Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 24 JULY 1866

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

572 [ASSEMBLY.] .LlrlJourmtum t.

ney-General; the Kennedy, the Honorable George Elphinstone Dalrymple, Esquire, Colonial Secretary ; Eastern Downs, the Honorable John Donald McLean, Esquire, Colonial Treasurer ; vVestcrn Downs, the Ho:ttorable John vVatts, Esquire, Secretary for Lands and Works. The motions were severally put, and agreed to. · .ADJOURNMENT. Mr. HERBERT said that, in consequence of the course of action that would haYe to be taken owing to the adoption of the resolutions he had moved, it would become his duty­ unless the House was of opinion that another course should be adopted-to move the­ adjournment of the House for some time. But before he made a motion to that effect, he would like to ask the House-and he would place himself in , the hands of the House to that extent-whether both sides of the House were so far agreed on the measure introduced by the late Government for the leasing of lands for agricultural purposes, as to render it expedient under present circum­ stances to take steps, before adjourning, for the passing of that measure. It was evident that honorable members on the Opposition side of the House would, if there was no adjournment, have 1J. majority in dealing with the measure ; as to the details of which, honorable members on both sides were mostly agreed. And as there was a general feeling that there should be a prompt decision come to upon it, as it was considered calcu­ lated to promote the speedy settlement of the poople on the land, it might be the wish of the House that the measure should be gone on with before any adjournment. He might mention that honorable members on the Government side of the House were willing to go on with it. But he was wholly in the LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. hands of the House ; and if it was the feeling Tuesday, 24 Jvly, 1866. of honorable members opposite that no busi­ ::ll:oo•age from the Governor (Assent to Bills).-The new ness should be done at present, he would ::l[inistry.-Adjournmeut. move the adjournment of the House. He , MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR might also state that he had no desire to (ASSENT TO BILLS). introduce the measure in any other form The SPEAKER acquainted ·the House that than that in which it was proposed by the he had received messages from His Excel­ late Government to introduce it. lency the Governor, announcing that His Mr. ~IAcALISTER said the observations of Excellency had been pleased, on behalf of the honorable member who hacl just s~t down Her Majesty, to assent to the'Waterworks had come upon him with something like Act Amendment Bill, the Admiralty Juris­ surprise, because he considered the only diction Act Amendment Bill, Issue of Treas­ object of the meeting of the House that ury Bills Bill, and Registrars of District evening would have been the declaration of Courts Bill. the vacancies of certain seats, and the adjournment of the House till the gentlemen, 'fHE NEW MINISTRY. , by whose acceptance of office those seats had, ~fr. HERHERT, in pursuance with what he. become vacant, were re-elected. He believed believed to be the custom in cases such as that was the course, according to parliamen­ the pre~ent, submitted a series of motions tary practice, usually pursued on similar propo~ing that the seats for the following occasions ; and to some extent it was in electoral districts be declared vacant, by accordance with the objection he took him· reason of the acceptance of office of profit self, the other day, to the House proceeding under the Crown by the gentlemen by whom with the measure for the issue of Treasury those seats had been occupied:-Ipswich, the Bills. As he mentioned to the House on that Honorable Ratcliffe Pring, Esquire, Attor- occasion, he was perfectly prepared, ancl was AdjouPnment. [24 JULY.] A djo1t1•nment. 573 willing, if the new Ministers had been sworn as the custom for the House to follow. He in, to go back to the Government side of the hoped those honorable members who thought House and proceed with the Bill as it was fit on a late occasion to object to the course introduced. He did not expect, however, now proposed, and which was proposed on that the honorable member would have the same grounds, of necessity-he referred proposed to proceed with any other to the passing of the Treasury Bills Bill,­ business. At the same time, so far would not consent to the adoption of that as he was concerned, he was desirous course on the present occasion. The excuse that the Leasing of Lands Bill should be of necessity put forward now for the passing carried in its integrity ; and if the horror­ of this measure, existed to as great, if not to able member did not see that the House .a greater, extent for the passing of the would object to it, he, for his part, would be Treasury Bills Bill ; but if honorable most willing to do whatever was in his power members did not consider it sufficient to assist in carrying it through that day. then, to justify them in breaking through But, while he made that admission, he would the ordinary custom, he held they could point out to the honorable gentleman that not consider it sufficient to justify them there was an irregularity in proceeding with in doing so in respect to the Leasing Bill. Bills cif this nature, during the period when He hoped there were honorable members those gentlemen who filled responsible in the House who would object to any departments were not in the House. He course which, however urgent the circum­ made those observations that he might not stances might be, would have the effect he held as agreeing with any course of of continuing the irregularity of practice irregularity that might be adopted ; .but so which seemed to have become inevit­ far as the importantle of the Bill referred to able in the conduct of the business of was concerned, and the desirableness of the House. While he admitted that the Bill carrying into law, the honorable member had was an important one, that it was urgently his entire concurrence. required, and that the sooner it was passed Mr. STEPHENS said he believed the into law the better, he considered it was course now proposed by the honorable more important and more urgent that the member at the head of the Treasury benches practice of Parliament, and the established was, to say the least of it, not in accordance custom of proceeding with public business, with what was the ordinary practice; but he should be strictly upheld ; and that those believed there were precedents for it. He _precedents that formed the rule of procedure looked upon the Leasing Bill as a most should not be departed from under any important one. Honorable members were cirllumstances. He hoped, therefore, that all aware that the Land Bill was looked upon honorable members would not allow the Bill as the most important measure of the present to be proceeded with at the present time. day, and that the leasing clauses were .Mr. MAcKENZIE said, he should like to see regarded as the most important part of that the Leasing Bill pass, though he must say measure. He thought, therefore, that it was that he did not see any urgency for it for a advisable no time should be lost in passing month or six w;eeks ; nor did he see that it the Bill as soon as it was practicable to do it. could have much effect on the stagnation He thought the offer that had been made which existed as to the Government dealing was a very good one ; and the supporters of with land or the stagnation that existed ~in the late Government were obviously in a respect to business generally. Though he majority. The offer that had been made would like, as he had said, to see the Bill pass was a very fair one, and he would suggest this session, yet, when he saw the