Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 1959

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

1288 City of Rockhampton, &c., Bill [ASSEMBLY] Questions

THURSDAY, 12 NOVEMBER, 1959

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. A. R. Fletcher, Cunningham) took the chair at 11 a.m.

QUESTIONS

SUPPLY OF DOG-SPIKES TO RAILWAY DEPARTMENT Mr. MANN (Brisbane) asked the Minister for Transport- "(1) In connection with the contract for the supply of dog-spikes by McPhersons Ltd. at £59,818 15s. Od. to the Railway Department, what was the price tendered by the Queensland manufacturer?" "(2) What was the difference in price between McPhersons Ltd. and the Queensland tenderer?"

Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) replied- "(1) £63,625." "(2) £3,806 Ss." "After deduction of the value of the steel content involved from each tender­ such steel not being of Queensland origin­ the Queensland manufacturers' price on which they were entitled to preference for Queensland manufacture was approxi­ mately 12 per cent. in excess of that of the lowest tenderer."

SUPPLY OF OFFAL MEATS, TOWNSVILLE Mr. AIKENS (Mundingburra) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Stock- "As the supply of brains, tails, kidneys, tongues and other offal meats from the Townsville abattoir is insufficient to meet public demand, is it permissible for people to arrange for these and meat cuts in short supply to be purchased from meatworks? If not, why not?"

Hon. 0. 0. MADSEN (Warwick) replied- "Tt is known that the Townsville District Abattoir Board is at times unable to meet the full demand for the supply of brains, tails, kidneys, tongues and other offal meats in the Townsville district abattoir area. Under these circumstances, permission is given for fixed quantities of such offal meats to be supplied to butchers from other sources as is done at times in other abattoir areas. The district abattoir is able to kill sufficient animals to supply all carcass and meat cuts and as is the case in other district abattoir areas, these classes of meat must be obtained from the district abat­ toir." City of Rockhampton [12 NovEMBER] (Lands PU1·chase) Bill 1289

RAILWAY FREIGHT CONCESSIONS TO of the Chamber were brainless because they BREWERIES continued to question him on the subject of the Bill. Mr. ADAffi (Cook) asked the Minister for He explained that the land is held by the Transport- City of Rockhampton under deed of grant "(1) Will he advise what rail freight as trustee for the Government, and I was concessions are being granted to breweries just wondering whether in the Minister's in Southern Queensland?" view all similar trusts are of no concern of "(2) Does he agree that the Cairns hon. members or of the people of Queens­ brewery should also receive the same con­ land. The Minister should recognise fully cession? If not, why not?" the responsibilities of Parliament and of hon. members of Parliament to the people who Hon. G. W. W. CHALK (Lockyer) return them. The land is not owned by the replied- City of Rockhampton, nor it is owned on "(! and 2) No good purpose would be behalf of the people of Rockhampton. It is served by the preparation of the infor­ owned by the people of Queensland, and held mation sought in Question 1 as transport in trust by the City of Rockhampton. There­ conditions operating in Southern Queens­ fore the subject is of vital interest to Par­ land are not comparable with those existing liament. It is certainly the business of Par­ in Cairns. The Cairns Brewery does not liament to find out what is to happen to the market beer south of Rockhampton and the land, and how the trust has been administered. special rates applicable to the railage of We do not agree that the method proposed beer from Cairns to the principal centres in by the Bill is the only one to be adopted. If which Cairns beer is marketed as compared the administration of the trust has failed in with the special rates from Brisbane the past, and we are now called upon to Breweries to the same markets do not, as assist the trustees, we have every right to shown hereunder, place the Cairns Brewery examine the Government's proposals. There at a disadvantage. are other ways in which the matter could have been tackled, with benefit to the City (A) Bulk Beer of Rockhampton. If the position of the Rate ex Cairns Rate ex Brisbane trustees has become impossible because of To Per Ton Per Ton 8. d. 8. d. the demands of the State Licensing Com­ Townsville 180 0 mission, we are entitled to inquire about the Bowen 242 0 Government's reaction to a request for finan­ Proserpine 263 0 Mackay .. 178 3 180 6 cial assistance or a Government guarantee (B) Bottled Beer for a loan from banking institutions. Ingham 143 6 The Minister has not given us any infor­ Townsville 143 6 308 0 Bowen 161 6 mation on that point. We cannot agree to Mackay 178 3 291 6 the alienation of land from the people of Rockhampto~ · 209 0 209 0 Queensland or from the City of Rockhamp­ ton. It is all very well to say that the Rockhampton City Council will get some PAPERS immediate gain, that its expenditure will be reduced in that it will no longer be saddled The following paper was laid on the table, with the cost of improving these properties. and ordered to be printed- But we have to look at the ultimate result. Report of the Burdekin River Authority The proposition would be much better for for the year 1958-1959. the council if the Government were to guar­ antee a loan to it sufficient to cover the cost The following paper was laid on the table­ of improvements. Regulation under the Abattoirs Acts, 1930 I ascertained as a result of a visit to to 1958. South Australia that there are many local authorities in that State who control their own hotels. Legislation has been passed by CITY OF ROCKHAMPTON (LANDS an anti-Labour Government protecting the PURCHASE) BILL licensees from competition by other licensees SECOND READING-RESUMPTION OF DEBATE against the municipal-owned hotels. The hon. member for Mundingburra stated what Debate resumed from 11 November (see had taken place at Townsville, and in South p. 1288) on Mr. Muller's motion- Australia the revenue received had been "That the Bill be now read a second the means of providing kindergartens, time." hostels, schools and other amenities for the people. If the trust in Rockhamp­ Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) (11.12 a.m.): ton has not been attending to its Throughout the debate the Minister has said responsibilities correctly it is the duty that this matter has nothing at all to do of the Government to ensure that the interests with hon. members, that it is simply one of the people are protected. The trust should for the local authority, the Rockhampton be told to administer its responsibilities cor­ City Council. On one or two occasions he rectly. The Rockhampton City Council said that several hon. members on this side should have examined the trentals being 1290 City of Rockhampton [ASSEM:BLY] (Lands Purchase) Bill received for the properties in question. It Rockhampton area. I fail to see why the is our business as members of this Parliament document should be regarded as confidential. to discuss these matters. We criticise the The people of Rockhampton have a right administration of the council. It is all very to know what rentals are being paid. well for the Mayor of Rockhampton to thank the Government for doing something Mr. Gardner: Do you think the document immediately for the people of his city. If should be made public before the negotia­ correct rentals had been chargeg the receipts tions on rentals are completed? over many years would give a greater bene­ Mr. LLOYD: I admit that it is a matter of fit to the people. At present the city is great importance to the Rockhampton City only receiving an immediate benefit. An Council, but it is equally important to the examination of the Tentals being charged Tatepayers of Rockhampton. The trustees shows them to be ridiculously low when are collecting weekly rentals of £230, some­ compared with the unimproved value of the where in the vicinity of £14,000 or £15,000 land, for it has to be borne in mind that a year. The submission has been made that there are some valuable buildings on the the rentals are not sufficient to cover the land. cost of maintenance. That is difficult to Mr. Walsh: To which particular rentals understand. I should like to know whether are you referring? the trustees are spending £15,000 a -year on maintenance. Mr. LLOYD: The hon. member for Rock­ As I say, the present rentals seem to be hampton informed us that £31,000 was spent ridiculously low. If a lease goes back over on improvements to the Crown Hotel. We a period of 20 years a low rental might be find that the rental received by the trust is understandable. In one case, however, the £20 a week, a ridiculously low sum for the lease does not expire until 1970, which buildings on the land. means that it was entered into in 1950, only Mr. Gardner: That is £1,000 a year, plus 9 years ago. I am referring now to another £20 a week. Rickart's building, with an unimproved value of £12,765. The valuation of that property Mr. LLOYD: Even so, the rental is still must have increased considerably during the low when you consider that £31,000 has past nine years, and I cannot understand been spent on maintenance and reconstruc­ why the Tmst should not have benefited by tion. I know that the leases were put up an increase in rental during that period. to public tender, but the council is not forced Although the hon. member for Rockhamp­ to accept any tender. It could re-advertise ton says that the list of rentals should be and call for further tenders, and it could regarded as confidential, I point out that it is refuse to accept a tender if it was considered of great concern to the people of Rock­ too low. If we take the valuation and base hampton. What effect can it h_ave on nego­ the rental on 5 per cent. as allowed by the tiations between the Government and the fair rent authorities, and take the cost of Council? the reconstruction we would arrive at a rental of £60 a week. It would seem that Mr. Muller: Are you trying to make a the rentals are ridiculously low. Let me political issue of it? refer to the land occupied by Rickarts. There is a cafe and two shops and I am given Mr. LLOYD: Certainly not. On the con­ to understand that the building occupies trary, I am trying to be completely non­ 2,000 sq. feet. The rental received is only political. The Minister has issued a chal­ £19 a week. I further understand that the lenge that the matter has nothing to do with area has been sub-let. When £31,000 has us. The public administration of the estate been spent on reconstruction work, surely has a great deal to do with Parliament. the council as the trustee and the tenants If it was not possible for the City of Rock­ could come to some arrangement in regard hampton to undertake repair and maintenance to an increased rental. As a matter of fact, work on the buildings, with the rentals so I think that an application to the Fair Rents low, it was within its power to surrender Court for increased rentals would have the trust to the Government. There is no received sympathetic consideration. It is law that forces the city to ca:rry on with of great importance that any Trust should the trust. be administered properly. I was rather sur­ Mr. Muller: What would have happened prised, therefore, at the claim of the hon. if they had taken that course? member for Rockhampton that the list of rentals was a confidential document. Why Mr. LLOYD: Surely the Government should an alderman of the Rockhampton would have taken action. City Council assert that it should remain Mr. Muller: What do you say should have secret? I challenge the Mayor of Rockhamp­ followed? ton to publish the figures in the Rockhampton Press and give the people of that city some Mr. LLOYD: That depends on the policy idea of what the Trust has been doing. It of the Government. However, the Minister is a matter of great concern to everybody, has said it has nothing to do with us. This particularly to hon. members on this side of is a trust held from the Parliament, from the House who represent electorates in the the Government themselves, given by deed City of Rockhampton [12 NovEMBER] (Lands Purchase) Bill 1291 of grant, so the administration of the estate Mr. Gardner: No, there is no arrangement has a great deal to do with the Parliament at all. and with us. If it is such a losing proposition for the council, why has it not surrendered Mr. LLOYD: The Minister himself said the trust and forced the Government to so. accept some responsibility? Mr. Gardner: I advocated the principle Mr. Hiley: Are you not aware that the that they be given the first opportunity to Rockhampton City Council endeavoured to negotiate. return the trust when your party was in power and your party would not take it? Mr. LLOYD: The Minister said- Your members realised what a mess they "I think the council has a clear under­ would land themselves in if they took it. standing with the tenants. If the present tenants found their interests were not being Mr. LLOYD: I cannot see it. Does the cared for they would complain. We are Treasurer mean to tell me that the City of not stipulating any conditions under which Rockhampton endeavoured to surrender the the land shall be sold." trust and the Government refused to accept I understood that the hon. member for Rock­ it back? hampton made the statement, too, but I Mr. Hiley: That is right. accept his explanation that he gave it only as his personal opinion. Mr. LLOYD: I do not believe the repre­ If the Bill is passed the land should be sentatives of the City of Rockhampton were sold by auction to the highest bidder. very genuine in their attempt to surrender Because people have a lease they should the trust because there is no law that I can not be given an outright priority. The find that forces them to maintain it. Minister has said that their interests will be Mr. Burrows: What were the conditions? looked after by the Director of Local Government. Mr. Hiley: The complete surrender back. Mr. SPEAKER: Order! In fairness to the Mr. Burrows: Including the buildings? hon. member for Kedron and those who wish Mr. Hiley: Yes. to listen to him I appeal to hon. members who feel that they must converse in the Mr. LLOYD: I cannot see it. I know of Chamber to keep their voices to a minimum no law that forces the trustees to maintain loudness. the trust if they decide to surrender it. All that is required is that a public meeting be Mr. LLOYD: As the hon. member for held, and, upon a decision being made, the Rockhampton said, certainly the rights of the trustees transfer the title back. No law tenants should be protected by an offer forces them to retain it. The responsibility being made to them to participate in the would then be thrown back onto the sale. If their offer is anywhere near the Government. ruling market price they should receive priority but there should not be any prior What else could have happened to the land? Would it have been possible for the arrangement, particularly when it is remem­ City of Rockhampton by some alternative bered that already the tenants have received means to receive a continuous return? I more than usually generous treatment in the think so. If there is a straight-out freeholding low rentals they have been asked to pay. of the land by the council the people will I realise that the leases were bought by lose the continuous revenue from the build­ tender but on a comparative basis the rentals ings, which could be put in better condition were very low. The fact that the document has not been published to the people of by reconstruction work. The hon. member Rockhampton gives rise to suspicion that for Rockhampton said an architect had there is something wrong with the proposal. examined the buildings and reported that it Nobody could be blamed for being suspicious would cost £300,000 to repair and modernise when secret documents are involved. It them. That is a very small sum on an leads us to believe that there could be some­ unimproved value of £130,000. It would be thing wrong with the whole transaction. If only two or three times the unimproved value the people of Rockhampton were given all of the land, a ridiculously low ratio, consider­ the facts they might want to ask a few ing that it would return to the people of questions. The maladministration of the Rockhampton a sum far in excess of present trust is sufficient reason for us to ask that rentals and they would have a lasting asset the facts be fully disclosed to the people of and a greater return than they would get from Rockhampton through Parliament. The the immediate disposal of the properties to whole matter should have been approached others. on a different basis, one that would not have The Minister and the hon. member for given rise to any suspicion that the Govern­ Rockhampton made a statement that I cannot ment were indifferent to the rights of the fully understand. They said there is an people of Rockhampton and the people of existing arrangement with the tenants of the Queensland generally. Had it been done buildings that they will receive priority in on a perpetual leasehold basis just as much the sale. money would be accruing to the city of 1292 City of Rockhampton [ASSEMBLY] (Lands Purchase) Bill

Rockhampton as under the present proposal. Mr. ROBERTS: I shall deal with that inter­ There would have been a lasting benefit, not jection in a moment. only to the people of Rockhampton, but also to the Queensland Government. The very Mr. Clark: Why are you charging £90,000 fact that the Minister is not converting all for it? land to freehold tenure is an indication that Mr. ROBERTS: For releasing the trust. he has some appreciation of the value of There is no doubt whatever that it is free­ leasehold tenure. It could not be a strict hold land but tied up and held in trust. The rule that all land should be freehold. The buildings on the land were not erected by the lasting benefit to the Government from a 3 council; they were built as far back as the per cent. rental on an unimproved value of 1880's. Do not forget that the same position £130,000 would be £3,900 a year, but in exists in Sydney. The Hotel Australia, one their hunger to get as much money as they of the largest hotels in Australia becomes the can to cover their extravagancies the property of the Sydney City Council, as well Government are selling the land on a free­ as other hotels in Sydney after the lapse of hold basis. I am talking about the land only, a certain period of time. I think the Hotel not the buildings, at the moment. If the Sydney becomes the property o.f t~e council council are to be allowed to sell the buildings within the next year or two, if it has not at least the tenure of the land should be held already become its property. This is nothing by the Government. new as far as Governments are concerned. Mr. ROBERTS (Whitsunday) (11.35 a.m.): The position at Rockhampton is that the All the talk and, to a degree, the tommy rot, buildings have fallen into a state of decay. emanating from the Opposition benches We know from our experience of local shows clearly that hon. members opposite authorities generally that none of them has do not know very much of what is going on surplus money to . sink into. s~ch. buildings. or perhaps they have been badly briefed. The Townsville City Council iS m a good position in that it receives a fair revenue from Mr. Clark: The Rockham]llton people must buildings. know what is going on. Mr. Aikens: We looked after them. Mr. ROBERTS: Of course they do; that Mr. ROBERTS: The Townsville City is why the people of Rockhampton have Council was fortunate to be in such a appointed representatives in the council who position, but the buildings in Rockhampton are acting in the interests of the people of have not been looked after. Rockhampton. The simple position is this: it has nothing to do with this House in any Mr. Aikens: And why not? shape or form what rents are being charged on the land at the present time. That is Mr. ROBERTS: That is beside the point. entirely a matter between the Rockhami?ton They have not been looked ~fter. !he City Council and its tenants. The prevwus expenditure of £31,000 on repairs reqmred Labour administration of this State should by the Licensing Commission to one hotel perhaps have taken full responsibility because will give some idea of the state of dec.ay they were the ones who pegged rents. We of the buildings. The Rockhampton City know that rents were pegged during the war Council is not financially able to meet the period on the 1942 va.luat~on, but the pre­ cost of the repairs. vious Government earned it on to such an It does not matter what price is paid by extent that the Rockhampton City Council the Rockhampton City Council for these would not have been allowed to increase properties. No person has any chance of rentals even if it desired to do so. Rates gaining from the sale of the land. did not come into it, but we know that cer­ tain increases were allowed over a period by Mr. Aikens: Not much! the Fair Rents Court. If that had been the Mr. ROBERTS: Anyone with the sli¥htest case so far as the Rockhampton City Council intelligence would know that there iS no was concerned they might have had some chance of gaining through underhand chicken-feed increases. There has been much methods or otherwise. The provisions of talk about the conversion of these lands to the Local Government Act are definite. I freehold. Let me say that this land has do not know if they would apply, say, to always been freehold because it was. a deed the sale of an old truck work £50 or £100, of grant held in trust. The two pieces of or some other similar article, but they freehold land are held under a certificate definitely require that the sale of property of title or a deed of grant. You have some­ must be by public tender or public auction. thing in the nature of a lease, but it was freehold land, as the term deed of grant, Mr. Aikens: And as an experienced real signifies, and held in trust ~y the Rock.hamp­ estate man, you know how auctions can be ton City Council. There iS no questwn of rigged. this Government's or any other Government's altering the present holding of the land which Mr. ROBERTS: Auctions cannot be rigged. is freehold under the deed of grant. The Local Government Act requires that the properties must be correctly advertised. If Mr. Clark: Why are you charging £90,000 the general impression was that they would for it? go cheaply, the sale would be heavily City of Rockhampton [12 NovEMBER] (Lands Purchase) Bill 1293

attended. Indeed, the publicity obtained to be a storm in a teacup. The oppo­ from this debate would be sufficient to give sitiOn have been barren of ideas since the impression that the properties will be the commencement of the session. They sold rather cheaply. When great numbers hope to make a little noise by rattling a of people, however, attend an auction with stick in a kerosene tin so as to have a story that thought in mind, experience shows that to put before the people at election time, but the offers gradually go higher and higher. It I am afraid that they are leaning on a rotten must not be forgotten that the auctioneer is stick. Every ratepayer in the Rockhampton paid on the basis of the sale price, so he area must be impressed with the attitude of is rather enthusiastic about his task and the Rockhampton City Council and approve endeavours to get the highest possible price. the sympathetic treatment from this That applies more to auctions than to sale Government. by public tender. With an auction the sale price is more likely to be the true value. Mr. DEWAR (Chermside) (11.50 a.m.): I rise to speak because I am becoming tired Mr. Aikens: Provided the auctioneer has of the claptrap from the legion of the lost not been got at beforehand. opposite who since they have been in Mr. ROBERTS: Auctioneers and members Opposition have vainly tried to make a case of the Real Estate Institute are honourable where none exists. Their opposition to the men. How often do hon. members hear of Bill is based on two grounds: first, the free­ a prosecution for dishonesty? The low fee holding of land, and, second, the price to set by the State Government Insurance be paid. Office for a fidelity bond for auctioneers and We all know the Australian Labour Party's members of the Real Estate Institute is attitude towards the freeholding of land. We evidence in itself of the integrity of those recall a famous statement by an ex-Labour persons. No body of men dealing in public Minister in the Federal House some years moneys or trust moneys has a higher reputa­ ago-1 think it was Mr. Dedman-who said tion than members of the Real Estate that the Labour Party would not allow the Institute. working man to own his own home because The true value of the properties would be he would become a little capitalist. With determined by public auction. A person their Socialist-cum-Communist attitude of who submits a tender gives a price at which mind, hon. members opposite do not believe he hopes to get the property but if some­ in home-ownership; they say that the State body else submits a higher price he may get should own everything. If anything at all the property. He might hope at auction to motivates them, it is their belief in State­ get a property worth £20,000 for £10,DOO, but ownership. They have a hatred of private if someone out-bids him there is no doubt ownership, yet when they build a home they that the building or the land will reach its rarely build it on leasehold land. Their case true value. If the Rockhampton City Council has been completely exploded, because their buys the property at £90,000 and sells it for main objection to the Bill lies in their hatred £190,000 or £290,000 does that hurt anybody? of freehold. We as a Government believe in I say good luck to the Council. The only freedom of enterprise and freedom of owner­ people to benefit are the ratepayers of Rock­ ship. That is the nail on which we hang hampton and the people of Queensland our coat. generally. I proceed now to deal with the price that You know, and I know, Mr. Speaker, that is to be paid for this land. As the hon. local authorities have to budget each year. member for Whitsunday has pointed out, if If a local authority made a profit in such any profit accrues to the Rockhampton City a case there would be less money for the Council following the passage of the Bill, Government to find. I am not sure of the the people of Rockhampton, who after all amount, but I think the Rockhampton City are people of this State, will benefit. If a Council has committed itself to an outlay profit of, say, £40,000 or £50,000 accrues of £50,000 or £100,000 for the road to Port from the sale of the land, is it not obvious Alma and it would be just if it was able that the local authority will use it to carry to make sufficient profit on this deal to pay out works for the benefit of the people? I for that road. There are some members of say, therefore, that the people of Queensland the Opposition, purely for parochial reasons, will benefit directly from the passage of the who are against the road to Port Alma Bill. but I am not concerned with them. It has It is amazing to see how members of the been said that a syndicate may buy these Australian Labour Party jump from bough properties, but that suggestion is ridiculous. to bough. When matters like this arise, they It was even suggested that the hon. member tend to forget their attitude on similar trans­ for Port Curtis was the secreta.ry of the actions in the past. I remind them that in syndicate, but the remark was only made about 1950 or 1951 the Chandler administra­ facetiously I think. A syndicate, buying tion in the Brisbane City Council resumed at public auction, would pay more than land for public purposes at the Chermside anybody else. It was also suggested tram terminus for approximately £2,250. that a number of people would each However, as soon as the Australian Labour buy a lot and then combine to form Party assumed control of the council in 1952 a syndicate. The whole thing appears it sold the land to private enterprise at a~ 1294 City of Rockhampton, &c., Bill [ASSEMBLY] Supply

enormous profit. I raised the matter in and no-one was more surprised than I to hear Parliament at that time and I implored the the criticism levelled at the Government and then Treasurer, the hon. member for Bunda­ the city of Rockhampton for entering into berg, to make an ex gratia payment to the the arrangement. former owners, from whom it had been I am very jealous of the affairs of local resumed at a ridiculously low figure. government and that is my reason for saying Although he expressed his sympathy, he said that the Opposition are quite wrong in he had no legal power to recommend such a denying the Rockhampton City Council the payment. That is an example of the attitude of right to run its own business. The affairs of mind of the Australian Labour Party. They local government have been left entirely to are raising an objection to the Rockhampton the elected representatives of the people. If City Council's making a profit out of this we believe in democracy it is the duty of us land, yet their own party did exactly the same all to defend its principles in every way. The thing with the land at Chermside. It was aldermen were elected by the people of resumed, as I say, for £2,250 and was sold Rockhampton, and the hon. member for by them to free enterprise for commercial Rockhampton, as one of them, knows the undertakings for about £7,000. circumstances of the case. I commend him Mr. Lloyd: This is a trusteeship. on the spirit he adopted in his speech yes­ terday when he outlined to hon. members Mr. DEWAR: I am giving the facts. I the circumstances and background of the case. am speaking about the Australian Labour He should have convinced hon. members Party's attitude towards the freeholding of opposite that the arrangemeat was a fair land, pointing out that they sold resumed and reasonable one and that it was made in land at a huge profit. The Opposition's the interests not merely of the Council but attitude to the Bill is based on objection to of the people of Rockhampton. the Government's policy of freeholding an'l Under the arrangement the city of Rock­ to the suggestion that the Rockhampton City hampton will pay the Crown £90,000. It Council might make a profit. But when it could be argued that that sum is not excessive suited their own brand of city council in and it could also be argued that it is. Brisbane they did not hesitate, as an official Labour Party council, to make a profit out of Mr. Lloyd: We are not worried about the land owned by them. So when they start sum. that sort of talk they want to remember Mr. MULLER: No, but a great mouthful some of the actions of their own organisation. was made of the £90,000. The Valuer-Gen­ eral's valuation was £115,000. We agreed Further than that, here we have the official upon a price of £90,000 and that if any A.L.P. setting themselves up as the be-all profit came from the sale of the land the and end-all of judges on the transaction. people of Rockhampton should get the They think they, sitting here in the Parlia­ benefit. ment, are better fitted to adjudicate on what is best for the people of Rockhampton than At 12 noon, in accordance with Standing the properly-elected representatives of the Order No. 307, the House went into Com­ people, the Rockhampton aldermen, who, mittee of Supply. administering the affairs of the city, have decided what they think is best for the people SUPPLY of Rockhampton. As the Treasurer pointed out by way of RESUMPTION OF COMMITTEE-ESTIMATES­ interjection, when the Australian Labour THIRTEENTH AND FOURTEENTH ALLOTTED Party was in Government in Queensland the DAYS. Rockhampton City Council tried to hand (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Taylor, the tmst back to the Government but they, Clayfield, in the chair.) with the administration of the Department of Public Lands in the hands of the hon. mem­ ber for Belyando, refused to take it back EsTIMATES-IN-CHIEF, 1959-1960 because they did not want obviously a set DEPARTMENT OF PuBLIC WORKS AND LOCAL of broken-down buildings on their hands. GovERNMENT Now when the Government take concrete action and do something tangible, they are CHIEF OFFICE up in arms. I commend the Government on Debate resumed from 10 November (see the Bill. p. 1273) on Mr. Heading's motion- "That £200,549 be granted for 'Depart­ Hon. A. G. MULLER (Fassifern-Minister ment of Public Works and Local Govern­ for Public Lands and Irrigation) (11.57 a.m.), ment-Chief Office'." in reply: I have been somewhat amused at the debate and somewhat surprised at the Mr. AIKENS (Mundingburra) (12.1 p.m.): criticism of the Bill. When it was intro­ I am very happy to have an opportunity to duced I thought it would be mutually accept­ say a few words on these Estimates, when able. There was a clear understanding all is said and done, perhaps one of the most between the Rockhampton City Council and important Estimates to come before the Com­ the Government on the terms and conditions mittee. We know, of course, that the various Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1295

