[11 September, 1951.J 5999

To Mr. Henning and Mr. Murray I ex- ?fi5gwluiur QauunriI tend, in common with previous speakers, a hearty welcome to this Chamber. The Tuesday, 11th September, 1651. demonstration that they have given of their ability to deal with subjects within CONTENTS. the sphere of their interests proved that page they will be suitable members to occupy Leave of absence ...... 599 positions in this Chamber. I am sure Address-In-reply, fourteenth day, conclusion 599 that as time goes on they will bring to As to presentation of Address 599 this House the benefit of the knowledge Speakers on Address- they have of subjects that concern their Ron. E. M. Davies...... 599 own particular province and the State Hon Sir Charles Latham W0 generally. The Minister for Transport (Hon. C. H. Simpson). 609 I now want to have a few words to say Bills :Public Buildings Act (Validation o about the recent peace proposals. In do- Payments), Ir. 622 ing so it will be necessary for me to Pubic Buildings Act Repeal, Ir. 622 travel in retrospect, as it were, and I ask Noxious Weeds Act Amendment, Ir. 622 your tolerance, Sir, and the indulgence Feeding Stuffs Act Amendment Ii'. 622 of the House. Firstly, I want to go back Agriculture Protection Board Act to World War I, and I think that, not- Amendment, It. 622 withstanding the fact that many years Poultry Industry (Trust Fund) Act have passed, what happened at the cessa- Amendment, fr. ... 622 tion of hostilities on that occasion was Potato Crowing Industry Trust Fund no doubt indelibly imprinted on the Act Amendment, It...... 622 minds of the people who went through Road Closure (Wanneroc), Ir. 622 that particular war. We all know that World War I. lasted for 4-. years and during the course of that conflict we The PRESIDENT took the Chair at 4.30 heard from the then Kaiser the screams p.m., and read prayers. of "Gott mit uns" and "Gott straf Eng- LEAVE OF ABSENCE. land." We heard also from the leaders of the Allied Nations that they would On motion by Hion. E. M. Heenan (for never again trade with Germany. Hion. 0. Bennetts) leave of absence for six consecutive sittings granted to Hon. It comes vividly to my mind that when R. J. Boylen (South-East) on the ground the armistice was signed in November, of private business. 1918, and an army of occupation was sent to Germany, it was thought by those who ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. carried the responsibility at the time that it was only necessary to have that army Fourteenth Day-Conclusion. of occupation as far as the river Rhine. Debate resumed from the 6th Sep- To my mind that was wrong; it was in- tember. dicative of a soft peace because the people of Germany had no war on their sol; it HON. E. 1W. DAVIES (West) [4.343: was all fought in France and Belgium. May I take this opportunity of joining Apart from the fact that their own kith with previous speakers in offering my and kin had sacrificed their lives, the congratulations to you, Mr. President, on people of Germany did not know very the recent honour that has been con- much about actual warfare. Then we ferred upon you. I trust that you, and found that this nation of arrogant people, your good lady, will long be spared to imbued with the idea of racial superiority enjoy that well-deserved honour. I wish and a desire to dominate the world, was also to congratulate Mr. Sparks and Mr. permitted, to a large extent, once again Roberts on the promotions that they have to build up its strength. received. From our general knowledge of Notwithstanding the fact that what re- the two gentlemen concerned, I am sure mained of their fleet was destroyed in they will carry out their duties in the Scapa. Flow in Scotland, the trade that she exemplary manner that characterised was able to carry on with other nations their predecessors. enabled Germany in the short space of 20 Time marches on and at each opening years, to bring upon the world another war of Parliament we notice that many that lasted for six years. To my mind, the familiar faces are missing. On this par- responsible people of that particular time ticular occasion we see that our beloved did not teach Germany the lesson that was Sir James Mitchell, Hon. Hobart Tuckey, necessary. Germany could not have been Hon. W. J. Mann and Mr. Leake, the taught her lesson properly or else she Clerk of Parliaments, have passed over would not have been able to throw the the Great Divide. Although bereavement world into a catastrophe that lasted for is a severe blow to the relatives con- six years. cerned. we trust that it will be tempered We hear a lot about the iron curtain, somewhat by the knowledge that their but we also have to remember that in the loved ones played their parts, lived their Black Forest in Germany there was some- lives and have gained their rewards. thing going on that no foreigner was per- [COUNCIL.] initted to see or know of. Whilst the that having once stabbed the United United Kingdom and Australia were Nations in the back, she is not going to be battling to pay their war debts to America, given another opportunity to do so. Germany paid very little or no reparations It appears to me that Japan will have to the victorious allies. Thus it came to an opportunity to rearm herself and an pass that there was not very much differ- opportunity to trade again with other ence between the victors and the van- nations, thus enabling her to build herself quished. UP in a few Years' time into one of the im- The House will remember that under the portant nations of the wvorld, What evid- Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations ence have we to show that Japan is not organisation was formed. We pinned a going to do what she did previously. As great deal of faith to that organisation and far as I am concerned, I believe she will not thought that through it negotiations would hesitate to do the very same thing. It is take place to settle the differences of my opinion that she will ally herself with opinion between nations. Unfortunately, any country from which she can derive the however, the death knell of the league greatest benefits. was sounded when Mussolini was permit- I feel that we have done the people of ted to take command of the Mediterran- Australia an injustice;, to some extent we ean, to utilize the Suez Canal and the Red have added insult to injury. I read in the Sea and to attack Haille Selassie. To ray papers that it is again proposed to establish mind, that was the beginning of World trade with Japan and whilst I recognise it War Ir, for it did show to Hitler and Mus- is necessary to make Japan assist in build- solini the growing weakness of the allied ing up our country and I would have no powers. great objection to the Japanese being made I would like to draw some comparison to work and supply this country with between conditions that were brought about steel and other materials of which there as a result of that peace in June, 1919, and is a shortage-I certainly do not agree the peace treaty that has recently been that Western Australia and Australia signed in San Francisco, We all know that should be told to import Japanese crockery the majority of the nations have subscribed and toys. to these peace proposals. Some, however, Hon. L. A. Logan: Who is she going to have not, and with these I do not wish to ally myself. I wonder, however, whether trade with? we are doing the right thing. As far as Hon. E. M. DAVIES: I am not con- Japan is concerned, we have to take into cerned with that. consideration the fact that while America, Hon. L. A. Logan: What about our wool? the United Kingdom and the British Com- Hon. E. M. DAVIES: Are not there monwealth were engaged in another war. other countries that can do with our wool? she virtually stabbed those nations in the If it is necessary to do so, we can send back: she did not follow the general usages wool to Japan, but I think we should of war and declare war on them, but merely bring back from that country in exchange went ahead and bombed Pearl Harbour. materials that are in short supply here, Apart from this. Japan has perpertrated not crockery and toys--these can be manu- some of the vilest atrocities on those who factured here. It is all right for Mr. were unfortunate enough to be prisoners of Logan to hold those views, but I certainly war, including many Courageous girls who am not going to agree with them. It followed the profession of Florence Night- might be necessary to have trade relations ingale. Japan also torpedoed a hospital with Japan; but she is the vanquished ship on the eastern coast of Australia, and and we are the victors, and she should now it is proposed to treat her in a very supply us with the materials necessary soft manner; it is proposed that she should for the building up of this country, not be permitted to rearm herself: that she with crockery and toys. My final word should have the opportunity of deciding on the subject is this: Let us take heed the method of paying reparations to those that history does not repeat itself. countries she invaded; anid, to all intents With other members, I have listened and purposes, it is also now proposed to with great interest to the speeches de- again trade with Japan and give her the livered during this debate and feel con- same opportunity that Germany was given cerned about the north of Australia. This after World War 1, to build herself up. is the Jubilee year of the Commonwealth. It is only quite recently that we had In 1901, the Constitution was proclaimed some Japanese sampans coming around the which brought the Commonwealth into coast of Australia and committing an act of existence, giving a continent to a nation piracy while a state of war existed between and a nation to a continent, giving us one her and the allies. The small fine that flag and one people, proud to be known was levied upon her meant nothing at all. as Australians, and proud of the honour I suppose we have to bow to the decision of and privilege of being a member of the those who are carrying the responsibility British Commonwealth of Nations. It is for the governments of the various coun- a Commonwealth, not merely a federation tries in coming to this decision, but it of States, with certain powers that were definitely does not meet with my approval. previously exercised by the States and I feel that Japan should be made to realise were transferred to the Commonwealth. [11 September. 1951.] 601

One of the principal powers transferred When I read in His Excellency's Speech to the Commonwealth was that of defence. that 5,000 houses had been built, and when To my way of thinking, defence means I look around my province and see what not merely the provision of a navy, army has been done there, I feel that the people or air force and the preparation of land- of West Province and of the Fremantle ing grounds in the north of the continent; district In particular have received a very nor does it mean merely the provision of raw deal. Recently I asked the Minister destroyers or sloops to sail around the for Transport a question and elicited that north. I consider it implies that the north the number of Commonwealth-State rental of Australia should protect itself, neces- homes erected in the Fremantle area sitating the peopling of the north and the since the State Housing Commission provision of industries, both primary and began activities was 216 at Hilton Park, secondary. In this way, the people resid- 173 at Mosman Park and seven in the ing in the north would be enabled to en- Melville area. In 1947, the policy of the gage in whatever defence might become present Government was to build small- necessary for the northern part of the unit homes for the people, and though a continent. certain number of such homes have been built, in West Province and Fremantle in An opinion exists--and it has been ex- particular only 10 small-unit homes have pressed in this House-that the northern been erected and, of that number, three part of Western Australia should be have been made available to employees handed over to the Commonwealth. At of the State Electricity Commission. Of this stage I would not say that I would the 216 houses built in Fremantle, 48 have oppose such a transfer, but I certainly been made available to employees of the would not cast a vote in favour of it un- State Electricity Commission. less a great deal more information were made available to me. The Common- While I have no objection to homes be- wealth 40 years ago took over the north- ing provided for people, it is not fair that ern portion of wvhat was then known as some who have homes elsewhere in the South Australia-the portion above the metropolitan area and who have been 26th parallel and bounded by Western transferred to Fremantle because they Australia on the one side and Queensland were working in the South F'remantle on the other side. Notwithstanding that power house should receive priority over that territory has been under the jurisdic- people who have lived in Fremantle, been tion of the Commonwealth for more than ratepayers and worked there for a con- 40 years. I cannot see that a great deal siderable number of years. The State has been done for it. Not until the Housing Commission says that it has built Japanese endeavoured to invade Australia 120 flats in Fremantle. Those are known were steps taken to any extent in that as transient fiats, and have been erected territory. If that may be regarded as a at what is commonly called Mulberry criterion of what would happen to the Farm. but officially it is Davies Park. northern part of Western Australia. I The building of those flats was approved venture to say it would be better left in by the Fremantle City Council on condi- the hands of the State. tion that they were not alienated, because they are substandard places inasmuch as Recently, the Premier, during his visit the height of the ceilings is only aft. 3mn. to Canberra, asked for a certain amount But these flats are of no value to the of money for the development of the Fremantle residents because the Govern- North-West and was told by the Common- ment policy is that they shall be allocated wealth Treasurer, Sir Arthur Fadden, to migrant building tradesmen and Aus- that that was a matter for the State. tralian building tradesmen on a 50/50 basis. When a man holding such an important For some reason or other, however, we find portfolio makes a statement that the that other people, who are not building peopling of the north and the provision tradesmen, have from time to time, been of industries are matters for the State, given these fiats. I say to the Government notwithstanding that the Commonwealth that if it has a policy it should stick to it. is the taxing authority, it calls for a great By altering its policy the members for the deal of thought. In view of that state- Fremantle district are placed in an in- ment, the Government of Western Aus- vidious position because people come to us tralia should take up the matter very and tell us there are flats vacant at Mul- forcibly with the Commonwealth and berry Farm and we say to them, "If you point out that if the northern part of are not building tradesmen, we are sorry Australia is to be protected, it must be but you are not allowed to obtain them." peopled and must have industries, and Then they point out to us that so-and-so that for this, money is necessary, and who works in some other industry has a that as the Commonwealth is the taxing fiat there. That places us in an invidious authority, it is the responsibility of the position. Commonwealth to make the money avail- It can be truthfully said that the Fre- able to the State Government. mantle City Council has at all times en- Becoming a little more parochial. I deavoured to meet the Government and wish to refer to the housing question which the State Housing Commission in every re- has agitated the minds of many people. spect with a view to encouraging them CCOUNC IL.1 to build sufficient houses in Fremnantle for benefit to Fremantle and the people there, the people. In that regard the council it will also be of benefit to the State gen- has transferred to the State Housing Com- erally. mission, 226 acres of land, including 14 Fremantle, being one of the earliest set- acres for a school and five acres for a tled districts in Western Australia, natur- reserve. A large tract of country has been ally has a large number of houses that have cleared since 1948, but on it only 14 houses reached the stage when they are of no have been built, the rest being in various further use for human habitation, and so stages of construction-some have only the should be demolished. Owing to the stumps, some part of the frames erected, shortage of housing, however, it is and many, of course, have not been com- necessary that people should continue menced. to liv& in them because there are Quite a number of houses have been not sufficient other houses for them. So transferred to the war service homes I ask the Government to see whether it section. I have no objection to that, be- can do something more for the Fremantle cause the houses are still being provided district than it has in the past. We have for the people. Someone gets them ir- heard a great deal, from time to time, respective of whether they are under the about contractors working here and .there, Commonwealth-State rental. scheme, the but for about 18 months after the present State Workers Homes Act, or the war ser- Government came into office, not one house vice homes scheme. I do not complain was built in Fremantle, and the reason because they become war service homes. given was that it was not possible to get but I do because of the fact that since contractors to go there. the Commonwealth-State housing scheme But at the same time South Perth and started, Fremantle has received only 216 Belmont were receiving their quota of houses and 10 small-unit homes, and out houses built by the Public Works Depart- of that number, 51 have been allocated to ment under day labour conditions. I feel the State Electricity Commission, thus de- that Freman tie, generally, has not received priving the residents of Fremantle of those the justice it was entitled to in view of particular homes. the fact that it has an increasing popula- tion and new industries. As I mentioned We have heard a great deal about why earlier, we find that since the advent of it is necessary that the Government should the Commonwealth-State rental scheme, become the landlord in this State. I feel only 216 houses have been built in Fre- it is obvious and necessary, because if we mantle, and ten small-unit homes, and look back over the past few years. say out of this number, 51 have been made to June, 1947, and take the figures up to available to the State Electricity Com- the March quarter for 1951, we find that, in round figures, the population of Western mission. Australia has increased by 80,000. Included Hon. L. A. Logan: You would probably in that number are 42,000 migrants from have got more built by private enterprise. oversen. We had six years of war, and Hon. G. Fraser: Private enterprise could during that period there was an almost have built all the time, but it did not. complete cessation of building activities, so Ron, E. M. DAVIES: I wish now to deal that it was necessary, after the cessation with the Fremanitle hospital. Part of the of hostilities, to try to catch up with building is quite old-I would say border- the building lag, and in addition, to pro- ing on 80 to 100 years of age. That part vide housing for the natural increase by comprises the women's medical ward, the marriage. Furthermore, the 42,000 mi- administrative section, the theatre, the grants who have entered this State over x-ray department and some of 'the quarters and above departures-including inter- for the resident doctors. At the present state migration, which leaves Western time the hospital is 104 beds short. It Australia minus, because more people is recognised as a 201-bed hospital because have left this State for the Eastern States beds have had to be crammed into every than have arrived here-have to be possible nook and corner. It is proposed housed. in the near future in order to alleviate the shortage that now exists, to make In the overall figure, the population of temporary provision for two wards by Western Australia has increased, since utilising two buildings that were imported June. 1947, by approximately 80,000 to the for schools-aluminium-type buildings March quarter, 1951. So it will be neces- which, I understand, were to be utilised sary for quite a long time yet for great as schoolrooms. activity in the building of homes for the It will also be necessary to increase the people. Whilst I do not want to appear accommodation for the nurses. To do parochial or partisan, I feel that Fremantle that, it is proposed to bring down some is a most important part of Western Aus- imported Swedish homes and erect them tralia. It is a highly industrialised dis- alongside the nurses' home which, prior trict and in recent years the Fremnantle to being purchased by the Government, City Council has, by making land avail- was known as Hudson's property, in Mary- able to industry, encouraged quite a number st. I do not know whether members have of manufacturers to come here from the seen these Swedish homes, but from what Eastern States. Whilst that will be of some I have learned about them they may be Ell September, 1951.] 603