House that the measvre, which was urgently without M.inisters in it-when he saw a Bill required, should be proceeded with at once, of such importance brought in by a gentle­ in order, as soon as possible, to put an end man who sat on the Treasury benches as to the stagnation that existed in the way of Premier of the colony-an office which was the Goyernment . dealing with land. He properly one ·of profit, and the honorable thought the passmg of the measure would gentleman holding it had, therefore, no right have a very desirable effect, in assisting the to occupy a seat in the House without going Government with funds, in settling the land, before his constituents for re-election,-when and in providing employment to many who he saw the Bill brought in by a gentleman were now without it. He was therefore in who held the office of Premier without going favor of the Bill being proceeded with at before his constituents, and that he was once. assisted by another' honorable member who · Mr. BELL said he was surprised to hear also ought to have gone before his con­ the partial consent that was given by the stituents for re-election,_:.when he saw that, honorable member who preceded him to the h~ held it ~ould be most ~regular to go on course suggested by the honorable member With the Bill. To go on with the Bill, under for West Moreton. He thought that the such circumstances, would be an irregularity view taken, that the Leasing Bill was an that the importance of the measure or its urgent measure, was not any excuse for the urgency would not justify ; and he would, House departing from the legal and regular not lend_ himself ~o aJ?.ything so irregular as custom, which he hoped would be confirmed the passmg of a Bill Without all or any of the 574 AdJOttrmnent. [ASSEMBLY.] AdJournntent. real members of the Ministry being present. the late Government bathing, and were The Bill, it was true, was brought in by the running away with their clothes. He was honorable the Premier, but the gentleman very glad there was a feeling in the Ho11cse who held that position should also hold a opposed to anything like a temporising policy; responsible office. Now, the honorable mid he must say that he did not agree with member for West Moreton, who held the what had been said by the honorable member position of Premier of the colony, did not for South Brisbane-that the .2assing of the hold a responsible office, and, therefore, Leasing Bill would remove the stagnation though a Minister, he was an unreal that existed in the disposal of land by the Minister. To go on with the Bill under Government ; for the Bill, he believed, was existing circumstances would, in his opinion, one that could only be taken full advantage be most irregular; and he, for one, would not of in times of prosperity-in times when the consent to go on with any business till the people, being possessed of money, would have members of the new Ministry-the real time and leisure to think of something else members-were in their place. If the House than how to get their daily bread; which was were to go on with this Bill, it might, on the the engrossing subject with them at the same principle, and with as good an excuse, present time. He did not think the House go on with the Estimates. should go on with the Bill till they could do Mr. MACALISTER thought the House had so in a proper and legitimate way, which they better adjourn. would only be able to do when the members Mr. HERBERT thought he must understand, of the new Ministry were re-elected, and from the views expressed by honorable mem­ could again occupy seats in the House. He bers, that the feeling of the House :was not objected to any Government business being in favor of proceeding with the Bill at the gone on with so long as the responsible present time. He did not desire to press members of the Ministry were without seats the measure in any way ; but only mentioned in the House. He was glad to find that the the matter in order to consult the feelings honorable member for West Moreton, who of the House on the matter. He felt the seemed to be armed with a kind of authority, exigencies of the country were such as to was willing that the Bill should not be gone justify a departure from the ordinary course on with, as he did not know if the honorable of practice~ .so long as a course of strict member had any right to represent the legality was observed ; but, from what he Government in the House, or to take charge had heard, he would not further proceed with of the Government business in the House the measure ; and he would, therefore, now at all. move that the House adjourn till Tuesday, Mr. R. CRIBB confessed that he also was the 18th day of September next. quite taken by surprise by the proposition Mr. BROOKES said he would wish to state, that had been made by the hQUorable mem­ on his own behalf, and, he thought he would ber for West Moreton; and he was. equally be expressing the opinion of other honorable surprised at no mention having been made of members, when he said that he regretted the another subject. The honorable member for honorable member for West .Moreton had West Moreton, on the occasion of the last proposed to introduce the Leasing Bill at the sitting of the House, when the Treasury Bills present time. The Bill, he admitted, was Bill was passed, said there was only one or two an important one; but the proposal to intro­ other measures-not one for leasing lands­ duce it at this t1me was another of those which the House would be asked to consider obnoxious attempts to infringe parliamentary before its adjournment ; and those were mea­ practice, of which there had been so many sures for imposing additional taxation to meet in that House. He rose, however, for another the interest on the Treasury Bills. The purpose. He rose for the purpose of prevent­ honorable member also stated that the Bills ing the possibility of its being represented were not then ready, but would be distributed that he, and those with whom he had acted, to honorable members before the next sitting, had delayed the passing of the measure-,-a in time to be considered. Now, he had not measure which was introduced by the late had a copy of those Bills sent to him, nor had Government, and which he and the other the honorable member on the present occa­ supporters of that Government were willing sion made any allusion to them. The Bills to support and to pass into law, as far as it had not been distributed yet, and he had not was in their power to do so. But he thought heard a word about them. The honorable it was desirable that an end should be put member for West Moreton, who he might to the course the Government seemed dis­ say had usurped the office of Premier, had posed to pursue. What he and other honor­ not kept his promise in the matter, as he had able members wished to know was this-what not had the Bills .distributed. He should were the measures of the late Government have liked to see the Bills, and it was which the present Government were to intro­ the duty of the honorable member, after duce, and what were the measures of their promising the House that they should be own that they were to introducfl to the distributed before the next sitting day of the House ? The present Government seemed to House, and be in the hands of honorable mem­ be attempting the old game that used to be bers in time for their consideration-it was so popular at home at one time. They found his duty io have had them circulated to Adjournment. [24 JuLY.] Adfourmnent. 