contest I was returned by a Building, Melbourne, where extensive struc­ majority- of 2,359 votes. Those who were tural alterations were made to accommodate elected with me to the House 'of Represen­ the immense attendance. The Governor-Gen­ tatives were: Sir John Forrest for Swan, eral and the State Governors with their wives Elias Solomon for Frernantle, J. M. Fowler wer-e on the dais, also representatives of for Perth and for Coolgardie, Foreign Powers. In addition, there were also For the Senate there were elected; Staniforth Presidents of Legislative Councils, Speakers, WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 7

Premiers, Ministers of the Crown, Heads of a century after the establishment of the Religious Organisations, Chief Justices, Commonwealth. A dinner was given by the Judges, Admirals and Generals. The court members of the State Parliament to the was in mourning as had died members of the Federal Parliament. It was earlier in the year and the ladies were in the only occasion in Australia, perhaps in (he black, but notwithstanding, the array of flags, world, when one Parliament thus entertained bunting, gorgeous regalia and brilliant uni­ another Parliament. The first Governor­ forms created a colourful setting to an General, Lord Hopetoun, commented on this historic event. and also pointed to the fact that the Com­ monwealth Parliament was remarkable as no member of it had to kick another fellow out An Historic Painting. of a seat. The famous Australian artist, Tom Roberts, spent more than two years to portray the A Parliament of the Talent.. ceremony on canvas The picture is of great dimensions and the key to it has the names That was not the only respect in which it of no less than 277 individuals, practically was remarkable. There never was a Parlia­ everyone of whom sat for it. In common ment in Australia, either before or Since, that with all other members of the Parliament, contained such a galaxy of intellectual talent I spent a morning and afternoon with Tom in the form of experienced parliamentarrans, Roberts whilst he painted my portrait. Usu­ legislators and administrators. Membership of ally sitting for an artist is a boring and it was an eagerly-sought-for honour because almost painful business but with Roberts it its duty was to lay the foundations of what was not so, for he had a happy knack of was to become a mighty na tion. In each entertaining his subjects. He worked hard State prominent public men, eminent lawyers while he talked cheerily and well, and now and captains of industry were amongst those and again remarked "Let us have a rest." who succeeded in getting elected. Of the Then he danced round the room and sang eight Ministers in the first Government no snatches of foreign songs and spoke about less than five had been Premiers in their his student "days in France and Spain. own States. They were: Sir of New South Wales, Sir George Turner of It is difficult to make an historic picture Victoria, Mr. C. C. Kingston of South Aus­ of such a, nature a work of art, but he did tralia, Sir John Forrest of West Australia, his best. The general atmosphere is good and Sir Phillip Fysch of . As they with beams of sunlight coming from high had been leaders, there were those who pre­ windows in the background, whilst on one dicted that they could not get out of the of the walls can be dimly discerned what ac­ way of giving orders and so the Government tually was not there, the framed portrait of could not last long, as it had too many cap­ a face, white headed and white bearded, tains. That prediction was fulfilled, fOT in a looking down. It represented Sir Henry couple of years, :Mr. Kingston disagreed with Parkes, rightly called "The Father of Fed­ his colleagues and resigned from the Minis­ eration," who had died some years previousyl. try, Sir Edmund Barton became a member of Roberts's picture was presented to the King. the High Court Bench, and in September, It hung in St. James's Palace but steel en­ 1903, a new Government, with Mr. Alfred gravings of it are to be seen all over Aus­ Deakin as Prime Minister, came into office. tralia. Other distinguished members were, Sir Members of the new Parliament were SUI!'­ , Leader of the , and plied with numerous souvenirs, including Sir Edward Braddon, each of whom for many the Bible on which they were sworn. It was years filled the office of Premier ot New signed by the Duke of Cornwall and York South Wales and Tasmania respectively. In and later most of the recipients got the sig­ addition, the first Australian Parliament in­ natures added of the first Commonwealth cluded: H. B· Higgins, Sir , Sir Ministers and leading members of the Par­ Josiah Symon,. Tom Playford, Sir Chaffey liament. Public and private hospitality was Baker, , W. M. Hughes, Chris liberally dispensed. The commodious Vic­ Watson, Sir , Sir George Fuller, torian Parliament House, at the top of Col­ P. M. Glynn, Sir Langdon Bonython, Sir lins Street, was placed at the disposal of the , Sir , Sir Austin new Parliament and the State Legislature Chapman, Allan McLean, Sir Malcolm Me­ occupied the Exhibition Building. Everything Eachran, Robert Harper and Bruce Smith. possible was done to make Federal members It was indeed fortunate for Australia that contented in Melbourne and so happily situ­ there were men of such high standing and ated did they find themselves that the removal ability to guide the infant footsteps of the to the national capital at did not newly born nation. The work that had to take place until 1927, more than quarter of be done was of momentous consequence. Bills 8 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