Ministers in charge of their own particular own electorate. I have no grounds for com­ departments decide that certain work shall plaint against this Government or the past be done in the interests of the people. Hav­ Government or the Department of Public ing made their decisions, and, I understand, Works for what they have erected in Mund­ having secured the necessary authority from ingburra since I have been its member. It Cabinet for the requisite money to be spent, is true that it is a little easier to get public they pass the job over to the Department of works from the present Government than it Public Works which is the constructing was from the previous Government, because authority for the Government, with the it would appear that Ministers of the present exception of the Railway Department. Government have the personal responsibility to decide on the spot whether or not a For many years when we had the Labour building will be erected, whereas the past Government in power it was the alleged policy Government, bound by party rules and con­ of the Labour Party to carry out all public trolled by its outside organisation or body, works by day-labour. From time to time had to submit everything to half-a-dozen we heard from the present members of the places-some outside this House-before the Government when they were in Opposition Minister could agree to the construction of a that day-labour was a wasteful form of con­ building. struction-not only wasteful, but expensive. In the years that I have been in the Chamber Mr. Walsh: You generally vote for the I have heard member after member of the Government. present Government, when members of the Opposition, denounce day-labour for public Mr. AIKENS: I do not. I vote for the works root and branch, and suggest that it Government only when I think the people of should be done by contract. They told us Mundingburra would like me to vote for it. that if and when they attained the sanctity I vote against them when I consider that and elevated position of the Treasury benches the people of Mundingburra, if in my they would scrap day-labour in the Depart­ place here, would vote against them. I ment of Public Works and carry out all public remind the hon. member for Bundaberg works by the contract system. These men that time and time again-and these things were quite honest in the expression of that are indelibly printed on the pages of opinion. They honestly thought that contract "Hansard"-he ganged up with the A.L.P. was a far superior form of construction to and the Government to vote against me. My day-labour in the Department of Public vote is cast not according to the crack of Works. By a strange set of political cir­ the party whip inside or outside this Cham­ cumstances that could not be foreseen at ber ; it is not cast at the dictates of some the time, the Opposition of a few years ago little tin-pannikin boss outside Parliament; are now the Government and the Government my vote is cast according to my conscience, are the Opposition. Consistent with the as I believe the people wish me to do. opinion they then expressed the Government, Let me give an example of the individual bound by their policy of contract, began to responsibility held at present by members of let big contracts for the construction of many the Government and I hope that the party public buildings in Queensland. What hap­ machine, which was in very strong evidence pened? It has been driven home to them at your Caucus meeting yesterday, Mr. very forcibly and very painfully that the con­ Taylor, never restricts the right of any Minis­ tract system cannot compare either for speed ter of this Government to make his own of construction or cost with the day-labour decisions. We know that the mills of God system. The Minister for Public Works, being grind slowly but they grind exceedingly small, an honest man, now no doubt will agree with and we are beginning to see that the mills of me that the Government have had their the Liberal Party and the Country Party out­ fingers very badly burned by the contract side executives are beginning to grind slowly system in the erection of schools, particularly and exceedingly small. We saw that exhibi­ high schools. Last year-I would be wrong tion in Caucus, but I hope that the individual only in the number-the Government let responsibility of the Minister is never taken contracts for the construction of seven high away from him. Let me give a most out­ schools throughout the State. All of them standing example of ministerial responsi­ were to be constructed in time for the corp.­ bility being exercised by the Minister him­ mencement of this school year, that is, they self. were to be finished and ready for occupation The CHAIRMAN: I ask the hon. member in February 1959. I understand that one of to confine his remarks to the Department of them was not even started by the contractors Public Works. in February or March, 1959. In his reply I should like the Minister for Public Works Mr. AIKENS: This deals with the Public to tell us whether the contractors have started Works programme. I would not introduce it, Mr. Taylor, if it did not. The Minister on that school even yet. But not one of for Education visited the Hermit Park the other six or five, as the case may be, school. There was the question whether was finished anywhere near the commence­ the extra rooms required should be placed ment of the school year, and some of them at the school or whether there should be have not been finished even yet. Let me a rearrangement of the Hermit Park tell the Committee of the experience in my Infants' School in the same grounds. I 1296 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply said to the Minister and to his Director of into that huge barn. It had no subdivisional Education, "Why not build an entirely new walls, of course, and all the separate infants' school on this piece of land here?" classes were held within hearing of I referred to the site across McKimmin each other. There would be a class Road. Like bushmen we got down on the here, for instance, doing mathematics, and footpath with a stick and were drawing a few feet farther away in this great big mud maps on part of the footpath in an barn there would be a class doing French, endeavour to work out how to build a with a French master quite naturally giving school building sufficient space to hold 350 all the French accents-Oo-la, la; parley vous pupils. Very sensible suggestions came from francais. Mr. Watkin and from myself-which may or may not have been sensible-and with The CHAIRMAN: Order! interpolations from the Minister for Educa­ Mr. AIKENS: How in the name of good­ tion. He decided there and then to give ness could the boys learn mathematics, alge­ me an entirely new infants' school on the bra or whatever subject they were taking, allotment of land in Surrey Street. The Minis­ when four or five feet away there was a ter made a statement to "The Townsville Daily Bulletin" which was published next French master quite rightly giving his class morning to say that a new school would be instruction in the proper pronunciation of erected at Surrey Street. He did not have to the French verbs, or the correct way to send it to some executive, and apparently say a French sentence. he did not have to submit it to Cabinet. He Mr. Power: You do speak French? was able to exercise ministerial responsi­ bility, which is so refreshing in these days. Mr. AIKENS: I can speak anything. I sincerely hope that the Minister for Public Works will see that the new infants' school The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the hon. is erected in time for the next school year member to address the Chair. a~ promised by the Minister for Educati~n Mr. AIKENS: I could tell the hon. mem­ in his answer to a question asked by me m ber for Baroona in seven different languages this Chamber. what I think of him, not one of which would Let me return to the subject of contract be complimentary. and day labour, and the building of a high That was the position. Hon. members can school in my electorate as a result of my imagine how the people of Townsville felt insistent and persistent representations over about it. The pupils were there, I think, for the years. A portion of the new high school several months, in the huge, galvanised iron at Pimlico was to be erected by contractors barn, and then the manual training section and was to be ready for occupancy by of the Pimlico High School was completed­ February of this year. The principal, Mr. four or five rooms on the ground level, with Wolfe, an excellent man, was appointed and a concrete floor-and all of the pupils then went to Townsville a fortnight or so before had to move into the manual training sec­ the opening of the school, expecting to go tion, while the rest of the high school was into a lovely new high school building with being constructed. The rest of the high all appliances, furniture, equipment and school is being built today by Public Works everything else. men. The contractors fell down on the job I had been in touch with the Minister for in the first place. Only last week, in Novem­ Education and the Minister for Public Works ber, or it may have been late in October, months before that date, telling them both the pupils of the Pimlico High School moved that there was no possible chance of part of into the building. Pimlico Higb School being ready for occu­ But the conditions are so difficult-! was pancy in February, March or even in April. going to say bad-because, as the manual The Minister assured me on more than one training section of the building was occu­ occasion, guided by the reports from some pied for eight or nine months, the equip­ of his officers, that everything in the garden ment of that section could not be placed in was lovely, that everything was honkey dorey it, that the pupils of the Pimlico High School with regard to the Pimlico High School, that every week have to ride six miles-three it would be ready for occupancy at the begin­ miles there and three miles back-to a manual ning of the school year. What happened? training centre in Dean Street in South Towns­ We had a brand new principal with a brand ville in order to do their manual training new staff and 170 pupils, but no high school course. Those are the conditions under -not a room at the high school into which which the Pimlico High School pupils have the principal could go. Mr. Wolfe was had to work and study in their first and running around like the proverbial mad most vital year of their junior education. I Malay, not that there is any similarity should say if the percentage of those boys between him and the mad Malay, but I use who pass the sub-junior examination at the that term to indicate how he had to move end of this year is the same as those of other and run around. high schools it will be an outstanding tribute Finally, as a last resort, they had to hire to them. No group of pupils and no group the great big barn, Heatley Hall, or the of teachers anywhere in the State have worked Exhibition Hall at the Townsville Show­ under more distressing conditions than the ground and herd 170 new high school pupils pupils and staff of the Pimlico High School Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1297

had to do this year, because of the Govern­ the Minister. This is another example of ment's belief-their honest belief-in the con­ Ministerial responsibility. In my electorate tract system. I urge the Minister to take is a small school called the Major Creek every possible step to see to it that the manual school. It was originally built on stumps training section of the Pimlico High School about 8 ins. high with the result that is equipped as quickly as possible-we are employees of the Department of Public now at the end of this school year-so that Works could not get under it to deal with next year we will not have the distressing the depredations of the white ants. They spectacle of boys attending the manual train­ had to wait until the white ants got into the ing school riding three miles each way one framework or the ceiling of the building. day of the school week to do the manual Then they would pull out the white ant-eaten training course. My grandson is one of them. timber and replace it. Every year I would I have a grandson going to school and he get a resolution from the "Major Creek with the rest of his mates has to undertake Branch of the White Ants' Association" asking this journey. I believe, too, and I say it me to convey my thanks and appreciation to with all sincerity, that in the last two years the Department of Public Works for its silly the Government have learned a bitter lesson tactics and its failure to deal properly with in regard to the contract system. We can the problem. see it every day and I trust, Mr. Taylor, that The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ you will allow me to digress a little outside ber is becoming frivolous. the scope of the Vote for the Department of Public Works. We see all over the State Mr. AIKENS: If you, Mr. Taylor, had to half-finished buildings, half-finished houses study or teach in a school that was regularly and half-finished edifices, like a piccaninny's falling down round your ears because of footprints on the plain, simply because the the depredations of the white ants, and had contractors whose only incentive is to make to sit there while white ant refuse was falling money, and they cannot be blamed for that, on your head and clothes, you would not have not finished their jobs. They take every think it was frivolous. Perhaps I am a little contract that they can get hold of and, facetious in my approach, but I am certainly although there might be a penalty clause in not frivolous. For once, your knowledge of the contract, if it is a Government contract entomology has failed you. they ask for an extension of time or talk I put it to previous Ministers to raise the the Minister into withholding the penalty school, not only to give the pupils an oppor­ clause. Thereby they can spread their work tunity of getting under it in the hot weather, force and material as far apart and as thinly but to give the employees of the Department as the spread of butter in an orphanage, as of Public Works an opportunity regularly to the saying used to be, and they can rake in as examine the underneath portion of the school much profit i!S they can and do jobs in God's and stopping the white ants from getting into own time, because time is no longer the the building. However, I was always told essence of the contract. that the school attendance was not sufficient to warrant the cost. I used to say, "What The CHAIRMAN: Order! I think the hon. does the attendance matter? It is a valuable member has established his point. public building and should be protected from the depredations of the white ants. If it Mr. AIKENS: And I think I have estab­ was a barn or a shed on your own property lished the point, if I may use the vernacular, and the white ants were regularly eating it of which you, Mr. Taylor, would be quite down, you would put it on high blocks." conversant in your capacity as a military But they all came back to the same old argu­ officer, that the Government have had a gut­ ment that not sufficient children were attend­ ful of the contract system. They have learnt ing the school. the hard way. They have learnt in the erec­ tion of public buildings and in the saving I met the present Minister and his very of time and money and even in workman­ courteous and efficient Under Secretary, Mr. ship, that the day-labour system is far better Longland, in Townsville, on one occasion than the contract system. I am sorry that after I had written to them on the matter. I said to the Minister, "As a farmer, would they have had to learn in the hard way. you allow a building on your property to be Mr. Heading: You know we did not learn eaten down by white ants because it was in the hard way. We just went on. We did not on high blocks?" He said, "Not on your not dismiss day-labour men. life, Tom. I will put it on high blocks for you." And it has gone up on high blocks, Mr. AIKENS: I know that the department and has been concreted underneath. It is did not put off day-labour men, but the Gov­ now a very attractive little school building ernment are doing more work than was done worth about £4,000, public property that was two or three years ago, but the extra work previously being eaten down. I suppose it was given to contractors. I have no dis­ was costing about £200 every year to deal cussions with the Minister, and so I am not with the white ants. Now it is on concrete breaching any confidence. I know him to blocks and has a concrete floor underneath. be a practical man, and I am confident that If I may be facetious once again, the "Maior he will shy off the contract system as the Creek Branch of the White Ants' Associa­ ordinary man will shy off a typhoid carrier. tion" no longer writes and asks me to con­ I pay a compliment to the common sense of gratulate the Department of Public Works. 1298 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

In these days when contractors are spread­ see those jobs going through one hundred ing their activities over a host of areas, the per cent. and I compliment the Minister on Minister should give very serious considera­ them. tion to increasing his Public Works force. I compliment him, too, on the modern If we are to have constructed all the public school fittings and furnishings. They are very buildings, primary schools, high schools, and attractive, easy to keep clean, and so on. school extensions that are envisaged, the department will need a much bigger labour Mr. Aikens: It would be a revelation to force than it has at present. I suggest to hon. members if you took some of them the Minister, if he has not already done so­ down to see that excellent factory of yours. being a capable man, I suppose he has take.'l some steps in that direction-that he aug­ Mr. WINDSOR: I thank the hon. member. ment the Public Works day-labour force, and The building that has been taken over that he reorganise his material supplies in in the Valley as an opportunity school such a way that he can say to the other seemed hardly worth anything as it was; Ministers, "I can now build you anything you it was so dull and so out of repair; but the want at a reasonable cost and in a reasonable Minister got to work on it and it is now a time. I have had a 'gutful' of contractors. pleasure to go into any part of it. The I am going to see that my department is a grounds were in a deplorable state. The well-organised, well-staffed, well-supplied kiddies were likely to break legs or rick constructing authority. Once I have that ankles. Footpaths have been put down. The organisation at my fingertips there will be areas underneath the schoolrooms have been no more delays, no more inconvenience to made safe for children to play. The students, and no more skeletons of half­ verandas have been enclosed to keep out finished buildings sticking up all over the the elements. Equipment has been installed place." for the girls to learn cooking. What appealed to me was the opportunity the boys had Mr. WINDSOR (Fortitude Valley) (12.25 to learn all types of woodwork. It is amazing p.m.): I congratulate the Minister on the job the wonderful articles they can make. The he is doing for the schools in particular. teachers have the interests of the children His task is a big one as he is responsible at heart and are doing their level best for for schools, court houses, hospitals, colleges them. I asked one teacher whether small and prisons. pieces of three-ply, building board or timber School extensions number about 450-odd a of any sort would be of any use to them. year. If they were close together it would He was delighted with the idea so I have be easy to command the necessary labour lined up a couple of furniture factories to and materials, but they are scattered far and supply them with off-cuts that they can make wide, some out in the backblocks where into various articles. I asked the lady materials are hard to get, and the department teacher whether she found it hard to get has to gather together iron, timber, building­ work out of the children. She told me board, cornices, mouldings, and equipment, that they did not respond like ordinary such as electric stoves where there is elec­ children to small threats, but if they were tricity, gas stoves where there is gas, and offered a sweet they would do anything for fuel stoves. them. I pay tribute to Mr. Brosnan for The Minister works in such a quiet, effici­ keeping that school in sweets for a number ent way that one would hardly think he was of years. Since he has left the Valley I have doing anything but he moves along at a pace. had the privilege of taking over the job he used to do. The railway line is quite This Government are protecting their assets close to the school. The Minister lost no throughout the State by prompt and regular time in erecting a high fence to prevent maintenance, which saves pounds and pounds the children getting over to the railway line. and enhances the value of property. That is Dangerous branches have been lopped off the particularly so with schools. In the past, trees. In all the school is a treat for the schools were painted in dingy, dirty colours. children and the teachers who have such The pastel shades of today are much more a great responsibility. I sincerely thank the attractive. It gives one a thrill to see the Minister for the work he has done for the bright-faced children in those surroundings Opportunity School in Fortitude Valley. and I am sure the kiddies appreciate them. They help remove the fear of the classroom Mr. GARDNER (Rockhampton) (12.33 and make school-life brighter and happier. p.m.): The ramifications of the department are Last Monday I called at the Public Wroks very wide, covering not only public works Department depot at Ipswich Road, which but immigr~tion and local government. I is engaged mainly in building equipment for congratulate the Minister on the depart­ the schools. I have never clapped my eyes ment's excellent report which contains some on such good workmanship as I saw there; very interesting information. It is difficult to it is a credit to the department. I get a as§ess accurately the allocation of money thrill out of seeing good workmanship to the department because its activities cover whether in wood or in steel, brass, or any so many jobs. I know the Minister is other metal. The workmen were designing expected to do a great deal of work for which mouldings and we had to make a set of credit is not always given, nevertheless a knives for the job. It is a great pleasure to magnificent job is expected of him in every Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1299 area despite his limited finances. I am par­ I compliment the officers of the depart­ ticularly pleased that the building programme ment, but I should add that the Minister also last year was carried out according to plan. takes a personal interest in his work. He The expenditure on capital works was tours the State extensively to make himself £4,501,161 from Loan Fund, and £107,119 conversant with requirements of the outback. from the Loan Funds of other departments, He tackles all problems in a businesslike making a total of £4,608,280, or an increase manner. of 39.3 per cent. over the previous year. Repairs and maintenance to public build­ We all know where the main expenditure ings are a recurring charge. The amount was carried out. The Education Department expended from Consolidated Revenue on has so much building work to do that the repairs and general maintenance of buildings Department of Public Works will be kept last year was £7 64,446, an increase of 13 .I very busy. per cent. over the amount expended in The expenditure in 1598-1959 on educa­ 1957-1958. Administrative costs and the tional establishments was £3,451,926 or 62.8 cost of materials and wages are increasing, per cent. of the total building expenditure, and so it is difficult for the department to truly a great record for tlie Education state definitely when certain work will be Department. A record number of 483 class­ done. We may expect it in a certain year, rooms at 195 schools was completed for only to find that it is not possible because either primary or secondary classes. The of a shortage of funds. work was carried out more or less by the construction force of the Department of The department has a big programme of Public Works. It has been said that the work for the coming year but it will be Department of Public Works cannot carry carried out expeditiously, However, the work out work as efficiently and cheaply as under force in the workshops of the department the contract system, that in fact it is a should have the very best facilities dismal failure, but the efficiency of the day for their work. I hope the Minister labour system is clearly shown in the report will be able to find enough money of the department. There is every reason to build an up-to-date workshop for why we should continue the day labour his employees in Rockhampton. He rea­ system which has been both efficient and lises that present facilities are not up to economical. standard, but the shortage of money is the The following passage on page 2 of the trouble. In Rockhampton we have a splen­ report regarding contract work is interest­ did work force of very efficient men, who are ing:- entitled to the best working facilities, but if we are to have efficiency we must provide "The erection of the first sections of facilities for the men to do their work well. six new high schools in various parts of It is the responsibility of the Government the State for the commencement of the to see that the best return is got for every 1959 school year was entrusted to con­ £1 spent. tractors with disappointing results as in only one instance was the accommodation The Minister has a very big department ready for the reopening of schools and under his control. He is responsible for then in part only." the building of court houses, police stations, There is the complete answer to those who hospitals and other buildings and for the urge that all work should be done by con­ maintenance of the surrounding areas. I pay tract. The department has demonstrated that a compliment to his department for the great it can carry out the work more efficiently improvement that has been brought about than private enterprise and so the depart­ in the areas surrounding public buildings in ment will be well advised to extend its own Rockhampton. With the exercise of initia­ work force so as to be able to carry out all tive and foresight the gardens staff have been work entrusted to it. able to effect great improvements in Rock­ We admire the efforts of the architectural hampton. The gardens about the Supreme staff with its modern ideas, innovations and Court and other Government buildings are designs for school buildings. which in a picture, a credit to the department and the ventilation and lighting are so eminently men in charge. I must say that a marked suitable for a tropical climate. The improvement has been made in a little over schools are vastly different from those 12 months. If we wish to instil civic pride of years ago. In my electorate I into our citizens there is no better way than compare the latest design, the North Rock­ by example. When the Minister next comes hampton High School, with the old Boys' to Rockhampton I hope to be able to show Central School, which was erected 70 years him how pleased the citizens are, and the ago. I do not know why those responsible City Council. for the construction of school buildings in The Minister is in charge of immigration. those days did not adopt a more attractive I have always taken an active interest in this design. subject as I believe that migration is essen­ Our modern schools now compare more tial if we expect to hold this country. I than favourably with those elsewhere in often attend naturalisation ceremonies when Australia. They differ in design from those migrants renounce the land of their birth and in Victoria, for example, where the climate swear allegiance to our Queen. I pay a is unlike that of Queensland. tribute to Mr. Longland, who for a long 1300 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

time was in charge of immigration. He did The Local Government Department has a wonderful job. Queensland is under­ helped greatly in the development of populated and we require many more people. Queensland. Its officers are concerned with The total intake of assisted British migrants the government of cities, towns and shires for the financial year 1958-1959 was 2,930. and they come into direct contact with the The figures for the preceding three years people. Local government bodies are the are- first stepping stone from the ratepayer; in 1957-1958 4,157 their turn they make representations to the 1956-1957 2,817 Government. Only when those in both 1955-1956 2,606 spheres of government are fair and equitable Over 600 migrants arrived during the last can worthwhile results be achieved, as they few days of June, 1958, and were actually have been. In this department politics do placed in employment and accommodation not enter into any issue but all proposals in the first week of the 1958-1959 financial for the development of a shire or a town year. are considered on ·their merits. That brings me to a salient point. It is In my long experience I have appreciated essential that migrants be assimilated, and everything that the department has done and the Minister and his staff are faced with I know that the citizens of Rockhampton the task of finding them accommodation and appreciate all that the Minister has done employment. There has been a good deal since he assumed office. He has given us of opposition to migration because of the a golden opportunity to place our needs erroneous belief that it causes unemploy­ before him. Recently a survey was made ment. I hold the view, however, that every of the possibility of building a weir across man and woman brought into the country the Fitzroy River-a very big task that will creates employment. We should not expect not easily be solved and one that calls for migrants to forget their native lands; we the co-operation of the Department of Irriga­ must make them feel that they are wanted, tion and Water Supply. When we put the and the staff of the Immigration Office has facts before the Minister he was good enough done a great deal in that direction. Finding to make available the services of two employment for them calls for a good deal engineers to investigate the matter. Their of thought, and that is where the Govern­ report came back with hopeful recommenda­ ment can help. tions. A decision has not yet been made­ ideas are still being crystallised-but I hope I express my appreciation of the efforts that the recommendations of the officers of church and service organisations who have will in due course meet with approval and done a great deal to attract migrants to this be carried out in collaboration with the country. As I say, it is imperative for our Department of Irrigation and Water Supply. future safety that we get as many migrants Then we will be able to thank the Minister as we can. for giving us the opportunity to carry out I should now like to record my apprecia­ a project of immense importance to the tion of the work of the Local Government area. Department. Although we are not given the privilege of getting a report on its Mr. ANDERSON (Toowoomba) (2.15 activities, we all recognise the important p.m.): I join with other speakers in con­ part it plays in helping local authorities to gratulating the Minister and his department carry out their works programmes. I know on the excellent job they are doing. Many of nobody in the Public Service who has schools in my area have been improved. This rendered greater service to the community year alone £80,000-odd has been spent on than the Director of Local Government, Mr. repairing schools in my area. The depart­ ~well. In my capacity as an alderman of ment has spent £38,000 on the Harristown the Rockhampton City Council for many High School. The previous Government com­ years, I have had to approach Mr. Sewell frequently and I have always received from menced the high school but we had the him a sympathetic hearing and a quick privilege of opening it. Had our positions analysis of my requests. He never delays been reversed I am sure the Leader of the in giving a decision, whether it is favourable Opposition would have done the same thing. or not. The local government law is Mr. Sewell's bible. He has done a Mr. Lloyd: That comes under the Depart­ magnificent job for the State and the ment of Education. Minister must be very proud of the work of his department. Mr. ANDERSON: It was mentioned in this debate. There is still room for improvement No government and no Minister can do at the Harristown High School. They are good work without efficiency of a high order already asking for an additional four class­ at the top. The Minister in charge of public works, local government and immigration rooms. Next year it is expected that 150 new is blessed with officers who have had very pupils will start. The Harristown High lengthy service, who have an intimate know­ School is in a rapidly-growing area. Approxi­ ledge of the affairs handled by their depart­ mately 350 new houses are built in ments, and who have done a great job for Toowoomba each year, most of them at the State. Harristown. SupplY [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1301