575 honorable members on their meeting to-day. might know more than he (Mr. Cribb) knew It was his duty to have done so, not only for about .constitutional law, as he boasted the thjJ purpose of keeping his promise, but also other night, had, he (Mr. Cribb) could that he might not have allowed it to be said tell him, very much over-stepped the law in that the Ministers were going to the country the matter of the Treasury Bills Bill, and for re-election with their policy kept back. in adv:ising His Excellency to assent to it. Instead of stating the policy of the new The Bill, he maintained, was not law, and Ministry, the honorablc member had asked the would never be law till an Act of indemnity House without notice to pass a Bill which he was passed by a House properly constituted. knew was a popular measure. Such a course, Until such an Act of indemnity was passed, he held, was simply for the purpoRe of bidding every man who bought one of the Treasury for the seats of honorable members of the bills that might he issued under the measure Ministry, who were goingto their respective passed on }i'riclay last would clo so at his constituencies for re-election, and nothing own risk; an~ he might find, that what he else. He was astonished that such bare­ paid £100 for would not be worth a shilling faced conduct should be committed. The to him. He could assure the House that he, honorable member for North Brisbane; Mr. and many other members of the community, Ra:ff, he observed was laughing. The horror­ were determined to clo their utmost to resist able member, he supposed, was laughing at que of those bills being paid, as the measure his constituents whom he mis-represented, authorising their issue had been_])as sed in a whose interests he endangered, and whose moMt unconstitutional manner. He thought prospects he ruined, by his conduct in the the House should, before agreeing to an House. If the honorable member wanted to adjournment, call upon the honorable take office, and to have a hand in carrying on member for West Moreton, who repre­ the affairs of the country, why did he not go sented the Ministry, to state the policy of about it in a proper manner ? The honor­ the new Ministry in respect to taxation, able member was sent for by the Governor as the honorable member, who called to take the office of Premier, and why did himself the Premier, had not kept his he not take it, and go back to his consti­ promise, to have the Bills relative to tuents for re-election, and thereby find out taxation distributed to honorable members. their opinion of his conduct since he came He ought, therefore, to make a statement to into the House? Every one, of course, knew the House explanatory of the policy of the the reason the honorable member had for new Ministry. not accepting office in a way that would Mr. PuGH said he would suggest, by way require him to go back for re-election. The of question, to the honorable member who honorable member knew that it would be no sat at the head of the Treasury benches, use for him to go back to his constituents. whether it would be advisable to adjourn He knew that he would not be returned if he the House for so long a period as he had ilid. Before sittino- down, he would briefly proposed-to the . 18th of September. It advert to what took place on the last day of might happen that, by the next mail, more sitting. There were three honorable gentle­ embarrassing •intelligence would be received men, who had since been sworn in as Minis­ -intelligence which might place them in a ters, who occupied seats in the House. They worse position than they were in at present, were announced as three of the gentle­ and which it might be necessary for the men who were to form the new Ministry, House to be made aware of, with the view and," therefore, they had no right to be of action being taken upon it. He would, in the House, for they had virtually therefore, suggest that it might not . be accepted office, and only required to be politic for the House to adjourn for so long gazetted in order to be publicly recognised a period. He should be happy, for his own as members of the new Miniortry. Those part, to attend on any day to which the honorable gentlemen occupied seats in the House might be adjourned, for the purpose House and took part in the business of the of making a House to meet any unforeseen House, which consisted of the suspension of necessity that might arise ; and he thought the standing orders and the passing of the it would hardly be wise to adjourn for so Treasury Bills Bill through all its stages in long a time as was proposed. Before sitting one day. That, he maintained, was a most clown, he would like to ask the ruling of unconstitutional proceeding. The Bill was the honorable the Speaker, if he would be . subsequently passed through the other kind enough to give it, as to whether it was branch of the Legislature on the same in accordance with the usual practice of day; and, to-day, the honorable the Speaker Parliament to introduce a Bill when the had announced that the Governor had seats of the actual Ministers of the colony given his assent to it. In the space of were vacated, and the members of the three hours the Bill passed through both Ministry were consequently not in the Houses, and received the royal ·assent, House. and became law. But he contended that it The SPEAKER said he was quite aware was not law, however much appearances that Bills had been brought forward under might be in its favor. The honorable such circumstances ; but the usual practice the Attorney-General, however much he was that the House should adjourn as soon 576 [ASSEMBLY.] .Adjourmnent. as the seats of th() gentlemen who had assurance upon. There was no doubt that at accepted office were declared vacMt. this moment the colony was in a very fright­ Mr. HERBERT said he thought the sugges­ ful state. Embarrassments were not only tion that had been made by the honorable coming over the Government, but they were member for. North Brisbane, Mr. Pugh, was also coming over private institutions, and a wise one, and he would therefore amend private individuals as well ; and the conse­ his motion by proposing that the House quence would be that an enormous number should adjourn to this day week. It might so of peo]Jle would be thrown out of employ­ happen that there would be important infor­ ment. He trusted that, under the circum­ mation received in the meantime, which it stances, the Government would be strong would be desirable to commun:lcate to the enough to preserve order ; and he trusted House on Tuesday next. that those honorable members who had any The SPEAKER pointed out there might be influence over the passions-or were supposed this inconvenience in adjournip.g to this day to have any influence over the passions-over week, that if a quorum of members did not the turbulent passions of the people, would assemble to form a House, it would be exert their influence, for the good of the necessary to adjourn the House from day to country, to suppress those passions. It must day; There must be a quorum of members ha.ve been a matter of deep regret to all well­ present to authorise the adjournment of the disposed persons to have seen the late out­ House for a longer period than to the . next break that occurred in this town. Nothing day of sitting. had ever occurred in the colony, in the course Mr. MACALISTER thought it was too long of his experience, that had caused him so an adjournment-to the 18th of September. much pain as what happened on Friday night Some of the members of the Ministry might last. He felt it his duty to say that the be returned by that time. It was not stain that had come on the colonv would not necessary, in order that ·business might be be soon or easily wiped out. It was all but proceeded with, that they should all be a miracle that the outbreak that took place l'e-elected before the House resumed. It did not end in the loss of life. It was a.ll would be quite sufficient if only one was but a miracle that it was not attended with returned, as he could take charge of the murder. He believed that that outbreak was, Government business. He thought it would unfortunately, caused by some honorable