regarded as a temporary expedient for ther additions could then be made to the housing. In view of the fact that they new section. So whether we are to have are constructed of softwood I am doubtful a new site for the Fremantle hospital or as to whether they will be as economical whether it is to be built on the existing as the Government thinks, White ants site, no one seems to know. In the mean- are fairly prevalent in this State. time, a conglomeration of buildings sur- Hon. A. R. Jones: They are proofed round the hospital site and if any more against white ants, are they are erected, I do not know whether not? enough room will be left to build a sub- Hon. E. M. DAVIES: I know of many stantial hospital in the future. other buildings that have been white-ant I was rather disappointed with the re- proofed, too. but the white ant, so I under- marks of Dr. Hislop concerning the build- stand from builders, has never been known ing of a 500-bed hospital in Fremantle. to be worse in Western Australia. If the As I have already pointed out, the exist- men in the Government Chemical Labora- ing hospital contains 201 beds, but as tories could find a method of treating these is a shortage of approximately 104 softwoods and karri timber so that they beds at present, it should be a 305- would not be attacked by termites, they bed hospital. With Fremantle at one would be doing something of great eco- end of the metropolitan area, I believe nomic value to the State. it is necessary to have a hospital there Hon. Sir Charles Latham: Certain tim- which would be just as important as the bers were powellised years ago. Royal Perth Hospital. Within the Hon. E. M. DAVIES: I can remember boundaries of the Fremantle municipality, it can be envisaged that we will have a when powellised karri sleepers were used,' but they did not remain long in the ground. population of approximately 50,000 and, The main points about the Frenmantle hos- with the expansion of some of the con- pital are that it needs to be extended and tiguous districts, the population to be the fact that Government officials are served by the Fremantle hospital will be running around Fremantle and districts increased further still. trying to find a new hospital site. These To my mind, it is necessary for Fre- activities leave me cold because the officers mantle to have a hospital capable of have had time during the years gone treating, if necessary, both medical and by, when there was suitable land avail- surgical cases. As Fremantle is a main able from which to select a site but they port, the hospital has to admit patients did not avail themselves of the oppor- from the ships and, further, as the dis- tunity then. As that land is now being trict is becoming highly industrialised, utilised for other purposes, it is no longer beds must be kept in reserve in the event available. of accidents. If all the medical and Hon. 0. Fraser: They have been doing surgical specialists are to be retained at that for about 12 months. the Royal Perth Hospital. is it intended Hon. E. M. DAVIES: Yes, something that patients should be transferred from like that. I am of the opinion that there Fremantle to that hospital? In the event is nothing particularly wrong with the of hostilities or some other emergency, present site. It is possible for a greater are we to have all our eggs in one basket. area of land to be made available by the or" should Fremantle have a hospital with eventual demolition of what are known as the necessary medical and surgical the Ease Flats. facilities? Hon. 0. Fraser: And the Fremantle I think Dr. Hislop will agree with me gaol. vwhen I say that one of the reasons in recent times why it has been impossible Hon. E. Mv. DAVIES: As there is every to obtain student doctors at the Fremantle possibility that the South Terrace and hospital, whilst at the same time the Alma-st. State schools will have to be re- Royal Perth Hospital is able to obtain as moved before many years, especially if many as required, is that students prefer my colleague's theory regarding the to go to a hospital where they can enjoy southern extension of the harbour proves the advantages of the best tuition under correct, that land could also be utilised specialists. Those students who might be for further additions to the Fremantle attracted to the Fremantle hospital point hospital. Further, there are two other out the advantages which exist at the areas that could be used for the exten- Royal Perth Hospital and naturally go sionl of the hospital, namely, that known there to obtain the specialised tuition. as Scotsman's Hill and the other On one occasion it nearly became neces- which is bounded by Alma. Attfleld sary to close one of the wards in the and Fothergill streets. In the latter area Fremantle hospital, which was only pre- there are only three old type houses. vented by the Public Health Commis- which eventually will have to be removed. sioner making available sufficient staff. With all that land available, part of the It is necessary that we should have a new hospital could be built on portion decent type of hospital at Fremantle. In of it and on its completion the old hos- the Eastern States, particularly in Mel- pital section could be demolished after bourne and Sydney, I understand there serving its purpose in the intePrim Fur- are quite a number of large hospitals, 604 (COUJNCIL.]

some of which work under an agreement children have now to pay Is. 8d. weekly to whereby they allocate either surgical or travel to White Gum Valley school whereas medical cases to the hospitals best able previously, when attending the Hilton to treat them. Thus there is complete Park school, their fare was only Id. each co-ordination between the hospitals gen- way daily. erally in those two States. Therefore, I If the camp site had been adjacent to a cannot see any reason why we should not Government railway those children would have a large and up-to-date hospital in have been able to travel free. It becomes Fremantle working in collaboration with necessary, therefore to inquire of the Gov- the Royal Perth Hospital. ernment whether it intends to offer those Whilst I have always been prepared to children the same facilities that exist in listen to and, to a great extent, admire other parts of the metropolitan area by Dr. Hislop's speeches in this House on providing the advantages offered by Gov- the problems of hospitalisation and medi- erment transport. Even the children in cine. I believe he has done himself a dis- country districts enjoy the benefit of being service by endeavouring to point out that transported to and from their school by it is not necessary to have a large hospital bus. in Fremantle. While it is not possible to That, of course, is an excellent service, build such a hospital in Fremantle at and those who instituted the scheme are present, we must perforce put up with to be commended; but it does seem un- the facilities at present obtaining, but I fair that because the school nearest to trust that in the next few years the Gov- their homes is unable to accommodate ernment and the Medical Council will be them children are forced to pay Is. 8d. a able to do something towards that end. week to attend another school. I am hop- I now wish to refer to the important ing, therefore, that the Government can do question of school accommodation. I am something to assist the parents of those not unmindful of the fact that there are children who, through no fault of their other parts of the State besides Fremantle own, are finding it rather expensive to that require more schools, but I would send their children to school. point out that when the new Hilton Park school was being built I drew the Minis- The fishing and crayfishing industry at ter's attention to the fact that it would Fremantle will be reorganised in the near not be large enough and that it should be future. I understand that the fish mar- enlarged while in course of construction. kets are to be renovated and extended, and Unfortunately, nothing was done, and that money has been made available by when the school was opened in August of a certain firm for the provision of an last year, quite a number of children, up up-to-date plant to process fish and cray- to the third standard, were transferred fish. Quite a number of people, either from the White Gum Valley school to the individually or collectively, have spent new school, with the result that the new considerable sums of money in building building was overcrowded on the open- fishing boats and there is not sufficient ing day. protection for these craft in the area near the fish markets. I mentioned the matter After the examinations at the end of some time ago as requiring attention, and the year, when the children were pro- I hope the Government will deal with the moted to a higher class, they were trans- situation. Adequate Protection is essential ferred back in the following January to for the fishing fleet that necessarily has the school they came from. But, to moor in the area. Should there be the school is still overcrowded. It appears a severe blow and some of the boats drift that again some temporary structure must ashore, the damage would be considerable be taken there to serve either as additions and the industry itself would be adversely or as extensions built on to the existing affected. school. If attention had been given to the matter when I raised it during the Another point is that provision is made period the school was under construction, in the regulations for the compulsory it would have been far more economical survey by competent inspectors of the than it will be to add to it now. Further- boats comprising the fishing fleet, to see more, when such work is carried out, it that they are seaworthy; but there is no will detract from the general architectural such precautionary measure taken to see appearance of the school building. that the crews manning the boats are fully Another unfortunate feature is that a competent to undertake their duties. number of children who attended that If those individuals are to take the boats school came from Melville camp. That to sea, they should be competent, par- appears to be the only place wvhere people ticularly the master and the engineers can be accommodated at present, and there who look after the machinery. I trust the are now approximately 150 families living Government will look into the matter and there. The children from that camp at- deal with the position by means of tended the junior classes at Hilton Park amended regulations. school and when they rose to a higher Recently I had occasion to ask some class had to attend the White Gum Valley questions regarding the berthing of over- school. In common with other transport- sea passenger ships at Fremantle and re- operating bodies, the Fremantle Tramway quested that those vessels should berth at Board has increased its tram fares and either "C" or "D" shed instead of at "0" Ill -September. 1951.] 605 shed. The latter practice has been respori- anywhere in Fremantle harbour. It is sible for new arrivals gaining an unsatis- wrong to suggest that the harbour is un- factory view of the city. I was informed safe, because vessels can berth right along in the answers furnished to my questions the quays, almost up to the entrance. I that the berthing of mailboats is mainly trust the Government will give considera- confined to "E" "..F" and "Gn sheds but tion to the matter and ascertain if it is seldom do we see one at "E" shed and not possible for oversea passenger ships to more often are they at 4"0" shed than at berth at least at "C" and I'D" sheds so 'IF" shed. It means that when people go that passengers arriving here will be able ashore they board buses at Edward-st. to traverse the city proper and not gain where they are taken direct to Perth. their introduction to Western Australia The commercial community at Fre- via the industrial sections of the town. mantle consider that this procedure de- Hon. H. S. W. Parker: Where do you prives them of a certain amount of busi- suggest the buses should start from? ness to which they should be entitled. Hon. E. M. DAVIES: I am not suggesting They hold that if the ships berth at a anything about the buses at all. The point more advantageous point they could pro- I am making is that if the vessels berthed ceed through the City of Fremantle and at "C" or "'D" shed, passengers could then would transact a certain amount of busi- proceed to Perth by bus leaving from the ness there. Through the vessels berthing terminus in Cantonment-st. and travel at 'G" shed, passengers are apt to get a through the centre of the city en route to bad impression of the port which Is the Perth. No one would deny that new arrivals first point of call in Australia and, In would desire to see the capital city, but I fact, Is the gateway to the Commonwealth. claim It is wrong to make them proceed via The object of my question was to see if the overhead bridge through the industrial it was not possible for oversea boats to sections of the port, which gives them a bad berth at either "C" or "'D" shed. impression of Fremantle itself. First im- The information conveyed to me in the pressions are those that last, and therefore! answers indicated that immigrant ships the Government should give some attention. generally berth at "A, "..B," "C..." D,"' to altering the existing state of affairs in "E." "IF" or "G" sheds, but it is not very the near future. often that they actually berth at sheds We have heard a great deal recently "A," "B.." ".C," "'D" or "E." More often about the camps at Coogee and at the they berth at "IF" or "G' shed. As to the Naval Base reserve. I understand negotia- provision of special buses for the pas- tions are in hand to secure the transfer of sengers, the replies indicated that the the area in question from the Common- service was started prior to 1984, the wealth to the State Government. I trust Transport Board not then being In exist- that that will be brought about as quickly ence, and that no action had been taken as Possible. If that end should be reached, to cancel the convenience made available ways and means might be found for the for the passengers. No one would object Fremantle Road Board to spend money on to that, but If the berthing of the vessels the reserves so that the existing camping was transferred from "G" shed instead of facilities might be improved. the passengers being taken by bus from Regulations under the Health Act make Edward-st., where they see only the in- provision that for a certain number of dustrial part of Fremantle, they would caravans and camps there must be a speci- pass through the central portion of the fied number of ablutionary, cooking and city and get a better impression of Fre- bathing facilities. That local authority is mantle. not prepared to spend money on a beach reserve which belongs to the Common- I have been handed a photograph which wealth Government and is merely held on I would like members to view. It shows lease, for it has no security of tenure. If the second A.lp', transports in Fremantle the area were transferred from the Com- harbour in 1940. The photograph, which monwealth to the State, it might be a was taken from the North Quay, gives a means of inducing the Fremantle Road view of a large number of big ships berthed Board to spend funds in providing more at Victoria Quay and demonstrates that adequate facilities and generally in improv- it is quite possible for any large ship to ing conditions there. be berthed at the quay practically right up to the mouth of the harbour. Some Another question about which I am con- very large ships have been berthed from cerned has reference to the Fire Brigades time Board. I understand that the board com- to time at Fremantle. These included prises representatives of the Government, H.M.S. "Hood" which was about 43,000 insurance companies and local authorities, tons. She was berthed at the lower part the Perth City Council having a special of the harbour. Then there was the representative. I was always under the "Empress of Britain," which also was a Impression that the board derived its *very large ship to be berthed in the har- revenue on the basis of so many ninths bour. from the insurance companies, so many The photograph shows a large ship from the Government, and so many from turning in the harbour, all going to prove the local authorities. I was, however, as- that vessels of heavy tonnage can tie up tounded recently to find what happens. (COUNCIL.]