.Mr. Duggan: When I launched that high Mr. ANDERSON: Not to a large degree . school they told me it would be a white Page 14 of the report contains the heading elephant. "The Motor Spirit Vendors Acts, 1933 to 19.:14". I cannot understand why this Act Mr. ANDERSON: It has proved a wonder­ should be mentioned in this report which ful benetit to Toowoomba. l understand there says:- were only 35 pupils in the first year but "In accordance with the provisions of now there are over 400. It has proved a suc­ these Acts, oil companies operating in cess. Queensland are required to purchase There is need for the appointment of a power alcohol manutactured by the Aus­ local man to go round cleaning up school tralian National Power Alcohol Company grounds. The Superintendent of Public Works Pty. Ltd. at Sarina, the alcohol to be reports on little odd jobs that need doing blended by oil companies with motor in school grounds. spirit. I suggest to the Minister that perhaps a As the Australian National Power gardener from Willowburn could be allotted Alcohol Co. did not seek to dispose of the task of tending to the gardens round its product to oil companies dunng the public buildings in Toowoomba. After all, year, it was necessary to issue further Toowoomba is a garden city. My attention extompuons to tne oil companu:s, exempt­ was drawn to weed growth in some of the ing them from their obligations to pur­ gardens round public buildings just before cnase power alcohol." the Carnival of Flowers last year. I should like to know why that is so. Recemly we were talkmg of over-production Mr. Heading: Is there anybody doing it in of sugar cane, and this is a by-product of Toowoomba at the present time? it. we should endeavour to extend our activmes in the development of this Mr. ANDERSON: Only when it is com­ by-product with the object of creating fur­ plained about they call in somebody to chop ther employment m tne North. 1ne oil the weeas down. Someone should be made comparues are more or less compelled to responsible for that work. use a cenam amount of power alconol with Mention has already been made of the motor spint. Let us induce compames to use wonderful co-operation between the Depart­ more ot tms product which could be pro­ ment of Education and the Department of duced from our surplus cane thus creating Public Works. Some very good work has been more emplOyment. carried out at the Toowoomba Mental Hos­ pital in the last couple of years. I commend the Director of Local Govern­ ment Mr. .Sewell and Mr. MacNamara. From Mention was made this morning of day my expenence as an alderman of the labour and contract work. I maintain that Toowoomba City Council I know that they there is room for both. The department are a great help to aldermen, and I neeus day laoour but an adequate work force appreciate what those two gentlemen are is not always available so it must use the dowg. Local amnorities have the full contract system as well. In Toowoomba co-operation of the Mmister and his depart­ there are a number of contractors who are mental othcers. In the matter of by-laws, the very efficient. That is exemplified by many assistance of the depanment is very much of the public buildings in Toowoomba. The appreciated. The Toowoomba City Council State Government Insurance Office is a suumlltt:a a new set ot by-laws several years very fine example. There are about 2,500 ago. It takes some time to get approval from employees in this department and it is not the vanous Government aepanmems. 1 ask unusual that there should be a feeling of the Mmister to try to expedite approval of dissatisfaction in some quarters. It was those by-laws. recently brought to my notice in Toowoomba that many employees of this department All Government departments should be are dissatisfied because they maintain that bound by local authority by-laws when many of the foremen and supervisors are operating in the local authority area. The not familiar with some aspects of building Toowoomba City Council for instance, deals work. In order to ensure that the men are in its by-laws with advertising devices in fully qualified they should be asked to pass residential areas. The railway lme may pass certain tests as to their capability in super­ through a residential area, and that depart­ vising this work. Many of the men in ment should observe the rUles of the local Toowoomba are very competent and they authority. Hoardings erected along the have told me that they were told to carry railway line are an eyesore. out work in a certain way although they I ask the Minister to consider dealing with knew that it was wrong. l would like that hoardings on public highways when he matter to be investigated. Maybe it is a pin­ addresses the Local Government Associa­ pricking point but it has a far-reaching tion on the next occasion. At one time influence. they came under the control of the Depart­ This report of the Department of Public ment of Main Roads, but control has now Works has no reference to local government. been handed to local authorities. Many hoardings are now being erected on the new Mr. Heading: Yes. Ipswich by-pass road. From the front they 1302 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

have an attractive appearance. Many Cognisance should be given to the fact travellers, however, see only the back of that conditions of living are changing very the hoarding and it is not at all attractive. rapidly. In the horse-and-buggy days allot­ If hoardings of V -shape were erected, with ments of 5 chains deep were desirable for advertising on both sides of the "V", the obvious reasons. Today, in most cases, these objection would be overcome. I ask the deep allotments are a liability to the owners, Minister to consider pointing out to local and from a Local Government planning authorities their right to impose a fee for angle, land in close proximity to services hoardings. Local authorities are always are not available for building purposes due seeking new fields of revenue. By imposing to lack of access. a fee for hoardings, local authorities could It is assured that a council would have control these advertising devices and at the statutory power to provide road access at the same time get extra revenue. back of these deep subdivisions, and to con­ On the by-pass road just beyond Gailes, struct and drain these potential roads. To hoardings on railway property which at one do this under existing legislation means that time faced the railway line have now been the general ratepayer receiving no direct turned to the road. Motorists see the front benefit from the opening up of the afore­ of the hoardings, but railway passengers see mentioned sections has to defray the costs only the back of them. As someone said of resumptions, legal costs incurred in set­ to me, they have a Queen Anne front and tling compensation claims, costs of road con­ a Mary An ne back. We are proud of the struction, etc. The owner of the land front­ State, but these unsightly hoardings detract ing such new road has acquired, in most from the natural beauty of the countryside. cases, a valuable building site at no direct cost to himself. The Local Government Association held its annual conference in ·Brisbane this year, It has been stated that this newly­ and passed the following resolution, which opened-up land attracts more rates by virtue appears at page 53 of the report- of its increased value. A similar position arises in the case of a new subdivision where "Subdivisional Lands-Power to Acquire the owner of the land makes land available Adjoining Lands for Road Purposes- for roads, dedicates the roads, provides Charge for Road Construction Costs. drainage areas and pays for the cost of con­ struction and drainage. It should also be "That the Minister for Local Govern­ realised that any increased rates-and such ment be requested to take up if necessary increase in rates is admitted-apply simi­ with the Cabinet the question of making larly whether the cost of development is paid provision in the Local Government Acts for by the subdivider in one case or whether to give Local Authorities statutory power the cost of development is met from the when one subdivider dedicates part of the General Fund. width of a road for road purposes to the Council to acquire from the adjoining As these new subdivisions are occupied, owner the balance of the width of the any increased rates received have to be road without compensation and to charge expended in all the functions of Local the cost of road construction, concrete Government, foremost amongst which would channelling, kerbing and drainage to a be- standard required by the Local Authority Maintenance of the new roads in at the time of acquisition and also survey perpetuity; fees against the balance of such adjoining Street lighting; land provided that the person whose Health expenditure, especially in rela­ land is so acquired shall have the right tion to infectious diseases; of appeal against such provision to Library facilities; the Surveyor-General or other person appointed to hear such appeal as provided Parks, recreation areas, etc. by the existing provisions of the Local This expenditure applies whether the cost of Government Acts." the development is borne by the subdivider or whether a property owner obtains build­ That is a good suggestion, but what hap­ ing sites at the cost of the general ratepayer. pens when the person concerned cannot afford to pay for the construction of the road, that The time is overdue to remove this is the second subdivider? We in Toowoomba anomaly and place owners of subdivided submit the proposal to the Local Govern­ land in a similar position in respect to the ment Department. It appears somewhat cost of development. anomalous that a subdivider can be made to dedicate land for roads and to This can easily be done if local authori­ construct and drain such roads in accord­ ties are given statutory power when acquiring ance with the requirements of the local land for road purposes to create reserves authority, and that a local authority in along the boundaries of the subject roads. acquiring land for roads pursuant to the pro­ The owner of land fronting these reserves visions of the Public Works Resumption Act would not be compelled to subdivide, but if cannot require any potential subdividers he is desirous of benefiting by the road fronting such road to contribute towards access, which enables him to subdivide his its development. land, he should be placed in the position that Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1303

he would have to contribute towards the Mr. Jesson: Don't you believe in the cost of the development which enabled him people knowing the truth? to obtain subdividible land. I should like the Minister to give the matter his earnest Mr. ANDERSON: We never depart from consideration. I have here an aerial photo­ the truth but we do all in our power to bring graph showing a block of land that is cut off. about employment and encourage migrants. An access road should be provided, and when people build on the land they should be Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) (2.40 p.m.): I was called upon to bear a portion of the cost of rather astonished at the references by the the road. hon. member for Toowoomba about the statements of the Leader of the Opposition I was very surprised on Tuesday night to on the falling off in the rate of migration to hear the remarks of the Leader of the Oppo­ Queensland. The Government should give sition on immigration. He emphasised that the matter very serious consideration. The we were getting fewer migrants than the latest figures published by the Commonwealth other States and blamed the Government for Statistician indicate very definitely that fewer the falling-off. That is the wrong approach. migrants are coming to Queensland than to Giving unnecessary emphasis to the drop in any other State and indeed the general popu­ migration and blaming the Government for lation has decreased over three months. it is no way of encouraging migrants to Despite the influx of migrants there is a Queensland. Instead of criticising the drift of population from Queensland, and that Government, the Leader of the Opposition may have unfortunate repercussions on the should be anxious to help them to attract development of the State. In every other migrants. Much of the fault may lie at the State, population and industry are increasing, door of previous governments ~n their but not here. The figures are serious enough failure to develop the State properly. The to cause the Government to seek a cure. present Government have been in power for Why is our level of employment not high only two years and have had very little enough to absorb people? Many primary opportunity of doing anything. industries have become so mechanised in Mr. Uoyd: Don't you believe what the recent months that we will not be able to Minister for Labour and Industry says? absorb the migrants who will be coming to Queensland in the normal course of events. Many of those who do come here stay for Mr. ANDERSON: I do. He is doing every­ thing possible to develop the State and in several months and then have to leave to find that way attract migrants. This is work elsewhere. The tendency is for them undoubtedly the best State in Australia and to go to where there is a concentration of we should do everything possible to secondary industry. encourage migrants. The complaint of the I thank the officers of the Department of Leader of the Opposition that migrants are Public Works for their co-operation and for leaving Queensland will have the opposite continuing the assistance they gave under effect. I have nominated a number of previous Governments. Since the end of the migrants and they are all very happy to be war they have done an excellent job for the here. Every member of Parliament should State. They have never failed to provide the do likewise, and do everything possible to accommodation required for educational pur­ find accommodation and employment for poses-State schools, high schools in latter them. Many migrants have established new years, and the University. They have acceded industries and are employing numbers of old to all demands made of them--demands that Australians. have continually increased since 1946. In I was very pleased to hear the hon. mem­ many other States Governments have been ber for Bremer say how impressed he had unable to cope with the demands made on been with the proceedings at naturalisation them. In Victoria in particular many child­ ceremonies. I have attended many of them ren suffered in their education through lack and I have taken the opportunity of giving of facilities. That was never so in Queens­ migrants some advice. The career booklets land. In many suburbs of Brisbane it was issued to migrants by the Government are of necessary to have school buildings completed great help to them. The Leader of the in time for the commencement of the school Opposition should not give undue emphasis year, and with the day labour organisation, to the fact that migrants are leaving the supervisors of the Department of Public Queensland. Works worked hard and were able to provide the accommodation. In some cases we had Mr. Lloyd: The figures were released by to use temporary buildings. The hon. member the Commonwealth Statistician. for Chermside mentioned in an earlier debate that was a feature of the accommodation pro­ Mr. ANDERSON: That may be so, but vided by the Department of Public Works in the Leader of the Opposition should not give the years immediately following the last war. them unnecessary publicity. Let the Oppo­ Never at any time have we deviated from sition do the right thing by the State and try our proud record of providing all accommoda­ to help the Government to bring out tion. I am happy to say that departmental migrants and find employment for them. officers have worked well under this Govern­ Let them make constructive suggestions. ment just as they did under the previous 130± Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Government. I pay a tribute to the depart­ galvanised iron walls. If the hon. member ment's supervisors, particularly Supervisors for Carpentaria wants to come into this, Clark and Cook for their work in the metro­ let him do so. They have to fumigate those politan area. Since the Government took classrooms against red-back spiders. over they have had a very good lesson in the disadvantages of contract work compared Mr. A. J. Smith: You are the only red-back with day labour. I am sure the Minister now spider- realises the importance of continuing and The CHAIRMAN: Order! expanding the day-labour force of the Depart­ ment of Public Works to meet the demands Mr. A. J. Smith: -you and your Commo. made upon it. The Under Secretary mentions mates. in his report that contractors for high schools in Brisbane and other public buildings in other The CHAIRMAN: Order! I warn the hon. parts of the State had fallen down on the member for Carpentaria that he is disregard­ job in being unable to complete their work ing a request of the Chair. I ask the hon. within the allotted time. In some instances member to restrain himself. day-labour forces of the construction branch had to complete the work. The construction Mr. LLOYD: I did not ask the hon. of the first section of the Wavell Heights member to come into this. I had no High School was let under contract, but as intention of entering into any dispute with the contractor was unable to complete the him. I understand that he has not paid work by the commencement of the school his respects to the head teacher at this school year temporary buildings had to be provided who has been there for nine or 10 months. for the use of the students. That has hap­ I refer to the position at Mt. Isa as an pened with several contracts, but day labour example. There is an excellent school there has never failed to fulfil its obligations in but there are two other schools in a very carrying out excellent work in the last 13 bad state of repair. I am using the position at Mt. Isa as evidence of the need years. The Minister is to be congratulated for further decentralisation of the con­ on his continued fight with his Cabinet col­ struction branch of the department in leagues to have day labour continued and order to speed up the construction of expanded. He recognises the advantages, including the economy, of the day labour adequate school buildings. At present force under his control, and he knows that there is a supervisor at Cloncurry and it can more than compete with contract work. he finds it extremely difficult to get I hope he will continue to expand the depart­ materials from the coast. That applies ment's day-labour force. not on~y to the south-west but to other areas m the State. The department is There is one feature of the organisation of tmdeavouring to decentralise the construction the construction branch that should be men­ branch in order to cope with the demands tioned, the need for further decentralisation. in all areas but a greater effort should be Increasing demands on the branch have made made. I suggest that there should be a it necessary to decentralise it to a great extent. decentralised depot in many districts for the Architects and supervisors have been sent to supply of materials, and that greater authority other parts of Queensland, but that is not should be given to the supervisors in charge enough. In moving round the State in the of those districts. Under the present practice last year or so I have noticed many school the supervisor at Cloncurry submits a recom­ buildings in need of repair. In the North­ mendation to the department in Brisbane. west school buildings are in a very poor state The recommendation in many cases should of repair. The school buildings at Cloncurry not have to go that far. When a request is and Mt. Isa would not be tolerated in made for a quantity of material for a job it Brisbane. is sent down by train, and in many cases Mr. A. J. Smith: We have a new school in all the material required is not supplied. Cloncurry. There is some lack of liaison that brings about this state of affairs. The officer in Mr. LLOYD: If the hon. member for Car­ charge of the decentralised depots should pentaria occasionally visited some pf the have authority to order the necessary schools in his electorate he would see the materials. Authority should be given to conditions they are operating under. order material up to a certain amount with­ out seeking approval from Brisbane. Mr. A. J. Smith: I don't run round with Corns. Mr. Heading: What would you suggest? Mr. LLOYD: Now that the hon. member Mr. LLOYD: I suggest about £200, which for Carpentaria has bought into this argument is not a very high figure on present-day I shall be only too happy to tell him a costs. It will be necessary to have a little about the area which he represents or different figure for various districts because is supposed to represent. According to my what would cost £200 in Brisbane would usual custom when I visit towns I went possibly cost £300 or £400 in some other to see the head-teachers of the schools in areas of the State. It would be necesasry Mt. Isa. There are two classrooms under­ to give consideration to varying costs. neath the school where the infants are accom­ That is one way in which the administration modated and they have concrete floors and could be improved. I shall suggest a further Supply (12 NOVEMBER) Supply 1305

improvement. Improvements to school Mr. Pizzey: The official opening of the grounds, such as the building of a tennis Wavell Heights School? court, have to be approved by the Depart­ ment of Public Works. Grading, bulldozing, Mr. LLOYD: Yes, at the commencement and other work is often required, particularly of last year. at a new school, so that the school com­ mittee can then further improve the ground. Mr. Pizzey: There was no official opening. The Department of Main Roads carries out The school started. That is all. this construction work. I know of one case of a school that has been waiting for Mr. LLOYD: The school had not been approval of a tennis court for up to 18 finished by the contractor, and the children months. The Department of Main Roads consequently had to be accommodated in has to employ earth-moving equipment to temporary classrooms, but so that the school cut down an earth bank of about 6 or could be opened at a certain date Main 7 feet in height, but because of the demands Roads equipment was brought from other by the Department of Public Works on areas of Brisbane. I do not think that the Department of Main Roads for the practice should continue. construction of new schools, the work has The selection of school sites is a matter been deferred. Something should be done for the Department of Education but I think to expedite this type of work. that that department should at all times be on the lookout for new grounds for the Mr. Heading: You have a special school erection of new schools and new high schools. in mind? I raised this matter some weeks ago in relation to the utilisation of the Enoggera Mr. LLOYD: Yes, the Everton Park State Rifle Range, but I shall not test your School, which has been waiting more than patience, Mr. Taylor, any further on that 18 months for the Department of Main subject. I do suggest, however, that this is Roads to bulldoze the ground and so permit the building of a tennis court. There are an excellent site for the construction of a other such instances in my area but I do new school which is badly needed, not in my not want to be parochial as I know other electorate, but in that of the Deputy hon. members could mention instances in Premier. I am afraid that the Premier did their electorates. The Department of Public not give the suggestion much consideration. Works should adopt a more expeditious It is a site that could be utilised for new method for this work. I do not normally construction work. favour the letting of contracts, but if the There is one matter that I should men­ work force of the department cannot be tion regarding the construction of schools. increased and, if it is not economical to Last week a young girl at the Enoggera purchase additional earth-moving equipment State school, playing the Tom Fool a bit, so that the work can do done by day-labour, put her arm through the glass in a doorway the department could let a contract for the and mutilated her arm very badly. I do not work. In that case there would be good know the weight of glass used in school reason to have the work done by contract. buildings. There is a lot of glass used in the The policy of the department in the past new-type construction, particularly above the two years has brought about delays that sills in classrooms and at school entrances. should not have occurred. I am speaking I suggest that the Minister have a check of the hasty or premature official openings made on the weight of glass used. If the of high schools. The Wavell Heights School glass is found to be too light it is probable is a case in point. The Department of that we will have a recurrence of this injury Main Roads on behalf of the Department of to many of the children attending our Public Works was working on other school schools. The windows in most of our schools playgrounds, but apparently it was decided are about 4 feet by 2 feet in area and natur­ that the Wavell Heights School had to be ally the glass in them would have to be heavy opened. The contractor was behind schedule to stand up to the normal knocK:s that child­ in his work, but the Government insisted on ren might give it. I have found that in one an official opening by a certain time. Con­ or two cases children moving up a stairway sequently the Department of Main Roads have brushed against glass and broken it. had to take all its earth-moving equipment This could be very dangerous and I repeat from other points in Brisbane and con­ that if the department is using light glass centrate it at the Wavell Heights School so there will be a recurrence of accidents. I that the ground could be levelled and made suggest that the Minister cause inquiries to attractive in time for the official opening. be made so as to ensure that it is adequate Unnecessary delays were caused in other in s~rength to meet the normal doings of jobs. school children. Mr. Pizzey interjected. Some time ago the Government appointed a committee to investigate the financial Mr. LLOYD: I am pointing out that all affairs of the Brisbane City Council, and to this earth-moving equipment was concen­ make suggestions as to how that council trated at the Wavell Heights School so that could more efficiently cope with the demand the official opening could go ahead as on its services, particularly with the growing planned. population, the density of housing and the 1306 Supply [ASSE~ffiL Y] Supply

further expansion during the next 5 or 10 Special attention has also been given to years. The Committee comprised the Co­ drainage of school grounds. Previously, ordinator-General of Public Works, the storm water simply carved channels across Commissioner for Electricity Supplies and the playgrounds in getting away, but now the Under Treasurer. I do not think that that it is taken away by properly-constructed was a properly constituted committee to drains. The ceiling of playsheds and the investigate the financial affairs of a local improvements under the schools, too, have authority. The committee made a recom­ been very much appreciated by children, mendation which I think was required by the teachers, and parents. The Minister has not Government. It was that the profitable under­ been content merely with an attractive taking of the Electricity Supply Department of appearance on the outside of school buildings; the Brisbane City Council was to be handed he has tackled the problem of interior paint­ over to the Southern Electric Authority of ing, particularly in classrooms and school Queensland. I say again that I think that that residences. was a recommendation required by the Govern­ He has also paid special attention to the ment. It is my belief that we will need a erection of school residences. The previous full examination of the whole of the finan­ Government's best effort was about 10 in cial affairs of the Brisbane City Council if one year. Now, however, they are going we are to have the city sewered, a necessary up everywhere, and that is making the requirement in all the larger towns in the teachers and their wives very happy. Teachers world. That examination could only be con­ can now pay full attention to their teaching ducted by the Director of Local Government work. There is no humbug nowadays himself. He is well versed in local govern­ about connecting electricity to a residence. ment law and has a full knowledge of what If there is electricity in the district in which the city requires in the way of sewerage and a new residence is built, one has only to make other essential services. I point out that the the application to have it done. The Minister city of Brisbane holds one-third of the State's is a country man and he attends to the population, so that in reality it is much more wants of those who have been on the land than a local authority; it is a State within for many years. He knows what will make a State. With the numerous services that are them happy. If teachers are happy they give necessary, many demands are made on its of their best in the classrooms and the funds. An immediate approach should be children respond. Gone are the days of made by the Government to the Loan Coun­ burnt-out stoves in residences throughout cil for a special loan for the city of Brisbane the countryside, with smoke pouring out of to enable it to complete its sewerage works the kitchen and through the windows, dam­ programme over a period of, say 5 or 10 aging curtains and upsetting the housewife. years. The loan could be on the same basis The Minister has provided modern stoves. as that for the reconstruction of the Mt. Isa railway line. Mr. Jesson: Where does that happen­ Nambour? (Time expired.) Mr. LOW: Throughout the countryside. One can study the record of the Minister Mr. LOW (Cooroora) (3.6 p.m.): It gives with great satisfaction. He does not confine me very great pleasure to speak on tne Vote the work to electorates represented by mem­ for the Department of Public Works and bers of the Government. When we sat on Local Government, and to congratulate the the opposition benches all we got was Minister on his proud record of achieve­ experience. We had to fight like tigers for ment since he assumed office. He has done even a small maintenance job to be done a remarkable job in reorganising the depart­ ment, and in the erection of many buildings to stop a school from falling down upon the children. Nowadays the Minister gives that were long overdue. That is not very everybody a fair deal, whether it is a Country surprising, of course. He has always been Party, Liberal, Labour or any ot~er elec­ renowed as an organiser, having administered torate. He does not rule out certam works the affairs of the Royal National Association with outstanding credit to himself. His with his black pencil. record since assuming control of the depart­ Mr. Gaven: Tell them about falling through ment stands out like a star in the night, the floor. and I wish him every success in the future. Mr. LOW: I have fallen through many a I pay a tribute, too, to the Under Secre­ fie>or. From time to time I thought the tary of the department, Mr. Dave Longland, whole place had fallen on me. I do not for the manner in which he and his officers suppose any electorate in Queensland was have discharged their duties. The work so badly neglected by a previous Government that has been done on school buildings as mine was. It will take years of hard particularly is worthy of mention. There work even for this Government to bring is now a vast difference in their appearance. it up to a decent standard. At last they are I compliment the Minister and his officers doing work that should have been done on their approach to the ventilation of 10 to 12 years ago. I know who is giving school buildings, which is so necessary in us a fair deal and who was sinking the boot a State like Queensland, and on the use of but thanks to the Minister jobs that were pastel sha,ies on classroom walls. left undone are now being done to the Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1307 satisfaction of all in the area. I have taken means to provide a lift shortly. I shall say a keen interest in public buildings through­ no more about it because I know that the out the State and I know where the money Minister will do his best to provide the was spent in the past; even a blind man necessary funds. could observe it. We are making progress now and I hope it will continue. Many country people find difficulty in locating the various Government depart­ It is pleasing to note the Minister has ments. They say, "Where is the Treasury found it possible to undertake a substantial Building? Where is the Executive Building? building programme in all electorates Who is housed in this building?" I suggest throughout the State. With limited loan funds that suitable signs that can be read from the he cannot do all he wants to do but it is footpath be erected outside the various remarkable how much he has been able to Government buildings. persuade his colleagues to give him for urgent work. I pay tribute to him and to Mr. Jesson: Don't you think it would be the Minister for Education for the way they a good idea if they put up "In" and "Out" have substantiated their case to their col­ to show whether the Minister was in or out? leagues in the Cabinet to give them so much money to bring the work up to date. Mr. LOW: I do not know that that would help. I always find that the Ministers are There is an urgent need for a block in and hard at work. But the erection of of Government offices at Cooroy and at the signs I am suggesting, particularly in Nambour. I spoke of this once before but George Street, would be a great help to my appeal fell on deaf ears. Both centres country visitors. It is only a small matter are growing and the facilities are essential. but I think it is important to be able to I will not be greedy. direct people to the various departments I know that the Minister spreads the without their having to ask. money available over the State and that when This is only a minor matter, too, but I our turn comes we will get the buildings. suggest a small beautification scheme in The court house at Nambour is over 60 George Street. The gardens in front of years old and it is far too small to cope with the volume of court business that is Binna Burra and the Forestry buildings on transacted there now. The volume is even the eastern side of the Government garage greater than that transacted in Gympie are left untended. They are not been kept because the population is growing and the free of weed growth and rubbish. Those demand is heavy. I hope that the Minister buildings have been there for a very long will give favourable consideration to the erec­ time. The position has not changed since tion of a block of public buildings at hon. members opposite were the Govern­ Nambour and Cooroy, perhaps similar to ment. I make this suggestion sincerely. If what has been built at Bundaberg and Goon­ we cause those gardens in front of the diwindi. I admire the standard of the build­ buildings to be cared for it would do much ings provided at those centres. to beautify that area. The Minister would not see it every day because he travels by For many years only shocking maternity motor-car from here to his office, but those accommodation was provided at the of us who walk up and down, making Nambour General Hospital. The hospital representations to various departments, see was overcrowded and patients occupied beds these neglected garden plots. If attention on verandas and in spare rooms. The were given to these garden plots it would present Minister has realised the need to give great satisfaction to everybody and build a new maternity block. Work is in help beautify the city. progress on a 40-bed brick building which will cost £125,000. Last year 365 babies Mr. Jesson: You mentioned that last year. were born at the Nambour Hospital, an average of one a day. With the large and Mr. LOW: I did not mention it last year, growing population of the area improved but I do this year. I am conscious of these maternity accommodation has been long things, and I should like to see beautification overdue. I hope the new building will be wherever possible. regarded always as a monument to the I wish to say a word or two in regard Minister for Public Works and the Minister to local government. First of all I pay a for Health and Home Affairs. tribute to Mr. Sewell, the Director, who has I am pleased that progress is being made been a power of strength to local authorities. towards the provision of a lift in Parlia­ He is ever ready to give assistance and to ment House. The Minister is looking very co-operate. He made a great success of the hard at me but I understand that we are Thursday Island administration. When we making progress, because there are definite hold our annual conferences and pass signs that we are moving towards that goal resolutions and make decisions, they are sent that I have been talking about for so long. to the Minister who always receives any Possibly Parliament House is the only representations from the Queensland Local Government building in Brisbane without a Government Association sympathetically. I lift. I hope that in conjunction with the now take the opportunity of thanking him Parliamentary Buildings Committee the most sincerely for what he has done for Government will be able to find ways and local government in Queensland, and for 1308 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