had to be framed and passed for taking over accusation was not without justification. Sir the control of various State Departments, in­ George constantly described the Govern­ cluding Defence, Customs and Excise and ment's policy as "Yes, Mr. Watson." Of the Post and Telegraphs. It was necessary to five members for this State in the House of pass legislation to bring into being the High Representatives, Sir John Forrest, as a Min­ Court. A common policy was also essential ister, invariably voted with the Government; for Australia concerning immigration and ac­ Mr. Solomon and I belonged to the Free tion was taken to ensure the policy of "A Trade Opposition Party; Mr. Fowler and Mr. White Australia." The fear was expressed that Mahon, though Labour Party members, al­ an influx of immigrants from Asia would ways voted with us against Protective duties. lower the Australian standard of living, also endanger the purity of the race. As Aus­ The case put forward for Protection was tralia is the last of the world's great spaces that Australia, in addition to being a producer to be filled, it was felt that it should be pre­ of primary products should be also a manu­ served for the surplus population of the facturing country. Industries should there­ British Isles and other European countries. fore be protected by import duties. We were told that the scope for employment in pri­ Uniform Cusloms Tariff. mary industries was limited, and that the Commonwealth could not carry a great popu­ When dealing with machinery and similar lation in prosperous circumstances without Bills, differences of opinion on comparatively large factories. The Australian market should minor matter.s naturally arose and numerous be preserved for Australian manufacturers. divisions took place, but they were not on People who argued in this way said that party lines. The real contentious work of the when industries were firmly and fully estab­ first Parliament was the framing of a uni­ lished they could hold their own against im­ form Customs and Excise Tariff. There was ports and there would then be no longer any general satisfaction that Border Custom need for protective duties. Houses, or "Border Barbarisms" as they were called, were abolished. Victoria had a high To those of us who were Free Traders it protectionist tariff whilst in New South Wales there was a Revenue or Free Trade appeared clear that we were but an infant Tariff- In all the six colonies the tariff had nation-we had then a population of less than been a bone of contention and it was there­ four millian-holding an empty Continent fore not surprising that fierce discussions that possessed inexhaustible pastoral, agri­ should be aroused over the framing of a cultural, and mineral resources, consututing uniform Australian tariff. On it depended the thecountr:£'s real wealth. Why should we question of whether the Commonwealth should be a Revenue Tariff or Protectionist handicap those engaged in the development country, or in other words whether the tariff of natural resources, the products of which should be imposed on articles of luxury, could not be protected by protective duties ostentation and such like for revenue pur­ that merely built up city factories by arti­ poses, or whether its object should be the ficial means and fostered the evil of cen­ protection of locally manufactured goods against overseas competition. That was the tralisation? First make the continent popu­ sole issue that divided the Government from lous and wealthy by encouraging the pri­ the Opposition. It was on that question that mary industries and secondary -industries the first general elections were fought. would spring up naturally in healthycondi­ The voting strength of the two main par­ tions. It was also pointed out that the elim­ ties was almost equal; the advantage, if ination of competition would bring about any, being somewhat in favour of the Gov­ monopolies and the production of inferior ernment. Of the 75 members of the House articles for which enormous prices would of Representatives, sixteen who were re­ have to be paid. turned as Labour members, sat on the cross benches and held the balance of power. The Labour Party were free to vote as they The issue then to be decided was of para­ wished on tariff questions and on that issue mount importance to the Commonwealth. they were evenly divided. Andrew Fisher Throughout long days and sometimes long and W. M·. Hughes were strong Free Traders. nights, for weeks and months, the two main The leader, Chris. Watson, favoured Protec­ parties in the House of Representatives dis­ tion, and his influence was considerable with cussed each item of tariff. The smaller his Party. Both the Barton and Deakin Gov­ ernments were accused by the Opposition of States, especially West Australia, had every­ pandering to the Labour Party in order to thing to lose and nothing to gain by high retain office. To observers, it seemed the protection. It was felt that the less populous WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 9