A fire occurred on a property at Beacons- hour struck, the officer in charge closed field where a ratepayer sought to burn some the door and went to lunch, and those who rubbish in his backyard. He thought it was* had business with him had to wait until extinguished but the fire spread through he returned at 2 p.m. That office must some dry grass and entered a neighbour's transact a good deal of business, because property. That neighbour rang the fire every time I Pass through that part of brigade, which was quickly on the scene and the building the seats to which I have extinguished the flames, an engine and four referred are full. men being utilised. for the purpose. Sub- Surely another officer could be made sequently the person concerned received an available for duty there, so that there account from the board for R6-25 for the would be a continuous service from the engine and 5s. for each man who had time the office opens until it closes, with- Attended the fire. I am wondering why such out having it shut down between 1 p.m. An account should have beet rendered. The and 2 p.m. so that those who have not -person concerned was a ratepayer and his been attended to have either to sit there municipal rates included a fire brigade rate, and twiddle their fingers for an hour, or which should indicate that he was entitled else go away and return later. The Minister to the services of the brigade should it be might take up that question and see necessary.- whether it is not possible to have the office It seems to me very peculiar, too, that the fully manned from 9 o'clock in the morn- -person who received the account was not ing until closing time in the afternoon. -the individual who lit the fire originally. I am very interested in the subject of 'The matter was brought to my notice with town planning and am associated with a a request that I should investigate it, and committee which is endeavouring to do I found that the reason for the account was something in that connection for the bene- that the person had an uninsured property. fit of Fremantle. For some time we have I have yet to learn that it is anybody else's been trying to evolve a system of town business whether or not a person insures planning and zoning for that city. Such his property. I understand that insurance work, as will be readily understood, neces- is taken out by an individual so that, should sitates considerable labour, planning and a fire occur and his property become dam- expense, and I feel that the least that aged, he can collect money from the :nsur- could be expected from the Government ance company by way of compensation. is that it would endeavour to assist What happened in this case suggests to authorities engaged In such activities. How- me that the insurance companies may Pos- ever, when a deputation waited on the sibly be in control of the Fire Brigades Minister for Local Government the mem- Board seeing that if a person does not bers were informed that they could pre- insure his house and the brigade is called pare plans and submit them. If those out to deal with the fire, the person con- plans were satisfactory they would be cerned is made to pay because he has not acceptable: but, if not, they could not be taken out insurance, notwithstanding the approved. fact that he is a ratepayer and has already Is it fair that a local authority should paid a fire brigade rate, which included In be asked to spend a large amount of his municipal rates. This is unfair. Al- money and do a considerable amount of though, after investigations and represen- planning, and then submit the result of tations which I made on behalf of these its efforts to the Government, which might folk, the amount was reduced to £2, that or might not endorse its suggestions? still does not alter the fact that they pay Could one not reasonably expect the Gov- their rates to the Fremantle council, and ernment to co-operate with such local that the amount includes a fire brigade authority, particularly in a port like Fre- rate which, in my opinion, entitles them mantle, where there is a proposal for har- to the services of the Fire Brigades Board. bour extension which will involve an Hon. H. S. W. Parker: The local authority alteration of the railway system and the possibility of development of harbour pays only two-ninths. facilities southwards? Could we not justly Hon. E. M. DAVIES: That does not alter expect the Government to say to the local the position. Quite recently I had occasion authority concerned, "We will place every- to visit an office in the Treasury building, thing necessary at your disposal and send at the Mines Department end. I do not officers to confer with you and let you know the name of the office, but it is where know what is in our mind as far as rail- titles are assessed for valuation and pay- ways. harbours, public works and schools ment of duty. are concerned?" Hon. H. S. W. Parker: It is the Stamp But that is not so. It is ridiculous for Office. a local authority to try to plan its district Hon. E. M. DAVIES: I believe that is without co-operation, because such plan its name. I am surprised that a better as it evolves must dovetail with those service is not provided for the public at applying to neighbouring areas. Roth the that office. There are two seats outside Perth City Council and the Fremantle City for the use of people awaiting attention. Council are endeavouring to do something On the day I was there, quite a number in this regard, but there does not seem of people were sitting on those seats at to be any co-operation between them or 1 p.m. waiting for their turn. When the between them and the Government. This [11 September, 1951.] 607? is something to which very serious atten- Recently the Prime Minister called all tion should be given. I do not propose the Premiers together for what I thought to say a great deal more about the subject. was going to be a very important con- because Sir Frank Gibson has already re- ference. Since then I have been waiting ferred to the matter of town planning for to hear from speeches, or to read in the the whole metropolitan area and made Press, the reason for the calling of the some valuable suggestions. conference and what eventuated. As I pointed out. I do not know of-and even Hon. G. Fraser: Evidently you did not the reading of history fails to disclose- obtain much satisfaction with your deputa- any time when the world was in such an tion. uncertain condition as obtains today. What are we. as a nation, doing to help solve Hon. E. M. DAVIES: No. I am trying the problems that are confronting us? to impress on the House the need for more We know that Great Britain is being called co-operation and co-ordination than there upon to make further sacrifices for the has been in the Past. In closing. I would purpose of building up reserve supplies and express my appreciation of the hearing guarding against shortages that might accorded me; and I trust that what I occur in the event of another war. I want have said will be given consideration by to know whether Australia can make any the Minister, and that he will take steps contributions in that respect; and if so, to implement the suggestions I have mnade. what steps are being taken to organise I support the motion. our community so that we can effectively engage the small number of People we are HON. SIR CHARLES LATUAM (Cen- able to employ in the building up of stores. tral) [5.52]: In common with other mem- bers, Sir, I would like to offer my Today the world is getting short of food. congratulations to you on the honour the That seems a most extraordinary thing King has been good enough to bestow upon to say when we In Australia have plenty you. It Is usual for the gentleman occupy- of food. There are no shortages here, or ing the position of President to receive the there should not be, because we have a. recognition that has been extended to you, country that can be used for the Produc- and I think it was very fitting that the tion of abundant food supplies. Surely to. honour should have been conferred on you goodness this land is capable of carrying when it was. a greater population than it has at pre- sent! We have the land. Is it not about To the new members, I would say that time that we took steps to educate our I hope they will not be disappointed in people to our present-day needs and trans- this House. Some come here thinking they fer them from non-essential to essential are entering a house of learning; others industries? I am afraid very little is being come here to teach. I have not been in done in that respect. the Council very long but, like Mr. Mur- ray, I spent some time in another place. Take the Position of the dairying in- I felt under some restraint when I took dustry. It is not merely a question of the my seat here, in comparison with my ex- price of butter. What is equally disturbing perience in another Place. Nevertheless, is that people who have been engaged in this House is willing to accept any know- the industry are leaving it, and apparently ledge that can be Imparted by even the others are not prepared to take their greatest of strangers who may come with- Places. Again, while we have no scarcity In its doors. of cereals in Australia, the world as a The world needs advice and help today. whole seems to be short of them. I notice I have lived for a good many years and, that Canada will have a record harvest looking back, I cannot remember any time, this year; and a big carry-over from last since I have been capable of observing year will give that country a substantial what takes place, when the outlook of the quantity of wheat in excess of what was white races has been so critical as at previously held. On the other hand, there present. If our two *new members can are Parts of the world where there seem make some contribution which will help *tn be considerable shortages. Western Australia in a small way to assist in the solution of world problems, they In days gone by, with a smaller popula- will be very welcome indeed. tion than now exists, and with fewer facili- ties, we in Australia were not faced with I extend my congratulations to those the problems that confront us today. Aus- members of the staff who have been pro- tralia has not reached the stage of carrying moted. Their advancement indicates that its maximum Population. Surely there must young men who come here and have the be some means of organising our people to privilege of remaining, receive training the best advantage. I thought that the efficient enough to enable them ultimately conference called recently by the Prime to occupy senior positions. I hope that Minister might be beneficial in that re- when the time comes for our Clerk and spect. We have far too many people en- his assistant to retire, the younger officers gaged in non-essential industries at a time who have started their careers in this when their energies should be absorbed in Chamber will be able to fill the vacancies. doing something much more useful. (COUNCIL.]