be well that the House should adjourn only members of that House-- till Tuesday, the 4th of September, mliess the Mr. R. 0RIBB rose to order. The honor­ honorable member for West Moreton thought able member wa.s charging honorable mem­ that a necessity absolutely existed for the bers of the House with causing an outbreak, House adjouming to the longer elate. It which it was all but a miracle, in the opinion should be remembered, that it was only of the honorable member himself, did not end necessary to afford a reasonable time for the in murder. elections to take place. The SEEAKER : It is very undesirable The SPEAKER said he believed His Excel­ that the honorable member should go so far lency the Governor had power to call the with his remarks. House together at any time, by giving Mr. "\VALSH: Those were not the times fourteen days notice. · when they should mince their words, and he' Mr. HALY suggested to the honorablo the would not mince his. He repeated, that Premier, that the House should be adjourned owing to the action of certain citizens of to the lOth of September, at least, as that Brisbane, a.n outbreak took place in the city would enable some honorable members to go such as had never occurred in the colony up country, and make arrangements for before. It was almost a miracle, he repeated, their business being carried on during the that on the occasion of the outbreak of period they would have to attend the House Frida.y last, the life of one of Her Majesty's afterwards. They would be able to go home subjects-the life of one of the most import­ and arrange matters, and be back by that ant gentlemen in the colony-was not sacri­ time ; but if a shorter period wore fixed, they ficed. As it wa.s, the life of that honora.ble would be obliged to remain in town, and clo gentleman wa.s placed in the greatest possible nothing; or if they went up country, they clanger ; and had the worst been done would not be abl() to be back when the House that was threatened to be clone, there met. were certain honorable members in the Mr. HERBERT said that, if the House had House who, morally, would never have been no objection, he would move that they acquitted. adjourn till Tuesday, the 14th of August. Mr. R. 0RIBB again rose to order. The Mr. WALSH said that, before the motion honorable member for Ma,ryborough was for adjournment was put, he would like to occupying the time of the House in telling ask the honorable gentleman who repre­ some fiction of his own brain, about some sented the Government if precautions had outbreak that he had imagined, the like of been tak()n for preserving the peace of the which had never occurred in the colony city? This was one of those serious matters before, staining the annals of the country ; which he hoped the honorable gentleman and was accusing some honorable members would be able to give the House a dociclocl of being parties to the outbreak, which it A.r{jwrnment. [24 JULY.] 577 was all but a miracle, as the honorable mem­ fore, have the slightest fear of any further ber put it, did not end in murder. disturbance, and he might calm his fears, if The SPEAKER : He had told the honorable he had any in reality. memb€1r that he was out of order in making Mr. WALSH said he held he was perfectly such allusions, though he did not clearly hear justified in the remarks he had made-except what the honorable member had said just in so far as trangressing the rules of the now. House was concerned. He was astonished Mr. R. 0RIBB : He repeated the statement. that some other honorable member than Mr. W ALSH : He hoped the Government himself had not risen in his place and called would be able to keep the peace, notwith­ the attention of the House to the circum­ standing what honorable members might do. stance. He maintained that the outbreak The honorable member- that occurred in the city, on Friday last, Mr. R. 0RIBB: \Vas it the honorable resulted from the meeting in the Town Hall ; member for Maryborough P but he had no doubt the honorable members Mr. WALSH: The honorable member, and who impelled th(l people to the act, were as certain other h.onorable members, left their sorry for what took place as he was ; for he places in the House on Friday last, while he believed there was hardly a citizen in the (Mr. W alsh) and others remained to legislate whole of Brisbane who was not ashamed of for the salvation of the colony; and while the proceeding. But, when he found that they were so legislating for the salvation of an hpnorable member, a highly respected the colony, other honorable members were member of the House, a highly respectable spouting for the destruction of it. (Cries of citizen, was exhibited at the meeting in "Order.") effigy; and when he remembered what was Mr. PuGH said he could assure the horror­ the usual termination-what was the doom of able member that all who were present at the effigies-when he remembered that they were meeting he referred to had a perfect con­ got up in order to be burned-he could not sciousness that he was alluding to them. He but consider that such language as was used did not wish to say anything that would at the meeting was highly inflammable. increase the excitement under which the Honorable members who would speak in the honorable member for Maryborough seemed way that some honorable members spoke at to be laboring ; he would rather endeavor to that meeting were, he maintained, respon­ reduce it, and he could assure the honorable sible for the acts that followed. He trusted member that no one could deplore more the Government would adopt every means in deeply than he (Mr. Pugh) did that there their power to guard against such an out­ should have been ·any after occurrence such break in future ; for they might depend upon as took place on Friday evening. It was a it, that the seed that was sown on Friday disgrace to the city, and he expressed his last would frequently appear again ; and disgust at it at the time; and if he had that when honorable members might, in the imagined that anything of the kind would diS'Charge of their legislative duties, do what hav~Jaken place, he should have done every­ was against the popular view, on any public thing in his small way to prevent it. He question of importance, there would be a denied, however, most emphatically, that the similar ebullition of passion, and a similar proceedings at the public meeting had any­ outbreak. He felt that now, and he confessed thing to do whatever in promoting the it, he acted under coercion. He felt that he occurrence that took place afterwards. The was in danger, and that other honorable meeting wa,s very numerously attended, and members were in danger, if they went against a more respectable assemblage 'Could not be the popular will. He was only astonished obtained in the city. The meeting comprised that other honorable members had not taken almost all the most respectable people in the action in the matter before he did. The late city ; nearly every tradesman was present, popular Premier, popular as he was, might and so earnest was the whole community on find it to be his doom some day to be treated the subject, that, with few exceptions, every in a similar way, should he go against the principal shop in the city was closed, that the popular feeling; and he (Mr. W alsh) should proprietors, and their shopmen also, might be equally sorry to hear of such conduct attend the meeting. He hoped that would being shewn towards him. It was in satisfy the honorable member as to the order to prevent such an act of ingratitude respectable character of the me,eting. The towards him, that he was anxious that the honorable member for Maryborough, how­ Government should take steps to provide ever, lived out of town, and he might rest against similar outbreaks in future ; and he himself contentedly that no disturbance would trusted the Government