States would be the dumping ground for the Need for a Federal Capital. products of Melbourne and factor­ In fact, the atmosphere of Melbourne was ies. There were strenuous wordy battles over 50 strongly protectionist that Members the imposition of import duties on agricul­ would be more than human had they not tural and mining machinery, also over the been influenced by their environment- Had various requirements of all primary pro­ the first Parliament sat in Sydney in the ducers. free trade atmosphere that had been created Sir John Forrest and Protection. there by Sir , the struggle over the tariff would probably have resulted dif­ Sir John Forrest had all thecharacteirstics ferently. Those members of the Federal of an autocrat and accustomed as he had Parliament who believed this, felt that the been to have his own way he did not ap­ framers of the Constitution were wise in prove. of his fQur colleagues in the repre­ deciding that the legislature should meet in sentation of West Australia in the House of a federal capital far removed from the par­ Representatives persistently and eonaiatently ochial influences of any of the State Capitals. voting against the protective dutie-s proposed Hence it was that many favoured the selec­ by the Government of which he was a tion of a site for the capital as soon as pos­ member. In his advocacy of the Trans-Aus­ sible and the removal to there of the Legis­ tralian Railway and on certain other questions, lature and Federal Government offices. the West Australian Representatives gave It was arranged that members of Parlia­ him unanimous support but he alone amongsj ment should make a tour of the proposed the Representatives for this State in the first capital sites. The Constitution provided that Federal Parliament voted for protective the site should be in New South Wales and duties. Thus we were not in favour with not nearer than one hundred miles to Sydney. him, and during divisions he looked at us Almost every small centre outside the one across the floor of the House not so much hundred miles radius put in a claim for the in anger as in sorrow. One of his well­ honour but the number of sites was reduced known blunt sayings was, "It is not the by a Commission to about a dozen. I ac­ supporter who votes with me when I am cepted the invitation to join a large party right that I want, but the supporter who of House of Representatives' members to votes with me when I am wrong." visit various suggested sites. In those days, Members opposed to Protection fought motor cars were unknown and the tour oc­ hard. They felt that if protective dutIes cupied more than a fortnight. In the course were imposed, no matter how low the duties of our wanderings we covered over two would be, the Protectionists would never be thousand miles by rail, more than four satisfied but would go on crying out for hundred by coach and a hundred and higher and higher duties. This prediction was seventy-six by sea. Amongst the numerous in accord with what actually happened. matters we had to consider in making a selection were water supply, climate, facil­ Lobbying was carried on to a great ex­ ities for drainage, building materials, pic­ tent whilst the tariff was before Parliament. turesqueness, accessibility, nature of soil and It was a source of constant annoyance. cost of resumption of land. We visited Orange and climbed to the top of Old Man Members were waylaid in the lobbies, also Canoblas, a mountain peak some 4,600 feet when entering and leaving the building and high, and as it was a clear day we enjoyed in fact, wherever they were in Melbourne, a view of surprising grandeur. Towns sixty by agents of some industry that wanted pro­ miles distant were discernible. We also in­ tection. It was asserted that if certain speci­ spected Lyndhurst or Carcoar Garland, fied commodities were protected by high Bathurst, Arrnidale, Jervis Bay, Twofold duties, a number of men would get em­ Bay, Bombala, Dalgety, Queanbeyan, Bun­ ployment at some proposed Victorian fac­ gendore, Lake George, Goulburn, Yass, tory. It mattered not to them that high Tumut, Wagga lWagga and Albury. At each duties by increasing the costs of mining, centre the local residents tried to impress agriculture and other industries would cause on us that their town was the most suitable considerable unemployment in back coun­ to be the Federal Capital. By a peculiar try districts. The employment of a score or process of reasoning they argued that it was so men in Melbourne or the vicinity might the real geographical centre of the Com­ result in throwing out of employment five monwealth. Finally, we thought Australia's or ten times as many men in other parts of real geographical centre moved round witn Australia. To Melbourne Protectionists the us- vision of the greatness of the Commonwealth To Heights Sublime. was obscured by the smoke of suburban factories. It was to me a failure on their I remember that on arrival at Goulburn part to thing continentally. a dense fog prevailed. Local enthusiasts 10 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