I know It is not easy to effect a change-, Prime Minister might have Provided some but methods are available to both the Com- definite basis upon which to work, but I monwealth and the State Governments for do not think we have yet reached any handling these industries In such a way as sound starting point from which to attack to make it less remunerative for them to the troubles that are facing Australia to- carry on. and to encourage the development day. I am not going to criticise the of other industries which are more essential. Government, though there is plenty of room Stockpiling has ceased In some Industries. for criticism- I think that America has amassed all the Hon. 0. Fraser: You have criticised supplies of wool and of cotton goods that Previous Governments It needs. In view of the shortages that severely. exist in essential commodities and the great Ron. Sir CHARLES LATHAM: I can measure of inflation has already taken be just as severe a critic of any Govern- place, the outlook is dark indeed. ment as can the hon. member, but I am Like many other members, I have en- not so continuously a critic as he is. I deavoured to reason out what can be done have before me the report on the work- in Australia or, for that matter, in any ing. of the Government railways for the tbter part of the world, to prevent inflation. year* ended the 30th June, 1950. I de- .1 believe It is possible to halt it, but the sired to ascertain wfhether in some of 'task will be a difficult and unpalatable one. our Government departments we are pro- 'I am satisfied that, until we can make our viding employment in excess of the 1people appreciate the fact that the only numbers actually required, and I will give remedy for the present position Is to do the House some figures to illustrate my more work in the prevailing number of point. I will quote from Table No. 5 on hours of labour, conditions will grow even page 30 of the report to which I have worse than they are today. Goods and referred. food are costing more each month. Im- In 1931, the miles of line in this State mediately the price of food goes up. wages numbered 4,181. The number of passen- rise, and vice versa, and until we can ger journeys was 11,702,741. The ton- nage of goods and livestock carried was get our people to realise that inflation caused not by those who control capitalIs 3,153,525, and the train milage was but by the lack of effort on the part of 5,549,090, while at that time there were the whole community, little can be done to 1,448 employees in the service of the Rail- arrest the Inflationary spiral. way Department. For 1931, there was a small increase in the rail milage. I All sections of our community must be think that was the time when the new -prepared to make somle sacrifice if we are line was being laid to Hyden Rock. At to regain a sound economy. I do not that stage, in 1932, there were 4,235 miles believe we will ever deflate our currency of line. The number of passenger jour- to an extent that would bring it into line neys was 10,394,311. The tonnage of with values of past years. and I feel that goods and livestock carried was 2,847,568. the real problem is to check inflation at The train milage was 5,203,612, and the its present stage. There was recently an number of employees was 7,105. increase of 12s. in the basic wage and a further increase of £1 is expected. This Let members compare those figures with illustrates just how easily we could reach the position in 1949. In that year, the a stage similar to that experienced in miles of line totalled 4,321. The num- Europe alter the first World War. I visited ber of passenger journeys was 12,079,098. the Continent at that time and saw just The tonnage of goods and livestock car- what was the final effect of inflation. ried was 2,736,720. The train milage was 7,036,52 1, and the number of employees We,, in Australia, suffered a depression was 10,865. Members will see that the in the early nineteen thirties, but that was tonnage carted in that year was some- -nothing in comparison with what I saw what lower than that in 1931. .in Germany, Austria and Italy after the The Minister for Transport: I think Ilrst World War. At that time, it was not the average haul was greater. unc~ommon to see in the Press of those countries reports of 30 or 40 suicides due Hon. Sir CHARLES LATHAM: That simply to the fact that the people were may be so. The staff increased from on the verge of starvation, with no hope 7,448 in 1931 to 10,865 in 1949, and for of any immediate improvement in condi- last year- tions and no hope of help from their Hon. J. A. Dimmitt: Do not forget that Governments, which were not in a position the staff has worked about 11 per cent. to aid them. less hours. if we do not take the necessary steps Hon. Sir CHARLES LATHAM: I have to bait inflation in Australia, we might calculated the percentage, but there is easily reach the stage where it will be still a considerable increase in staff. In difficult for our people to maintain stan- 1950, there were 4,252 miles of line and dards of decency in living. .I trust that the number of passenger journeys was the Governments of . Australia will set an 11,671,655, which is about the same as example to the people. I had hoped that in 1931. The tonnage of goods and live- the conference of industries called by the stock carried was 2,843,292. or about the [11 September, 1951.169 609 equivalent of the tonnage for 1932. Train policy to make people more self-reliant, milage in 1950 was 6,733,141, which was as they could often do things for them- considerably more than in either 1931 or selves more cheaply than those same 1932. but for 1950 the number of staff things can be done for them by the had increased from 10,865 in the previ- Government. I have endeavoured to put ous year to 11,364. The Minister will forward helpful and worth-while sugges- probably tell me that they are doing much tions without being too critical of the more work. Government. Our problems today are Hon. J. A. Dimmitt: Capital work? real enough and great enough, and I feel that each of us should put forward to the H-on. Sir CHARLES LATHAM: No, Government any suggestions that we renovation and rehabilitation. think might be helpful. The Minister for Transport: The intro- duction of the 40-hour week meant that THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT about 10 per cent. more men were neces- (Hon. C. H. Simpson-Midland) [6.141: sary to do the work. The custom of the Minister in charge Hon. Sir CHARLES LATHAM: I know of this House to include in his contribution that, but on the figures 1 have quoted to the debate on the Address-in-reply a the increase seems excessive. detailed answer to controversial points raised by members in the course of their The Minister for Transport: The lag speeches was, I think, initiated by that of maintenance during the war years re- capable and popular leader, the late Hon. quired a great deal of overtaking. J. M. Drew. Hon. Sir CHARLES LATHAM: There was a lag in maintenance then, and also Sitting suspended from 6.15 to 7.30 p.. in the 1931-32 period, when we were in The MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT: power. I took those two years because Just prior to the tea suspension I com- in that period the railways carried a re- menced to reply to the debate and I1 had cord harvest, and I am astounded that referred to a custom which had originated at the present day they are unable to with H-on. J. M. Drew, who gave detailed carry anywhere near the amount of wheat replies to controversial points raised dur- then handled. ing the debate. This custom, which I con- The Minister for Transport: It must sider a most excellent one, has been be remembered that we now have a great adopted by the late Mr. Drew's successors deal more freight to carry. The ton mil- in office, and it is one that I Propose to age was a record last year and the year follow again this Year. before, and our increased population and First of all, Mr. President, I desire mine its needs must be taken into account. to be included in the congratulatory refer- Hon. Sir CHARLES LATHAM: I should ences to the high and well-deserved honour say our population has increased by about accorded you by His Majesty the King, an 200,000 since 1932. In spite of the fact honour which, I trust, will Prove some that the hours of labour have been re- recompense for the time and application duced, I believe a number of Government you have given to your parliamentary employees could be turned to much more duties and to Your work in presiding over useful account if they were placed in es- the destinies of this House. You have sential industries. I do not think action held the high Office of President with dig- of that sort should be left entirely to the nity and have proved the friend and wise Commonwealth Government. We could counsellor of all members, both old and well appoint some suitable person to go new. through our Government departments I have already referred this session to and see what employees are not essential the great loss the State sustained In the in their present positions. If we are to decease of our beloved Governor, the late carry on, we must have a balanced eco- Hon. Sir James Mitchell, and also in the nomy in this State and we must not em- deaths of Hon. W. J. Mann, Hon. H. Tuckey, ploy more people on clerical work, for and the Clerk of Parliaments. Mr. Leake. instance, than on actual production in in- No further words of mine are needed to dustry. emphasise the sense of sorrow and loss I admit that in some cases a great we have felt at their passing. deal more clerical work is being done To the new members of this House, Ron. than was the case in past years, and J. Murray and Hon. C. H. Henning, I that is due to the fact that we are spoil- accord a warm welcome. The exigencies ing the people to a great extent. of time and fate remove familiar faces Nowadays, they rush to the Government and bring new ones to our ken in this for almost everything instead of trying House, a process that, without doubt, is to help themselves. Not only the people, of great value to Parliament and to the but also many members of Parliament, State. but one that has its personal sor- try to push on to the Government a great rows when one remembers the firm friend- many functions and tasks that should ships that have been formed In this remain the responsibility of the indi- Chamber, friendships that are little af- vidual, and that absorbs a considerable fected by Political beliefs or by differences amount of labour. It should be our of opinion in debate. Our two new mem- 610 [COUNCIL.] hers will prove, I know, of great value which, of course, he is an authority. In to our deliberations and decisions. Both discussing the shortage of manpower in are representatives of a constituency play- the timber industry, Mr. Murray suggested ing a prominent part in our great primary that the Government should encourage the industries and Mr. Murray, in addition, migration of people of Scandinavian origin has the benefit of three years parliament- to this State, these being people experienced ary experience in another place. Mr. Hen- in this industry. I would like to inform ning too, has a parliamentary back- the hon. member that this possibility has ground, his father having been a mem- already been examined, but it was not ber of the Legislative Council from June, found that we could attract such labour to 1897, to May, 1898. this country in sufficient numbers. In discussing the speeches made by mem- So far as migrant labour is concerned, bers on the Address-in-reply, I note that the industry in general has been sponsoring the usual wide range of subjects has been the immigration of suitable labour from traversed. Over some of these the State Italy. Some amelioration of the situation Government has no jurisdiction as they has resulted from this source, but it is of come within the Commonwealth sphere. I doubtful benefit, as many of these workers noticed, too, a tendency for members to be desert the industry for other employment less critical in their speeches and I feel shortly after their arrival. The labour diffi- that this is due to a realisation that in culties of most of our timber mills have been these troubled times, we all have an obliga- worrying the Government for a consider- tion to try to work together towards a able time. In this industry there is a very solution of our difficulties, rather than to large turnover of labour, and many saw- seek and criticise what might appear weak- millers find it impossible to man all their nesses in administration, but which are benches with experienced key men. All due to difficulties arising from present- possible efforts to persuade men to remain day conditions. In this regard I must con- in the industry are being made, such as the vey to Mr. Grey my appreciation of his provision of amenities by sawmlllers, and decision not to criticise in his speech, but in this regard the establishments of clubs to make a concrete and useful contribu- has had gratifying results. The provision tion to the debate. of houses for married men is another mat- The opinion was expressed by Mr. Hall- ter that has been given special attention in and I have heard it mentioned by other an effort to arrest the drift of labour. En- members-that over the years, very little deavours are also being made to recruit notice has been taken of the matters raised migrants from Dutch and German sources. by members during the Address-in-reply As a means of obtaining skilled labour debate. I want to assure members that the Forests Department has conducted both the Minister for Agriculture and I three schools for fellers. A total of 49 have taken a keen interest in every speech. men passed through the schools and at- When force of circumstances have pire- tained sufficient proficiency to commence vented me from being present in the House falling timber for mills. Unfortunately, at any time, I have Perused "Hansard" as was the case with the migrant labour, transcripts of the speeches made in that a substantial proportion of these men did period. Any suggestion that has been prof- not remain in the industry. The depart- fered has been forwarded by me to the ment also prepared a school for mill appropriate quarter for consideration. hands but no men made themselves avail- The news that Their Majesties and Her able for training. These details should Royal Highness Princess Margaret will provide the House with some indication visit Western Australia in March next, has of the difficulty that the industry and the been received with much pleasure by their Government are facing in their efforts to loyal subjects in this State. Mr. Logan procure labour adequately to man mills. suggested that all children, nine Years and Also, both Mr. Murray and Mr. Baxter over, should be brought to the metropolitan referred to problems associated with the area so they could have the Pleasure of supply of fruit cases. As Mr. Murray seeing our Royal Visitors. The Govern- pointed out. sawmillers cannot obtain the ment agrees that all children should be necessary skilled labour to work the fruit given the opportunity of seeing Their ease benches. The hon. member expressed Majesties. Mr. Logan's suggestion, how- the hope that the Government would not ever, although laudable, would be difficult wait for the findings of the Royal Com- to implement, in view of the Problems of missioner but would take steps to remedy transport, accommodation anid supervision the fruit case shortage. As Mr. Murray of the children. Nevertheless, it is pro- knows, Practically all the prewar output posed by the utilisation of special transport of fruit cases was produced by general facilities, to bring children from as far purpose mills, largely from offeuts but afield as possible to the nearest points to be partly from special planking used for visited by the Royal Visitors. the Purpose. It is expected that when Hon. L. A. Logan: That was the idea. labour becomes more plentiful, this prac- The MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT: In tice will re-operate. his maiden speech in this House, Mr. Mur- Various steps have been taken in an ray, as was to be expected, devoted some endeavour to improve the fruit ease posi- time to the timber industry, a subject on tion, these including the Issue of a special [11 September, 1951.J fill1 permit to the State Saw Mills to cut up Unfortunately, damage in transit and to 1,000,000 cases, the cutting of up to pilfering of consignments is occurring. 500,000 cases at the Kent River mill when These problems, however, are not confined it is open, the insertion in a number of to the railways, as shipping companies sleeper sawmill permits of a condition and road transport organisations are providing for the production of a certain experiencing similar difficulties. I would percentage of cases, and the Issue of a like to draw members' attention to the number of permits for fruit cases only. fact that if consignors are prepared to pay Unfortunately, the crux of the problem the small extra expense of 10 per cent. is the shortage of labour, and as Mr. required to send goods at Commissioner's Murray will agree, this at present is a risk, the cost of all damage would be met most difficult problem. Mr. Murray re- by the department. In support of his con- ferred to the practice of cutting timber tention of the general laxity of the Rail- into eight- and nine-foot sleeper lengths way Department, Mr. Jones alleged that and leaving the ends in the bush. He never before had there been so many stated that these ends often were up to accidents. The hon. member went even fur- three and four feet in length and would ther by stating that there seemed to be no be suitable for fruit cases. For some time redress against employees found guilty of past sleeper sawmillers have been given incompetence or negligence. the opportunity of changing over to long- length cutting, this being subject to the It is inevitable that accidents will occur, conditions that logs were to be measured particularly in view of the high train mul- in the round, the emphasis being placed age in this State, which amounts to nearly on sleeper production as logs were more 7,000,000 miles per annum. Accidents that suitable for this purpose, and that all occur are subject to immediate inquiry by scantlings produced were for use within a board of responsible railway officials, In the State. A few sawmillers availed them- the case of accidents where the sa fety of the selves of this offer, but the majority have public is involved, a representative of the continued taking to Mills short length logs National Safety Council attends the in- that are not particularly suitable for the quiry. Causes are ascertained, and~ where cutting of scantlings. a deficiency on the part of an employee is evident, appropriate action is taken. It is With regard to the recovery of Market- not true, that only small fines result in able timber from areas being developed these cases. The severity of a penalty is for settlement, Mr. Murray suggested that dependent upon the facts established in the difficulties to be met, such as the each case. Under the Railways Act, the nature of the terrain, isolation and absence Commission has the power to impose a fine of suitable hauling roads, warranted some of up to £5, where there is evidence of in- co-operation in the provision of roads competence or negligence on the part of an that would be suitable both for the re- employee. It also has the power to regress covery of timber and for settlement pur- an employee to a lower grade, a punishment poses. The officers of the Forests Depart- which has greater monetary effect than a ment to whom I passed this suggestion, fine, and where the seriousness of the em- advise that it is worthy of consideration ployee's action warrants, the Commission and have informed me that negotiations has no hesitation in dispensing with that have been instituted between the depart- employee's services. ments that would be concerned. I would like to reiterate my confidence in the ability and probity of the permanent As might be expected, I listened with railway staff. In these days, like other keen interest to Mr. Jones' criticism of employers, the Railway Commission is railway officers. My opinion, based on a forced to rely on casual labour to a large rather thorough experience of railway extent. While much of this labour is con- activities, is that the hon. member was scientious and willing, a proportion falls a little dogmatic in his assertions. I realise far short of the standard demanded in that with a staff the size of that of the normal times. It is a tribute to the depart- Railway Department and which, in addi- ment that although the railways have con- tion, is scattered over so large an area, veyed upwvards of 800,000,000 passengers supervision over work is difficult, and that during its existence, not one single paying at times unsatisfactory performances by passenger has been fatally injured. In re- individuals are inevitable. The section gard to efficiency of service and organisa- dealing with consignments is one that has tion,' the department has carried a record occasioned the Commission a considerable ton m~ilage over the past two years. Last amount of worry, the reason being an year was the best yet, and this despite appreciable shortage of trained stowing fewer actual wagons than there were in ser- and sorting staff, and the consequent vice 20 years ago. Many of the trucks in necessity to employ a large number of the system are over age and approaching casual employees. Supervision is carried the stage of uneconomic repair. Last year out as thoroughly as possible, but with over 600 new trucks were added but over consignments reaching record proportions, 700 were written off as beyond the repair- all loading cannot be closely watched. able. stage. (COUNCIL.]

