Special Adjournment [24 Auo.• 1965] Senate Vacancy 23 well last May. With a return to good sea ADMINISTRATION OF THE sons and sound economic conditions the GOVERNMENT citizens of this State will long remember Mr SPEAKER reported the following the Askin-Cutler coalition Government as message from His Excellency the Lieutenant. a wise Government of men devoted to their Governor: task, which they did so well that the State grew and prospered. K. W. STREET, Lieutenant-Governor. The Honourable Sir Kenneth Street, Lieu Debate adjourned, on motion by the tenant-Governor of the State of New South Bon. R. C. Packer. Wales, has the honour to inform the Legislative Assembly that, consequent on Lieutenant SPECIAL ADJOURNMENT General Sir Eric Woodward ceasing to be Governor of New South Wales on the 31st July, Motion (by the Bon. A. D. Bridges) 1965, he this morning took the Oath of Alle agreed to: giance and the Official and Judicial Oath before That this House, at its rising today, do ad the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of journ until tomorrow, at 4.30 o'clock, p.m. New South Wales and assumed the administra sharp. tion of the Government of the State. Government House, House adjourned, on motion by the Sydney, 3rd August, 1965. Ron. A. D. Bridges, at 6.30 p.m. Mr ASKIN (Collaroy), Premier and Treasurer: I move: 1Gtgi.alattut 2\.a.atmhly That the following resolution in acknowledge ment of His Excellency's message be adopted Tuesday, 24 August, 1965 by this House, and transmitted to His Excellency:- That this House desires to express its Second Session of Forty-first Parliament-Opening of Session- Administration of the Government - thanks to His Excellency the Lieutenant Senate Vacancy-Legislative Council (Issue of Governor for his message of 3rd August, Writ for Election) - Commission to Administer 1965, informing members that, consequent Oath of Allegiance -Temporary Chairmen of Committees-Questions without Notice-Commit on Lieutenant-General Sir Eric Woodward tee of Inquiry into New South Wales Intrastate ceasing to be Governor of New South Wales Air Routes-Death of the Hon. Roy Stanley Vin on 31st July, 1965, he had assumed the cent, ex-M.L.A.-Death of the Hon. David Henry Drummond ex-M.L.A.-Death of Donald Stewart administration of the Government of New Fraser, Esq., ex-M.L.A. -Lieutenant-Governor's South Wales on 3rd August, 1965. Speech: Address in Reply (First Day's Debate) -Adjournment (Fishing Nets). Mr RENSHAW: I formally second the motion. SECOND SESSION OF THE FORTY-FIRST Motion agreed to. PARLIAMENT The House met at noon, pursuant to the SENATE VACANCY proclamation of His Excellency the Gov RESIGNATION OF SENATOR THE HON. SIR ernor convening Parliament. WILLIAM HENRY SPOONER, K.C.M.G., M.M. Mr SPEAKER took the chair at 12 noon. Mr SPEAKER reported the receipt of a The Prayer was read. message from His Excellency the Lieutenant The Clerk read the proclamation conven Governor covering a copy of a despatch ing Parliament. dated 21st July, 1965, from His Excellency the Administrator of the Government of OPENING OF SESSION the Commonwealth of Australia notifying The Usher of the Black Rod, being that a vacancy had occurred in the repre admitted, delivered a message from His sentation of the State of New South Wales Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, re in the Senate through the resignation of questing the immediate attendance of this Senator the Bon. Sir William Henry honourable House in the Legislative Council Spooner, K.C.M.G., M.M. Chamber. Mr SPEAKER reported also that the The House went, and honourable mem Lieutenant-Governor desires to inform the bers having returned, Legislative Assembly that on 4th August, [Mr Speaker left the chair at 12.55 p.m. 1965, with the advice of -the Executive The. House resumed at 2.30 p.m.] Council, and pursuant to the provisions of 24 Legislative Council [ASSEMBLY] Questions without Notice section 15 of the Commonwealth Constitu Assembly for the election of a member to tion, he appointed Robert Carrington the Council be set down as an order of the Cotton, Esquire, to hold the place in the day for Thursday, 9th September, 1965, Senate of the Commonwealth rendered and intimated that on that day the taking of vacant by the resignation of Senator the votes would take precedence of all other