insisted on taking members to view the site to appoint someone who was longer ac­ and in order to be agreeable the party com­ quainted with parliamentary procedure. He plied, feeling all the time that it was the then persuaded me to accept it and talked big joke of the tour. Members were induced to me at length about the duties and how to climb a hill, not knowing the height. They they should be exercised. That conversation painfully toiled upward and as after half and later talks with him I never forgot, and an hour's exertion the top seemed no nearer they were of inestimable service to me not and the fog no thinner, we felt that the un­ merely when filling the Chairmanship of dertaking was beyond a joke. The older Committees in the Federal Parliament but members declined to go on, but I and other later when I was a member of the Lejl"i.­ younger men persisted. We were told the lative Coun cil and became Chait rnau of Com­ summit would be clear of fog. It was. But mittees, and subsequently President. below, nothing was to be seen but an im­ As Deputy Chairman of Committees, I mense sea of clouds. was involved in an incident chat might have When votes were taken in each Federal had an rmpleasa nt endiug. One evening when Chamber, the Huuse of R".presenlativ,,~ fa­ the House was in committee the Chairman, voured Tumut and the Senate, Bornbala. Mr. Chanter, asked me to take the chair, Neither of these sites was ultimately chosen. whispering to me that Mr. X, one of the W'e had not been brought to Canberra, members, was waiting to rise and speak but which a later Parliament selected, his friends reported that he had imbibed so Nil-tional Capitals are seldom the result of freely they were afraid he would make a delibera~e choice. They, for the most part, fool of himself, perhaps create a scene and grow with the race. Where, however, states bring even the House into disrepute- I may have joined in a federal union, the site of say, members were extremely temperate; a capital has been specially selected, and amongst the 111 there being only one or as one writer puts it, some that have been two exceptions. Mr. X had risen several chosen in the wilderness have more than times already, but the Chairman told me justified the boldness of their founders. he had intentionally avoided seeing him. The Alexandria waxed rich and great on the Chairman asked me to take his place and banks of the Nile; so did St. Petersburg preside as I was not supposed to know that on the Neva; and Washington on the Mr. X had risen previously and so I could Potomac bids fair to excel them both in instead see other members and call on them. stately splendour. Ottawa, also; is populous When I took the Chair as soon as the and beautiful with its glorious national Member who was speaking sat down, Mr. X buildings crowning its rocky heights. Year sprang to his feet but another member rose after year, Canberra is being improved, and and I called on him. Mr.. X felt there was who knows, but 'in time it will be a capital a conspiracy not to let him speak. And so of which Australians, will have good reason there was. The Members were determined to be proud. to save him from himself. The Way of a Woman. A Dignified Parliament. The decorum and tone of Parliament was All attempts to get Mr. X out of the very high. Debates were carried on cour­ Chamber and so close the discussion by teously and an excellent spirit prevailed. passing to another clause, failed. Mr. Deakin There was a determination not to permit of had charge of the Bill under discussion any occurrence that would be a reflection and finally I let him know that there was on the first National Parliament of Aus­ no alternative but to call upon Mr. X and tralia. The Speaker, Sir Frederick Helder, look out for a squall. Mr- X was sitting in was an ideal occupant of the office. Pos­ his place, his face red as fire, and his eyes sessed of a thorough knowledge of the blazing. When the opportunity came he standing orders, prompt and accurate in his sprang to his feet and I called on him. His decisions, strict but just, he was respected fury was so intense that he could not speak by all. I never remember that his ruling was for a few seconds. When his voice carne it ever questioned or that any member was was thick with whisky and rage. "Mr. suspended during the life of the first Par­ Deputy Chairman," he roared, "I have been liament. slighted, insulted by the--" Suddenly a spasm passed over his face, he grabbed his A few weeks after I had taken my seat, side, he looked behind him and collapsed to Sir Frederick sent for me and asked me to his seat, and soon after left the Chamber. accept the position of Deputy Chairman of What happened was that Mr. X's friends had Committees. Inexperienced as I then was brought Mrs. X to the House and placed I expressed doubts as to my capacity to her in a visitor's seat that only separated carry out the duties of so onerous an her by railings from her husband who was office and suggested that it would be better immediately in front. She got there just WE S T E RrN AU STRA LIAN HIS TOR I CAL SOClETY II before he rose. She was a red-faced, stern was given to him to conceal his thoughts. lady with a long umbrella. When her hus­ He certainly was careful before he com­ band rose she thrust the umbrella through mitted himself or his Government to any: the rails and gave him a terrific prod in course of action. Amongst members he was the ribs. Hence his collapse. It was highly extremely popular, and deservedly so. Un­ disorderly to interfere with a speaker when failing in his courtesy and never personal addressing the Chair but from where I sat in his criticism of opponents he was gen- I could not see the proddings. I thought he erous to all.