The programme for 4.000 odd additional assuming the burden of interest. The wagons, although a little delayed on railways therefore give a service to the account of the demands of rearmament. user at about two-thirds of its cost, so will greatly assist in enabling the Railway that every railway customer in effect bene- Department to cater for all traffic offer- fits by a subsidy of one-third of the cost ing and so help to relieve present road of operation. The Government feels that congestion. The position is much the same this policy is sound as it represents some in all States of the Commonwealth, and in measure of encouragement to country view of the fact that Western Australia people and believes that it helps to arrest has had a greater expansion of growth the drift to the city and so assists the than any other State, our performances policy of decentralisation. have been recognised as good. Last year our population increase-helped by migra- In any changes of rates classification tion-was 5.2 per cent. as against an Aus- and suspension of old concessions, some tralian average of 3.8. our rate being almost anomalies are bound to occur, and these .50 per cent. above the average. In actual take a few months to correct. A committee numbers our increase last year was over of traders and departmental representa- 29,000-the largest in our history. This tives is now being appointed to resolve these has created a demand for more houses, difficulties. The telescopic system of rat- more schools and amenities of every kind. ing adopted by the department applies a tapering scale of charges so that the longest In five years, production of Collie coal hauls have the lowest rates. The remote has increased from 550,000 tons in 1946 to individual in the country therefore receives 814,000 tons last year, and the production special consideration. No other system Of rate is still increasing. Land settlement is transport applies this principle to nearly expanding; primary production of all kinds the same extent. is increasing-last year we produced the second highest wheat yield in our history- Probably no section of the Public Ser- and the demands of the housing pro- vices is more vigorously criticised than gramme in both the country and the metro- the Railway Department. It is so much an politan areas have imposed heavy pressure integral part of the needs of almost every on railway traffic. Substantially these individual in the movements of people or demands have been met, but some traffic goods-particularly in the country-that has for the time being been surrendered its occasional shortcomings are high- to road haulage. The railway proportion, lighted and its many benefits are Often however, has been maintained at an overlooked. No other service comes Under astonishingly high figure. Press reports the critical eye of the public to nearly have indicated that more than half our the same extent. No other service operat- wheat and super is being hauled by road. ing on a commercial basis is called upon In terms of tons lifted this is true, but to offer more concessions to this or that in terms of ton milage the picture is section of the community. Generally, these rather different. Road vehicles take the concessions are expected as a matter of short hauls. Railways take the long hauls. right. In terms of ton milage the railways exceed road traffic by more than three to two. In the discharge of their duties railway- During the year it was found necessary men are called upon to serve in any part to increase railway freight and coaching of the system, and the opportunities which rates. This was unavoidable as costs bad the average citizen has of establishing a risen sharply in common with rising costs permanent home are often denied to them. in all other forms of industry. Costs over Nevertheless, the great body of railwaymen which the Railway Department had no do enter into the life of the communities control increased by over £5,000,000 since in which they temporarily reside in a truly 1946. As members know, a special com- remarkable way, mainly because they are mittee was set up to examine inherently good Australians and good citi- the incidence zens. Many of our country towns are of rating and its recommendations were richer by reason of the services rendered adopted. Amongst other things it recom- by railwaymen in the civic and social ac- mended an overall 30 per cent, rating in- tivities of the town, and not a few of crease and the merging of the lowest these loyal classifications into higher classifications. public servants return to various This had the effect in a few instances of country centres on their retirement-or raising the lowest rated commodities by earlier-to settle down and sometimes to a greater percentage than the average but follow up farming or other Pursuits. it must be borne in mind that these classes But while the railways get plenty of had for years been carried at uneconomic criticism, occasionally they are handed rates, much below cost, as the result of some bouquets. Recently Mr. H. E. Framne, concessions given to assist certain indus- of Co-operative Bulk Handling Ltd., com- tries in depression days, at a time when plimented the department on its improved the system as a whole did not have to bear handling of the present wheat harvest. the same high costs of operation as it does Probably the true test of the public atti- at present. tude to the need for rail facilities and ser- The Government in assessing the in- vice is the public outcry when any hint crease in rating budgeted for an actual is given of the abandonment of uneconomic loss on operational costs in addition to lines. This was instanced by Mr. Strick- [ll September, 1951.] 6131

land's remarks as to local public reaction coloured yellow and brown, the "yellow" in regard to the proposed closure of the indicating trips from Perth and "brown" Port Hedland-Marble Bar railway. trips to Perth. For second-class travel- When the Bill for closure of this line ling. the colours are blue and grey. "blue" was presented to Parliament last year. it for trips to Perth and "grey" from Perth. was pointed out that over the years this Contrary to Mr. Bennetts' belief, this line, wvhich had a capital cost of £381,000, system, which for some years has been had built up an accumulated loss on opera- operated successfully on Eastern States tions amounting to nearly £600,000. It railways, is a great improvement on the was also pointed out that for some years old colours, and is of considerable assist- the annual loss had averaged £12,000, in ance to ticket examiners, as they do not addition to which there was an annual require such close inspection as the old interest charge on capital liability exceed- type oif ticket. The dual colours also facili- ing £13,000. It is beyond question that tate detection where passengers inadvert- if efficient road facilities, such as exist ently proffer the wrong portion of the at the present time, had been in operation ticket at station barriers. Mr. Bennetts' at the time it was proposed to build this fear that there will be considerable ex- line, then the railway would not have been pense involved in destroying stocks of the built. The various aspects mentioned by obsolete white and green tickets is un- the hon. member have been carefully founded. The decision to introduce the examined, but it is felt that continued new colours was made in December, 1949. operation of the line, even with a light From that date the printing of white diesel engine as suggested, would not be and green tickets was kept to a minimum practicable. The present position is that so that when the change to the new tickets the Main Roads Department is putting took place 18 months later, in July, 1951, the road in good order and from the latest there was very little stock in hand requir- advices we have, it is anticipated that the ing destruction. condition of the road and the necessary The feelings of Mr. Hall in regard to the arrangements for providing water to Port lack of refreshment facilities for train Hedland, will be completed by the end of travellers beyond Mullewa are shared by this month. When those two requirements the Railway Department. The small pas- are met, it is proposed to abandon the ser- senger patronage does not justify the Pro- vice on this railway. vision of a buffet or dining car, while it During his speech Mr. Bennetis asked me would be unsound economically to conduct two questions in connection with railway a departmental refreshment room to ser- matters. The first concerned the "PM" vice one train weekly in each direction. class locomotives, a number of wvhich the Efforts to interest private enterprise to hon. member believed were receiving at- cater for travellers has met with no suc- tention for boiler trouble at Northam and cess, so it would appear that the business at the Midland Junction Railway Work- offering is not sufficiently attractive. shops. On inquiry I find that no "PM" locomotive or boiler is under repair at Then again, Mr. Hall drew attention to the Midland Junction workshops at pre- what he referred to as a need for ref riger- sent. Two of these engines at Northam ated vans for the carriage of perishables and one at the Midland Junction running to country districts. In this regard, as sheds, are undergoing routine inspection, the hon. member is probably aware, brake during which the opportunity is being vans fitted with iced compartments are taken to replace a few broken stays in the used in warm weather on the Eastern Gold- boilers. These stays are in a breaking fields and Murchison lines for' the carriage zone common to all "P' locomotives, and of perishable traffic. As would be expected, I am informed that there is nothing out the progressive trader has no objection of the ordinary in the work being per- to paying a small surcharge for the con- f ormed. venience of this service, which guarantees A great deal of concern was expressed the arrival of goods in first-class condition, by Mr. Bennetts at what he described as It is rather strange that disappointing pat- the action of one railway official in chang- ronage has been afforded this facility by ing the colour of railway tickets. The use residents of the Murchison. of another colour, said Mr. Bennetts, as In drawing attention to the need for well as putting the department to the new railway barracks at Merredin, Mr. considerable expense involved in the de- Cunningham mentioned that during an struction of old stocks, would tend to con- inspection earlier in the year I agreed that fuse passengers and railway officials, who a new building was warranted. The mpost were accustomed to the old colours of white urgent requirement in regard to barracks for first-class tickets and green for second- is at Brunswick Junction where the con- class. I am afraid the hon. member is struction of the new building is about to a little astray in his facts. His remarks be undertaken. Following this a com- would lead one to believe that all tickets mencement will be made at Merredin. I bad been altered. This is not so. The should like to mention that the order of change in colours applies to country priority for new barracks has been dis- tickets, no change having been made to cussed with and approved by the W.A. suburban tickets apart from monthly Locomotive Engine Drivers, Firemen and tickets. First-class country tickets are Cleaners' Union. 614 614[COUNCIL.]