the manner in which he receives representa­ after the migrants in his electorate, but if tives of the Queensland Local Government migrants are leaving his area, I suggest he Association of which I am a member. It seek ways and means of making them a little creates good relationship between the more comfortable in their new surroundings. Government and local authorities which are The Minister certainly has a full-time job an important arm of Government and which in dealing with matters affecting the Depart­ are capable of doing much good work. ment of Public Works, Local Government, I wish to say a word or two with Immigration and the Valuer-General. He can regard to the Valuer-General's Department. be justifiably proud of his work. He has The Valuer-General, Mr. Smith, always shown that he is not frightened to bring for­ endeavours to do his best in carrying out ward the Estimates of his department for dis­ his duties. There is much difference of cussion by hon. members. I am amazed at opinion as to how land should be valued the lack of criticism from the Opposition and on what basis. Very extensive develop­ benches. This is the pre-election year, yet we ment is taking place on the near North have heard hardly a murmur of criticism from Coast and on the South Coast as well. There Opposition members. It must give the Minis­ is so much subdivision and developmental ter and the Government great satisfaction work going on and the local authorities to know that Opposition members have not concerned repeatedly ask the Valuer-General been able to point to any works that should for split valuations or maintenance valua­ have been undertaken or in other ways criti­ tions of subdivisions. The development has cise the department. become more rapid because of what the Minister for Public Lands has done in open­ I wish the Minister every success for the ing up coastal roads and constructing future. I hope he will be able to carry on bridges and I suggest it would be wise to with his good work and that the Govern­ appoint an officer of the Valuer-General's ment will be able to keep the funds up to Department for both the North and South him so that he can administer his department Coast in order to keep the split valuations in the future as he has in the past. up to date. They are coming in by their thousands. Land is being developed to such Mr. HANLON (Ithaca) (3.28 p.m.): The an extent that new owners are coming in hon. member for Cooroora is whistling to every day of the week, and the making of keep up his courage when he says that split valuations of new areas is a very big Opposition members are not able to criticise job. It is very important that the local the work of this department. The Leader of authorities should get these split valuations the Opposition and other Opposition mem­ which are much higher than the original bers have made strong contributions to the undeveloped parcel of land. The sooner debate and they have been appreciated by the local authority gets the valuation the the Minister. We on this side of the Chamber sooner they are able to collect the increased are old enough to realise that there is a limit rates which is the lifeblood of the local to the amount of money that can be allocated authority. by the Government to the various depart­ ments. We do not adopt the attitude of For those reasons it is most important to Government members when in opposition keep the work up to date. of castigating the Government for not doing In the field of immigration we are most this or that, when it is obvious that jobs have happy with the work of Mr. Rutherford and to be done in order of priority, having regard Mr. Nulty of the State and Commonwealth to the funds available. service. Immigration is of great importance to Queensland. By public naturalisation cere­ The suggestion of the hon. member for monies presided over by lord mayors and Cooroora about the use of signs on Govern­ chairmen of local authorities, migrants are ment buildings could be adopted with advant­ made to feel welcome in this country. The age not only to country people, but also to Minister also is to be congratulated on his some people in the metropolitan area. efforts to this end. He has travelled exten­ who do not know where certain departments sively throughout Queensland, and has are located. The position in Brisbane is not extended a hand of welcome to all migrants. the same as in some of the other cities where Government buildings are close to each other. Mr. Davies: Can you explain why so few In Brisbane, some Government buildings are want to remain in the State under your in Anzac Square, others are in William Government? Street, and still others elsewhere. My elector­ ate is only six or seven tram stops from the Mr. LOW: I do not think that suggestion city, but I know the difficulties that some can be substantiated. The migrants who have people in my electorate have in finding some settled in my electorate do not want to leave departments. With the completion of the fifth Queensland. It is possible that the represent­ and sixth units of the Anzac Square building, atives of other electorates are a bit slow in it is now a big administrative block, with helping migrants to settle down or are not entrances from Edward Street and Adelaide looking after the interests of the migrants. In Street. Those who go to that building some­ those circumstances they may decide to leave times have difficulty in finding the department Queensland. I should be surprised if the or officer whom they seek. They wander hon. member for Maryborough did not look through a maze of corridors before they get Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1309

to the right office. I hope the Minister will to go ahead with the building. At present examine the suggestion that buildings be it is a source of worry to parents in the area, better marked to help the public who are as children are cutting their feet on the tins looking for particular departments. and broken glass with which it is littered. A lot of credit has been taken by Govern­ Mr. Ewan: Isn't that a matter for the ment members for the completion of the local authority? Anzac Square building and the increased accommodation for public servants. It Mr. HANLON: No, it is Government land. should be borne in mind that this building I understand that it is held for the construc­ was on the way when the Government took tion of a police constable's residence. If office. Admittedly the work has progressed, the proposal is approved by the Minister but it has taken a long time to complete it. for Labour and Industry, I hope that the It has to be remembered that for many Department of Public Works will proceed years the previous Government faced a quickly with the job. shortage of material, and it is only in the last two or three years that building materials I trust that the extensions to the Milton and labour have become relatively free. The State School will be completed before the previous Government had to decide whether start of the next school year. It is an old to hurry the completion of this building or school in an old-established area, and I do sacrifice more-seriously needed accommoda­ not think it is quite fair that the needs of tion in other parts of the State. It is only old areas like Rosalie, Paddington, Petrie fair that Government members should bear Terrace, Red Hill, Milton, and so on, should that in mind when they criticise the previous be continually overlooked. Extensions at Government about the Anzac Square build­ the Milton school have been put off for a ing and the completion of the fifth and sixth number of years. Unfortunately, the depart­ units. They complain of the delay, and at ment takes the view that it can always the same time congratulate themselves for squeeze a few more students into the old miraculously providing this additional buildings and so uses all its money to erect accommodation for public servants. We are buildings in the new suburbs where there are just as pleased that the public servants have no school buildings at all. However, I am better facilities and accommodation. very pleased that at last something is being done about extending the Milton school. Mr. Windsor: It is a sign of the times. As I say, I hope that the job will be finished before the start of the 1960 school year. Mr. HANLON: The project was initiated by a Labour Government and brought to I wish now to refer briefly to the Valuer­ completion in the last 18 months but that General's Office. It seems to be the only would have happened no matter what Government department of importance in Government were in power. respect of which no report is presented to Parliament. We get reports from virtually I wish to direct the attention of the Govern­ every senior officer in the Public Service, but ment to the necessity for more land for some reason or other we get none from in the Ithaca electorate for public the Valuer-General. I should like to know buildings. In the Rosalie and Rainworth dis­ why. I do not know whether it is correct, tricts we have a part-time maternal and but hear odd complaints about appeals that child welfare centre housed in a small shop have not been dealt with, some for years. in portion of the Rosalie School of Arts. I do not want to convey the impression that It is rented by the Department of Health I am attacking the Valuer-General or his and Home Affairs, but it will not be many officers. Their job is a very difficult one and years before it will need its own accommo­ not always popular, particularly when valua­ dation. It would be a good idea to reserve tions are increased; but there may be tech­ land in that area now before it is all taken nical difficulties that cause delay in some by private enterprise or home builders, other­ cases. wise the Government may have to resume The next subject I want to touch on may land or be content with a site not really be of interest to the hon. member for suitable for this purpose. At present there Cooroora, in view of his statement that we is vacant land in the area and the depart­ have not much to complain about in the ment should decide now what buildings Department of Public Works. I am very may be required by it in the next 10 or 20 disappointed, and so are the people of Bris­ years. bane, at the lack of co-operation between During the debate on the Estimates for the Brisbane City Council and the Nicklin­ the Department of Labour and Industry, I Morris Government. I suppose it is hard referred to a vacant block of land at the to say this is not political when the two rear of the Rosalie police station. It is administrations are non-Labour; I am usually overgrown with weeds and is literally trying to look at it without being political. covered with tins and broken bottles. It is not in the best interests of the city or Occasionally a team of police cadets is sent the State for the Council and the Govern­ down to clear it. If the Minister for Labour ment to be at daggers drawn almost every and Industry decides to provide additional time one might expect a little co-operation police accommodation there, I hope that the between them. I do not know the reason for Department of Public Works will be ready it. From time to time suggestions are made 1310 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply that the play of personalities comes into the put that new spirit down to the kindly picture, that there is some jealousy between attitude of the Minister, an attitude that the Lord Mayor and some of the senior gives a person confidence when he approaches Ministers of the Government. That does not him. It is a spirit that seems to permeate include the Minister for Public Works and the whole of his staff. It is evident when a Local Government because he is easy to get member of Parliament discusses various prob­ along with, unless you try to put something lems with the Minister. Let me relate my own over him, of course. But it has been sug­ experience with Mr. Longland, whom I con­ gested, for example, that the Lord Mayor and gratulate on this point. As we all know, the State Treasurer do not seem to be able members of Parliament are approached by to hit it off on some matters. many constituents, public servants and others, It is unfortunate that there should be con­ who like to expound their ideas about what tinual arguments about the town plan. Only is best for them in relation to homes pro­ a matter of days after the Minister intro­ vided by the department. I took a request duced a Bill to get the town plan under way to the Minister and he in his usual kindly the Government overrode the City Council fashion said, "I think you had better have a on the siting of the Main Roads building, yarn with Mr. Longland. He handles this going completely against the wishes of the problem." I went to Mr. Longland with Council. Then there was the controversy what I thought was a very good plan. I over the morgue in the Domain. The key­ discussed the matter freely with him only to note on almost every issue seems to be that find that Mr. Longland's views were far one tries to score off the other without regard ahead of those expressed by the person who to the interests of the city and the State. wanted to live in the home we were talking about. He told me that in giving effect to This morning the Minister for Public the repeated requests of members of Parlia­ Lands, when introducing the City of Rock­ ment, and particularly mine in respect of the hampton (Lands Purchase) Bill, said that the Roma electorate, it was the policy of the Government maintained that they should department to provide departmental homes respect the wishes of the council. That is for all officers on transfer. He told me further in striking contrast with their lack of con­ that it was also the policy of the department sideration for the wishes of the Brisbane to build to a standard plan so that officers City Council. If it is good enough for the on transfer could take all their floor cover­ Minister for Public Lands to chastise the ings and furniture to their new homes know­ Opposition for attempting to disagree, even ing that linos, carpets, and furniture would in the mildest fashion, with opinions held fit into and become integral parts of the by a provincial council, it is good enough for new homes. Under the Labour regime the Government to respect the opinions and officers who lived in departmental homes had wishes of the Brisbane City Council. Natur­ to sell their floor coverings for a mere ally we have no complaint to make about pittance because there was no standard home the work of the Director of Local Govern­ that those furnishings would fit. Here we ment. I am not referring to the work of the have a man who takes into consideration Department of Local Government or its every factor that tends to increase the com­ Director but the need for greater fort and welfare of officers of the various co-operation between the City Council and departments. I do want publicly to con­ the Government. I hope that during this gratulate Mr. Longland on his attention to financial year we shall see a greater spirit of that very important aspect of his work. co-operation between the council and the Government on all matters. The expenditure on buildings during the year amounted to £5,499,123 compared with Mr. EWAN (Roma) (3.45 p.m.): I extend £4,168,752 in the preceding financial year. sincere congratulations to the Minister on his A heavy programme of planning, construc­ splendid administration during his tenure of tion and maintenance was carried out. office. There appears to be an entirely Expenditure on State schools, State high different spirit actuating the administration schools and technical colleges and other at the present time compared with the educational establishments amounted to spirit that existed before the present Govern­ £3,451,926. Other expenditure is as follows:- ment took office. Now a spirit of helpful­ £ ness to all sections of the community is Queensland University 48,963 evident on all sides and there seems to be a Court houses and police feeling of security, of comradeship, and a buildings 378,155 desire to help. Government hospitals Mr. Davies: Security where? and institutions 404,647 Maternity hospitals 86,415 Mr. EWAN: In the minds of the officers Maternal and child of the department. welfare centres 29,648 Aboriginal establish- Mr. Hanlon: What do you mean by that? ments 84,616 Other buildings 1,014,753 Mr. EWAN: If the hon. member has not enough brains to follow that, he should not Mr. Davies: You must know how costs ask me to educate him. To a large extent I have soared under your Government. Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1311

Mr. EWAN: This report iooicates a remark­ With the growth of population, I do not able upsurge in building activity compared think the school accommodation will meet with previous years, taking into account future demands. However, land has been increased cost. The hon. member for Mary­ set aside and certain action is being taken borough is attempting to depreciate the which will relieve the fear of the people of efforts of the department with its record of that district that adequate accommodation building expenditure of £5,499,122 repre­ will not be provided. senting an increase of 45 per cent. in output compared with the financial year 1956-1957, As long ago as 1952 I made representa­ after allowing for cost increases. I have tions to the Government of the day for addi­ answered him. tional classrooms at the Injune State School, in the northern part of my electorate. I It is gratifying that this expansion is spoke particularly of the unhygienic toilet further reflected in the following table of facilities, but no action was taken until the classrooms provided over the past five present Government were elected. Today financial years:- that school has a septic system, and the resi­ 1954-1955 364 dents are proud of the school. I understand 1955-1956 369 that work cost £6,948. 1956-1957 389 I now turn to accommodation for police 1957-1958 434 officers. For many years it was most 1958-1959 483 inadequate, but the department has now erected some very fine residences. They are As we travel round the State and see the a credit to the department. Police officers magnificent improvements in the schools in Roma are properly housed. I hope officers all over the State it makes us doubly in other centres are as happy as the police appreciative of the work of this department. officers at Roma. It is refreshing to see the colour schemes and the architectural alterations, and it I congratulate the Minister on the magni­ makes one happy to be a member of a ficent building being constructed in Roma for Government that have brought about such the State Government Insurance Office at a a change. Over past years we had the drab, cost of £57,300. It is nearing completion. putty-like colour-khaki or yellow on the I hope that before many months elapse we schools all over the place, but today we may have the pleasure of a visit from the have improved architecture and beautiful Minister or one of his Cabinet colleagues to colour schemes which must encourage open that building. children in a desire to beautify their sur­ I know approval has been given for the roundings. The young children are thus work, but I ask the Minister to have a resi­ set an example in the benefit of improved dence erected for the school inspector at surroundings and the department are to be Roma without undue delay. I have already congratulated on that aspect of its work. received a promise that additions to the A record number of 483 classrooms at Wallumbilla and Roma State Schools will 195 schools was completed for either primary be undertaken. I hope that the additions or secondary classes. The bulk of this will be completed in time for the school year accommodation was provided by the depart­ in 1960. I mention these matters so that ment's own construction force which has they will not be overlooked. I am sure that been progressively geared to handle, within hon. members opposite do not fully realise the short space of time available, this portion what is being done throughout the State. of its building programme. Many of them do not leave Brisbane. There are many good works to be observed, but The erection of six new high schools in they have eyes only for the metropolitan various parts of the State for the com­ area. The transformation has been so great mencement of the 1959 school year was in the western areas that the travelling pub­ entrusted to contractors, who, unfortunately, lic comment very eulogistically on it. did not carry out the work in accordance with their contracts, and the schools were The Under Secretary for the Department not ready in time. It caused considerable in his report has this to say- inconvenience. "A personal tour of inspection of the southern and south-western areas of the In the Roma electorate jobs in most State was made in company with senior instances were completed on time and to officers of the Architectural and Con­ the satisfaction of all parties. The additions struction Branches and Government build­ to the Roma High and Intermediate School ings, in the main, were found to be in which I understand cost £14,622 are very satisfactory condition. much appreciated by the citizens in the "A disturbing experience of the tour Roma district. For some years prior to the was the discovery that some of our most alterations the classrooms were shockingly valuable buildings in the larger country overcrowded, but following on the inter­ towns have reached the stage where exten­ vention of the Minister for Education the sive treatment is necessary to condition work was carried out by the Department of them to conform to present-day accepted Public Works. standards of accommodation." 1312 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Whether buildings were neglected before the Mr. Aikens: All as a result of your occupancy of the Treasury benches by the representations. Government I do not say, but I want to refer particularly to that wonderful building, the Mr. A. J. SMITH: I will not go so far Roma hospital and the grand old Roma Court as to say that, but as I represent that part House. Because of structural and founda­ of the State I suppose I can claim some tion difficulties they are not in a very satis­ credit for it. factory condition, particularly the Court The Deputy Leader of the Opposition House. It is a wonderful old edifice but it referred to one of the rooms at the town is severely cracked. The department has school at Mt. Isa. I point out that that is had to undertake remedial measures by only temporary accommodation. It is not concreting round the base of the building for a completely galvanised iron structure. It eight or 10 feet, but that does not seem to is fully enclosed on the southern side with have corrected the trouble. Cracks are still glass louvres, and on the northern side with appearing, and whilst I am not an architect glass casements. On the front of the build­ or a builder, it seems that the building is ing, on the eastern side of the main entrance, in a dangerous condition. I ask that if a there are only 14 sheets of galvanised iron. senior officer of the department is in the Mr. Lloyd: Nonsense! What about the area he have a look at the building with a building itself? It is disgraceful. It is view to taking remedial action to preserve it. about 100 years old. The same applies to the hospital. The board has spent thousands of pounds and it appears Mr. A. J. SMITH: That is a stupid that the foundations are not secure. The exaggeration. The mine at Mt. Isa has not soil heaves in that area. If a senior officer been operating for anything like 100 years. of the department was in the area he might The hon. member destroys his own argu­ also inspect that building. ment. I will not take up further time except to Mr. Lloyd: Why don't you go to Mt. Isa, once again say how we appreciate the instead of to Sydney? Minister's splendid administration and that of his officers. Mr. A. J. SMITH: I have been to Sydney, but for the hon. member's information, on Mr. A. J. SMITH (Carpentaria) (4.4 p.m.): Wednesday night of last week I :flew more I convey my thanks to all officers in the than 1,000 miles to Mt. Isa on the invitation department, from the Under Secretary down of the principal of the high school to attend to the carpenters and labourers who have the school's speech night. I returned to done such a good job in the nprth-west of Brisbane the following day, and have been Queensland. I am very happy indeed to back to Mt. Isa again since then. speak of the school accommodation in my electorate, and I say that despite the :fleeting Mr. Aikens: They could understand you visit paid to it by the Deputy Leader of the when you made a speech. That is more Opposition. It even astounded me to know than can be said for the hon. member for that he took so much interest. When I was Kedron. a member of a Labour Government, before he and others waiked across the :floor of the Mr. A. J. SMITH: You're telling me! House to destroy it, I never heard him at Mr. Lloyd: What about the mines State party meetings assisting me to get the school school? accommodation which I have in my electorate. Mr. A. J. SMITH: It is to be shifted. Mr. Gaven: Who is that? Why waste money on it? With the expan­ Mr. A. J. SMITH: The Deputy Leader of sion of the mine and the working of the the Opposition, Mr. Lloyd. huge copper lode, the mines State school will have to be shifted. The Department Mr. Mann: He is a better man than you of Education has resumed land at the are. southern end of Mt. Isa as the site for a Mr. A. J. SMITH: However big the hon. new school. Nobody could ask the depart­ member for Brisbane may be, he means ment to spend money on a building that is nothing to me. to be shifted. Of course not. That shows how stupid it is to rush in and be led round The present school accommodation in the the town by Communists. The same argu­ Carpentaria electorate is second to none. ment and the same words as the Deputy The Deputy Leader of the Opposition spoke Leader of the Opposition uses were used about Cloncurry. A completely new school by Gerry Dawson after he came back from has been built there. There is no sign of Mt. Isa in July, 1957. The same people the school that I attended many years ago. took Gerry Dawson round the State schools In Dajarra, residences have been provided in Mt. Isa. for both the head teacher and the assistant teacher. Over the past seven years, £250,000 Mr. LLOYD: I rise to a point of order. has been spent in Mt. Isa alone in the pro­ I never met any Communists at Mt. Isa and vision of school accommodation. Although I ask the hon. member to accept my explana­ Marv Kathleen has not been in existence for tion. If the hon. member looked after his very long, a school has been built there at electorate a little better he would not have a cost of between £30,000 and £40,000. to be on the defensive. Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1313

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. At Mary Kathleen, many thousands of Low): Order! The hon. member for pounds have b~en spent on a new police Carpentaria. station and accommodation for the sergeant of police and his men. Police accommodation .Mr. A. J. SMITH: I am not going to be has been reconstructed at Camooweal. New responsible for the type of people the hon. police residences have been provided at member knocks around with when he goes Dajarra, Malbon, Duchess, Urandangi, to a strange land. Burketown, Normanton, Croydon and the The hospital at Cloncurry was almost Gregory River. Good accommodation is rebuilt recently and over £750,000 was spent provided for married men and reasonable on a hospital at Mt. Isa. Representations will accommodation for single officers. In com­ soon be made by the Mt. Isa Hospitals' Board parison with the other parts of the State the to the Minister for Public Works and to the north-west has received a fair and reason­ Minister for Health and Home Affairs for able share of the money available for the the reconstruction in Camooweal of the hos­ construction of public buildings. pital that was recently destroyed by fire. At Croydon we have a hospital that, for a Mt. Isa is growing beyond all expectations. country centre, is second to none in the State The mines people are at their wits' end to and we have excellent hospitals with. modern provide accommodation to keep pace with the facilities at Normanton and Burketown. development of the area, and I appreciate Residences have been built for the police the Government's difficulty in keeping up with force up there and the activities of the Public the expansion in the North-west of the State. Works Department help to make public It would ill become me if I did not acknow­ servants and others happy and contented in ledge what has been done and what is being the remote areas of the State. done in the various towns in my electorate. With my constant attention as represent­ Mr Ewan interjected. ative for the area I am confident that the department will continue its good work in l\1r. A. J. SMITH: That shows what goes line with the industrial progress of these on and what is not known by others who towns in the future. occasionally visit there. They do not concern me at all but I like to bring up these matters Mr. Aikens: How long was the Deputy on the floor of the Chamber so that they may Leader of the Opposition actually in Mt. Isa? be incorporated in "Hansard". When the Estimates were being debated in 1957 I said Mr. A. J. SMITH: I am not concerned to the then new Minister, Mr. Heading, that about that whatsoever. That is all I shall I sincerely hoped he would give that part of say on the floor of the Chamber today. the State the same consideration as it had been given previously. I am very happy to be In conclusion, I wish to say that as a able to say today that there has not been result of the money spent on new schools, any let-up in spending by the Department of the extension of buildings and the provision Public Works in my electorate. Everything of amenities for pupils and teachers, asked for within reason and within the limits everything is going along satisfactorily. I of the money available has been carried out. have no doubt that if Mt. Isa, Cloncurry and Mary Kathleen expand the same watch­ There are still some facilities that teachers, ful eye will be kept on the needs of those members of the police force, railway staff towns. and other Government employees desire. One that I have long been agitating for, mainly Mr. RAMSDEN (Merthyr) (4.21 p.m.): I for teachers and children, is the supply of wish to join in this debate and pay a tribute fans in State schools in arid areas. I have taken the matter up with the Minister for to the Minister for Public Works and Local Education and the Minister for Public Works. Government, particularly for the work that What astounds me is that the Public Works he has done as a result of my representa­ Department supplies heating apparatus to tions in the electorate of Merthyr. There schools and buildings in cold areas like Stan­ are not many public buildings in Merthyr, but there are two to which I wish to refer­ thorpe and Warwick but is loth to install the Teneriffe Police Station and the State fans to give relief from the extreme tropical Public School. I recollect when I first saw conditions of the Far North-West. Fans have the Teneriffe Police Station it was a been installed in courthouses and various ramshackle falling-down private cottage. railway buildings throughout the State but Recently the Minister had his carpenters and they are still lacking in schools in my area. painters there and repairs have been carried Mr. Ewan: What about water coolers? out, and the police officers at least have a much more attractive building even though Mr. A. J. SMITH: That reminds me of it is not a modern one. On their behalf how many amenities are supplied to the I thank the Minister for tidying up the schools out there. Almost every school in place. my electorate has been supplied with electric water coolers. At places like Dajarra, The New Farm State School for many Duchess, and Kajabbi where there is no years has been the Cinderella of the Educa­ electricity supply, they have been provided tion Department. According to the story that with chorcoal water coolers. is told, it was believed that New Farm 1959-2v 1314 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