LORD AND LADY FORREST.-A photograph taken in 1901, when Lord( Sir John) Forrest was Minister for Defence in the Barton AebninistratioD. He was created\ Lord Forrest of BUDbury in 1918. had become suddenly ill. The prod must When the High Court BiH became law have been very severe. there was much discussion as to who should be the first judges of the Federal High Parliamentary Notables· Court. Amongst members the hope was The personnel of Parliament was most general that Sir Edmund Barton would be interesting. The Prime Minister, Sir Ed­ the Chief Justice. It was felt that he was mund Barton was somewhat ponderous in in every way eligible. His standing as a appearance and speech. His phraseology lawyer justified the appointment and it was was excellent but at times his language was also a fitting reward for his services towards involved and created the suspicion that it the accomplishment of Federation. It was 12 WEST ER N AU ST RA LlAN HI STO RI CAL SO CI E TY stated in the Press that he would be Chief caused him to rush along, and finally he Justice. That evening he solemnly informed seemed to abandon any attempt of departing the House that the announcement was in­ from his usual style as hopeless. He raced correct as he would not take the position. through what he had to say-a torrent of Mr. Andrew Fisher voiced the feeling of the words. House by interjecting, "The Right Hon. Though I was in opposition to the Gov­ gentleman is quite entitled to the position." ernrnent, Deakin was kindness itself to me. It was then an open secret that he would When I was defeated at the general elec­ accept a High Court Judgeship and most of tions, he immediately wired to me-he was us regretted that he was not becoming then Prime Minister, and I was an opposi­ Chief Justice. A few days later his ap­ tionist-his personal regret and added, "Hope pointment was announced; the other mem­ fortune of war will not discourage you at bers of the bench being Sir Samuel Griffiths one rebuff." It was just like him to say as Chief Justice and Senator O'Connor­ that. He was ever thoughtful and consid­ When Sir Edmund Barton was asked why erate to others and was specially kind to he did not take the Chief Justiceship his the younger men in politics, even those answer was "Because Griffiths is the better who were opposed to his views. man." Sir Edmund Barton had no exagger­ ated opinion of his own capacity as a lawyer The Wit of Sir George Reid. or otherwise. Sir George Reid delighted in a hostile Mr. . audience and by his witty replies to inter­ jectors he could always put it in good hu­ Mr. Alfred Deakin, who became the second mour and so get a hearing, Almost every­ Prime Minister of Australia, was tall, hand­ one knows how at one meeting an angry­ some, dark-featured, with a full black beard, looking woman cried out, "If you were my a delightful conversationalist, bright and husband I'd poison you." "Madam," gravely witty, and the most charming personality replied Reid. "If you were my wife, I'd in the first Parliament. When the House rose take it." When an egg from an audience each evening at mealtime there was always struck him and made a mess of his shirt a spare three-quarters of an hour and he front, he calmly wiped away the debris and spent most of that time in walking in the remarked, "Thank God the moa is extinct." delightful garden at the back of the Mel­ On another occasion an interjector called bourne Parliament House. He often in­ out at a public meeting: "You're two-faced 1" vited me to be his companion, perhaps be­ "Well, retorted Sir George. "You are not cause he was fond of talking and I was a two-faced. If you were you'd leave that good listener. and I look back on the talks face at home·" as amongst the happiest of such experi­ ences. He loved reading and his knowledge The opening of the Goldfields Water of English literature was extensive. What­ Scheme was marked by several days' fes­ ever subject he discussed he adorned. tivities and the expenditure of considerable More than once he confided to me that he sums in entertainments, much champagne was specially anxious to make the speech being consumed. Sir George, who was there, that he would have to deliver when as At­ remarked, "I never heard so much talk torney General he was introducing the High about water and saw so little of it drunk." Court Bill worthy of the occasion. "I am," Another story was that during a visit to he said. "cursed with the fatal gift of London Sir George Reid was placed at a fluency." His words, he said, always carried banquet between the Prince of Wales and him away and he told me he wished he the Archbishop of Canterbury. Sir George could deliver the speech as he had thought was liable to fall asleep at any time of the it out, and slowly and deliberately. We had day, and as he dreaded it might happen, even several talks about it and I was in my place when sitting next to Royalty he whispered when the time came for him to deliver it. to the Archbishop, "If I fall asleep give me He began as he had intended, carefully a pinch." choosing his words, and avoiding rapidity of He always drew enormous crowds when speech and superabundance of words. That billed to speak. People flocked to hear his continued for about a quarter of an hour humour and his eloquence and before his or twenty minutes, then some interruptions political foes realised what they were doing came and he verbally bolted-the usual rush he had won them to his views and they were of words flowed freely- I watched and per­ wildly cheering opinions that they had al­ haps looked disappointed. In the midst of ways condemned. So serious a view was his outpourings he caught my eye. My face taken of his powers of converting an audi­ must have reminded him of his original in­ ence that at one place some rowdy political tention. He paused, and once more proceeded ~pponents determined that he should be re­ to deliver his speech as he had