Referring to water supply, Mr. Baxter He thought it should give more assistance provided some interesting information in to children in outback areas and instanced regard to rock catchments and emphasised a request he made for physical training the necessity far the use of these areas material for the children of Big Be]], to supplement the main catchment areas which, he stated, was unsuccessful. As a in the coastal ranges. The hon. member matter of fact, the National Fitness Coun- is aware, doubtless, of the Government's cil, working under extreme financial diffi- interest in overcoming water supply prob- culty, has achieved some excellent results lems in the areas to which he referred. in the country. To mention but a few Suggestions for developing rock catchment of these, there is the splendidly equipped supplies in the eastern and north-eastern and large Youth Centre at Merredin, which districts have been referred to the is under road board management; building Hydraulics Branch of the Public Works and land owned at Pinjarra and used Department. nearly every night under the auspices of There is a committee attached to the an active committee; and the Youth Public Works Department known as the Centre at Wagin, which has been fully Hydraulics Proposals Committee, which paid for. These are some of the perman- comprises seniori professional officers from ent structures in constant use by young State departments concerned in rural people of the districts, and, in addition, development. This committee gives con- there are dozens of hired hall and Schools, sideration to and makes recommendations in rural areas, which are used in the in- in respect of water proposals, particularly terests of national fitness. those affecting the drier areas. A compre- The total amount available annually to hensive programme has been arranged for the National Fitness Council for work in surveying rock catchments, etc., in these country areas is about £1,300 only. Members areas, and it is expected that surveys will will realise the difficulty in stretching this proceed early in the coming year. When to meet the State-wide require- the surveys have been completed, reports amount and recommendations will be made by the ments, and it is obvious that all individual Hydraulics Proposals Committee and will appeals for assistance cannot possibly be be given prompt consideration by the Min- met. The council's funds are provided by ister for Water Supply. The surveyors the Commonwealth Government, whose will, of course, make inquiries from policy is that it should be allocated on a farmers, etc., in the localities concerned subsidy basis, according to the amount before submitting their proposals. raised by local people. The Commonwealth Government's opinion is that local govern- In the Lakes District, the department ing authorities should be stimulated to as- has already carried out a considerable sist the young people of the district. All amount of rock catchmient conservation financial assistance by the National Fit- work, the largest of wvhich has been at ness Council in country districts is given Dingo. Rock. As members will appreciate, only through properly constituted youth any decisions for the carrying out of rock committees sponsored by the local govern- catchment proposals in the areas affected ing authority. Mr. Hal] stated no help had will be influenced by limitations of staff, been given to Big Bell by the council. As equipment and manpower, and by depart- no application has ever been received from mental commitments in other localities that centre for the formation of a youth where the needs are of equal importance. committee, the council, under the policy As usual, Mr. Hall took the opportunity laid down by the Commonwealth Govern- to bring to the notice of the Chamber the ment, would not be able to make any as- progress of the work being undertaken sistance available. Mr. Hall did suggest to on the Great Eastern Highway. The hon. the council that equipment belonging to the member suggested that, if the unbitumin- Mt. Magnet Youth Committee be trans- ised portion were graded every two months, ferred to Big Bell as it was not being the road would be kept in comparatively used. Inquiries, however, revealed that this good order. He then went on to say that lack of use was only temporary. the attitude of the Main Roads Depart- ment appeared to be to neglect the road. Reference to the price of gold and assist- As a matter of fact, maintenance grading ance to the industry generally was made on the unconstructed portion of the road by several members. As the House is aware, was carried out during June, July and I led a deputation at Canberra on the 24th August. Generally speaking, this winter August last, to the Treasurer of the Com- the grader strength of the main Roads monwealth. This followed preliminary dis- Department has been below par in view cussions between Hon. A. F. Watts and of concentration on the reconditioning of Sir Arthur Padden. As well as myself, the Eyre Highway as far as Eucla. If bitumen deputation comprised Mr. R. J. Agnew is received according to order, there should (Presid'ent of the Chamber of Mines of be a black road from Perth to Kalgoorlie W.A.) representing Western Australia, Mr. by Christmas, 1952. G. Lindsay Clark. representing both the Another complaint ventilated by Mr. Ha]] Victorian and Western Australian Cham- concerned the National Fitness Council. bers of Mines, Mr. Malcolm Newman of The hon. member wondered whether the Mt. Morgan. Queensland. and Mr. Garrity council's activities justified its existence. of New Occidental Gold Mines, represent- III September, 1951.161 615 ing.New South Wales and New Guinea. I Referring to -the possible method of had the honour of Introducing the deputa- assistance, I indicated that .the industry tion -and presenting the four main points would much prefer the application of a for discussion. These were:- "common rule" than the present piece- (1) To request the Commonwealth to meal method of assisting marginal mines. take immediate steps to' initiate pro- The formula to be presented by the depu- posals with the International Monetary tation was simple, would save tremendous Fund for an increase in the price of work for both applicants and -the Govern- gold which had no relation to exist- ment departments, and would avoid delays ing price levels. and uncertainty. It would ensure a sliding scale of assistance, which would apply (2) Alternatively, follow the action only to those mines actually in need and of South Africa and arrange for Aus- would preserve the incentive to companies tralia to participate in the premium to reduce costs as far as possible. I showed prices for gold on the "free" market. that there was ample room for develop- (3) Alternatively, a long term plan ment in the North-West in the exploitation to stabilise the industry under which of mineral resources and that mining ex- the Commonwealth could subsidise the perts were fully alive to these. I pointed price of gold so as to maintain low- out the Interest taken by the United States grade mines in production, minimise in the search for oil in this area. selective mining and encourage de- The president of the Western Australian velopment. Chamber of Mines, Mr. Agnew, submitted (4)' To request the Commonwealth detailed figures of production and produc- Government to allow a technical ad- tion costs to Sir Arthur. He explained that viser to accompany the Treasury repre- the 'common rule" formula had been based sentative to the International Monet- on a somewhat similar formula now oper- ary Fund conference 'when the matter ating in Canada. In principle, it was not of gold was being discussed. unlike the Commonwealth Gold Encourage- ment Act of 1040, which operated very I stressed the tremendous Importance of satisfactorily through the State Mines De- the gold mining industry to Western Aus- partment, and which had established a tralia and emphasised the impact that precedent. Mr. Agnew said that the actual rising costs together with the fixed price formula was a simple one. It was the of gold had on producing mines. I pointed difference between production cost and out to the Federal Treasurer the disastrous basic cost U1l3 3s.) multiplied by two-thirds effect on this State's economy that would production. The effect of its application result were the gold mines forced to close. would be to render the greatest measure and told him that it was estimated 60,000 of assistance to those mines most in need Western Australians were directly or in- and to taper off as the need lessened. At directly dependent on the industry. I the present time, said Mr. Agnew, a rela- showed that a major problem would con- tively small proportion of mines would front this State were it found necessary need assistance, but, if increases in the to provide homes and work for displaced basic wage and the rising trend of other Goldfields people, and compared this with costs brought other mines within the ambit the substantial field of potential develop- of the formula, they would know in ad- ment that could be opened up if steps were vance what aid they could expect. taken to stabilise the industry. Emphasis was placed by Mr. Lindsay I told Sir Arthur Fadden that the In- Clark on the inequity to the gold pro- dustry was aware that it had the sympathy ducers of the restriction of the basic I.M.F. of his Government, which was expressed gold price to its prewar figure, this having clearly during the recent Federal elections, no relation to existing price levels. He but that it wished for a. clear re-affirma- also argued that if South Africa were per- tion of Commonwealth policy in relation to mitted to sell portion of its gold at pre- goidnining f it was Commonwealth mium prices on the "free" market, the Aus- policy to fix the price of gold at the tralian producer should likewise be per- present figure to conform to the Inter- mnitted to share in this market. Mr. Mal- national agreement, then it was only fair calm Newman and Mr. Qarrity supported that the goidmining industry itself should the representations and spoke in favour have offsetting compensation, in view of of the formula method of 'assistance. the fact that the dollar price of gold In reply, the Federal Treasurer stated was restricted to Its prewar price. I1 that the Commonwealth Government fully referred to the decentralisation policy appreciated the importance of the gold- of our own Goverrnent and the Federal mining industry to the Australian economy Government, and stated that there was and to Western Australia in particular, no speedier method of attracting popula- and he made It clear that it was his Gov- tion to empty areas than by the develop- ernment's desire that economic gold pro- ment of mines. I pointed out the vast duction should be encouraged. Sir Arthur mineral resources of Western Australia, also said that the Commonwealth Govern- much of which had been surveyed and was went already had the problem under known. I said that a firm declaration examination. He indicated that it was of policy would restore confidence, attract not possible, at that stage, for the Com- investors and encourage settlement. monwealth Government to anticipate the 616 616(COUN4CIL.]

outcome of the consideration being given the Government's policy of decentralisa- oversea to the problem of premium sales. tion to build more houses in country dis- When that decision was known the Com- tricts. Unfortunately, the main bottleneck monwealth Government, taking Into con- in rural areas, so far as building is con- sideration the requirements of 'collabora- cerned, and one that has caused a great tion as provided for by international agree- deal of trouble to both the State Housing ment, would eiamlne the position with Commission and the Public Works De- the interests of all, Including the gold- partment, is the difficulty in obtaining mining Industry, In mind. In this con- building contractors to operate In the more nection. Sir Arthur stressed the many distant inland towns. factors that would have to be taken into In an effort to solve the problems asso- account. ciated. with building houses in the coun- The Australian Government, Sir Arthur try the State Housing Commission has stated, was continuing to support proposals set up a country organisation section. The during international discussion f or an in- duties of this new 'etio include co- crease in the official world price of gold. ordination of the Commission's country In the meantime, he would note the in- activities, examination of the housing re- dustry's request for early assistance based quirements and future developmental on some automatic formula in preference trends in all country towns, and to ensure to individual examinations of the affairs the smooth and efficient operation of the of particular mines. Sir Arthur referred precut housing scheme in country areas. to the many commitments which his Gov- This precut scheme was put Into operation ernment had to face in relation to its de- early this year and it is hoped that it fence and other responsibilities, but he will overcome some of the labour problems undertook to bring the industry's request in the country. An improvement in the before Cabinet for early consideration of country house building programme is al- the whole question of assistance to the ready apparent as a result of the activi- goidmining: industry in its present dif~i- ties of the new section, culties. In reply to a question, Sir Arthur To the end of July, 1951, some 1,352 also said he would submit to Cabinet the homes had been erected in 63 country proposal of the deputation that a technical towns under the Commonwealth -State expert should accompany Professor Mel- rental scheme. At present approximately ville to the international Monetary Fund 400 more are under construction in 62 Conference in an advisory capacity. I May towns ranging from Albany in the south add that the matter has been further fol- to Derby In the north. The policy of lowed up and the name of Mr. W. S. the Commission has been to spread its Robinson has been submitted as the tech- activities over as many centres as pos- nical nominee. I trust that my remarks sible. Particular attention has been given wili assist to ease Mr. Cunningham's fears to the large towns in industrial and rural that the Government has done little to areas, as can be realised by the follow- advance the cause of the industry and will ing figures which show the houses com- also indicate to the hon. member that his pleted In various towns:- suggestion that a representative of the Collie **...... 160 Industry be sent to the meeting of the Bunbury international Monetary Fund conference 2 has been anticipated. Albany in the course of his contribution to the Qeraldton .... 81 debate, Mr. Heenan suggested that con- Northam ...... 69 sideration might have been given to the Merredin ...... 52 adjournment of the House so that mem- Wittenoom ...... bers could attend the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Gorge 77 annual racing week. Mr. Jones offered Wundo wie ...... 109 a similar suggestion in regard to suspend- Narrogin ...... 38 ing our debates so that country members Manjimup might attend district shows. The import- ance of these occasions is recognised, and Donnybrook ...... 21 it is perhaps unfortunate that the legis- Boyup Brook ...... 31 lative session clashes with these seasonal In all these towns, the building of further engagements. In previous years, as mem- homes is proceeding. Several members bers are aware, this House has had some drew the attention of the Government to waiting periods, owing to protracted de- the housing needs of the North. Here bates in another place, on the Address- again the reluctance of contractors to ac- in-reply. This year the debate there has cept work has proved a serious problem.. concluded sooner than usual, so that an Nevertheless, the Commission has com- earlier start is. being made on the legis- pleted the erection of 77 houses at Wit- lative programme proper. It is for that. tenoom. Gorge. 10 at Carnarvon, one at reason that the usual adjournment of Derby and 40 at B3ig Bell. In addition, past years has not been practicable this 10 homes are under construction at Car- year. narvon, six at Derby, two at Onslow. two Housing, that hardy perennial, received at Port Hedland, two at Roebourne, 43 at its usual share of attention. Mr. Murray Wittenoom Gorge and five at Northamp- suggested that It would be in keeping with ton. [11 September, 1951.] 6171