was a dying area and that it would not be certain advantages over the vynex fold· long before the school was closed. The ing doors in that they are cheaper and previous Government made no effort to less liable to damage through vandalism. It carry out maintenance of that school. When is easy to run a penknife through a sheet I first made representations about the school of vynex, but it is rather difficult to do the I was virtually told that New Farm was a same thing with a wooden slat. Thirdly, dying area and that it would not be worth­ the wooden folding partitions are more while wasting money on the school. After permanent than the vynex doors. The looking into the statistics over the last ten department by using wooden folding doors years I found out that the attendance had in other schools may save a considerable not varied more than 20 or 30 each year. sum of money in installation and mainten­ I was able to prove to the department that ance. New Farm is not dead but is just as much The New Farm State School has been alive as it has been over the years. When painted outside, and a great portion of the the Minister heard the facts there was a inside has also been painted. I had to do change in the attitude of the department a little arm twisting, but after the first twist regarding repairs and maintenance. One of I was amazed at the generosity of the the difficulties was that there was a single­ department. I thank the department and storey wing upon which the western sun the Minister for the greatly improved beat down. This wing contained three appearance of this school. rooms, one of which was unusable. Children fainted because of the heat and lack of I must give credit where it is due. For ventilation. On one occasion a child suffered many years the New Farm area was repre­ a bad nose haemorrhage and when the sented by a Minister of the Crown. The doctor was called he said it was caused by staff of the New Farm school have told me lack of ventilation and the heat of the room. that during the last 15 years the school has After the facts were placed before the never had as much money spent on it as Minister a considerable amount of money during the two years of office of the Govern­ was spent in knocking out a large area of ment. the wall and replacing it with open and Mr. Hanlon: You used to say we only airy fittings. This gave the New Farm State spent money in Labour electorates. How School a room that it could use, and the do you work that out? head master and the staff, also the parents of the children, are very appreciative of Mr. RAMSDEN: New Farm was thought what the Minister has done. The next to be such a safe Labour area, and would problem that we shall have to face up to is overcrowding. The school is hemmed in on always return a Labour candidate, that the all sides; there is no land available on which previous Government did not worry about extensions could be made, nor is there any the school. room for a playing field to be developed. The boys' toilet block at New Farm was The position is so serious that the head in a very bad condition. In wet weather master has had to instruct the children not to water four to five inches deep used to swirl play games that include running. It is into it and could not get away. The problem dangerous for children to run in the over­ arose through lack of maintenance. Although crowded conditions of the school grounds. that condition had existed for years, the department took action as soon as it !earned No assembly area was available at the of the position, and now even on a wet day school. It was impossible to assemble the such as today the floor is perfectly dry. I children on wet days. I approached the commend the Minister and the department Minister and requested that some part of the school be rearranged so that an for that. assembly hall would be available for the The final word of praise I give to the children and public functions. The pro­ Minister is for the great deal of consideration vision of an assembly room at primary shown to the school committee when they schools was against departmental policy, but wrote to the department, through me, asking the Minister gave us the next best thing. for new furniture. Some of the furniture­ Partitions between three rooms in the wing if not all-in the New Farm School has been I have mentioned were removed and folding there since it was erected. It was bad in vynex partitions were installed. The whole appearance and in some cases not capable of that wing may now be thrown open and of being used. used as an assembly room. The Minister's action is deeply appreciated by the head Mr. Dewar: Bad as the previous Govern­ master, the staff, the committee and parents. ment? The room has been used on many occasions for examinations and social functions. Mr. RAMSDEN: I do not think it would be as bad as that. We are happy to say Recently I discussed these vynex folding that the Minister has given us some new doors with an architect, and I pass on the furniture, and I trust that his generosity will information he gave me. If he knows what be extended so that all rooms are likewise he is talking about, and I believe he does, furnished. We are indeed indebted to the wooden folding doors of a similar Minister and I congratulate him upon his type are now available. They have achievements. Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1315

Mr. COBURN (Burdekin) (4.32 p.m.): I are not encountered elsewhere. The domestic should like to pay my tribute to the Minis­ water supply comes from underground, with ter for the great achievements of his depart­ the result that the effluent from septic systems ment during the year. We all know that he is must be carried away and distributed in a most courteous gentleman, of a very areas where there are thick bands of clay refined type, very easy of approach and very through which it cannot permeate. The eager and anxious always to satisfy every­ delay caused some criticism, but the problem one. He has the happy knack of being able has now been overcome and most schools to say no when the occasion demands it in the area are provided with septic systems. and being able to say yes when a request For a long time the Ayr Intermediate and made to him can be met. High School found difficulty in starting a The annual report of the Department of Senior class because the necessary number Public Works makes interesting reading. We of eight pupils could not be found. However, gather from it that virtually £5,500,000 has the course was eventually started, and 29 been spent on buildings, including all types students will be sitting for the Senior of schools, the Queensland University, court examination this year. That is an indication houses and police buildings, Government of the growth of the school. To keep abreast hospitals and institutions, maternity hospitals, of the growth, the Department of Public maternal and child welfare centres and Wod~s hus been very active. It has provided other types of buildings. I am particularly a manual training centre at a cost of about interested to know that there has been a £7,000, as well as adequate classroom accom­ stepping up in the number of classrooms modation of the latest type. It is very provided and of new primary and new State attractive, well ventilated, and adequately schools. Last year a record number of 483 lighted and has brought a good deal of new classrooms were provided and this num­ pleasure to both teachers and pupils. What ber added to that provided in the previous a great contrast it is with the previous year means that we have 970 more class­ architecture! I remember particularly one rooms today than we had in 1957. The school in which I taught. With an eye to expenditure on primary schools amounted the future, the department provided rooms to a little over £2,250,000 compared with with one completely unbroken wall. If there was an increase in attendance, the wall could £1,882,636 during the previous year, evidence be taken out bodily and, after the ridge­ that more interest is being taken in educa­ capping had been extended, it formed the tion. It is pleasing to know that 16 new wall of the extended room. Teaching in a primary schools were completed or under room like that during the intense heat of construction and additional classroom the tropical summer was almost intolerable. accommodation was provided at 140 other Children who sat in certain places had primary schools. A total of 320 classrooms perspiration running onto their books and was provided and extensions were made to slates. It was almost impossible to give classrooms at five other primary schools. them more congenial conditions because of the My area, not only my electorate, but the solid wall on one side of the room. Fortu­ whole area with which I am particularly nately, we see none of that now. familiar, and which extends from the Haugh­ Mr. Davies: That was years ago. ton River to Bowen, has shared very gener­ ously in the provision of new classroom Mr. COBURN: It was not years ago. That accommodation. On many occasions in the type of room is still in existence. past I have had to bring before the notice of Mr. Diplock: Whose plan was it? Have the then Minister the most unsatisfactory con­ the architects been changed? ditions that prevailed at Home Hill. The rooms under the school were painted a dark colour, Mr. COBURN: Never mind whose plan it there was little lighting, ventilation was poor, was, it has now gone. The present buildings and so bad generally were the rooms that are eminently satisfactory. Nobody knows they became known locally as the dungeons. better than the hon. member for Condamine Those rooms have now disappeared and have that those conditions existed in some schools. been replaced by four or five well-constructed, well-lighted, and adequately-ventilated rooms. Mr. Diplock: That is quite right. You have The head teacher of the Home Hill State still got the architects that we had, though. School has told me that in his opinion there Mr. COBURN: Yes, but we have a different is now sufficient accommodation for the next outlook. When a kitten is born it is blind, 10 years. What a contrast to the conditions but within a very short time it begins to see. that prevailed prior to the provision of the That is probably what happened to the new rooms! In addition, the old earth closets, architects in the Department of Public Works. which were both unhygenic and repulsive, In spite of everything, there has been a big have been replaced by an up-to-date septic improvement in the architecture of the system. schools. Almost every school in the area is now Fortunately the people of my area do not provided with a septic system. That is some­ depend on others to do everything for them; thing of which we can be very proud. There they take the initiative and do something for has been a little delay in some cases, because themselves. To illustrate that, let me tell there are problems in the Ayr district that hon. members what has been done at the 1316 Supply [ASSEJYIBLY] Supply

Ayr High and Intermediate school. Before area. Most of the other buildings are of any sporting field can be laid down the plan brick or concrete, so a building of similar must be approved by the department so that construction should be built for the police. the playing ground will not interfere with any future extension of the school buildings. Many of these undertakings could be com­ Ayr is fortunate to have an engineer, menced to coincide with the slack season Mr. Doug. Haig, who is skilled in planning from November to about June. If the layouts of land. Around him gathered Government are looking for ways to over­ enthusiastic workers who had set their minds come seasonal unemployment the new police on providing for the school a playing-field station would be one project. that would be the equal of any in the State. Mr. Haig drew up the plan that I have here Nurses at the Ayr Hospital are uncom­ and it could well become the model for fortably quartered in a number of old, out­ other schools to adopt. It has a complete moded wooden buildings. New nurses' cricket oval and, within it, two complete quarters are urgently required. This is football fields, as well as another football another project that could be used to help field a little further over. overcome slack-season unemployment. Mr. Power: Rugby League? The very fine old courthouse building at Bowen is architecturally beautiful and Mr. COBURN: Yes, Rugby League, for attractive to look at. Upstairs the C.P.S. which Ayr is famous. The plan sets out is quartered at one end, at the other the three basketball courts, three softball courts magistrate. Downstairs the Police have one and two tennis courts. It is estimated that room at their disposal for office work. In the scheme when completed will cost £6,000. another room a diagonal counter takes up at The people of the Ayr district readily sub­ least half of the available space. Conditions scribed £3,000. The playing fields will be a are very congested. I have frequently asked memorial to the former pupils and teachers of for improved accommodation out delay has the school who made the supreme sacrifice occurred because the department has a in World War II. The Government very scheme to provide a residence separate from readily, under the school improvements the courthouse for the magistrate. When subsidy scheme, approved the plan and that is available they intend to rearrange the indicated willingness to subscribe £ for £. accommodation so that the police will have A working-bee was called to get the scheme more space. The present cramped conditions in motion and on the first day 80 attended, are not conductive to congenial working including many of the present students of amongst the staff. Anybody who has seen the high school, past students and parents. the conditions under which the police have Already the department has made available to work will agree that additional accom­ £1,936 3s. 6d., which means that nearly modation is very necessary and urgent. £4,000 has been spent. By providing recrea­ tion facilities for the boys and girls for their A matter that has excited a great deal of physical and mental development the scheme interest in the Bowen area is the proposal by will be the means of producing sound minds the Minister to amalgamate the Wangaratta in sound bodies, and the people of the Shire with the town of Bowen. The old fear district are to be highly commended for it. was engendered in the minds of people in the Wangaratta Shire that they would be Mr. Davies: Other people in other elec­ called upon to pay for amenities provided torates show just as much interest. for the township. Because of that there was a good deal of opposition. The Mr. COBURN: I am telling the Committee residents of Wangaratta Shire thought the what is done in my own electorate. I should rates would be increased in their area like the hon. member for Maryborough to to meet the situation. However, the point to anything comparable with that in Minister visited the town and met repre­ any of the schools in his own electorate. sentatives of both the Wangaratta Shire and There is the challenge. the Bowen Town Council and he was able Certain work requires to be done in my to convince them that there would be some area which, as far as I know, the Govern­ economies effected by the amalgamation of ment have not yet approved of. For the two councils; and they were able to draw instance, the police at Ayr are quartered up a scheme that was satisfactory to the in an old wooden building which was old people in both the shire and the town. I when I went to Ayr 43 years ago. It is understand that amalgamation is imminent right in the middle of the main street, in that area and the new local authority will be known as the Shire of Bowen. We in surrounded by attractive buildings. The Ayr have shire divisions. We have four divi­ police station is more or less a blot on sions and each has its own funds. The rates the architectural beauty of Ayr's main street. that are raised in number two division are I think the Minister for Public Works would used to meet the requirements in number be quite willing to erect a new police two division; and the same anplies to Nos. 1, station on the present site if the Minister 3 and 4 divisions. This has acted to the for Labour and Industry were willing to take advantage of the whole of the shire with the initiative. Something should be done the result that we have fine towns both at because this old building is in a first-class Ayr and Home Hill without imposing any Supply [12 NOVEMBER] Supply 1317

burdens on the farming or country com­ Very soon we hope that the new Bowen munity. I think that something of that Hospital will be commenced. To date we nature is to be done in Bowen, so that when have experienced a good deal of delay in anything that is of benefit to a particular the drawing of plans and laying out of work, part is undertaken, that part of the shire is but we now seem to have reached the stage responsible for the expendiutre that will be necessary for it. I think the people of when the work can be commenced. It is for­ Bowen and Wangaratta will be ultimately tunate that the work will be commenced when convinced that the amalgamation is some­ employment is at a low level. We hope thing to their mutual benefit, and not only within a very short time to replace the old, the town itself but the shire too will gain dilapidated, outmoded hospital with a new as a result of this amalgamation. I con­ edifice in keeping with other modern hos­ gratulate the Minister on the action he has pitals in the State. taken. This agitation has been going on for a long time and we had to get somebody Hon. W. POWER (Baroona) (4.57 p.m.): finally who was prepared to act. And that This is a very important department. I had the the Minister has done. Time alone will pleasure of administering it from 1947 to prove whether the act of amalgamation was 1950 and so I have some knowledge of its a wise or an unwise one. I make hold to predict that it will prove to be of benefit to importance and magnitude. both the shire and the town. I express my thanks to the Minister for his courtesy and assistance during the year, when­ I would make a plea to the Minister to ever I have referred matters to him. I also undertake such public work as is required in the Ayr, Home Hill, and Bowen areas during extend my thanks to his Under Secret&ry, the period when there is a good deal of Mr. Longland, for his assistance to me and unemployment and men find it hard to get for his willingess and desire to help. He is a alternative employment to that in which they very good public servant. are engaged during the crushing season. Only The report discloses a good deal of activity today I had a letter from two men who had during the year. Expenditure on buildings been engaged as painters in the Ayr dis­ amounted to £5,500,000. Much more could trict by the Department of Public Works. have been done throughout the State if more They told me that they had completed all money had been avai!able.The report reveals the jobs on which they had been employed the manner in which available funds have well within the scheduled time, and because been expended. I do not think any fair of their efficiency and industry they now find person could complain about the way in that they are out of work because there which the money has been spent. It has been are no more jobs for them to do. With employed to the best advantage. planning of the jobs to be done at Ayr and Home Hill in the painting line, and Since my term of office as Minister for with a little vision, the work could be Public Works and following on an investiga­ planned so that there would be no reason tion by the Public Service Commissioner the for men to slow down their rate of work department has been re-organised, and many because of fear that the accelerated speed sub-departments have been placed under the at which they work would soon cause them control of officers who should be in charge to be out of work, whereas they would not of them. The choice of Mr. Hansen as super­ if they went slower. The officers of the visor-in-chief and his deputy have been very department in the Townsville area could easily worthwhile. Mr. Hansen, while I was Minis­ draw up a list of jobs to be done and ter for Public Works, was assistant super· implement them immediately. You do not visor in the Rockhampton district. I was impressed with his manner and his work. He require any plans or specifications or any was given a very important job in Bolsover great preparatory work to carry out paint­ Street, Rockhampton. I am satisfied he is a ing. Many of those buildings could be man of outstanding ability. Since his appoint­ painted between now and the commence­ ment to Brisbane he has shown his ability ment of the next crushing season. I sug­ and today he is the Chief Supervisor. Mr. gest that the Minister call for a complete Clarke, another officer who has grown up survey of all the requirements in the dis­ with the department, has been able to accept trict. The plans for work should be responsibility and today he has earned well­ implemented as quickly as possible to relieve merited promotion as assistant to Mr. the unemployment which is always pre­ Hansen. valent during a slack season, and which will The department has many functions to be worse this year because of the early perform, one of which is the valuing of closing of the sugar mills in the area and buildings that various departments desire to the meatworks at Bowen. Consequently purchase. The Valuer-General values the something more is required this year than land but other qualified officers are required in the past and the Department of Public to value the buildings. Such officers have Works could play a big part in providing saved the Government many thousands of the employment. pounds. 1318 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I regret very much that the department noting the undermentioned projects and has not been able to build a new infants and their respective dates of authorisation, opportunity school at Petrie Terrace. The commencement and occupation- present buildings which have been up for many years are, I think, the oldest in the \ Date I Date Ready for metropolitan area. If money is available I Building I Authorised! Com- Occupa­ ask the department to build a new school menced tion as the existing one is not suitable. Perhaps In;la State School- \ the Minister will say that no request for it Additions (4 class- has come from the Department of Educa­ rooms) . . 6-11-58 20-11-58 27-1-59 Serviceton- tion but an examination of the files will dis­ New State School 25-9-58 10-11-58 27-1-59 close that many years ago the Department of Ipswich Centrai- (Girls' and In- Public Works took the matter up with the fants') New Department of Education and asked for School building 11-12-58 15-12-58 2-2-59 approval for this work and approval was Mount Isa-Barkly Highway- given for an estimate to be made. Some New State action should be taken to expedite the matter School. . 3-4-58 7-7-58 27-1-59" and I hope that during the next financial year money will be made available for the work. That is a tribute to the workmen I am concerned about the alterations employed by the department on day labour, to schools in my present electorate, which is frequently criticised by many particularly the Kelvin Grove School which people. I have quoted enough evidence to is visited by people from other parts of show that it is much more successful than Australia. Because of an increase in school contract work. What I have just read con­ population additions have had to be made, trasts strongly with the following statement- but unfortunately the architectural beauty was spoiled because the additions are in "The erection of the first sections of six timber and I draw the Minister's attention new high schools in various ,arts of the to it. The Treasurer and Minister for Hous­ State for the commencement of the 1959 ing has said that brick and concrete con­ school year was entrusted to contractors struction today, having regard to mainten­ with disapj:lointing results as in only one ance, costs about the same as timber build­ instance was the accommodation ready for ings. I should like to see these timber addit­ the re-opening of schools and then in part ions demolished so that the architectural only." beauty of the brick building will not be defaced. They should be replaced with brick. It is only reasonable for me to draw a comparison between day labour and contract Many fine buildings have been erected by work. The Under Secretary points out that the department. The Petrie Terrace Police day labour has been successful where private Barracks are an example. They were erected contractors have failed. I pay this tribute to when the late Hon. W. Forgan Smith was the department: because of its day-labour Premier, and I was a private member. I programme, its efficient organisation and made representations for the removal of the supervision and, above all, the loyalty and old structure, which years ago was the gaol efficiency of its workmen, not one child has where condemned prisoners were hanged, and been refused admission to a school because for the construction of the present building. of lack of accommodation. That has applied For some unknown reason, however, no not only during the term of the present attempt has ever been made to remove the Government, but during that of the previous unsightly fence, which consists of steel rails Government as well. It reflects great credit about 5 or 6 feet high topped with spikes. on the department, and particularly on its Farther down, near the radio station, is a workmen. The department plays a very very unattractive wooden fence. Those two important part in the activities of the State fences spoil the architectural beauty of the generally and in the training of the youth barracks, and they should be removed and of the community who desire to become replaced by something more in keeping with tradesmen. I have some intimate knowledge the design of the building. of the efficiency of the Department of Public I pay a tribute to the work'Uen of the Works. One of my sons was apprenticed as a department. In his usual fair manner, the carpenter and the other is in the Govern­ Under Secretary refers in his report to the ment garage, both under the administration fact that the department's labour force as at of the Department of Public Works at the 30 June, 1959, was 2,537, compared with time of their apprenticeships, and their 2,300 as at 30 June, 1958. He goes on to training and supervision and the results say:- · of the examinations that they have passed "Some indication of the efficiency of and that others have passed from time to the department's labour force and its value time reflect a good deal of credit on the to the department in regard to work of an general administration of the officers of the urgent nature may be appreciated in department. Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1319