arranged in fused a hearing. There was a huge audience his own mind but further interruptions again at his meeting and on his rising to speak WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 13 he got out the one word, "Gentlernen-" platform to address an immense crowd that Immediately the house resounded with cat­ was waiting f.or him evidently expecting to calls, hisses and all sorts of strange outcries­ be amused- He said to me, "I must not He could not be heard but he waited pa­ make them laugh." As soon as he ap­ tiently. Five minutes passed, ten minutes, peared they laughed and in every sentence and still the uproar continued. Finally there the audience sought to discover something was a lull in the uproar and Reid said with humourous and they often did though it a look of surprise. "I only called you was not meant. No matter how he tried he Gentlemen." There was a laugh. The re­ could not help creating humour. mark also contained a reproach and he was permitted to proceed with his speech. Reid once told me how troubled he was about a remark he had made in the House Separating the Sheep from the Goats. a day or two previously. He was grievously I was a member of the Parliamentary concerned about it. There was a kindly, Party of which Reid was the Leader. When well-meaning and industrious member of the as Leader of the Opposition he was prepar­ first House of Representatives from Tas­ ing his first speech in the Federal Parlia­ mania, named Piesse. Mr. Piesse had a ment, he was desirous of showing that what­ strange peculiarity in one of his eyes that 'ever fiscal policy the Government decided was blind. It made his appearance curious on, a majority of the members were returned and he was endeavouring to explain some­ to support a tariff framed for revenue rather thing to Mr. Reid in one of his speeches in than for protective purposes. He asked a the House. Mr. Reid could not follow his couple of the younger members, including remarks and he interjected, "I cannot see myself to find out from the election speeches what the Honourable Member has in his what were the views expressed by members eye." Instantly Mr. Reid realised the mis­ when on the hustings. We made investiga­ take he had made but he could not explain. tions and were doubtful only about one man It worried his kindly nature for days. but as someone said he was a Free Trader, Mr. Reid put him down as such. The gal­ A Labour Leader. leries and Members' benches were crowded The Labour Leader, Mr. Watson, was a and when Mr. Reid carne to this part of man possessed of considerable common his speech in his notes, the names of mem­ sense, moderate and practical in his views bers were arranged alphabetically, and the and direct in his speech- His party had fre­ individual in question happened to come quent meetings and the various aspects of first. "The first name on the list of Revenue questions coming before Parliament were Tariffists," said Reid, "is Mr. B." A member discussed in detail. As the Party consisted with a long, scraggy, white beard in a far­ of twenty-four members including eight away corner who proved to be Mr. B. in­ Labour Senators, and Mr. Watson invariably terjected: "No, I am not-" The Government was the first of them to speak, it was said benches cheered. Reid was not disconcerted. that it was not surprising that he had a He adjusted his eye-glass and looking at great reputation for ability as he represented Mr. B. remarked, "Thank you, that is just not one but twenty-four brains. This did what we wanted. Your reply does not affect not apply to either of the other Parties as my argument. We were doubtful about you; they rarely met and did not discuss either our wish is to separate the sheep from the the general principle or details of the bills goats and so, Mr. B., you wish us to put presented by the Government. There was in you down amongst the goats!" The reply fact a certain soreness amongst some of the so fitted in with the member's appearance Labour members because all the kudos went the whole chamber rocked with laughter. to the leader. The Reluctant Jester. Mr. Andrew Fisher. Much of Reid's humour was unconscious. A prominent member of the Labour Party, His rotund appearanc.e, his big body, short Mr. Andrew Fisher was a dour Scotchman, legs and strange, rather plaintive voice ex­ a poor but logical speaker, a firm believer cited humour. He rarely indulged in jokes in the improvement of the masses by evo­ except in reply to interjections and during lution, not revolution, and transparently his later years in public life in Australia he sincere and honest. He was Prime Minister was 'engaged in a constant effort to appear of three Commonwealth Labour Govern­ before the public as a serious-minded states­ ments. As Leader of the Labour Opposition man. His opponents sought to injure him at the outbreak of the first World War he by representing that he was the "funny was asked what would be the attitude of man" of politics and nothing else. He strove the Labour Party during the conflict and hard to avoid creating that impression. I without a moment's hesitation he replied, remember one evening on the West Aus­ "With Great Britain to the last man and the tralian Goldfields before he went on the last shilling." 