would take special occur in the city to-night, and that any dis­ care to provide against them. turbance that might occur would not reach, Mr. HERBERT said that, perhaps it would him. Since the meeting of Friday, in the save the time of the House, if he were at Town Hall, there had been a large open air once to answer the question asked by the meeting of the working classes ; and, as he honorable member. He might state that the , had been told, it was one of the most orderly Government did not expect there would be meetings that could be held. The honorable any recurrence of what the honorable member member for Maryborough need not, there- complained of; and had not, therefore, taken 4A 578 Aif;iournment. [ASSJ<~MBLY.] any steps, either by strengthening the police the Government, if they wished to transact force, or in any other way, to prevent it. business with them, ought to visit Sydney, and The Government was prepared to trust treat with the principals, who were willing to entirely to the good sense, and the good meet the late Premier and the late TF:easurer (!jeling, of the people themselves, that no on the subject. Therefore, though the such occurrence would again take place. He present Treasurer might be successful in might say that he entirely acquitted those negotiating financial matters in Sydney to honorable members who spoke at the meeting, the advantage of the colony, it must not be of having anything to do with what occurred supposed from that that the bankers there afterwards. For his own part, he regretted were unwilling to treat and make satisfactory very much that the matter had been brought arrangements with the late Ministry. He up, or in any way alluded to ; and he had seen the letter in which what he had said thought it was right he should say that, in was stated; and he might almost say he had looking round him during the disturbance, had the letter in his own hands. He now he did not recognise in the crowd the face of came to another matter-the promised Bills, a single citizen of Brisbane. He regretted which had not been introduced. Thehonorable the matter had been brought up at all, and member for West }ioreton had said nothing he hoped it would now be allowed to drop. to the House about the taxing Bills. The Dr. 0HALLINOR said he wished, in the first House had not been informed in any way as place, to refer to the Leasing Clauses Bill. to the principle upon which the contemplated That measure, he thought, was mentioned taxation was to be distributed. Now, he solely that it might be used as a card to play maintained that it was not right or fair-to the for the elections. Though he was in favor of country that those gentlemen who were leasing clauses, he was not in favor of the administering the Government should go to leasing of the land to the injury of others; their constituencies without making known to and he would not vote in favor of clauses the country the line of policy they were going to enable a certain class of the inhabitants to adopt. The country ought to be informed to defeat the real objects of a leasing Bill. as to the policy of the .Government in He would not, therefore, have been prepared resuect to the taxation measures, and in to go on with the measure at present. He respect to the various other measures by was in favor of enabling the small capi­ which the new Ministry might be prepared talists to go on the land under a system of to stand or fall. As to the question of leasing, provided that could be done so as adjournment, he did not himself see there not to injure the colony at large. In saying was any necessity that the House should be that, however, he desired it to be distinctly adjourned to an earlier day than that on which understood that he was not opposed to a the gentlemen who had accepted office might leasing measure. He would not allude to either be returned or rejected. Surely, if the subject of the Treasury bills. The those ministers were the saviors of the colony honorable member at the head of the -as theHousehad been told they were-surely Treasury benches had said it was possible if they were the saviors of the colony ~and that between this time and Tuesday next suppose anything should occur between the something might arise of importance which present time and the 18th of September next it would be necessary to bring under the which required prompt, decisive, and wise attention of the House. That remark he action-surely those honorable gentlemen believed had -reference to negotiations with would be able to act without having to con­ regard to money matters in Sydney. Such sult Parliament; and if their acts should be was his impression, and he had no doubt he such as they ought to be, no doubt the was correct. It was stated in the House, one House, on its re-assembling, would willingly day last week, that the bankers in the city pass a Bill of indemnity. He, therefore, saw had not confidence in the late Minist1·y, and no reason whatever why honorable members would not, therefort~, advance them any should be put to personal inconvenience, as money, but that they were quite willing to they would be by a short adjournment, merely advance money to the Ministry that was to in order to save the present Ministers from be. Now, he had jt on undoubted authority incurring that responsibilitywhich they should -for he had seen the letter,-that a large rightfully ·take on themselves between the Sydney capitalist, and a director of a bank, present time and the date originally proposed was, with the directors of other banks in astheperiod~ofadjournment. l:lesides,it would New South Wales, desirous that the late ·not be right for him and some other honorable Premier and Treasurer should go at once to members, taking the view they did, to pro­ Sydney and meet them on the subject ; and ceed with the consideration of business that those directors were quite ready if able without the members of the Ministry being to meet the requirements of the colony. They in their places. He, therefore, thought they did not express the slightest indisposition to ought not to consent to the adjournment of treat with the late Government. On the con­ the House to a date at which it was not trary, they said the Government should have certain the members of the Ministry would nothing to do with the bankers here, as they be able to be present. It was quite.possible had no power to act, and could. do nothing that some members of the Ministry might be without telegraphic instructions. They said returned within the time ; but he did not Adjournment. [24 JULY.] Adjournment. 579 think the Ministry would be prepared to go break that took place on Friday evening on with business at an earlier date. last ; and the honorable member for West The SPEAKER said that, after what had Moreton, who was the gentleman that was fallen from the honorable member who had threatened, after hearing the circumstance last addressed the House, he must say that repeatedly referred to by the honorable it had always been the practice to give suffi­ member, made a few observations himself in cient time for the most distant electorate to his usual quiet way, and then begged that have its member present on the resumption the matter might be allowed te drop. Now, of the House. he (Mr. Cribb), when he was attacked, as he Mr. BELL said that, before the question had been by the honorable member for was put, he would like to say a few words in Maryborough, was not prepared to allow the regard to what had fallen from the honorable matter. to drop without remark. He was member for the Burnett, Mr. Haly. Having one of those honorable members who had in view the convenience of country members, been alluded to.