Let us see what the department has done yard to store his plant but he cannot use the for apprentices. The numbers indentured rooms in the house for office purposes. I as at 30 June, 1959, were as follows- think it is a scandalous state of affairs. It Carpenters 189 could put the man out of business. He has Painters 42 made another application and when he Bricklayers 10 receives further advice about the matter, if Plasterers 6 necessary, he will appeal to the Minister. Plumbers 46 Favourable consideration should be extended Electricians 34 to his case. I am sure the Minister will be Refrigeration mechanics 2 happy to give consideration to that phase of the administration of the Brisbane City Total 329 Council. On several occasions I have referred to There is no other undertaking in the build­ the Valuer-General's Department. I remem­ ing trade today with a record in the training ber the legislation going through Parlia­ and supervision of apprentices as good as ment. It was to be used to value the whole that. of Queensland and the valuations deter­ During the war and just after it there was mined would be used for all purposes. For a great shortage of skilled artisans. Today, some reason or other that principle has been with the training that has taken place-and departed from. I am disturbed to realise that the Department of Public Works has played although the legislation was passed many no small part in it-the lag has largely been years ago some parts of Queensland still taken up. have not been valued by the Valuer-General but many parts have been valued more than When I see the demands that have been once. The last time these Estimates were made on the Director of Local Government being debated I suggested to the Minister I feel very proud that I was able to recom­ that the department should not make a mend to Cabinet the appointment of Mr. second or third valuation of any local Sewell to the position. His knowledge of authority area until the whole of Queensland local government affairs and his ability are had been valued. That is only fair and reas­ recognised worldwide; his services are in onable. It will be argued that there is a great demand, and he is doing a remarkable shortage of valuers but there is a shortage job. of various types of skilled men in the I am happy to know that the Minister has Department of Public Works. There has been approved of an ordinance submitted by the a shortage of architects, quantity surveyors Brisbane City Council. I had some experi­ are as scarce as hen's teeth, but by devious ence of these matters for four years before means the department has been able to over­ I entered Parliament. Ordinances prepared come the difficulty to some extent and by an by the Council do not become law until interchange of officers the position has been they have been sent to the Minister for eased a great deal. More valuers should be Local Government and closely analysed recruited; more cadet valuers should be and examined. I believe that work is appointed. I make that suggestion because entrusted to the Director of Local Govern­ it is unfair to have two or three valuations ment, who has a very sound knowledge of of one area and none of others. it. While there may be some ordinances that I disagree with-and, this being a Mr. Heading: We are advertising for democratic country, I am entitled to dis­ valuers all the time. agree-nobody can fault the work of Mr. Sewell on them. However, I am pleased Mr. POWER: I could give the Minister that the Minister has approved an ordinance the names of some capable valuers in the that will give persons who make applications council. for business premises in the metropolitan area an opportunity to lodge appeals against Mr. Heading: They do not apply when decisions of the council. Some of those we advertise. decisions are entirely wrong and could create Mr. POWER: I could mention a couple serious hardship for business people. I have of names. When applications are called again a case in point. A man bought a property I hope their applications will be considered. in what was known as an industrial area. You can erect a residential building any­ I understand that there will be a right where but you cannot put up an industrial of appeal against the decisions of the Valuer­ building without approval. When I was GeneraL, only to the Land Court. Minister in charge of Local Government, I I have no quarrel with that gentle­ told the former Lord Mayor, Sir John man because I think he is doing his job to Chandler, and this Assembly that there was the best of his ability with limited staff. I no town plan in Brisbane; it was only a pro­ know on one occasion when he found that posed town plan. This man I speak of a valuer was not playing the game he did bought the property only to be told that he not hesitate to deal with him. I have read cannot use the house on it. He is not in in the paper that a right of appeal will lie a position to go ahead and erect a new to the Land Court. I have no objection to building at a cost of £25,000 to £30,000. that in principle but we must realise that He has been told that he can use the back- it can mean heavy expense to some people. 1320 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I am glad to know that the present con­ the past 10 years made it necessary that some­ ference system will continue, but appeals thing more should be done. Over the years will be Queensland-wide. They will not be I have continually asked the Government confined to the metropolitan area. That is to do work in my electorate, but when where the difficulty will be. I suggest the the hon. member for Carnarvon was Minis­ Minister give consideration to allowing the ter in charge of that department although present system to operate for appeals against he was quite fair I could never make enough valuations up to a certain figure in order impression on him to get all the work that to avoid additional expense to people who was warranted in my district. When I was consider they have a grievance. I was elected to Parliament in 1950 the Labrador disappointed to learn that it was the intention School was a one-teacher school, with a of the Department of Public Works to make handful of pupils. alterations to the old magistrates' court build­ ing in George Street. For many years it was Mr. Hilton: We built a new school there said that the building would be demolished, for you. but now it is intended to alter it. If that is done the building will not be moved for Mr. GAVEN: Today it has a staff of 17 many years. Money spent in repairing this and 600 pupils. That proves conclusively the building will be money thrown down the tremendous development of the area, and drain and the Government should give fur­ the pattern is the same throughout the South ther consideration to the matter. Temporary Coast. courts could be found in other buildings. We found temporary court accommodation in It is true, as the hon. member mentioned, William Street and the late Chief Justice that the old school was replaced with a small Macrossan was happy about it. Rather than school, but since then additions have had to spend money on the old building another be made to it. building should be found in which to house The Southport School has an attendance the district court judges and others. Per­ of over 1,200 children. The building was haps some of the offices at the Supreme a disgrace, and in itself an indictment of Court could be moved to another building the previous Government. It was falling and the vacant areas converted into courts. down. As a matter of fact the fence palings The removal of the old building would allow are falling on to the footpath now, but the of the extension of Adelaide Street through to North Quay. The Brisbane City Council Minister is taking action to rectify that. The and the Police Department are anxious to Southport School is being replaced. The first have that done. wing cost £23,000. Two further wings are to be built. On completion it will be a very There are many other suggestions that I modern building of fine architectural design, could make but my time is nearly up. in keeping with the standard of buildings In conclusion I suggest that the Minister in the area. The Minister has earned the should help the Brisbane City Council to everlasting approbation and respect of the complete the widening of Grey Street, and residents of the area for his efforts. by removing the South Brisbane Court so as to overcome an acute traffic problem. The position at the Surfers' Paradise I offer those suggestions to the Minister, and School was similar to that at Labrador. I thank him, his Under Secretary and staff, Extra rooms have been added with the for their assistance and courtesy to me. increase in enrolments. The attendance today is 600. No further children can be Mr. GAVEN (Southport) (5.23 p.m.): This accommodated in the grounds of the school. debate covers a very wide scope. Not only Next year neither the Surfers' Paradise School does the Minnister control public works nor the Burleigh Heads School, to which five but he also controls the Valuer-General's or six new rooms have been added while the Department and the Local Government Minister has been in charge of this depart­ Department. I am sure it must be of great ment, will be able to cope with the increased satisfaction to him to learn from the speeches enrolments. The next wing of the Southport of hon. members on both sides that generally School is to be deferred for the moment so speaking they are quite satisfied with the that the workmen can be employed in build­ attention given to their various electorates ing a new school at Broadbeach to cater for by his department. I think my political the overflow of children from the Surfers' opponents will admit that when we were Paradise and Burleigh Heads Schools. When in Opposition and I thought a Minister was the Broadbeach School is completed, further doing a good job I did not hesitate to say work will be undertaken on the Southport so. We should leave politics out of our dis­ cussions and give credit where credit is due. School. There are almost 30 schools in the I join with other hon. members in con­ area. Development throughout follows the veying my thanks to the Minister for what same pattern. I thank the Minister for the has been done in my electorate, not because manner in which he has responded to my he thought he should do anything more for requests to provide facilities to educate and my electorate than for others but because of mould the young children of the district. the rapid growth on the South Coast during The Government had to overcome a legacy Supply [12 NoVEMBER] Supply 1321 of neglect. These figures for expenditure used as a courthouse and by the clerk of reveal the outstanding effort of the Govern­ petty sessions and the stock inspector. I ment during the last 12 months- am happy that the Minister has advised me £ that plans are ready and work will shortly Coolangatta School 4,838 begin on a new structure at Coolangatta Burleigh Heads School 11,879 where it is so badly needed. Surfers' Paradise School 13,321 The expenditure of the department on Southport School .. 23,592 State schools, secondary schools, police build­ Nerang School 3,563 ings and courthouses, has reached an all­ Southport High School 27,487 time record. I have one small complaint Broadbeach School 14,629 to make. A new residence has just been Southport Police Residence 4,385 completed for the Sub-Inspector of Police at Southport. A fortnight ago, in company Total £103,694 with the Minister, I inspected this building which cost £4,300. I do not know what These figures do not include the cost of the inspector passed the building, but he must four new rooms being added to the Coolan­ have been blindfold because many things are gatta School at present and the three rooms lacking. Better supervision should . be made being added to the Burleigh Heads School. of buildings to see that we get value for If we add to that total the amount spent the money spent and that the buildings are on the Southport Hospital, we find that properly finished. public works undertaken in this area during the year amounted to £321,694, proving con­ The training of apprentices is a grand clusively that the Government were deter­ idea and I know that the Minister personally mined to overcome this legacy of neglect and is interested in doing what he can to step give the people the amenities to which they up this training. were entitled. The annual report has quite a deal to say on immigration and we read the following Mr. Hilton: What about the Maternity on page 13:- Hospital? "The population of Queensland has Mr. GAVEN: It was built when the hon. increased sixty-fold from a modest total member for Baroona was in charge of the of 23,500 in 1859 to a figure in excess department. of 1,425,000 in 1959. The present popu­ lation is almost 350,000 greater than in Mr. Hilton: It was finished in my time. 1947. It is obvious that migration has Mr. GAVEN: I do not deny that. substantially assisted, throughout the whole period, to achieve this expansion. The We have to build a hospital to cope with population of Australia has increased from requirements of 40,000 people. We should 1,000,000 in 1858 to 10,000,000 in 1959. have had one years ago. We are getting it It is reassuring to know that Queensland now and I am grateful for that. has, and is, expanding at such a rate." On page 3 of the report of the department Mr. Davies: Including 10 years of Labour the following appears:- rule. "The buildings constructed in the first decade of the post-war period now require Mr. GAVEN: The hon. member cannot regular attention to maintain them in good have it both ways. On the one hand he condition. Older buildings are proving says that we are not getting our share of most costly to maintain as not only is it migrants, and on the other that we are necessary to repair and repaint them at getting them because of 10 years of Labour regular intervals, but because of the age rule. All this talk of Labour rule, or of buildings complete renewal of roofs Country Party rule, does not mean a thing and flooring is involving heavier expendi­ to me in this Chamber. I am here to do ture each year. the best I can for the people as a whole. "A personal tour of inspection of the The report makes it quite clear that Queens­ southern and south-western areas of the land is getting its fair share of migrants. State was made in company with senior The previous Migration Officer, Mr. Longland, officers of the Architectural and Construc­ who is now Under Secretary of the Depart­ tion Branches, and Government buildings ment of Public Works, did an excellent job. in the main were found to be in satis­ He was the right type to extend courtesy factory condition. and goodwill to migrants when they reached "A disturbing experience of the tour was our shores. He was followed by a very the discovery that some of our most valu­ humane man in Mr. Rutherford, who I am able buildings in the larger country towns sure will do an equally good job. have reached a stage where extensive treat­ The Director of Local Government, ment is necessary to condition them to con­ Mr. Sewell, to whom I wish to pay a tribute, form to present-day accepted standards of has at times a very unenviable task. He accommodation." has to adjudicate between local authorities The Southport school is an example and so who disagree with each other, and his know­ is the Coolangatta police station, which has ledge-particularly his legal knowledge­ at times to house up to 20 men. It is also makes him an outstanding officer. As a 1322 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply matter of fact, I would far sooner be guided Mr. Graham: When was the last valuation by him than by some solicitors who charge made? extortionate fees. The Minister is very for­ tunate in having as one of his officers a man Mr. GAVEN: In 1955. with Mr. Sewell's experience and knowledge. Mr. Graham: There has not been one It is very pleasing to know that for the since? second time in history, the local authorities in this State were able to fill all their Mr. GAVEN: They are doing it now. debenture loans. Mr. Davies: Why do you place such high I listened with a great deal of interest to and false values on the land down there the hon. member for Baroona, who was a yourself? Minister in the previous Government. He Mr. GAVEN: In what way? had something to say about the Valuer­ General's Department, on which everybody Mr. Davies: Buying and selling. knows my views. Unlike some hon. members, I do not turn a complete somersault when I Mr. GAVEN: If somebody buys land for change from one side of the Chamber to a specific purpose and pays a high price the other. I must say that ~r. Smith is for it, that is no reason why the ordinary always very courteous and fair, and is pre­ people should be taxed out of existence. I pared to help anyone to overcome difficulties am not talking of one particular area; I am that arise from time to time. talking about the whole of the Southport electorate, which embraces working-class Since _1950, the Valuer-General's Depart­ people, people on middle incomes and others. ment has had an obsession to get down to They are already paying far more than their the South Coast and carry out valuations. fair share of taxation and they will pay even Since I entered Parliament in 1950, three more when the current valuation is finished. valuations have been carried out in my area. They have been ridden into the ground. As the hon. member for Baroona pointed out, many local-authority areas in the State Mr. Hilton: What taxation are you have not had one valuation since the intro­ referring to? duction of the legislation in 1943. The excuse that not enough valuers are available Mr. GAVEN: The hon. member knows cuts no ice with me. As I say, the people as well as I do that the basis of all taxation in my area have had three valuations in less is the Valuer-General's valuation. than 10 years, with the result that they Mr. Hilton: Local authority rating? have to pay far more in taxation than people in areas that have not yet been valued. Mr. GAVEN: The local authorities take Mr. Duggan: They should call it the advantage of it, too. Where is there a local Copper Coast, not the Gold Coast. authority in the State that has yet refused to accept the Valuer-General's valuation? Mr. GAVEN: Hon. members opposite have Not one! Most of them say, "The rate is never had very much sympathy for the 1s. in the £1. If the valuation goes up Gold Coast, and it will not do them much from £1,000,000 to £4,000,000 we will good to go down there before the election reduce the rate to 6d. in the £1 and so give next year and say that they have. a reduction." When the matter is examined there is still a tremendous increase. How­ I am very much concerned that the people ever, people will be taxed out of business in my area have had three valuations when altogether if we do not do something soon. none has been carried out in other areas. Something will have to be done about it. Mr. Davies: Why don't they elect a Labour If valuations cannot be carried out on a council down there and give the people a more equitable basis, the whole scheme fair spin? should be abandoned. I repeat, the people in my area are carrying more than their Mr. GAVEN: Maryborough has a Labour fair share of taxation. representative and, blimey, does he get on my nerves! We have enough experience of Mr. Graham: Who is responsible for that? Labour here without going any further. Mr. GAVEN: The Labour Government. However, I register my protest in no The hon. member for Mackay and his uncertain manner and I hope that something colleagues introduced this business in the will be done, so that, instead of the depart­ first place, and for the 13 years that they ment concentrating on the south-eastern were in power they carried it on. As we corner of Queensland time after time, the have been here only two years, we have not whole of the State will be valued, as should had time to do anything about it; but some­ have been done in conformity with the Act thing will have to be done soon because too introduced by the Labour Government in many people in the south-east corner of the 1943. State are carrying more than their fair share The people of Broadbeach are very happy of the burden of taxation. If we are not about the completion of their fine new police careful many will lose their homes and station. Of course, it is not really necessary, businesses through unfair valuation. because the South Coast is a playground Supply (12 NOVEMBER] Supply 1323 and the people are happy, carefree and law­ people bothered about us. People from abiding; only very rarely is any crime com­ Europe with strange customs and ideas came mitted or does one see drunkenness in any to a strange land. Our present prosperity shape or form. clearly indicates that these new Australians have played a very important part. Some Mr. Davies interjected. of them were very talented; great musicians, Mr. GAVEN: I must have a talk with doctors, sportsmen, teachers, technicians the hon. member outside. The new police builders, and most important of all, they wer~ station is a very fine building and the police people with the will to work. They came sergeant and his assistant are very happy here determined to succeed in the country with it. We are deeply grateful to the of their adoption. Many success stories can Minister and his officers for the work they be told of the early migrants. Many have have done in the area. I know he recog­ succeeded in business. There have been but nises the legacy of neglect over the years few failures. It must be very gratifying and he has made every effort to catch up indeed for a people who came from wartorn with the work. He has almost caught up areas where they suffered sickness and hard­ with it already. The department has done ship to have moulded themselves almost over­ an excellent job and for the first time in the night into a respectable community. But 10 years that I have been a member of this it did not just happen. It was well planned Assembly the Minister has spent almost as by the Immigration Department. Both sides much money over the whole State as private contributed to the success of the venture. enterprise has spent on the Gold Coast in Prior to World War II. about 98 per cent. the same period. That is a record. Every of Australia's population was of British year private enterprise spends more on the origin. Today we find that with the influx Gold Coast than the Department of Public of migrants that percentage has been Works spends on the whole of the State but decreased considerably. All credit must be the Minister has come closer to the figure given to the Federal Government, not only than any of his predecessors. I congratulate the present Government, but their predeces­ him on his excellent work. sors who introduced the migration programme and encouraged people to come here. Even Mr. RICHTER (Somerset) (5.45 p.m.): In today the majority of our population of the short time at my disposal I shall devote 10,000,000 are concentrated in the major my remarks to immigration. I congratulate cities of Australia. Australia has every both the State and Federal departments reason to be proud of the great achievement responsible for immigration on the splendid during the last decade, but we must remem­ job they are doing. Since 1949 Australia's ber that the fountainheads from which the population has increased by 25 per cent., streams of migrants came-war-ravaged largely owing to our immigration policy. Europe and Great Britain-are fast drying Over that period many migrants have come up. Many people were of the opinion that to Australia. In the early stages quite a these migrants from the war-ravaged coun­ few were refugees who came through barbed tries were responsible for most of the major wire and crossed borders to gain their free­ crimes committed in this country, but on the dom. Many of them came from Europe fol­ contrary statistics show that serious crime is lowing the overrunning of that continent by 26 per cent. higher among native Australians German and Russian armies. About 50 per than among migrants. The last decade has cent. of the migrants were English people been a story of success because of the plan­ who were looking for the room, sunshine and ning and splendid work done by the Immi­ square meals they did not get in their own gration Department. However, the work of country. Australia is a huge country of this department is progressively becoming 3,000,000 square miles. Not very ma'1y more difficult. There is no longer an army years ago it was considered by some people of displaced refugees in Europe from which to be a barren land with very little prospect to draw. The prosperous conditions exist­ of development. But Australia is developing ing in Europe and Great Britain have dried its great potential and it is very exciting and up the supply of migrants. The better type interesting to see the great part that new of person is in a good job, is well housed, Australians have played and are playing in and has no desire to leave his country where the great work of development. Great he has security. He will not gamble with the development has taken place in a decade. future. To put it bluntly, Australia is find­ Australia took these discards, these refugees, ing it difficult to attract the right type of from a wartorn world and turned them into migrant from Britain and Europe. Austra­ citizens that are a credit today to the country lians today realise that we need more of their adoption. In turn they have every migrants if this land is to be developed or reason to be proud of their contribution to if it is even to survive. the development of our resources. The task Mr. Hilton: There are restrictions on of absorbing this mixture of people has been migrants. a tremendous one; it has not been easv. For many years Australia was segregated from Mr. RICHTER: I am coming to that. the rest of the world. To the north there Australiar.s, who some years ago were was a vast population of coloured people, openly hostile to immigration will admit some black, some yellow, and some brown. that the coming of the migrant was the best We were an isolated community; very few thing that ever happened to us. 1324 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Our development is on the move; our the problem that confronted Europe during mineral resources are attracting the atten­ the last century. It is well to remind them tion of investors; and it seems that great that the men and women who pioneered things can be expected in the next 10 years. the United States, Canada and Australia However, it is imperative that we main­ went into the bush with an axe and billy­ tain our immigration programme. We can­ can and carved homes from virgin scrub, not hope to hold this country of ours unless and that these opportunities no longer exist. we are prepared to populate it and develop Any migration to this country must be its resources. Our neighbours in the North migration in an orderly manner. A great question our right to hold this vast land, deal of planning is required, and the under-populated and undeveloped. They in migrants must be absorbed ir;to our way .of turn are over-populated and in some cases life. A chaotic state of affmrs would anse are unable to feed their teeming millions. if we allowed thousands of untrained, Over recent weeks I met many of the inexperienced migrants to enter Austr~lia. representatives of those countries-delegates This country has a surplus of unskilled to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Dele­ unemployable people who are a drain on gation which met in Canberra last week. our economy. While we have many These delegates toured all the Australian vacancies for skilled and trained workers, States prior to the conference, and were overpopulated countries are reluctant to greatly impressed with the opportunities allow their skilled and trained craftsmen to Australia has to offer. They are also aware migrate to Australia. They claim they. n.eed that we have so few people in such a those persons to lift their standard of hvmg. large country. Many of them were quite They would be pleased to send their outspoken on these matters and it was unemployed and unemployable . persons to necessary to remind them that for many Australia. There would be httle or no centuries Australia was uninhabited; that opportunity for them to go on the land. it was here for the taking, being held only They would surely die if they were put on by a few primitive aboriginals who made no those lands that are unoccupied today. attempt to develop it. It was also neces­ The result would be that they would drift sary to remind them that any development to the cities. in Australia in the last century has resulted from the hard work and initiative of the Mr. ROBERTS (Whitsunday) (7.15 p.m.): early pioneers and those who followed them. I congratulate the Ministe~ on h.Is excellent They were astounded at some of the indus­ job and on the manner m . whic.h he has trial expansion, mechanisation of agriculture, visited areas of the State dunng h1s term of pasture improvement and the manner in office. On the Queen's birthday last year, which we deal with diseases and pests. All when I was not very well, one of my first the delegates were members of Parliaments official duties was to meet the Minister. We of countries which comprise the British travelled round the Mackay area, had. a look Commonwealth of Nations. They questioned at the gaol the new High School Site, and our immigration laws which allow migrants other place; of interest. Whilst nothing ~as from countries which fought against us in been finalised about the gaol, the High the last war to enter Australia in large school building has commenced and I have numbers, while those who fought with us no doubt that in the near future we can are denied that right. They cannot under­ expect progress in others parts of the stand this treatment and they resent the district. discrimination. These are matters that cannot be ignored; On a Sunday morning some three or .four they will have to be faced. India has a weeks ago at their request I met the E1meo population of 400,000,000, many of them State School Committee and inspected underfed and dying of malnutrition. their school and grounds. I have not brought Singapore has a population of 1,500,000 this matter before the notice of the Minister people who depend solely on commerce. before-- The indications are that the importance of Mr. Power: You would save a lot of time Singapore as a commercial centre is by writing to him. diminishing and its people fear for the future. They do not know what to do. The Mr. ROBERTS: This would be a difficult small island of Mauritius has a popula­ matter to express in writing. I had intended tion of 600,000 people, depending on to discuss the matter with the Under agriculture, chiefly sugar, and they find Secretary with the plans of the school before they no longer have living room for their me, but because of pressure of parliamentary people. They can see our vast expanses business I have not been able to do that. of land, and compare it with their own The opportunity to do so pres.ents itself crowded conditions. These are the pro­ tonight. Quite recently extensw?s .were blems that will have to be faced. They made to the Eimeo State School which IS on are our problems, just as they are their sloping ground. There is an area of approxi­ problems. mately 24 feet by 9 feet under the steps It is argued by these people that Europe which is not concreted. The concreted sorved its population problem in the 18th portion tapers to the foot of the steps and and 19th century by migration to America, is about 3 feet 6 inches high at the end and further argue that Asia today faces of the building. The area under the stairs Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1325 has been filled in with soil and already hope that the Department of Public Works erosion has taken place. Something will will co-operate in every way with this active have to be done in the near future or school committee. erosion will aitect the blocks under the stairs. I suggest the erection of a concrete It is hoped that the Government will install retaining wall. The area could then be filled a septic system at the school in the in with soil and converted into a garden, near future; attendances warrant it. which would greatly help the school com­ I understand, though I have not fully mittee's beautification plans. confirmed it, that the normal provision laid down for lavatory accommodation at The Eimeo State School could not be schools is one building for 15 girls and regarded as a small one. The present enrol. one for 25 boys. At present there are three ment is 108 consisting, strangely enough, of buildings for girls, catering for 45 although 54 boys and 54 girls. There is no doubt there are 54, and two buildings for boys, that the attendance will increase in the catering for 50, against the 54. Though future. The water supply is a problem. the numbers attending are slightly higher At present there are three tanks, all located than the normal provision, I am not asking at the south-eastern corner of the building. the department to do anything about it at One is virtually useless, and the department the moment as the committee hopes soon has been asked to replace it. I suggest that to present a case for the installation of two additional tanks be provided. At the a septic system. The headmaster's dwelling western end of the building is a downpipe at Eimeo is a building that was shifted from from the roof guttering, the water from the Habana Road area. For the moment I which runs across the ground and causes a forget the name of the school from which good deal of erosion below the area that I it was taken. The residence is on the same mentioned previously. It would be a simple steep slope as the Eimeo school. Only a matter to erect a 1 ,000-gallon, squat-type very small section underneath the dwelling is tank on the concrete floor underneath the concreted. The remainder is fiilled with building, with ·a tap outside the western end local soil or gravel. On the south-eastern about 3 feet from ground level. The under­ side of the house a small concrete gutter neath portion of the school is 6 feet 6 inches has been built to try to prevent the water high, and would easily take a squat-type that rushes down the slope from running tank. underneath the residence, but it is nqt deep enough. It is very difficult to construct a For some time the school committee has trench that will keep the underneath part been raising funds to sink a spear in the :of the house and school perfectly dry. school grounds to get a water supply. It Palmyra gravel, particularly good gravel, is is negotiating with a water diviner on the available not a great distance from the basis of no water, no payment. I believe school and I think that if the underneath he has divined a place with indications that part of the dwelling were treated with they will strike the first water at 30 feet, Palmyra gravel an exceptionally good job clear water at 50 feet, good water at 70 would be done. feet and larger quantities as far down as 120 feet. I have a letter here dated 24 August, from the Department of Education to the Depart­ Mr. Mann: Would that water be brackish? ment of Public Works, concerning improve­ ments to the school grounds and the resid­ ence and about the supply of an electric Mr. ROBERTS: No. Farms round about stove and a hot-water system. No doubt are drawing very good water. The hon. member for Brisbane knows the area well the Department of Public Works have these and I remind him that the school is not matters well in hand. As the school is in right on the coast at Eimeo. It is on the the area catered for by the town electricity main Eimeo road at the junction, the turnoff supply I suggest that favourable consideration to what was known in those days as Seaview be given to the supply of an electric stove but is now called Bucasia. That would be and hot-water system. There is no copper about two miles before you come to Eimeo. at the school residence. The headmaster's wife has two or three young children and Very good water can be had in the area. I understand that the cost will be about it is very necessary that the clothes of young £3 a foot plus the casing at 13s. 6d. per children should be boiled. foot, which works out at £3 13s. 6d. a foot, Some time ago approval was given for the so it will be seen that, if they go down to removal of the Proserpine State and High 120 feet, which appears to be the only School to its new site on an area of approxi­ economic depth, the cost will be heavy. mately 10 acres. I have already referred to The committee is a very live one. For the overcrowding at this school which is the last two vears the memhers have conducted. situated in the busiest portion of Proserpine large functions at Bucasia on New Year's and thus creates a traffic hazard for the Eve to raise funds. Unfortunately they young children. I know both the Depart­ suffered a very heavy storm last year at ment of Public Works and the Department the height of the function and they did of Education acknowledge this and have not make as much as they might have. The undertaken to move the school to another Government subsidise such schemes and I 1326 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply site, erecting one or two or even three build­ regime, I was the most vociferous of all the ings, first for high school purposes and gradu­ then Opposition members in clamouring for ally erecting the other buildings. I sincerely a separate works department within the hope that a start will be made on the high Department of Education, so that the school during the coming vacation so that Department of Education could get its fair at least that part will be completed for the share of the money allocated for buildings next school year. throughout the State. I am happy that the Mr. Davies: We will finish it for you next co-operation between the two departments year. has been such that the need for a separate works branch of the Education Department Mr. ROBERTS: Finish! I'll say you no longer exists. Proof of that is provided would. Anything hon. members opposite by the figures in the report. Of the amount ever had anything to do with, they of £5,499,123 expended on public buildings generally finished it off until it was during the year, £3,451,926 was used on not worth a drink of water. For years State schools, high schools, technical colleges after I became a member of Parliament I and other educational establishments. In asked the Labour Government for a police other words, the Department of Public Works station at North Mackay and for other pub­ has recognised the need to provide further lic buildings. These matters are having the facilities for education and has devoted tre­ sympathetic consideration of this Govern­ mendous sums in the last two years to over­ ment, whereas I got nothing but a scrub-off come the lag in this work under Labour from the previous Government. Governments. The following table shows Mr. Pizzey: They closed the Elaroo the expenditure on schools in the Murrumba school. electorate- £ Mr. ROBERTS: That is so. I do not think Bribie Island 4,486 the hon member for Maryborough was a Clontarf Beach 8,804 member of this House at the time. The con­ Dayboro 3,740 dition of the Elaroo school was so bad that they closed it. The present Minister for Deception Bay 3,956 Education was all set, saddled, booted and Kalangur 4,821 spurred, ready to go up and start the school in a couple of gunyahs, when somebody £25,807 from Proserpine let the cat out of the bag and the Government of the day seeing the That sum was spent on additions to State unholy mess that they had made of things primary schools. The following figures apply put their skates on and greased the skids to new schools- to have this school reopened. I accompanied £ Inspector Quinn of Mackay, the police magis­ Petrie Vocational School 12,457 trate and the land commissioner, on a visit Humpybong Infants to North Mackay to find a suitable site for a School 28,100 police station there. Let me be fair to all. Redcliffe High School­ Many Government buildings may have to Initial cost 42,505 be erected in this vastly-growing area of North Mackay. The time is drawing near Additions 46,451 when we shall need a fire brigade station and Ground Improvements 9,281 a baby clinic, and we must have sufficient land for Government residences. It is par­ £138,794 ticularly difficult for Government officers who have to go into an area where there I include the Petrie Vocational School as a is no house for them. We should have new school, as it is a new departure in sufficient gro•md for the police sergeant, the education. The Minister for Education fire brigade officer and other people who kindly acceded to the request for the Humpy­ may be carrying out Government work. bon? Infants School, and with the co-opera­ tion of the Minister for Public Works, it Mr. NICHOLSON (Murrumba) (7.40 p.m.): was completed. A sum of £7,969 was spent I do not want to delay the Committee on the Woody Point police station. I unnecessarily, but I would be lacking in compliment the architects of the depart­ my duty if I did not thank the Minister and ment on the design of this building. the various officers under his control for It is something that would gladden the heart their excellent work in the Murrumba elec­ of any architect or builder. It is pleasing to torate. I should be censured most severely note that at long last architects of the depart­ by the people of the area if I did not ment have been given what could be termed place on record their thanks and mine for in racing parlance, their heads. They have the contribution by the Department of been allowed to use imagination and they Public Works towards improving educational have got away from the old standard blueprint facilities in the district. fashion so long in existence during years oJ This department and the Department of Labour Governments. Education have at long last co-operated to an extent never known before in their his­ Mr. Davies: They have always ha<' tory. A few years ago. during the Labour freedom. Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1327