14 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Inimitable Mr. W. M. Hughee. could not fail to arouse the hostility of two Mr.W.M· Hughes was considered one of of the three towns. He succeeded in doing the brightest brains of the Labour Party. I what appeared impossible, namely, pleasing can remember as well as yesterday his all three. The exhaustive ballot system was short, erect figure standing whilst he deliv­ adopted for selection. He voted in the first ered a speech on the first Address in Reply. ballot for the town that of the three was He bad the accent of an educated English­ most likely to be elerninated. Then, he voted man. his pronunciation was good, his gram­ for the next of the three that he knew mar perfect, and his utterance indicated cul­ would be least favoured. When the second ture. That first speech was an advocacy of was eliminated he voted for the third- He the Swiss system of compulsory military thus voted for the three. service. Members from Western Australia. He was a martyr to indigestion and needed As regards the eleven West Australian constant exercise to keep fit. He was one members of the first Federal Parliament, of the party of parliamentarians that visited Lord Forrest's career and splendid achieve­ about a dozen suggested sites in New South ments are so well known that they need Wales for the Federal Capital. When dis­ only a passing reference. The high reputa­ tant from railway lines as we travelled tion he gained in the West Australian Par­ mostly in four in hands, Hughes would jump liament, he sustained in the Commonwealth off the coach and run beside it for perhaps Legislature. His statesmanship and ability quarter or half a mile. He did not seem to were recognised by all patries. He was a tire or perspire and he had not an ounce of Minister in seven Commonwealth Govern­ superfluous flesl1 on his body. ments and when His Majesty the King He was full of humour. When the party raised him to the Peerage, all Australians reached a town for the evening a number acclaimed the honour as thoroughly well of them would gather together in a room deserved. of one of the hotels for some tomfoolery. Hughes, who by the way was a strict tee­ Of the other ten members for VIlest Aus­ totaller, was a ring leader of these gather­ tralia Mr. Mahon was an Irishman. He ings and often enjoyed himself so hilariously had been a political prisoner in Kilmainham that a stranger might for a moment think Gaol with members of the House of Com­ that he was intoxicated. One evening the mons, including the Home Rule leader, Party was engaged in a mock initiation Charles Stuart Parnell, for whom he acted ceremony to some supposed Lodge with a for a short time as private secretary. In high sounding and absurd name. W. M. the Federal Parliament he was recognised Hughes was the Master of Ceremonies. He as a clear thinker and as a concise and grabbed a poker, stuck it in the fire, made logical speaker. He was Postmaster General it red-hot and waved it about, whilst he in the Watson Labour Ministry, and served carried on strange antics and made excru­ as a Minister in two Labour Governments ciatingly funny .speeches- He happened to led by Mr. Andrew Fisher as well as in lay the poker aside where it lost its red Hughes' first Labour Government. glow but still remained burning hot. A mem­ Mr. Fowler, member for Perth, was a ber of the party, Mr. Willis, who suddenly Scotsman and a fluent speaker who during came into the room, thought he would join the first World War left the Labour Party in the fun and seized the poker and not as he favoured conscription and held the knowing that it was hot he began applying Perth seat in the House of Representatives it to Hughes' legs playfully. Everyone tried for twenty-one years. Mr. Solomon, who to tell him that it was hot and in the cla­ represented Fremantle, was defeated by a mour no one could be heard and he con­ Labour candidate at the second general elec­ tinued to tap Hughes' legs with it. The tion for the Federal Parliament. He was higher Hughes i urnped, the more the other elderly and died a few years later. continued to use the poker. It was not until The first six Senators sent from West there was a smell of burning from Hughes' Australia to the Federal Parliament in­ legs that he stopped. Hughes' trousers were cluded interesting men with colourful careers­ so burned that he could never wear them Staniforth Smith, who headed the poll, again but he took the thing in good part. was a Victorian by birth, 32 years The Diplomatic Knight. of age, Mayor of Kalgoorlie, bright and Sir William Lyne was well-named the cheerful, handsome and extremely popular. "Rogue Elephant." He held an uncertain On the expiration of his six years term as seat but was noted for his electioneering Senator, he retired from Parliament and skill. There were three towns in his elec­ soon after was appointed Administrator of torate, each claiming to be the Federal Papua. Whilst there he led an exploration Capital site. It was embarrassing for him. expedition into the interior, where the party We felt that no matter how he voted he had man),' adV'entures and became separated. WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 15

Eventually some members of it got back to public service, Sir 's absence civilisation and reported that the others had from Parliament has been a distinct loss perished, including Staniforth Smith. There to the Commonwealth. was mourning at Kalgoorlie where he was well known and well liked and the Mayor Hugh de Largje who came fourth on the and Councillors having decided to send therr poll, was born in Scotland, had presided at sympathy to his relatives, drank a toast to the first Labour Congress held 11\ West his memory, "in solemn silence." After an Australia, which took place at Kalgoorhe exciting time during which he had numerous in 1898. He held his seat as a Senator for narrow escapes. Staniforth Smith managed 20 years and now lives at St. Kilda, Victoria, to struggle to an outlying post of civilisa­ an old man of 87 years of age. tion. Later he visited Kalgoorlie and the The fifth on the list of votes for the first Municipal Council, to welcome his return Senate was Ned Harney who was often re­ from the dead, had another drink. ferred to as "the silver tongued" because of A Strange Coincidence. his wonderful rich and beautiful voice, and his great oratorical powers. He was Irish, Second on the poll for the first Senate was 35 years of age, very handsome, possessed Alexander Percival Matheson, who was of a great charm of manner and a graduate born in Scotland