~s having taken part in the he thought the 14th of August would be too proceedings of ·'lie meeting. He attended early a period for the House to meet again. the House in the afternoon, but finding the Those honorable members from the country constitution was to be violated, he left the who took an interest in the proceedings of Chamber and went to the meeting of his the House would find it very inconvenient fellow -citizens. The meeting consisted of to attend at that time. He could scarcely the most respectable people ,in Brisbane, conceivt'l of any public necessity oeeurring and was characterised by the utmost good between the present time and the early paPt order throughout. There was upwards of a of September which the Government would thousand people present. Every one con­ not be quite able to meet. He thought it ducted himself in the most orderly manner, would be quite early enough for the House and the language that was used by the to meet on the 4th or the 11th of September; various speakers was most temperate in its and he would suggest that Tuesday, the 4th character. It was far more temperate than of September, should be substituted for the the language that had. just been addressed 14th of August. He would move that, as an to the House by the honorable member for amendment. Maryborough. After the meeting was over, Mr. MACALTSTER said he understood that, he (Mr. Cribb) returned to the House to when the honorable member at the head of learn what had been done. While he was the G:overnment proposed the House should standing at the rear of the building, he adjourn to the 14th of August, he did not heard some noise in the street, and on going mean the House should assemble on that to see what was the cause of it, he saw the day for the purpose of going on with the honorable member for West Moreton stand­ ordinary business of the country, but only ing in the archway. Some persons were for the purpose of meeting any extraordinary passing at the time, and commenced hissing, matter that might come up requiring the as he understood, at the honorable member advice of Parliament. He understood that for West Moreton. The honorable member the proposition, to that extent was assented walked back through the archway, but after­ to, but he also understood that it was wards-returned and walked down the street, coupled with another,-that the House and a considerable amount of hissing was should not meet till early in September, kept up by the crowd that followed him; but to go on with business. He did not wish there was no occurrence to render the horror­ to throw any obstacle in the way of the able member in the least apprehensive of return of the honorable gentlemen who had personal danger; and he believed the horror­ accepted office as Ministers, and would able member would say as much himself. extend to them all reasonable time 'that Yet, the honorable member for Maryborough, might be required for their going before for want of something to speak about, must their constituents ; but he thought that, in take hold of that nonsensical matter, and view of any emergency occurring which make a text of it for a sermon about the might render it necessary for action to be great requirements that existed. in the city taken by the House, an adjournment to tor additional police protection. The repre­ the 18th of September was too long. Now, sentations of the honorable member were an adjournment to the 14th of August altogether ridiculous and absurd, and he woUld be sufficient for any contingency knew it. How an honorable member could that was likely to arise, and they could stand up in his place in the House, and use again meet on the 4th of September to such language as the honorable member for proceed with business. He thought that Maryborough had towards other horror­ would. be sufficient for all that was required, able members, was more than he could and would render it unnecessary to carry understand. It was wrong that he should out the amendment of his honorable friend. do so, and the language was such as the Mr. R. CRIBB said he wished to refer to House should not allow to be u~ed by one some of the remarks that had heen made honorable member towards another. Now, by the horiorable member for Maryborough. he might mention another attempt that was That honorable member had alluded, over made to exaggerate the occurrence, but m and over again, to what he called an out- a more practical way. He had been told that 580 ArlJourmnent. [ASSEMBLY.] Arljournm()!nt. the second godfather of the Government­ he would take the opportunity of saying that, the honorable member for North Brisbane, in his opinion, the speeches of the honorable Th'Ir. Raff-to make matters look as bad as members who addressed the meeting were possible, and to make it appear that he was such as to direct attention to two honorable afraid, and apprehended that his life and members of the House-the honorable mem­ property were in danger, had actually had ber for vY est Moreton and the honorable armed policemen sent up to his house night member for North Bri&bane, Mr. Raff; and after night-but it was all by way of demon­ if they were not of that character, it appeared stration. Now, as the matter of the disturb­ to him to be singularly strange that whatever ance had been brought forward, he would disorderly conduct took place after the meet­ ask the honorable member for North Brisbane ing was directed towards those two honorable to say if that was or was not the fact,_:_ members. He did not, however, believe that whether the Government had not pandered those honorable members who addressed the to his fears ?-not his roollears, for he had meeting intended to excite the people to do none, but his pretended ~ars. He would what they did ; but that disorderly conduct ask, if it was nop the fact that armed police did occur after the meeting, and that it was were sent up to protect the house of the directed towards those two honorable mem­ honorable member for North Brisbane, the bers, there could not be the slightest doubt. second godfather of the present Ministry P Mr. WIENHOLT said he could not allow the Mr. lliFF said that, notwithstanding the opportunity afforded him of referring to the insulting, way in which the question was put, meeting to pass without making a few obser­ he w~mld answer it. The question was vations about it. He regretted to say that whether it was true that he felt alarmed for he was present at the meeting for a few his safety-- minutes, and he considered the language that Mr. R. 0RIBB : No, no. He knew quite was used by some of the speakers was highly well that the honorable member was not objectionable. Some of the remarks he alarmed. The question he had asked was, heard were very gross and treasonable, and whether it was true that armed policemen otherwise very improper ; and those remarks were sent to the house of the honorable emanated from some honorable members of member night after night last week ? He that House. (Cries of" Name, name.") He (Mr. Cribb) had expressly guarded himself had no objection to mention names. He against saying that the honorable member referred to the honorable member for East was alarmed, and stated distinctly that he Moreton, Mr. R. Cribb, and the honorable did not think he was alarmed. member for North Brisbane, Mr. Brookes. Mr. RAFF said the statement now made by He heard from them most treasonable lan­ the honorable member was somewhat dif~ guage . ferent from the statement he first made. .Mr. R. 0RIBB : What was the language ? The honorable member at first said that he Mr. WIENHOLT : He knew that some of the (Mr. Raff) requested police protection to be language was unparliamentary, and he would sent up to his house. He was positive the not repeat it. He should regret to make use honorable member said so. However, by of such language. Not only was strong way of answering the question, he might say language used against several honorable that on Friday evening, after leaving the membe:rs of the House, but especially against House, he was engaged