Mr. NICHOLSON: They never had free­ There should be closer co-operation on dom because the Government insisted that migration between the Federal and State they use paint of the same colour as that authorities. The Federal policy in the entry used in the days of the Ryan Government. of certain migrants leaves something to be The same colour scheme obtained for years. desired. On one occasion I made represen­ tations on behalf of a migrant family, Mr. Davies: You have not been outside British subjects from Ceylon, who desired your own electorate. the rest of their family to come to Mr. NICHOLSON: If the hon. member Australia. However, because the mother of would go outside his and educate himself the family had greater resemblance to an he would make much better speeches in Asiatic than a European, the Federal this Chamber. authorities refused to allow her to enter Australia. Because of one provision in The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. the Commonwealth Act, the whole of the Dewar): Order! family cannot live together in Queensland. I urge the State Government to work towards Mr. NICHOLSON: An amount of £8,300 some alleviation of that provision, particu­ has been spent on the community hospital larly as the Commonwealth Government which is to be converted into a convalescent have recently lifted the ban on Japanese home. In all the total expenditure in the wives of Australian soldiers. Dozens of electorate for the 12 months was £180,880. people who resemble Asiatics more than This expenditure in one electorate is a Europeans have been granted permission to shining example of the work of the Govern­ enter Australia. I have photographs of the ment, and remember that similar sums have woman who was refused admission, and been spent in other electorates. she appears to be no different from the To the officers of the department, Mr. average European with a very slight trace Sewell, Mr. Longland, and Mr. Rutherford, of dark blood. I express gratitude for the help they have Again I thank the Minister and his given me. Never at any time have they officers for the effort they have put into neglected my requests. their jobs and for their contribution to The Redcliffe High School is perhaps one the education of the young people of of the finest buildings in the State. At times Queensland. some buildings have not been completed. Invariably there is some lag in the finishing Mr. DUFFICY (Warrego) (7.55 p.m.): I touches. I know that shortages of materials have a high personal regard for the Minister. have caused delay. Certain plumbing work Though we differ politically, I readily admit at the Redcliffe High School was not com­ he always acts as a gentleman and listens pleted for months, although the building had to requests. Any slight criticism I offer been erected and the children had entered will be no reflection on him personally or the school. I suggest that warning be given as a man. I suggest, however, that there some six or eight months ahead so that con­ has been a great deal of stonewalling. The tractors can have supplies of materials avail­ Estimates of the Department of Public able and the buildings can be completed Works are important but others are even without delay. more important and I should be much happier to discuss those of the Department Mr. Davies: Day labour has done a good of Health and Home Affairs because we job. could point out to the Government how free hospitalisation is being whittled down. Mr. NICHOLSON: That is the first sane interjection I have heard from the hon. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. member for Maryborough. Day labour has Nicholson): Order! I hope the hon. member done a wonderful job, much better than does not intend to develop that line of argu­ it did under a Labour Government, mainly ment. because the workmen appreciate the efforts of the Minister and his executive officers. Mr. DUFFICY: I am not going to They have responded to kindness and are develop it, Mr. Nicholson, but I point out doing a better job than ever. The men that the succession of speakers from the under Mr. Scarborough in the Redcliffe area Government benches indicate the Govern­ who built the Redcliffe High School put up ment's desire to keep the debate on the what I imagine to be an all-time. record. Vote going so that other Estimates will Although I am keenly interested in the not be presented in the limited time avail­ work of the Immigration Office, I do not able. It may be of world-shaking impor­ intend to speak at any length on it. tance to the hon. member for Whitsunday However, I urge the Minister and his officers whether a particular tap under a school in to encourage immigration to the limit. The his electorate is 4 feet or 6 feet from the United States of America, one of the greatest ground-he devoted at least 10 minutes to nations in the world today, owes its success it-but frankly I do not think it is and I to a vigorous migration policy. If we can doubt whether the Minister was impressed. encourage migrants to our shores, particu­ To me the hon. member's tactics were stone­ larly families from Britain, it will be of walling. It is common knowledge that the tremendous help in developing the State. time allotted for Supply is limited and that. 1328 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

when it expires, the debate on the show a handsome profit", which they did. Estimates ceases. It must be obvious to But the children of the school were dis­ anybody that the time is being occupied by advantaged for something like nine months. talkng about the height of taps from the The Minister will admit that. Not only were ground and other u,1important and irrele­ the children inconvenienced but so were the vant matters so that items of real importance, teaching staff. That does not reflect any great such as the inroads into free hospitalisation credit on the Department of Public Works cannot be discussed. or whoever the Minister's advisers might be. I suggest that in future should he let con­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! tracts in outlying parts of the State at least I suggest that the hon. member has made his he insist on a penalty clause that will not point and that he now discuss the Estimates make it profitable for the contractor to say, under consideration. "We will not import anybody. We will do better to pay the penalty over a lengthy Mr. DUFFICY: In deference to your ruling period rather than pay country allowance to I shall be delighted to do so. tradesmen and labourers imported from other parts of the State." I suggest to the Minister Mr. Pizzey: Your crowd spent nine days that he pay some regard to that when lett­ on Education once. You are the past-masters ing future contracts. I wish to make another of stonewalling. suggestion that is not party political. I suggest to the Minister that he consider the position Mr. DUFFICY: When the Minister for of the small town councils in the western Education talks of something that he alleges areas of the State who are finding it impos­ the previous Governmet did-- sible to provide the necessary public utilities and amenities for the town and the surround­ Mr. Pizzey: They did. ing district. Many of these town councils in Western Queensland represent areas that Mr. DUFFICY: --he indicates that are surrounded by very wealthy shires, but what I am saying is true because he is think­ the small number of ratepayers in the town ing along exactly the same lines. He is admit­ are compelled to supply public facilities not ting that what I have said is true. In defer­ only for the town but also for the surround­ ence to what you have said, Mr. Nicholson, ing districts. These towns are the capitals let me get back to the Estimates for the of the districts. Unlike the towns on the Department of Public Works. Anything I coast, they service an area comprising many say is no personal reflection on the Minister hunderds of thousands of square miles in for Public Works. The hon. member who some cases. The people who live just out­ just resumed his seat spoke about the advant­ side the boundary enjoy the facilities and ages of day labour. A new school has been amenities provided by the town to a greater built in Charleville but I am not giving the extent than many of the ratepayers who live Minister or his Government any particular in the town itself. Take the case of a shearer credit for it. 'The old school was burnt down, or station hand who owns a house in the town consequently a new one had to be built. so that his children may go to school. He Had the old one not been burnt down I pays up to £1 a week in rates and the people doubt that this Government would have ever who live outside the border of the town given us a new school in Charleviiie. I think enjoy these amenities although they con­ the Minister would admit that the date of tribute nothing to the cost. That is com­ completion specified in the contract was pletely unfair. The town is not for the bene­ 5 February, 1959. His colleague, the Minister fit of the few who live in it but for the for Education, opened the new Charleville benefit of the whole district. Agents' offices school around September this year, about and banks are used mostly by the people in nine months after it should have been com­ the surrounding district. The post office and pleted. That does not reflect very much the railway station and other such facilities credit on the Department of Public Works. are used by the people in the whole of the At the time I suggested that the paltry area. In many towns a mere handful of rate­ penalty of £30 a week for failure to complete payers have to maintain facilities such as the contract on time would not worry the water supply, sewerage and electric light for contractor, Mr. K. D. Morris, very much. the benefit not only of the town but also of I do not think he is related to the Minister the district. A merger of the town council for Labour and Industry. and adjacent shire council is absolutely necessary- in many districts. There is nothing I am not suggesting that he is new in my suggestion. Labour Governments related to the Minister for Labour and of the past brought about the merger of some Industry. Apparently Mr. K. D. Morris was local authorities, for the obvious reason that the contractor. The Minister or his officers in the town council in those cases was unable their innocence said, 'We will inflict a penalty to carry on. of £30 a week." All Mr. K. D. Morris did was to sub-let almost the whole contract. He Mr. Power: That was done when I was sat back and said, "We are not going to Minister for Local Government. bring in tradesmen or labourers from any­ where else and pay them country allowance. Mr. DUFFICY: I think Hughenden is a We will pay our £30 a week penalty and case in point. Longreach is another example. Supply [12 NOVEMBER] Supply 1329

Mr. Power: The South Coast Council. Mr. Power: You need not go outside Bris­ bane for that. Mr. DUFFICY: Yes, but the need for it on the South Coast was not as great as the Mr. DUFFICY: The first place outside the need for it in many western districts. metropolitan area in which a sewerage pipe The Director of Local Government, Mr. was laid was Quilpie and the first town Sewell, is an officer for whom I have the in Queensland to be completely sewered was highest regard. In his knowledge of local Cunnamulla. authority matters, he is second to none in Queensland. I suggest seriously that the Mr. P. R. Smith: The first electric light Minister ask the Director of Local Govern­ system in Queensland was in Thargomindah. ment or some senior officer to investigate the position of local authorities in western Mr. DUFFICY: Let us not discuss that. I Queensland with a view to amalgamation of was speaking about Charleville and the town and shire councils where necessary Murweh shire, and town councils in western for the benefit not only of the rate­ Queensland. As time goes on amenities such payers in the towns but for the benefit as swimming pools to which western people of the districi. generally. The Minister with are entitled, must be installed, but the small his knowledge of local government would number of people who reside in western realise the benefit to owners of property towns will not be able to carry the cost. within a few miles of a prosperous town with I think the Minister might agree with me the amenities of sewerage and electric light. that the cost should be spread over the whole Obviously those amenities bring about an district which, after all, is the benefited area. appreciation in value of their properties. As The district benefits from amenities in the the property owner enjoys the facilities pro­ town; many of the facilities are enjoyed more vided by the town, and as the value of his by the people outside the town than those property is thereby appreciated, I think he in it. I suggest with all respect and due should pay for those amenities rather than deference that the Minister ask his senior the man who spends most of his working officers to give this matter consideration. time in the country and pays 15s. to £1 a If the Minister can bring this about he will week in rates for his home in the town. be doing something of benefit to the West, I do not raise this as a party political something that will give general satisfaction issue, or in an attempt to criticise the to many people. Minister, because the practice has been followed by previous Governments. Mergers Mr. DEWAR (Chermside) (8.20 p.m.): have taken place in the West, and I sug­ I should like to refer to some of the com­ gest that this desirable practice could be ments by the hon. member for Warrego. He expressed concern at what he alleged followed with advantage. were stonewalling tactics by Government Mr. Heading: What about Charleville and members on these Estimates. He suggested Murweh? Would you agree with that? that we were talking purposely to prevent more important Estimates from being Mr. DUFFICY: Personally I would favour debated. I think he entered Parliament in it. I know the Minister is not trying to about 1952 or 1953, so that he was here embarrass me. The Director of Local Govern­ for approximately four or five years during ment would tell him that he and I have the term that his party was in office. I discussed the subject on numerous occasions. came here in 1950, as you did, Mr. If it was thought desirable after a complete Nicholson, and I know you will agree investigation and the local authorities could that for many years when we sat in agree on the necessary financial arrange­ Opposition the practice was to debate the ments, I should certainly be in favour of it. Estimates for only one department over I think it would be of advantage to the dis­ the whole of the 16 days. At the most, we trict and the town, but I am not competent discussed the Estimates for two departments. to say under what circumstances the merger Yet the hon. member for Warrego has the should take place. That could only be supreme audacity to suggest that we are arranged after a complete investigation by wasting time! It was only in the dying officers of the Minister's department. For stages of the Labour Government, follow­ the Minister's information I can say that some ing strong representations by the then years ago-and I do not want to mention Leader of the Opposition, that the practice the Chairman's name-the Murweh shire was was changed and we were allowed to in favour of the merger. I do not think any debate the Estimates for more than a couple great opposition would have come from the of departments. One gets heartily sick of the Murweh shire or the Charleville Town crocodile tears from the "Moaning Minnies" Council. I think the Minister will realise if on the other side of the Chamber. What he goes into the figures that the financial we are doing is nowhere near as reprehen­ position of the Char!eville Town Council sible as their actions. They deliberately is not good. That is understandable. Charle­ stonewalled to prevent discussion on the ville is one of the few towns that has been activities of some departments. completely sewered for many years. It has an excellent water scheme. I could name Dr. Noble: On one occasion they occupied many coastal towns bigger than Charleville 14 days on the Estimates for the Depart­ and Goondiwindi that are not sewered. ment of Health and Home Affairs. 1330 Supply [ASSE:MBLY] Supply

Mr. DEWAR: That is so. That depart­ Mr. DEWAR: The public already realise ment was Labour's grandstand just before an it and the public are ready to return us to election. office next year. As a matter of fact, the way the ho?. member is going and the way An Opposition Member: Who changed it? the educatiOnal standard is increasing, I We did. very much doubt whether the department will give him his job back when he is Mr. DEWAR: Only under pressure from forced to retire from politics. the then Leader of the Opposition. We allow the Estimates of at least five departments Page 5 of the report sets out that the to be debated. On this occasion we have expenditure on State primary sihool build­ dealt with Labour and Industry, Educa­ in~s last year was £2,299,096 compared tion, Agriculture and Stock, and Public W1th £1,882,636 the year before, an increase Works, and the Justice Department of something like £400,000. That tremendous Estimates are to come next. Hon. members increase is to the credit of the Government, opposite have the opportunity of discussing and to the Minister for Public Works and the Estimates of almost half the depart­ the Minister for Education in particular ments, yet the hon. member for Warrego At last we have a realistic programme ot makes ridiculous and irresponsible asser­ development in the education system. tions about stonewalling tactics. On page 12 of his report the Under I sincerely congratulate the Minister for Secretary says that the department's Public Works and Local Government on labour force reached an all-time high with his activities since he assumed office. Hon. an employment figure of 2,572 employees members on both sides of the Chamber at the peak of the classroom programme have referred to him as a thorough gentle­ and that the number of men employed at man who gives everyone a fair and sym­ 30 June, 1959, was 2,537 compared with pathetic hearing. He has a gentlemanly 2,310 at the end of the previous year. approach, and nothing is too much trouble Despite the long faces and the propaganda to him. of hon. members opposite that we were going to sack men and have great legions I congratulate also the Under Secretary of of unemployment, in our second year of the department, Mr. Longland, and his office the number of men employed at officers on their undoubted enthusiasm, 30 June, in the Public Works Department particularly during the past 12 months. showed an increase of over 200. Because of their leadership and the Govern­ ment's enthusiasm, the department has had At the beginning of the 1959 school year a new lease of life. On the first page of his 313 additional classrooms were ready for report, Mr. Longland says- occupation and shortly thereafter a further 170 were ready, which speaks well for the "There has been a remarkable surge work of the Department of Public Works in the Department's building activities in under the guidance of the Minister. recent years. "In this regard, it is pertinent to recall At the opening of the Northgate School a that the building expenditure of £5,499,123 couple of months ago I cliscussed with the for 1958-1959 represents an increase of Minister for Education the new approach 45 per cent. in output compared with the to colour schemes at schools. In my school financial year 1956-1957 after allowing for days, long ago, the walls were painted a dark brown up to 4 or 5 feet from the estimated cost increases." floor because all kiddies were regarded as The great impetus that has been given to being grubby little beggars; the rest of the the provision of classroom accommodation building was painted a sickly-looking stone is significant. Over the last three years colour. If anything was conducive to a of the previous Government the figure lack of education that colour scheme remained fairly stable-364 in 1954-1955, certainly was. 369 in 1955-1956 and 389 in 1956-1957. Mr. Davies: You are not claiming credit In the first year of this Government it rose for that? to 434 and, in the second to 483-a fabulous increase. The figures speak for Mr. DEWAR: Nobody could claim credit themselves. Despite the clamouring and the for it. It was a shocking buisness. As knocking of hon. members opposite there time went on schools were not painted at all. can be no doubt in the minds of anybody Today the classrooms are painted in different who studies the figures, just as there is no colours. Blending pastel shades are used doubt in the minds of the people of the throughout the schools. Colour schemes State, that the present Government have are designed to produce an atmosphere that applied themeselves to providing for the instils into a child a desire to be part and educational needs of the State realistically. parcel of the modern type of building. The It is obvious when you look around that child is more willing and able to accept so much more money has been made avail­ the modern type of education. An atmos­ able for this important Vote. phere is being created. Mr. Davies: The public will realise-- Opposition Members interjected. Supply (12 NOVEMBER] Supply 1331

Mr. DEWAR: I do not disregard the fact is not as great with primary-school children. that there was a move in this direction Groups of young people of 13 and 14 years towards the end of the term of the previous have to be kept occupied if the best results Government. But we have gone a long are to be obtained. Wavell started off with way further because every school built today 120, but there was nothing to occupy the is built with some thought to culture. By minds of the children. The Kedron high our approach we are creating an atmosphere school had a rapid growth since 1956 and had wherein children want to learn. We have grown to 1,000 pupils, and the Banyo high to create that atmosphere in everything we school had also developed and had taken do. over areas of available land. Kedron had none. These other schools had swallowed Dr. Noille: The school is a happy up all the available council grounds where institution. sports could be held. Wavell had 120 children and there was nowhere for them to Mr. DEWAR: It is a happy institution, go. The head teacher could be seen marking as the Minister for Health and Home Affairs out a badminton court and putting up a says. net so that the children could be occupied. Mr. Burrows: Do you suggest the painting I do urge that when new buildings are erected in the old schoolrooms was a cause of that the grounds be prepared in advance. juvenile delinquency? · It needs more money in the first year. I know the answer is that we need classrooms. Mr. DEWAR: No, more likely because It is no use doing things by half. It is no some of the children had parents like some use having classrooms without providing the hon. members opposite. The architects who facilities by means of which the children plan the modern type of school building are may occupy their minds. I believe that we rendering valuable service. should quickly reach the stage when we I have a suggestion to make to the Minister prepare these grounds for high schools in about a matter that has caused me some con­ advance of the buildings. cern for the last two years. Now that we My other point is similar. We have a have a sensible Government in control of the new high school provided but we have no State our suggestions are more likely to fall amenities and no committee-nothing. on fertile ground. In the past, if we made The head teacher calls a meeting of parents a sound suggestion, hon. members opposite and within two or three months a parents' would ignore it for 12 months and then and citizens' association is formed. It takes come up with it as their own idea. Today that group six months to get organised and we have a great need for additional high to raise money. The first juniors are almost schools. 'Ne have seen a colossal impetus out of the school before the parents' and given to the high school programme since citizens' association has raised sufficient to the Government came into power. We provide anything substantial. The department started high schools at Wavell, Sandgate and now provides a piano in advance of subsidy, other parts of the State this year. As high which is very commendable. Apart from schools are commenced there are buildings that there is little that can be provided in of varying standards, sometimes temporary advance before the association raises the stables like the Labour Government had at money. The best means of raising the Kedron, sometimes temporary buildings like money is by tuck shop. I have discussed we had at Wave!!. In the first year of this matter with the Minister for Education operation a new high school may get an and he is very sympathetic to the idea. I influx of 120 to 200 students to be accom­ want to convince the Minister for Public modated in whatever type of classrooms Works also and then I believe the problem are available. There are no amenities avail­ will be overcome. I suggest that when able, just nothing! It has been the practice the Public Works Department is building a to acquire 20 acres or so of land and erect school, particularly a high school, that pro­ some form of building to cope with the vision for a tuck shop be made in the influx of 120 to 200 students in a particular building. The building of the tuck shop area. The children attending a high school should be the responsibility of the in its first year suffer a great disadvantage, Department of Public Works and the and so do the staff. The job of the teachers Education Department. is to impart knowledge to the children, to Mr. Hanlon: Most private schools are built provide them with an educational back­ like that. ground up to Junior standard, but because of the lack of facilities at many new schools Mr. DEWAR: Exactly. The Department it is impossible for the staff to do their of Public Works should make provision for work properly. I urge this in all sincerity. the tuck shop and the parents' and citizens' Many more amenities are required for a association should have the responsibility of high school compared with a primary school. supplying the fittings. If a tuck shop was Generally the primary school has a heavy provided the committee could raise revenue influx from first to fourth grade and a few through it, and as funds became available in fifth, sixth and seventh grade, but in the it could provide counters, tables, refriger­ high schools you have an influx of teen-age ators, a hot water system and other things children, all of whom need something to needed in a tuck shoo. I ask that a tuck occupy their out-of-school time. The need shop be included in -the original building. 1332 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