and after leaving the of Dublin University which produced Ed­ famous English public school of Harrow mund Burke, Henry Grattan, Tom Moore. made a two' years' tour of the world. He Oliver Goldsmith and a host of other emin­ was some years in business in the City of ent men as well as West Australian notables London, but was attracted by the gold dis­ including Sir Winthrop Hackett, Judge coveries of West Australia and came to Moorehed and several other-so As a barrister Coolgardie in 1895. His. family ~or gen.e:a­ with a big practice, Harney endeavoured to tions had been associated With British attend to his professional work and also to politics. For 37 years his father was a mem­ his parliamentary duties but in those days ber of the House of Commons, and an ardent the only means of travelling between West supporter of Gladstone. His grandfather Australia and the Eastern States was by was Spencer Perceval, who in 1812 wh!lst steamer and he voyaged forwards and back­ Prime Minister was shot dead on entering wards so often that he became known as the lobby of the House of Commons, by a "The Federal Member for the Great Aus­ man who claimed to have a grievance tralian Bight." Still, he was soextraordin­ against him. When Matheson was less than arily brilliant that the Senate was always two years in Coolgardie he was persuaded crowded when he spoke and his address on to become a candidate for the Legislative the second reading of the High Court Bill Council. Strange to say, his opponent had was regarded as the ablest delivered on t~e the same surname as his grandfather's assas­ measure in either House. At the end of his sin and if not a direct descendant belonged three years term he went to London, was to his family. Matheson won the seat, and successful at the Bar there, was appointed later was a member of the Federal Council a King's Counsel and won a seat in the in Melbourne. As a member of the Senate House of Commons in the Liberal interests. in accordance with his family traditions he He died in London in 1939. consistently advocated an advanced radical policy. He also strongly favoured the es­ Another lawyer, Mr- Norman K. Ewing, tablishment of an Australian Navy. At the was the last on the list of votes of elect~d end of his six years' term as a Senator he members. He resigned from the Senate 11\ did not offer himself for re-election, but 1903, and went to live in Tasmania where returned to England where on the death some six years later he was elected to the of a relative he interited a baronetcy. He House of Assembly. He was raised to t~e died in London in 1929, at of 68 bench of the Supreme Court of Tasmania years. and subsequently he was Lieut. Gover~or George Pearce. of the State. He died in 1928. Norman Ewing was one of three brothers, all of whom were George Pearce, who was elected third on parliamentarians. John Ewing had b~en ~or the poll for the Senate, was a member of six years a member of the Legislative the Labour Party. He was a young man Council of West Australia, and during his only 31 years of age, South Australian born, term in the Upper House he was a Minister a carpenter by trade, quietly spoken and of the Crown. Sir Thomas Ewing was for posesssed of great wisdom. Flew men have 16 years in the Legislative Assembly of New had a more notable parliamentary career. South Wales and for nine years a member During the 37 years that he retained his of the House of Representatives, being for seat as a Senator he held a portfolio in no three years a Commonwealth Minister. The less than 10 Commonwealth Governments flair for politics must have been very strong and was several times Acting Prime Min­ in the family for three brothers to enter ister. A genuine and sincere worker in the the Parliaments of New South Wales, West 16 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Australia, Tasmania and the Common­ applies in public affairs. There are other wealth and for all three to have attained things, also, to remember. All countrtes distinguished positions. have their domestic troubles and just now Surviving Members. there is perhaps no part of the world that is not faced with grave difficulties. In fact, Of the 111 members of the first Federal Australia can be compared favourably with Parliament there are but 11 still alive. Of conditions in Europe and elsewhere. Since these 11 survivors, W. M. Hughes is the only the establishment of Federation in Australia one who has maintained continuously his the population has almost doubled, Austra­ membership up to the present, and as such liana as fighting men have earned imper­ he takes an active part in the proceedings ishable renown in two world wars, and unity at the age of 82. The others are: Sir Isaac has resulted in Australia taking a foremost Isaacs, Sir Joseph Cook, Sir George Pearce, place amongst the nations of the British Colonel Crouch, King O'Malley, Hugh de Commonwealth. The enemies of Australia Largie, W. G. Higgs, J. G· Clemens, Henry and of our Empire have been humbled in Willis and myself. the dust and the troubles of today are minor Australia. and the Future. compared with those we have overcome. In conclusion I would like to say that. Much has been achieved by United Aus­ many in Australia are disappointed that all tralia and although much remains to be the bright hopes of those who laboured to done yet, the progress and prosperity of bring about the federal union of th~ Aus­ the past is certain with the aid of stout tralian continent have not been realised. I hearts to be surpassed in the future, and would remind those who take this view, that the Australia yet-to-be may be the embodi­ it is rare if ever, for realisation to reach the ment of the brightest day dreams of the heights ~f expectation, and this particularly founders of Australian unity. The opening of the First Federal Parliament at the E xbibition Building, Melbourne, on May 9, 1901, as painted by Tom Roberis.