SWhile recognising the very urgent hous- pointees to the department are checked ing need, Mr. Hearn considered that it carefully. In the case under discussion would be wise to adopt an increased indus- it would appear that the person in ques- trial building programme. In this regard tion lost control of himself and disclosed he pointed out that if industry is retarded inhibitory tendencies that otherwise might through lack of sufficient and suitable not have been revealed. buildings, it will be unable later to absorb Several members devoted a considerable our increasing population when these amount of attention to hospital and people are seeking employment. I think social service problems. As much of this it will be found that the State Housing matter is the responsibility of the Com- Commission has given favourable con- monwealth Government and, in addition, sideration to the release of materials for has been dealt with on previous occa- industrial and other projects, and that sions, I do not propose to discuss every substantial allocations have been made point that was submitted. I would like during the past two years, consistent with to correct an erroneous statement made the need to reserve a due proportion for by Mr. Bennetts when referring to the housing. Mt. Henry women's home. The hon. mem- The figures that I propose to quote in- ber averred that £200,000 had been spent dicate the very large increase that has on the home up to date, and that it was taken place in building activity-apart providing accommodation for 20 aged from housing-during the last five years. women. He expressed his belief that the These include shops, factories and other home would ultimately hold 50 persons similar buildings that have been com- and that its completed cost would be pleted- £400,000 to £500,000. I am afraid the 1946-47 ...220 at a cost of £358,000 hon. member's remarks were misleading. 1947-48 .. 270 at a cost of £420,000 The home is accommodating approxi- 1948-49 ...347 at a cost of £880,000 mately 150 persons at present and the 1949-50 ...472 at a cost of £885,000 ultimate plan envisages a total of 350 1950-51 .... 839 at a cost of £1,432,000 persons. These figures reveal that regard is be- In discussing Dr. Hislop's. contention ing paid to the building need of industry, that an intelligent view of hospital plan- particularly when it is found that the ning should be taken by the responsible number of constructions in 1950-51 were authorities, I would like to point out that 77 per cent. greater than in the previous the hospital plan being embarked on by year.- the Government has been considered and Attention was drawn by Mr. Hall to an approved by the State Health Council. amenity which he stated was lacking in This council, as members no doubt are the Murchison area. This was dental aware, is a body of medical men selected facilities. This is another instance where by the medical profession to advise the efforts of the Government have been the Government on such matters. There fraught with disappointment. During is a sub-committee of the council known the past two years two dentists have been as the Hospital Requirements Commit- appointed in succession by the Public tee. Incidentally, I am told that Dr. His- Health Department, with headquarters at lop was not able to accept appointment Geraldton, to deal with schools in an area to this sub-committee. I am informed that extending as far as Wiluna. After brief hospital bed requirements for all areas, periods both men resigned. The depart- including that of Fremantle, were esti- ment now has appointed another dentist mated after a careful survey of all beds to service this district. It is expected that in the State and an examination of the a house in Geraldton will be available for use made of them. The increase that may him soon. When this eventuates, he will be expected in population was also an take up practice, and Murchison schools important factor taken into consideration. will be given priority in his itinerary. The survey indicated clearly that the The problem attached to the care of requirements of this State are almost our native population was the subject of exactly similar to those estimated for some debate. Mr. Parker's remarks were Great Britain and the United States of of great interest. The hon. member is to America. The figures adopted for hos- be commended for the time that he has pital planning in those countries are five devoted to making himself conversant beds per 1,000 population for acute cases, with all aspects of native administration. and 2 to 2.5 beds per 1,000 for chronic Mr. Hall in discussing the assault by cases. The survey also indicated the several natives on the Acting Superin- manner in which these beds should be tendent of the Cosmo Newbery native sta- tion stated that though the latter should spread throughout the State, that is, with have been prosecuted no action was taken. a higher proportion in the metropolitan This is not correct. The Department of and regional areas. Native Affairs, acting for the natives, in- The 1950 population dependent on Fre- stituted proceedings in court against the mantle hospital was 65,000. In £060 it is Acting Superintendent, who, however, was estimated that this will have grown to acquitted. I would like to assure the hon. over 90,00. On these figures it is evident member that the antecedents of all ap- that Fremantle now requires approxi- [COUNCIL.]

mately 350 acute and 150 chronic beds, and those relating to the connection of premises that in 1960 approximately 600 acute and with sewerage and drainage, should refer to over 200 chronic beds will be required. In the liability of both the owner and occupier view of this, it is proposed to build a 350- of the premises. The hon. member desired bed hospital extendable to 500 beds and to know why local authorities were given to retain the present 200-bed hospital for power to compel occupiers to have these chronic cases. If, as Dr. Hislop suggests, connections made, and also to provide the cost of a 500-bed hospital is £2,000,000, laundry and bathroom facilities when these this would be considerably cheaper than are unsatisfactory. 1 would inform the hon. five 100-bed hospitals, the cost of which member that in determining the liability for would be at least £3,000,000. expenses consequent upon the installation of drainage or other work on any premises, I am informed that the hon. member's it would at first appear that the owner suggestion that a number of small hos- should at all times be held responsible by pitals. saves staff by using general prac- reason of the fact that the enhanced value titioners Instead of specialists, is difficult of the property would benefit the owner, to understand, Doctors, I am told, are and not the occupier. In practice, however, about the only persons not at present in the terms of tenancy vary widely in that by short supply, as regards hospitals staffs, agreement between the parties certain re- and that practitioners visiting at various sponsibilities are assumed by an occupier odd hours would entail considerable under lease agreement. wastage of the nursing staff's time. My information also is that a number of small Not infrequently a difficult situation hospitals means duplication and uneco- arises when an owner who has been served nomical use of ancillary services, and that with an order to carry out work, informs modern medicine Is making an ever-in- the local authority that, by agreement, the creasing use of various ancillary specialised occupier holds himself responsible to the techniques, investigations, equipment, etc.. owner for works which are the subject of which can only be economically supplied the order. In such cases, the local auth- and used in large hospitals. ority, under the Act, can waive the question The Royal Perth Hospital is already of equity and thereby avoid legal argument overcrowded in its specialist, diagnostic and delay in the execution of orders. As a and therapeutic departments. The further safeguard, under Section 369 of the Act, an 100 beds to be added to it will have little owner is given the right to approach the effect on the hospital bed situation in the court for recovery from an occupier, and metropolitan area, but will add to the vice versa, where it is felt that works under- strain on specialist departments in the taken have been the responsibility of the hospital and render them still less capable other party. of dealing with referred cases from a number of small metropolitan hospitals. The interests of a local authority, which Fremantle hospital is already staffed with has carried out work on behalf or in default specialists and although certain specialties of an owner, are protected by Section 371 are at present confined to Royal Perth which provides that the expenses shall re- Hospital the expanding needs of the main a charge upon the land until paid. It would obviously not be a rightful act to metropolis may require extended specialist cause the expenses to remain a charge facilities in Fremantle. There will be a against land where the occupier was the propoitlon of community beds in the new responsible party. The practice, therefore, Fremantle hospital and use, therefore, will is to regard the owner as the responsible be made of general practitioners. party unless he shows the case to be other- Then again, Dr. Hislap stated that a wise under an enforceable agreement. In hospital of 10 or 11 storeys would be much order to ensure that a local authority, and more costly than one of perhaps 100 beds therefore the ratepayers generally, do not and only two or three storeys. In this suffer financial loss due to dispute between connection, however, if a suitable site is an owner and occupier, Section 80 (3) provided, it would not be necessary to refers to owner only. Should the owner build a 500-bed hospital up to 10 or 11 consider that he has a claim against the storeys. Mr. Gray asked for some definite occupier, he is protected by Section 369. information of the site of the proposed new Fremantle hospital. I am afraid I In the course of his remarks, Mr. Fraser cannot give him this. While it is realised cited a case where difficulty was en- that a decision is most important, the countered in enforcing the law. The case problem of siting Is by no means simple. occurred shortly after the local authority The problem is the subject of discussion had suffered a reverse in court in a similar between the Town Planning Board and circumnstance. It is felt that the case the Fremantle town planning authority, would not have been lost if it had been and a report has not yet been received. presented differently. A number of con- victions have been obtained by other Hon. 0. Fraser: They must take a long authorities in parallel cases. Should the time. local authority in question still feel dis- The MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT: satisfied with the legal position, it may They do. Mr. Fraser asked why Sections itself place the matter beyond doubt by 72 to 84 of the Health Act, particularly amendment of its bylaws. [II September, 1951.] 619