in business in his the honorable gentleman who held the highest oflice up till eleven o'clock. He then went political position in the House. He was not home, and on arriving there he found, to his previously aware of the meeting being held; astonishment, two policemen outside the and after the House adjourned, he was pass­ house. On inquiring of them how they ing the Town Hall, and hearing there was a came to be there, he was informed that in political meeting being held, he went in to consequence of certain reports that were see what it was like. After being present going about town as to his being in danger for a short time, he left, and returned to the of some kind or other, they had been sent House, where he met the honorable member from the Police Office to prevent any attempt for West Moreton. He told that honorable to injure him. He could assure the House member that reference had been made to that he had no knowledge as to the police­ him in very strong language, and that he had men being there or being sent there till he better look out, as he thought the meeting, reached home. He explained to the men after the proceedings were over, would mob that he had no apprehension of any danger him if there was an opportunity. Some of whatever, and that it was altogether unne­ the people at the meeting were so excited, cessary for them, on that ground, to remain. that he felt sure there would be some annoy­ He never thought there was any danger, and ance given to the honorable member for West he had not seen any cause to think there was Moreton, and he therefore thought it neces­ any danger. sary to mention the matter to him. He did .Mr. J!'rTzSIMMONS said he was in hopes not consider that any additional police pro­ that this discussion would have been allowed tection was required, for he felt satisfied that to drop, after the brief statement in reference when the people were acquainted with the to it by the honorable member for West true state of things, as they would soon be, Moreton. As, ho'A-eYer, it had been revived, they would regret having arted as they had AdJournment. [24 JULY.] AdJournme:nt. 581 done. At the time those honorable members Dr. 0HALLINOR: He did not oppose them. were holding forth at the meeting, other The Bills could not have been passed on the honorable members, who were being attacked same night as notice was given that they at the meeting, were engaged in the House would be introduced. The question that legislating for the welfare of the people, and was before the House at the time referred to, for the protection of their interests-not the was the suspension of the Standing Orders, interests of the colony alone, but the interests that the measures might be passed through of the working classes in particular. Had all their stages on the following day. If not the measure that honorable members that course had been agreed to, then, within who remained in the House that night to sixty hours after the receipt of the deal with been passed into law, the whole English news, which occasioned the crisis, business of the city would have been stopped one of the measures which the late Govern­ next day, and where would the people of ment proposed to bring in would have Brisbane have been P The navvies employed been passed and assented to, and the on the railway works would have come down other would have been passsd and reserveq. to Brisbane in a body, and might have for Her Majesty's as~ent or dissent. attacked and plundered the stores and places That was really how ·the matter stood, and of business. There would not have been not as stated by the honorable member for police protection found sufficient to prevent Warwick. With regard to the time the that. He believed it was anticipated that House should be adjourned, he (Dr. Challinor) some disturbance would take place in the did not think honorable members ought to be city as the result of the meeting, for, as he called together till the whole of the writs had understood, the shopkeepers in the principal been returned. He saw no necessity what­ streets were requested shortly after the ever for an immediate meeting ; because, meeting commenced, to put up their shutters suppose the affairs now occupying attention and be ready at once to close their premises. had happened when Parliament was pro­ He hoped that such a disgraceful proceeding rogued, the Ministry would not have called would never be witnessed in the city again. them together until after a certain time ; and The populace were not aware when the honorable members should not be put to meeting broke up of what had been done for inconvenience in coming to the House when them by the honorable members who there might be no business before them, and remained in the House. But for the action when the Ministry certainly would not be taken by the honorable the Premier, the prepared to go on with any business~in the colony would by this time have been in a absence of any of their colleagues.. If the . deplorable state. The whole of the working present llfinistry were the individuals who, classes would have been thrown out of alone, could keep the State vessel of Queens­ employment, and would have been obliged to land afloat, surely they would be able, in the go some'lhere else to look for daily bread. short space of time that must intervene till Dr. CHALLINOR said that the honorable the elections were over, to take such measures member who had just sat down, was not as would be necessary to keep it from sinking. correct in claiming for the present Govern­ Before he concluded, he wished to ask the ment, and those~. honorable members who honorable member for West Moreton a ques­ supported them, 1the credit of relieving the tion, directly and pointedly, with regard to country from financial embarrassment. On taxes : What taxes did he intend to bring the contrary, but for the action taken by forward in the House ?-so that when the those ho·norable members, the country would Ministers went to their constituencies the have been relieved from all embarrassment a electors might know what the intentions of week sooner, by the late Government. The the Government were in that respect. ;ill' Bill authorising the issue of Treasury bills Mr. HERBERT : I must at once answer''the to the amount of £250,000 would have been honorable member, by stating -ehat I am not passed into law a week sooner than it was, able to give him the information he requires. and that in a legitimate manner, but for the It would be an unusual course to answer his course pursued by the present Government question. I have not the slightest intention and their supporters. And, in addition to of doing so, nor do I think I should be acting that, a measure would have been passed, properly if I did so. He knows perfectly authorising the issue of what were called well that matters should not be promulgated greenbacks; and though His Excellency might abroad about what taxes are to be proposed ; not have given his consent to that measure, he not,"indeed, until the measures for sanction­ would have given his consent to the Bill for ing them are brought before Parliament. I the issue of Treasury bills. It was therefore hope the honorable member will not think utterly incOlTect, to say that the working me uncourteous if I say I am totally unable men were indebted to the present MinistrY­ to answer his question, now. for being now employed, for if the present Mr. HALY protested against many of the Ministry had not taken the course they had remarks of the honorable member for Ipswich, taken, the Treasury Bills Bill would have Dr. Challinor, as not borne out by facts; and been passed a week sooner. said he could not conceive how the honorable Mr. WIENHOLT: Why did you oppose member could apply his remarks to honorable them? members who had. voted against, as well as 582 AdJournment. [ASSEMBLY.] AdJournment.