If the Minister accepts my suggestion, I ask The ground is only in the embryo stage, but for the provision of a tuck shop in the even now gives promise of being one of the domestic science wing of the Wavell school. finest adjuncts of the finest State high school in the State. Mr. Hanlon: Was Wavell one of those contract jobs that was late in opening? I think the Minister and his advisers could have included in the report a far better Mr. DEWAR: I have not the time to dis­ representation of this school, which is one cuss that matter. There is no way in the of the gems of their activities over the last world that private enterprise cannot do things few years. better than Government enterprise, but by the same token there is no way in the world I have mentioned the expenditure on the I will support private enterprise if it school, but I should point out that the falls down on its job. I know there were enrolments justify the amount expended on some sticky conditions at the beginning of it. The Minister has had to put up with the year on the Wavell job. While I do not my constant and continued representations, think that the contractor, who lives in my first of all for an extra classroom and then electorate and is a friend of mine, was for further facilities. I thank the Minister entirely blamelesss, there were many things for acceding to many of my requests. The that could have been done to make the job Government have shown an acceptance of easier. I think the cheapest method of con­ their responsibilities not only in regard to struction is private contract, and safeguards Kedron but with other schools that I have could be included in the contract, in the form the honour to represent. of very steep penalties for failure to comply The hon. member for Chermside dealt with the contract. largely with schools and their problems and I ask the Minister to do everything in his I should like to mention the way in which power to see that the two wings approved the Minister has dealt with lighting at Windsor for the Wavell school are completed as State School. Queensland is called the Sun­ quickly as possible. That school will have a shine State, but on many days when tremendous accommodation problem in there was no sun shining some class­ February of next year. Unless one of the rooms used to be very dark. That is now a thing wings is completed, the position will be hope­ of the past and I am happy to say that not less. Both wings will be needed in the new only are the pupils pleased but the parents year. are pleased also with the action of the Minister in seeing that fluorescent lighting I ask the Minister to consider the was installed with a minimum of delay. It accommodation problem at the Virginia State is amazing to me that hon. members oppo­ school where two new classrooms as well as site can defend their attitude towards educa­ a projection room are badly needed. A new tion when, within almost a stone's throw of wing is urgently required at the Aspley this House, there was a school within easy State school. reach of electricity but which was not con­ I commend the Minister, the Under nected in every classroom. That school has Secretary and officers of the department on a large enrolment but now, because of the the way in which they have applied them­ enlightened attitude of the Minister, the selves to their task. students can see their books in fair weather or foul and can pursue their studies without Mr. P. R. SMITH (Windsor) (8.43 p.m.): interruption. In addressing myself to the report of the department, I am compelled to say that, while So much for the problems which beset our many of our reports are of necessity statis­ schools. I turn to the report of the Depart­ tical compilations, this report is inviting ment of Public Works. I support in some as well as informative. I am sure it makes measure the remarks made earlier by the hon. people appreciate more fully the excellent member for Baroona who dealt with the work of the department over the last two alterations made to the Supreme Court and years. the old railway building. A reference to page 22 of the report reveals that £5,210 The Minister and his officers have certainly was set aside for alterations to the old rail­ not gone out of their way to show the best way building to provide accommodation for work of the department. The report con­ judges and their associates. It also appears tains a very fine pictorial section, but the that the additions to be made will be in picture used of the Kedron State High School what will be the prolongation of Adelaide is one which to my mind is hardly flattering Street. Brisbane is facing a great traffic of the school and certainly not demonstrative problem and I should imagine that an exten­ of the work put into that project by the sion of Adelaide Street is something we department. should look forward to in the future. It It is now the greatest State high school in seems, however, that we will spend £5,210 Queensland. In the last two years £56,000 has on the erection of this accommodation when been expended on it, in contra-distinction to on the other side of the Supreme Court the £33,000 spent on it by the previous building there is about an acre of couch administration. It is not only a mighty build­ lawn. That area could be utilised for the ing in itself but it has one of the finest sports required accommodation. It would be grounds of any high school in Queensland. nearer the Supreme Court convenient Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1333 to the judiciary, counsel and clients, and probably be the solution. It could house would leave the way clear for the extension judges' chambers, courts and libraries, with of Adelaide Street to be proceeded with. In provision for additional storeys when view of the tangled mass of traffic in our necessary. city streets at peak hours I do not see the wisdom of these alterations when in time Mr. Hanlon: They have just done that in they will have to be demolished. Sydney, haven't they? I join issue with the hon member for Baroona Mr. P. R. SMITH: Unlike the hon. member in that the practice of having higgledy­ for Ithaca, I cannot go tripping to Sydney. piggledy court buildings is not peculiar to this I have an electorate at Windsor. I can tell Administration. A new Supreme Court was him all about Windsor, but I am lost in any erected in the Irrigation building at the dicussion on Sydney. corner of Margaret and William Streets by the former Government. It seems that we are embarking upon a waste of money. According to tonight's Mr. Power: The site was selected by the Press the Treasury Building is to get two Chief Justice. new lifts, one of which, in Queen Street, will cost £ti,921, and, according to page 23 of the Mr. P. R. SMITH: No matter who made annual report, £2,961 is to be spent in the selection the position of the court is far converting the Elizabeth Street lift to auto­ from satisfactory. matic operation. I point out that in the Mr. Power: I agree with you. courts, where justice is administered, the only provision for litigants to reach the court­ Mr. P. R. SMITH: I take it that the hon. rooms in which they wish to urge their member is prepared to disagree with the then claims is a stairway. That applies par­ Chief Justice now although he was not pre­ ticularly to the building that is being altered pared to disagree with him at that time. to accommodate judges and their associates. Court No. 5, in which deserted wives usually Mr. Power: There was no other site avail­ press their claims for maintenance, is the able. one that is most inconvenienced by the Mr. P. R. SMITH: I have already said that absence of a lift. It is on the second floor the lawns surrounding the Supreme Court and is reached by two flights of steep and are quite adequate to accommodate any rather dangerous stairs. The cedar treads structure that might be needed. They are not are well worn and have holes in them up inviolate, because when the District Courts to 1t inches deep. Frequently a deserted were installed in the Margaret Street build­ wife has a child in arms and perhaps a ing, additions were made to the Magistrates toddler as well, and it is not unusual Court building to house two Supreme Court for her to be in rather poor health. judges, and some of the Supreme Court She is certainly worried and perhaps, because grounds were taken over to provide a of financial stress, even undernourished. She veranda at the entrance to the old Companies comes to the court and has to climb two Office. flights of stairs. During the lengthy wait while some other cases are being called on There must have been untold space that and heard the children might want, as the Government could have used to clear children will, to use the toilet facilities that the new departments out of the Magistrates are on the ground level in a detached Court building. We are getting a higgledy­ building. That means that she has to piggledy scheme of courts and the offices that leave her little bundle of possessions. go with them. the clothing needs of the kiddies and Mr. Power interjected. their little bottle of morning tea, or else she carries them all with her down the two flights Mr. P. R. SMITH: Once again I join of stairs. and carries the kiddies, too-the issue with the hon. member for Baroona. toddler who can hardly walk and one a There is spare land round the Supreme Court couple of years older or perhaps more-and building that could have been used for the they go up and down the flights of stairs. It erection of another building. The Supreme may be all very well for the occupants of Court may be a thing of beauty-! do not the Treasury Building, many of them well­ claim to know anything about architecture­ fed, some over-fed, to have their lifts replaced but in the eyes of counsel and their clients, and reconditioned; but they already have lifts, and for all I know the judges, it is far from whereas the litigants have not. an artistic masterpiece. It is very incon­ Moreover, it is not only deserted wives venient; hot in summer and draughty in the who go to court. Invalid men go there, winter. It is very noisy on the western too. Only the other day a man had to side, and frequently windows in the be carried in on a stretcher by ambulance courtro-:>ms have to be closed to keep bearers. Sometimes it is pathetic the way out traffic noises. Another structure in the people have to be manhandled up the stairs grounds would be of great advantage. simply because there is no lift. Thev are The common-sense thing to do would be entitled to consideration just as are the to embark upon a progressive scheme of occupants of the Treasury Building. Many erecting a structure that would house perhaps of the Ministers work in the Treasurv Build­ all the courts. A multi-storey building would ing but that does not necessarily entitle them 1334 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply to new lifts when they already have lifts that It would be possible to ring the present work. It is only a two-storey building so I Supreme Court building with a new build­ cannot see any need for fast lifts. Surely ing providing a courtyard inside as is done the existing ones are adequate until other with the Treasury Building. It would mean buildings have some provision. an inner courtyard with a building flanking Mr. Heading: Did you say two storeys? George Street, Ann Street, William Street, and later Adelaide Street when the road is Mr. P. R. SMITH: Yes, using the Queen taken right through. With a multi-storeyed Street entrance. There is no need to enter building there would be adequate floor space the building where there are three storeys. to house all courts that the State will require In any case there is a lift running up from for some time to come. Any number of the George Street entrance. I am not cavil­ judges could be housed for some time ling at the conversion from manual to auto­ to come because if the building were con­ matic lifts. It is an essential alteration but structed properly additional storeys could be it should be postponed. I do not say added as they were needed. Implicit in that the occupants of the building are not entitled plan, of course, would be the lift that I to it eventually but, instead of spending now desire so earnestly for litigants, aged, money on a project such as the new accom­ lame, maimed, or with children in arms, who modation for the district courts, which must at present have to climb two flights of stairs be regarded as works that ultimately-and to seek the justice they so richly deserve. I hope it will be in the very near future­ will be demolished to make way for traffic Mr. BYRNE (Mourilyan) (9.3 p.m.): I improvement, I should prefer to see a start think it only right to pay a compliment to made on a progressive plan of courts either the Minister who is represented as being surrounding or adjoining the existing Supreme a very fair and reasonable man, a view to Court-a plan of courts that in time could which I think we all subscribe. Just after be developed into a multiple court building assuming office he informed me that my to house, if you like, the Supreme Court, the electorate had been somewhat neglected, District Courts, the lower courts, and the that there was a slight lag in work that Supreme Court Library, which could be avail­ required to be done. He assured me that able to practitioners in all those courts. In the Jag would be overcome as soon as pos­ addition, there could be amenities for people sible. He has carried out his promise. It waiting for cases to be heard. Witnesses is only necessary to refer to the Maternal in the Supreme Court have to wait some­ and Child Welfare Centre that is estimated where when matters are being tried. When to cost £18,373, and high school additions cases are heard in the Judges' chambers they estimated to cost £31,858. The fine structures stand in the corridors and they might be being erected represent a fine addition to there for some hours. A witness in an our little town of Innisfail for which the earlier case may be very long-winded, just thanks of the community are due to the as long-winded as some hon. members are on Minister. the floor of the Chamber. There are many facilities that could be offered to such people I take the opportunity to express some -and we must be concerned with the welfare opinions about the operations of shire of the people who go to make up the State. councils. Electors have become somewhat Many of them are litigants who unfortun­ apathetic about choosing the right men to ately find their way into the courts. represent them on these pubiic bodies. They I commend to the Minister the suggestion seem to disregard their own best interests that, before any further moneys are poured and elect people who, at least in my opinion, down the drain-and I must use the expres­ have little concern for the development of sion because it is the only way to describe their districts as a whole. The duties and it-in refurbishing in some way the worn­ responsibilities seem to fall on the shoulders out fabric of the old railway buildings, con­ of shire clerks and shire chairmen. If the sideration be given to embarking upon a long­ shire chairman is weak the shire clerk arro­ term nlan for the complete restoration or gates to himself many duties and becomes a alteration of the present court system. dictator or a petty tyrant. Very often the passing on of so much authority to a person Mr. Windsor: But there would not be creates in the mind of that person the desire enough space for a plan of courts there, to exercise authority that he does not pos­ would there? sess. Many shire clerks are clothed with too Mr. P. R. SMITH: The hon. member is much authority and much of it should be worried about space. The Supreme Court taken from them. This often happens when building stands in very large grounds and councillors are not anxious to accept those does not take up half the area available. duties which are really theirs. They become Modern buildings are air-conditioned. lazy and indolent and the officials have to accept the authority which should be exer­ An Opposition Member interjected. cised by the Council. In very many of our Mr. P. R. SMITH: There are many things centres the councils are ,really political bodies. we want here. All the hot air certainly The Johnstone Shire Council is political. This justifies the use of air-conditioning. At shire council is making it as difficult as pos­ times it is a pity we did not have silencers sible for the minority who are Labour men, as well as air-conditioning. in regard to the times that meetings are held, Supp'y [12 NOVEMBER] Supply 1335

and in keeping them off the most important of work performed for the council. The committees and not giving them a chance information should be available to the to give useful service to the shire council public through the Press. Although in respect of the duties that councillors are councillors have been supplied with those required to perform. In order to make it lists for some considerable time, they now clear I shall read extracts from a letter I learn that the practice is to be discontinued, received signed by two members of the so that certain councillors at least will not Johnstone Shire Council. It reads- have any knowledge of the accounts passed "By resolution of the Council it was for payment. As the practice of giving a agreed that purchase of tyres, tubes, etc., list to councillors is to be discontinued, it would be on an equal basis, but in perus­ is obvious that the shire council is not pre­ ing the statement of cheques we found that pared to give the information to the news· one firm was obtaining all the business. paper. On bringing this before the Council the Why should a public body such as this matter has been rectified and the other hide from the public information about its business houses are grateful for our transactions? I suggest the facts warrant observance." a full inquiry into the operations of the That was the right thing for the councillors Johnstone Shire Council, to let the public to do-to bring before the general body some­ know the details of its transactions. I do thing that they believed it was necessary to not suggest for a moment that its affairs correct. The letter continues- have not been carried on correctly, but the present attitude of the council leads people "Then on a recent occasion on checking to believe that it has something to hide or payment to councillors we found that pay­ that there is some information that should ment had been made to two councillors be kept from them. for an inspection which had not been authorised. This was admitted at the coun­ A further complaint is that at times cil table by the clerk after checking the certain letters to the council have not come records. So as we were sure that the before the council until the non-production inspection had been made we moved the of them has been raised at a council meet­ necessary motion authorising the inspec­ ing. I do not agree with this procedure. tion and therefore the payment." The position should be rectified. Corres­ pondence must be attended to. That was also right in accordance with their duties. The letter continues- The cost of council administration in my opinion is excessive and that in turn affects "Owing to our respective occupations it the rates paid by the public. In the interests is practically impossible for us to go to of ratepayers the Minister should set in train the council during office hours to peruse an inquiry into the operations of this council. the various vouchers, and as the fore­ The Minister will understand that I have going will show, this list enabled us to avoided the use of names, but I believe check in our own time likely faults in the there is need for an inquiry. I certainly do payments made on the various accounts. not impute any improper action to anyone, "Why the majority of this council but some action will have to be taken so objects to the publication of the accounts as to prevent the council's becoming so we are at a loss to understand. We feel heavily involved that ultimately the Minister that public confidence in the council is will have to appoint administrators to run lost and to restore same we request that its affairs. Councillors should always your department conduct an inquiry into disclose their shareholding interests in any the council's affairs." concern that trades with the council. I also I shall deal for a moment with the points think that no outside body should exercise raised in that letter. The newspaper in any undue influence on councils in adminis­ Innisfail is absolutely free from political bias. tering their affairs. Councillors should be It faithfully records the proceedings at imbued with the idea of giving the greatest council meetings, and shows no favouritism possible service to the community. Every in its reports. It could not be charged with action of a council should be in the public being biased towards one party or the other. interests and there should be a full dis­ It has given a great deal of publicity to closure of any transaction that takes place. council affairs, but has received little I ask the Minister to examine the matters co-operation from the council. It is I have related particularly those in regard desirous of making available to the public to the operations of the Johnstone Shire information as to payments by the council. Council. I understand that representations have been made to the Premier and various Ministers Hon. J. A. .HEADING (Marodian­ about this matter, but for some reason or Minister for Public Works and Local other the shire council is not prepared to Government) (9.17 p.m.): I have listened make available to the public information very patiently to many suggestions, some about its financial affairs. good, some not so good. I propose to make brief comments on the suggestions that have The councillors have been supplied with been put forward. The hon. member for a list of cheques or warrants and the Mundingburra spoke of contract versus day particulars of payment for various classes labour and made one or two statements not 1336 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

entirely factual. When I took office I did One hon. member said that we sacked not alter what was going on at the time. some day-labour men when we assumed We let some work on contract, called office. That is not true. We may have sacked tenders, and continued the day-labour staff one or two who did not play the game. employed by the previous Government. I Mr. Jesson: You dismissed a few, but you did not rush in immediately to change the put them on again. method because I thought it a good idea to see how matters worked out. As time . Mr. HEADING: If any men were sacked, went on we gradually got more day-labour 1t was only because there was no more work men. Speaking from memory, when the in the area in which they lived and they did Government came into office there was a not want to go to another centre. day-labour staff of 1,700. That has been increased to 2,550. We are of course We put on 35 new apprentices during the doing a lot more work. That 'accounts fo; year and the total number employed at rhe increase. The hon. member further 30 June last was 329. It looks as if we are suggested that we got our fingers badly doing what we should in the number of men burnt. I cannot agree with him. We did employed. · let certain work on contract and we were sadly disappointed, but the previous Govern­ Mr. Jesson: That is 328 more than the ment had signed contracts for work to be Moore Government did, anyhow. finished at a certain date. I looked at one case of a man who had tendered for the Mr. HEADING: Do not start me on the painting of the Dalby schools and when I Moore Government. I know I would be out investigated the matter I found that he of order but I could tell hon. members a few already had work on hand for two years. things that would make them regret having Naturally I took him to task. We found raised the subject. Many people were told that some contractors accepted jobs from at the last election that if we were the Government but would not start on them returned what happened in the days of the until they had nothing else to do. However, Moore Government would occur again, but we do not intend to stand for any more of they have been sadly disillusioned. Our record will be so good the Opposition will that. ~f a man contracts to finish a job by a certam date, we want it finished by that have the greatest job in the world to shift date. us from these benches.

~r. Duggan: We shall support you in that Mr. Duggan: You do admit that the Moore attitude. Government were a pretty sorry sort of Government? Mr. HEADING: I am sure that we have the support of the Opposition on that. Mr. HEADING: The hon. gentleman knows they were not a sorry sort of Govern­ The Government do not favour either day labour or contract work. We keep a fair ment-they did a great job for Queensland­ balance between the two. School houses of and he knows, also there were thousands of course, are built mainly by contract. 'we unen1ployed when his Government went out of office. We had to come in and try to fix ~nd it is the better way. Unfortunately, at times we cannot get private contractors for matters up. There were fewer unemployed that type of work so we have to do it by when our people went out than when his day labour. On other occasions the tenders Government went out. That is true and I are too high, so again we use day labour. could give the figures to prove it. We _want buildings of the highest possible The_ hon. member for Fortitude Valley quality at the lowest possible price. If the comphmented the department on its work. day-labour system gives us the results we I thank all the hon. members who con­ want, we shall continue to use it. We have gratulated my officers. It is because they no regrets at all about using it. The men have done such a good job and have assisted have realised their responsibilities. As far me in every possible way that we have been as I am aware, there has been only one able to do so much. In the two years we strike since I became Minister; 11 men walked have been in office we have greatly improved ?ff a job for one day. We believe firmly the conditions of teachers and students in m the system of arbitration, and if the men the schools. I compliment the hon. member think they . are entitle_d to increased wages, for Fortitude Valley on the gift of timber to the Industnal Court 1s the place to decide their claim_s. I do not think anybody on the Opportunity School and also the sweets. the other s1de of the Chamber would object It shows he has the milk of human kindness to that. in him. It is true that one job being done by I was interested in the speech of the hon. contract was supposed to be finished on member for Rockhampton, who certainly 1 February but was still proceeding in told a good story of the work in his city. So September. V./e have done something about many compliments have been paid that it is that. . There is no necessity for me to say very difficult for me to reply to them all anythmg more about the Pimlico High but I assure hon. members that all their School. The position there now is quite statements about new schools and furniture ~mtisfactory. will be studied. Supply [12 NovEMBER] Supply 1337

Unfortunately the Leader of the Opposition Since my department does not handle leaves the Chamber just as I am about to these non-British migrants at the point of speak on immigration. He seemed to be as reception, I am not in a position to indi­ confused about the real meaning of popu­ cate the numbers of non-British migrants lation movement and immigration as he was who have settled in Queensland, but all the about the Institute of Forensic Pathology. evidence is that they have also settled here In his speech on Tuesday evening he in a similar proportion to British expressed great concern at my Government's migrants. failure to maintain an immigration flow. I Therefore I would draw the hon. mem­ should like to try to clear his mind on this ber's attention to the fact that so far as issue. First of all, immigration policy of the operation of the State Immigration intake, the provision of shipping, the selec­ Department is concerned a proper pro­ tion of suitable type, numbers, etc., are portion of migrants continues to be intro­ wholly the function of the Commonwealth duced to Queensland having regard to the Government. In their wisdom the Common­ changing circumstances which bring about wealth Government have delegated to State a fluctuation of the Commonwealth-wide Immigration departments the function of movement of migrants. "Encouraging Immigration," that is, "British Immigration." I point out that the arrivals of The Commonwealth Statistician in his British migrants in Queensland since 1955 release of any net migration figures deab have been as follows:- with the movement of population through­ 1955-1956 2,606 out the Commonwealth, and includes the 1956-1957 2,817 movements of resident Australians even to 1957-1958 4,157 the extent that those who travel interstate 1958-1959 2,930 have a bearing on his statistics as do the 1959, to 31 October, 1959 1,036 departures from Australian shores of all who indicate that it is their intention to I emphasise that the odd figure of 4,157 for remain abroad for a period of 12 months the financial year 1957-1958 was caused by or more. That is the story. the fact that 600 British migrants arrived during the last few days of that year when Mr. Hanlon interjected. their arrival a few days later would have maintained what has always been the aver­ Mr. HEADING: I have given the figures age movement of approximately 3,000 a several times. I am not going into them year to the State. This is in fact good busi­ any further. We are trying to settle ness since the actual intake of British migrants in Queensland. We are asking migrants to Queensland has always approxi­ people to help to get them settled in the mated one-seventh of Australia's total intake. State. The worst thing that could happen That is as it should be because I am sure to Queensland would be to have dissatis­ hon. members opposite would not persuade fied migrants. Queenslanders can help. me to take a greater proportion than the The Government can do only so much. resident population could absorb smoothly We find them homes and jobs; we send them into the community until there was ample where they want to go; after that it is up finance to establish some form of mass to the people living in the areas where migration scheme. they go as to how the migrants settle down. I am quite satisfied hon. members The hon. member for Warrego said that opposite would not want us to bring in a new school would not have been erected thousands of migrants who could not get at Charleville but for the fire. That might a job, or if they did get jobs they would be true, but I point out to the hon. member throw some of our own people out of that in addition to the new school £15.000 employment. We are trying to bring in an has been spent on three new residences even flow so that when they arrive we can and £3,500 on additions to the sin!"le men's offer them homes and employment. That quarters at the police station. If there had way we will not have the dissatisfied not been a fire and a new school had not migrants that we could have if we brought been erected he has had that amount of in more than we could absorb. That is how money spent in Charleville. we are approaching immigration today. The matter of increasing the penalty in States like Queensland and Western penalty clauses in contracts is under review. Australia with their greater space could only encourage migration beyond their It must be realised that if the penalty is made appropriate share if ample finances were too high contractors will not tender. The available for housing, development, and other contra~t has to be fair. I have discussed the aspects of a mass migration scheme. matter with my under secretary and that is the opinion I have arrived at. The hon. On the non-British side the movement of migrants is arranged by the Common­ member for Toowoomba spoke about having wealth Government essentially on the a man to clean up here and there round the basis · of employment opportunity, and on city. In Rockhampton we put a man on to arrival they are received at appropriate do certain work and see that the place is centres and introduced to those States kept clean and I have had compliments in where firm employment opportunity exists. that connection. 1338 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

We have discussed this matter of how to been valued in recent years and the owners keep buildings and grounds in good order. of them are thus able to avoid taxation. For We have a new scheme under which the that reason we are doing all in our power to people occupying the building will appoint bring valuations up to date. somebody to report on the condition of it. Our supervisors go round periodically, but I repeat that the Department of the Valuer­ somebody will be appointed to report to General is not a taxation department. It head office or to the supervisor if things gets all the criticism in the world because happen between visits of the supervisor. of increased charges, but those increased When I first went round inspecting buildings charges are levied by shire councils. They I found some that had not been painted for fix the rate. The valuers merely value the years and the timber was falling off them. land according to the Act. The same can It was nobody's business to report that the be said of land tax. This department does buildings needed repairs and painting. That not fix the rate for land tax; it merely has now been altered. I am sure that these values the property. buildings will be looked after better in the I sound a note of warning for councils future than they were in the past. We are and the public generally. Demands are made doing our best to see that they are l?o.k.ed on councils for amenities such as bitumen after. Certain grounds are the responsibillty roads, sewerage and water supply, but some­ of the Department of Public Works. Reserves one has to pay for all those facilities. If have nothing to do with us. They are the a shire council spends more than it can responsibility of the local authority and the afford, the burden on the ratepayers becomes Department of Public Lands. We shall look too heavy. The Valuer-General is not to after lands that come under our department. blame. The rate is imposed by shire coun­ cils. I know that in certain instances local The hon. member for Baroona referred to authorities have had to increase the rates to the valuing of areas more than once while cover the cost of amenities provided in the other areas have not been valued. Out of area. As a matter of fact, the ratepayers in 450,000 valuations about 20,000 remain to the main are to blame as they demand those be done, which means 430,000 have been facilities. Subsidies are granted by the dealt with. Hon. members will remember Government. For sewerage the subsidy is that last year I brought in a Bill to extend 50 per cent. The balance has to be met by the period of revaluation from five years to the ratepayers, and the Valuer-General has eight years. I said at the time that that nothing to do with the rate fixed by the shire would not apply to cities as well as the council. country. We have valuers in the city who would not be suitable to send to country Difficulty has been experienced in getting areas. I know what would happen if we valuers. The hon. member for Baroona said sent a man from the citv who had been he knew valuers who wanted jobs. I do valuing city allotments and businesses to not know why they could not obtain work value a sheep station at Charleville. I know with the department, because it is not many that I would be criticised. The people who weeks since the department advertised for are valuing the cities and towns are still valuers. They are appointed as assistants carrying out the job. It is not the fault of and trained as valuers. the Valuer-General if they are valued every five vears. Once a council or shire was Mr. Power: I know of valuers who are valued under the Act it had to be valued employed by the Brisbane City Council. every five years. The reason for amending They were interviewed and found not to be the Act was so that we would be able to suitable. value many of the areas that had not been valued up to date. I shall have a good deal Mr. HEADING: I do not know what their to say on that matter when I bring down an position would be. amendment of the Valuation of Land Acts. I do not know of any more satisfactory Mr. Pizzey: It may be true that they are method of valuing land than that which is not suitable. carried out by the Valuations Department. The difficulty is that some avoid taxation, Mr. HEADING: That is so, but, as the That is true. It is not their fault that the department is short of valuers, it would land was not valued. One area we found appear that there is something wrong if had not been valued since 1940. The owners valuers cannot get a job. of those properties are in for a rude shock. The position arises simply because to date the Mr. Power: They are qualified and department has not been able to undertake a experienced. valuation of these properties. It will surprise hon. members to learn that we found one Mr. Pizzey: Probably not in the West. property with a vauation of 6d. an acre. It Mr. Power: With all due respect, the must be very poor country if it is not worth Valuer-General has never valued a property more than 6d. an acre. The owners of in his life, although he is a qualified valuer. properties that have been valued recently are paying high rates and high land tax, or Mr. HEADING: I think he is a good man. more than their share of this type of taxation simply because other properties have not Mr. Power: I agree with you. Supply [13 NovEMBER] Questions 1339

Mr. HEADING: The need for amalga­ deuces, which simply cannot be delayed. I mation of local authorities has been men­ do not agree that it is altogether wise to erect tioned. I agree that the position should be tempomry buildings, but there is no alterna­ reviewed. Last year or at the end of tive. Cabinet discussed the matter very the previous year the Hughenden Town thoroughly, and decided to put up a tempor­ Council and the Flinders Shire Council ary structure in the old Railway Depart­ were amalgamated. Some objection was ment building in George Street. It has been raised, although not very strong objection, said that justice delayed is justice denied. We but I pointed out the advantages of amalga­ are not delaying it deliberately. If somebody mation of those local authorities. This year can tell us where to get £500,000 to build they were able to reduce the rate at Hughen­ a new court house, we shall be very glad to den to Is. 6d. in the £1. This represents a use it. There is one ray of hope. The Minis­ big saving. The time has arrived when these ter for Education has told us that in 1961 things ~hould be looked at particulacrly in there will be a levelling out in school western areas. People in the country need attendances. the use of the town. It is better to have a shire well organised with a town that is grow­ Mr. Pizzey: Only in secondary schools. ing. Hughenden was always in trouble but Mr. HEADING: That will relieve the since its amalgamation with the Flinders posttwn. We now have to build six or Shire there has been no complaint acnd every­ seven, or eight or nine, secondary schools a thing is satisfactory. We are proposing to year. If that could be stopped even for one amalgamate Bowen with Wangaratta. At one year, we should have a great deal of money time Bowen would not agree and then for other buildings. Wangaratta was not in favour of the amalga­ mation. Mr. Sewell and I took a trip up there The hon. member for Roma spoke of the and had a talk to the people concerned. We spirit of co-operation in the departments. did not win the first time but eventually The Minister for Education and his staff Wangaratta carried a motion agreeing to the confer with my staff regularly and there is amalgamation with Bowen. Bowen has a the greatest of co-operation between us. meatworks, a port, which is very necessa,ry That is why we have made such progress to the area about the town. I hope that with the building programme. I remember within a few weeks there will be an amalga­ once, when the two departments were at mation which will be for the benfit of all daggers drawn, going to the Department of concerned. Education and asking officers there to tell me something about a building. They said, The parish pump was well worked and I "Oh, it has gone to the Department of Public shall look into all matters raised in the Works." I said, "Will you get in touch immediate future. Perhaps plans have been with the Department of Public Works and made for many of the matters; we will look ask them about it?" They said, "We would into the others. much prefer that you did it yourself, as we There was a complaint about the Main are not very popular down there." That is Roads Department. When we have to deal not the case today. I have a long memory with, say, the levelling of the school ground, about matters of that sort-a better one we ask the Main Roads Department to do than I have about what happened yesterday. the job. Sometimes it has its machines handy. I do not propose to say any more. If any I understand that the levelling of the Everton hon. member has not been replied to on any Park State Schorl arc<>s has been held up matter, he may rest assured that we will for 18 months. We shall look at the matter have a look at it. and no doubt the Main Roads Department will get on with the job. Suggestions were At 9.55 p.m., under Standing Order No. made about selecting school sites before we 307 and Sessional Order agreed to by the built. I do not think there is much fo worry House on 16 October, progress was reported. about on that score. Somebody spoke about The House adjourned at 9.56 p.m. school residences. I think we are doing a good job in that direction. The hon. member for Windsor criticised the decision to erect temporary buildings at the Magistrates Court. I can assure him that the greatest consideration possible has been given to the need for more Govern­ ment buildings, particularly for judges' quarters and so on, and we realise that a new Supreme Court building is urgently needed. Mr. Power: A new gaol is needed, too. Mr. HEADING: We are building a new gaol at Wacol. Lack of funds is all that pre­ vents us from putting up a new Supreme Court building. Most of the available money is being used for schools and school resi-