What he explained was the method Hyden from the 5th June, 1951. Mr. Med- adopted by the Depiartment bf Agriculture call resides iii Albanyj and most of his time for the testing of cream for butterfat con- during the past few' ybars has been spent tenit at the factory, was criticised by Mr. on departmental work in the lower Loton. The hon. member said he understood Great Southern. Every effort is being that when a can of cream arrived at the made to increase the survey staff and factory a sample was taken for a factory this will be continued actively. test, tis sample later being subject to an- In a rather restrained manner Mr. other or check test by a departmental Fraser commented on a subject very dear officer. He felt that this was an unsatis- factory method and suggested that a mote to his heart, that of the Fremantle har- reliable test would be for another sample bour extension scheme. He painted a to be taken by the department's inspector. dreary picture of a, substantial area In This proposal would be difficult to imple- North Fremantle ravaged as a result of ment as cans are often emptied prior to work necessary for an upriver extension the tester's arrival at the factory. plan, and referred specifically to the pos- sibility that 350 houses would be affected Regulation 42 made under the Dairy by the scheme. I do not propose to com- Industry Act provides that samples shall ment at this stage on the actual number be available for check testing equal to of properties that will be involved, as no the number represented by a full run in accurate information in this regard will the testing machine, the tests of which be available until the future harbour de- have been entered in the records. The velopmental scheme is accurately laid out samples must be the last series which by the consulting engineers, Sir Alexander passed through the machine. This method Gibb and partners, and the survey of the provides an element of surprise by enabling whole area is completed. This work is the inspector, to enter a factory and seize being carried out and it is expected will the last series of samples tested prior to be completed early next year. his visit. It is important that the check be made on tests which have been entered on It is believed that the figure of 350 the records, in the event of departmental houses quoted by Mr. Fraser is in excess action being necessary in the case of un- of the total number of properties that satisfactory tests. Furthermore, Mr. Loton will be affected by the ultimate upriver also considered that all cane were not harbour development scheme. Completion satisfactorily stirred prior to testing. I am of the scheme is not expected for informed that the stirring of cream in the some 50 years or so and the absorption can is watched by the inspector during of any properties will be gradual over his visit. Any failure to stir at other times that period. It is certain that properties would create variations in the tests which affected within the next few years by the would be apparent when the records were re-siting of the road and rail bridges will examined. be only a small fraction of the figure provided by the hon. member. I am in- The shortage of Government surveyors, formed that most of the properties that particularly in the Great Southern district will be affected are sub-grade in character, has been referred to by Mr. Loton and are old, and in the normal course would he pointed out this is delaying essential have to be replaced in the not-too-distant developmental work. Mr. Bennetts indi- future. cated also that work at Esperance was being retarded through the lack of a sur- Of the total area in Fremantle required veyor. This shortage is caused mainly by for harbour extension purposes, much is the great activity In land settlement and unoccupied beach and river bank land land transactions throughout the State, and vacant areas. I would like to em- making it most difficult to cope with the phasise that accurate information regard- greatly increased volume of survey work. ing properties to be absorbed in North A number of surveyors have been operating Fremantle by the upriver harbour ex- In the Great Southern and Esperance dis- tension scheme cannot be known exactly tircts during the past years. Contract until the surveys now in hand are com- surveyors on this work were Mr. F. G. pleted and the layout of the upriver ex- Medcalf. from January to June at Many tension scheme, including re-siting of the Peaks, South Stirlings, Rocky Gully, etc., bridges, is completed. It must be remem- and Mr. I. Mv.Gordon, from March to May. bered that there are only three alter- at Yornanlng, Katanning, Cuballing and natives to choose from in extending the N~rrogln. At present Mr. W. S. Brockway harbour, these being seaward or upstream is undertaking Crown land surveys in the extension, or a new site. The last mentioned Esperance district. is out of the question and no matter Staff surveyors are Mr. W. B. Martyr, whether extension be upstream or seaward, who has been operating at Yealering, some interference with private property is Wickepin, Pingelly and Corrigin. since the unavoidable. 18th July, 1951: Mr. J. F. Morgan who is If it was decided to extend seawards. stationed In the lower Great Southern dis- private property would be affected by the trict, and has been working at Rocky Gully need for wharves, reclaimed areas, road since the 17th May, 1951, and Mr. F. K. and rail approaches and possibly a special Thompson, who has been at Br'ookton and railway system to haul the huge loads of [COUNCIL.) stone required for the long slow work of Until such time as the detailed design of constructing breakwaters, work which, in the new bridge is available from the con-. such an exposed locality, would take years sulting engineers, the optimum economic to complete. Incidentally, it must be depth of the foundations and the length realised that no inshore works, such as of span to suit the loading cannot be deter- dredging, reclamation, quays, railways, mined. It is probable that more bores roads or transit sheds, could be under- on the site will be required. The informa- taken until such time as sufficient protec- tion already obtained from bores indicates tion Is given from the sea by the break- that an economic pier and span or similar waters, thus causing an additional delay structure can be constructed at Point amounting to years. Brown. Mr. Fraser questioned the fact that the borings ceased at a point approxi- In reply to the hon. member's conten- mately two-thirds of the distance across tion that another engineer would prob- the river, and he thought this rather ably disagree with the extension plans, I curious. The explanation is that these would point put that upstream extension bores covered the area of the proposed has been recommended by Mr. Stileman. bridge site, which was in the realigned Sir George Buchanan, Sir Alexander Gibb river north of the existing channel. At and Mr. Meyer, as well as Mr. Tydeman. this Point the river was to be straightened Each of these promdient, experienced har- and re-sited north of its existing bed. For bour engineers recommended upstream this reason the proposed bridge would not extension as the first step to port exten- coincide with the present channel. sion, to be followed in the distant future The fact that the borings stopped in by seawards extension. Mr. Fraser ex- midstream of the existing channel merely pressed surprise at the nature of an meant that point was the limit of the answer he had received to a question he site of the future bridge. Mr. Fraser in asked in Parliament in connection with support of his contention that the most test borings at Point Brown. The hon. economical extension scheme should be member thought it strange that no de- adopted, quoted costs he stated he ex- partmental report was available regard- tracted from Mr. Tydeman's report, and ing the borings. which, he said, revealed that costs per berth of a seawards scheme would be less I would like to explain to Mr. Fraser than for upstream extension. In the man- that written reports are not usually made ner expressed by the hon. member, this on borings. In the normal course, Infor- gives aLfalse Impression of the position. The mation obtained from borings is recorded correct viewpoint is that the final sea- on drawings. Into these drawings or bor- wards project, envisaging a very large num- ing sheets the engineer writes and records ber of berths, possibly to be constructed all the information revealed from the bore over the next two centuries, would cost holes. To an engineer, therefore, these less per berth than berths upstream if all drawings are the full records. As the were constructed at once. hon. member was informed in the parlia- mentary question referred to, all informa- In fact, such aLvast scheme could only tion necessary in regard to the borings be constructed over a very long term, that made on the original proposed bridge site is, over the years, and scheme by scheme, at Point Brown by Sir Alexander Gibb, is and stage by stage. If this vast scheme recorded on P.W.D. Plan No. 27058, and is constructed as one large contract its Appendix 2, Volume 3 of the Tydeman cost would be less per berth than the cost report on the Port of Fremantle, 1948. of a smaller upriver extension scheme. It is obviously not possible for this large Then again, Mr. Fraser indicated he had scheme to be constructed simultaneously; received information that borings carried it can only be constructed In stages, and out prior to 1929 failed to reveal a satis- in this form will cost more per berth than factory bottom. This is not so. Borings will a smaller upriver extension scheme. made some 25 years ago did not cease On this occasion. Mr. Fraser again re- owing to an unsatisfactory bottom. They ferred to the financial arrangement rela- were complete for the Purpose required. tive to the kindergarten movement, under The depth they were taken to was 80 feet, which the Kindergarten Union meets the which was deep enough to give sufficient whole of the cost of teachers' salaries and indication to the engineers of the geo- imposes a per Capita levy on the branches graphical strata available for bridge to help defray the cost. This levy was foundations. Any of the material indicated recently increased, and the hon. member for the full depth of these bores is suitable suggests that it would be to the advan- for foundations for the new bridge, being tage of the branches if they were to revert mainly sand and rock. As a matter of to the previous system whereby they re- fact, bridge foundations can be constructed ceived a Government grant of £:4 per child in most types of material. The conclusion Per, an~num and then had to raise the that bridges must be founded in rock is rest of the money needed to pay the cost often erroneously believed by laymen. of the teachers' salaries. Bridges can be designed for any type of foundation ranging from water, hydraulic Hon. 0. Fraser: No, I did not suggest grades of mud, clays and sand to rock. that at all. rll September. 1951.] 621.21

The MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT: I am afraid it would not be of any assist- Then I must have misread the hon. mem- ance to revert, as Mr. Fraser suggests, to ber's remarks; I thought that was what the earlier system of paying the Govern- he suggested. It is true that prior to ment per capita grant direct to the local 1949 the procedure was for the Governiment committees. grant to be paid direct to the individual kindergarten committees, which were then Hon. 0. Fraser: I did not suggest that required to meet the cost of teachers' at all. What I suggested was a straight-out salaries and the incidental expenses in- Government grant to the individual com- curred in the functioning of their centres. mittees. Under an administrative change which operated from the beginning of 1949, the The MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT: I central body of the Kindergarten Union am glad the hon. member has made that assumed full responsibility for the pay- explanation, because that was the impres- ment of teachers' salaries, towards the sion I gathered. At present rates, teachers' cost of which it received the full annual salaries cost £17 per year for each child Government grant of £4 per child and, in enrolled. If the Government were to meet addition, levied the kindergarten commit- the cost of kindergarten administration tees to the extent of £4 15s. per child and teacher training, and distribute the per annum. The decision to make this balance of its grant among the individual change was purely a domestic matter be- committees, the amount received per child tween the Kindergarten Union and its branches, having as its object the Placing would be approximately £8. The committees of their finances on a sounder footing and would then have to find £9 per child to the bringing of the Organisation into line meet the cost of teachers' salaries com- with the ruling practice in other States. pared with £6. 15s. at the present time. Far from improving the position of the In 1949 the Kindergarten Union's in- kindergarten committees, that would leave come, consisting of the levy, the Govern- them £2. 5s. per child worse off than they ment per capita grant and an annual Gov- are under the present system. ernment subsidy of approximately £8,000 to meet administrative costs and the ex- In closing the debate I must apologise penses of the Kindergarten Training Col- if my speech has appeared rather pro- lege, was sufficient to meet its financial tracted, but it is my belief that members commitments. During the past two years, of this House are entitled to replies to however, oosts have risen very steeply, complaints or criticism expressed by them, teachers' salaries in particular having in- or to questions asked of the Minister in creased by approximately 50 per cent., and this House, during their speeches on the the Kindergarten Union has become in- Address-In-reply. I have endeavoured to creasingly dependent on Treasury assist- cover as many points as possible, but if ance in order to carry on. The Government any member feels that, through inadvert- grant has been practically doubled since ence, I have failed to reply to him, or 1949. and will amount this year to £16,315. have not given sufficient information, I The annual grants for the past few years will be happy to provide any details I can have been- obtain. £ 1944- 45 ...... 1,549 I do not wish members to think that 1945-46 ... 667 the Minister for Agriculture or I ignore 1946-47 comments during the Address-in-reply de- 904 bate. As I have said earlier in this speech, 1947-48 * . --.. 6,125 all suggestions or comments are forwarded 1948-49 ...... 5,373 to the appropriate authority. Before re- 1949-50 - . ... 10,447 suming my seat, I would like to thank you, 1950-51 ...... 12,706 Mr. President. and all members for the courtesy with which I have been listened As I have already mentioned, the grant for to and for the assistance rendered to me 1951-52 will be £16,375. In addition, a at all times in the course of my rather sum of up to £500 per year is available to onerous duties. I have much pleasure in encourage the opening of new country supporting the motion for the adoption of centres at a rate of £100 per centre. Not- the Address-in-reply. withstanding these increases, the levy on the kindergarten committees on the other Question put and Passed;, the Address hand remained unaltered until last month, adopted. when an increase of £2 per child per annum was decided upon. In the circum- stances, this rise of 42 per cent. in the As to PreSe71tation of Address. levy seems fully justified. On motion by the Minister for Trans- port. resolved: It is perhaps unfortunate that the whole of the increase was levied in the last school That the Address be presented to His term instead of being spread over the full Excellency the Administrator by the year, but the responsibility for this decision President and such members as may rests entirely with the Kindergarten Union. desire to accompany him. CASSEMBLY.1

BILLS (8) -FIRST READING. QUESTIONS. I, Public Buildings Act (Validation of Payments). INCREASE OF RENT (WAR RESTRIC- TIONS) ACT. 2, Public Buildings Act Repeal. Received from the Assembly. As to Prosecutions, Convictions and 3, Noxious Weeds Act Amendment. Penalties. 4, Feeding Stuffs Act Amendment. Mr. NEEDHAM asked the Chief Sec- 5, Agriculture Protection Board Act retary: Amendment. (1) How many prosecutions have been 6, Poultry Industry (Trust Fund) Act launched for breaches- of the Increase of Amendment, Rent (War Restrictions) Act, 1939, during 7, Potato Growing Industry Trust Fund the period 1939 to the 30th June, 1951? Act Amendment. (2) How many convictions have been re- Introduced by the Minister for Trans- corded? port (for the Minister for Agri- (3) What were the maximum penalties culture). imposed? 8, Road Closure (Wannerco). The CHIEF SECRETARY replied: Introduced by Hon. N. E. Baxter. (1), (2) and (3) Prosecutions are not listed or indexed in their various categories, House adjourned at 9.1 p.m. and, consequently the supply of the infor- mation required would involve considerable time in checking up charge sheets in courts throughout the State. Since 1948 records have been kept by the Department, and these indicate that 22 Tuesday, 11th September, 1951. prosecutions have been launched since that date. CONTENTS, Convictions number 17, the maximunm Questions: Increase of Rent (War Rlestrie-. ag penalty being £50. tions) Act, as to prosecutions, con- These figures do not include prosecu- victions and penalties ...... 22 tions launched privately. Fremantle Harbour, (a) as to conditions of sampling sea water .. - 622 FREMANTLE HARBOUR. (b) as to extent of pollution .. ... 623 (a) AS to Conditions o/ Sampling Sea (e) as to members' discussion with Water. Mr. Tydeman ... .. 8..23 (d) as to upstream or seaward ex- Mr. GRAYDEN asked the Minister for tension ...... - 623 Works: 'Health, as to compulsory immunisation (1) Does be consider that the sampling against diphtheria...... -...... 623 of water from Fremantle Harbour carried Hospitals, as to regional scheme ... 623 out on the 9th October, 1950., to test the Workers' compensation,'as to insurances extent to which the water was polluted, was with State Government om11e...... 623 satisfactory, in view of- State Brick Works, (a) as to release and (a) the fact that any oil. etc., would delivery...... 624 float on top of the water while the (b) as to" Established Client " ... 624 Dairying industry, as to State assistance samples were obtained 6 inches towards cost of development...... - 624 below the surface; Housing, as to loss to owners through (b) the fact that the strong incoming non-possession .. .. 624 tide would be bringing in large Town Planning, as to board's attitude to quantities of unpolluted water and south-of-river railway ... "L 624 pushing any polluted water fur- Ellis: Real Property (Foreign Governments), ther upstream; Ir1 ...... 624 (c) the tact that sewage from ships in 'Public Buildings Act (Validationi of Pay- the harbour would be largely un- ments), sr. .. . . 624 dissolved and would not be spread "Public Buildings Act Repeal, Sr...... 624 evenly through the water, and that Rural and Industries Bank Act Amend- any solids would not be included ment, Message, 2r., Corn. report. .... 625 in the samples collected? Increase of Rent (War Restrictions) Act Amendment and Continuance, 2r., (2) Will he have further tests of this Corn...... 627, 657 natuire carried out under better conditions Main Roads Act (Funds Appropriation), and extending further upstream? 2r. ... 654 The MINISTER replied: Country Towns Sewerage Act Amend- (1) Yes, under the conditions then ex- ment, 2r...... 6&5 isting. (2) Yes. Regular tests have been made The SPEAKER took the Chair at 4.30 monthly in the Swan River above the Fre- p.m. and read prayers. mantle Traffic Bridge over the last 3 years.