for, the late Government, on principle. He the pressure that was brought to bear on the could assure the House that he was as inde­ representatives of the people. If the people pendent, and had given his votes as fearlessly, of the colony did not rise up on such occa­ as the honorable member for Ipswich; and sions as that, and offer remonstrance, it would as lo:ng as he was in the House, he would shew that they were in a very low state, and give his vote for the benent of the whole unworthy of the suffrage. He looked upon interests of the colony, and not for any indi­ public meetings, not with horror, as some vidual interest: He blamed the late Premier honorable members did, but with gratification. for the delay of the session. Had that Every public man, he thought, should expect honorable member not adjourned the House his conduct to be canvassed, not only by the when they were in good working order-if he press, but by public meetings, in every shape had opposed the adjournment-the business and form. Every honorable member who of the country would have gone on, as they had been any length of time a public man were ready to go on with it. But the House had felt such criticism. Perhaps a new was adjourned without the least notice; very member, entering public life, might wince a important measures were allowed to stand little from it; but he (Mr. Forbes) did not over; and, when they re-assembled, they had think the honorable member for West More­ all the work to g·o over again. ton would be at all galled by the criticism Mr. J'.fA.CALISTER said he rose to correct · passed on him at a public meeting. When it the honorable member for Bm·nett, who made was considered that there had been a pro­ out that it was owing to the consent of the position for increasing the taxation of the Premier of the late Government that the colony, the course taken was a usual one House -adjourned for two or three weeks. in communities that were jealous of their He most emphatically denied that it was the political rights-to assemble in public meet­ fault of the Government. He had most ing to consider what would be the effect of distinctly objected to the adjournment, and he levying new taxation; because taxation might was only overborne in his objection to it by be raised to such an amount as would com­ the voice of the House ; several honorable pletely capsize the State. Public meetings members having resolved upon it, irrespective of that kind should have due weight with . of the public business. Seeing it was the will the people's representatives. In all matters of the House, and that there was little prospect of legislation the greater the amount of pub. of doing business meantime, he had consented licity they had the better ;-it was in pub­ to it most reluctantly. He, also, if he recol­ licity that the strength of legislation lay. lected aright, said that, if in office, the House The House should regard what occurred at should not be called together again until a public meetings in the shape of advice. later period of the year ; because it always vVith regard to the several adjournments appeared to him to be monstrous that honor­ that had taken place, for the races and so able members should have to come clown to forth, he believed that the honorable mem­ the House, to adjourn for nve or six weeks ber for Ipswich, Mr. Macalister, had opposed in the beginning of the session. them ; unquestionably they were a waste of Mr. FoRBES said he thought, when the time; and, when honorable members returned House looked at the proceedings of the last after them, it was like me.eting for another few days, and regarded the manner in which session. He hoped that when the House the promise of the Government to relieve met again it would be for the despatch of the difficulties of the country had been met business, and that they would go right -when they found how the debate on that through the business. With reference to subject had been forestalled-when they the present adjournment, he desired that it reJ!!embered what were the proceedings that should be for such a time as would enable to8'k place on the day the late Premier made those honorable members who had accepted his motion fot' going into committee to initiate office to get through the elections ; and he his measures-they would find that a con­ hoped that they would occupy their seats on siderable amount of error had been committed, the Treasury benches when the House again and that, perhaps, they were drifting from met. As ne hoped the House would then one disaster to another, and that not only the be prepared to discuss the affairs of the country, but the Parliament itself, was getting country, and to attach due weight to every into a very disorganised state. It appeared subject brought under consideration, he to him that the public had a perfect right to agreed with those honorable members who ·express opinions upon public affairs ; and the were in favor of not going on with the exercise of that right, instead of being repro­ business until the House was duly consti­ bated, should be looked upon as evidence tuted. Therefore, he supported the motion that the people of the colony took a great of the honorable member for West Moreton. deal of interest in its welfare. The House Mr. B. CRIBB observed that he did not should look with pleasure, rather than other­ expect any other answer than that given to wise, upon the people calling meetings to the honorable member for Ipswich, Dr. discuss public questions together. He Challinor; but, as the House had expected, regarded the late demonstration as having to-day, to have an outline of the mode of arisen out of the disorderly manner in which taxation to be carried out by the Govern­ affairs were condueted in the Legislature, and ment to raise money for meeting the lJifence of tlte Gulony. [25 JULY.] lJifence qf the Colony. 583

Treasury bills, and, as they had heard no notice of a Bill on the subject of taxation, he desired to ask-if the GovernmE!nt thought fit, wHh courtesy, to answer_:_ Whether it was their intention to bring forward a measure of taxation this session or not P He did not want the lwnorable member for West Moreton to say what mode of taxation was intended ; because, there was no doubt that, as the Government comprised one interest only, they would have such a feeling for the good of the country at large, that they would consider it only right first to tax themselves. He would suggest, if they thought of falling .back on an old system-assessment on sheep -whether or not they should not at once put a tax on wool. 'rhis would be a fairer arrangement than charging for the sheep on a station. Mr. HERBERT said, as far as he was able to announce what the policy of the Govern­ ment would be, when. they brought their measures before the House, he might state that, in his opinion, there would be some extra taxation; but it would be no greater than was necessary. The SPEAKER : So much has been said in the House, with regard to the time to which the adjournment should extend, that I may say, in my opinion, derived from former experience, it is not possible that the election for Kennedy can be completed on the 18th September, except under most favorable circumstances. The former elec­ tion took three months. I merely point this out for the guidance of the HouRe. The question was then put ; the amend­ ment was negatived; and the original motion, for the adjournment of the House to the 18th September, was agreed to.