Hon. Sir William Henry Spooner until the business. expiration of fourteen days after the begin ning of the next session of the Parliament COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER OATH OF of New South Wales or until the election ALLEGIANCE of a successor, whichever the first happens. Mr SPEAKER reported that His Excellency Mr SPEAKER reported further ·that pur the Lieutenant-Governor had issued com suant also to section 15 of .the Common missions authorising Mr Speaker and Mr wealth Constitution the Lieutenant-Governor Deputy-Speaker to administer the oath or has certified the name of the said Robert affirmation of allegiance to Her Majesty .the Carrington Cotton, Esquire, to His Excel Queen required by law to be taken or made lency the Administrator as having been by members of the Assembly. appointed as aforesaid. TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN OF Mr ASKIN ( Collaroy), Premier and COMMITTEES Treasurer [2.35]: I move: Mr SPEAKER nominated the following That this House meet the Legislative Council honourable members to act as Temporary for the purpose of sitting and voting together Chairmen of Committees during the present to choose a person to hold the place in the Senate rendered vacant by the resignation of session: Evelyn Douglas Darby, Esquire; Senator the Honourable Sir William Henry Leon Ashton Punch, Esquire; James Ber Spooner. nard Southee, Esquire; John Lloyd Waddy, Mr RENSHAW [2.36]: I formally second Esquire ; William Ernest Wattison, Esquire. the motion. Motion agreed to. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Motion (by Mr Askin) agreed to: POSTAL VOrriNG That the following message be forwarded to the Legislative Council: Mr GRIFFITH: My question is directed Mr President, to the Premier. Does he appreciate that The Legislative Assembly having resolved to at the last State general election thousands meet the Legislative Council for the purpose of of people in New South Wales were de sitting and voting together to choose a person prived of a vote due to the abolition, by to hold the place in the Senate rendered the former Labor Government, of the postal vacant by the resignation of Senator the Hon. Sir William Henry Spooner, requests the voting system? Will he state what his Legislative Council to name the place and Government's policy on this matter will be hour for such meeting. in the future? LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Mr ASKIN: It seems to me that we had ISSUE OF WRIT FOR ELECfJON enough votes at the last general election Mr SPEAKER: I have to report the receipt without postal votes, but we can always do of a message from His Excellency the with a few more. As is well known to bon. Lieutenant-Governor intimating that, with members on both sides of the House, the the advice of the Executive Council, he had new Government stands for the restoration issued a writ for the election, on Thursday, of postal voting. We believe it is undemo 9th September, 1965, of a member of the cratic not to have postal voting as it obtains Legislative Council to fill the vacancy caused in other States and in the Commonwealth. by the death of the Hon. Michael Thomas Mr MURPHY: Let the crooks back. Leslie Quinn. Mr ASKIN: If a person travels interstate Writ read by the Clerk. or overseas, or is on holidays interstate, it Mr SPEAKER directed that the taking of does not mean that he is a crook. We on the votes of members of the Legislative this side of the House believe that if a Questions without Notice [24 Auo., 1965] Questions without Notice 25 person becomes ill, he or she should still Leader of the Opposition knows that price be able to have a postal vote. The situa control applies only to two commodities tion is that a person can exercise his demo bread and petrol. He is well aware of that ; cratic right to vote only if he happens to if he is not, he should be. Many statements fall sick at the right time, which from the have been made on this subject ; I have seen point of view of the Labor Party's ruling some of them. I do not know to which one means that if a person falls sick in the last the Leader of the Opposition refers but if week before the elections he cannot have he will be good enough to let me know a vote. Not only must a person become sick which it is, I shall give him an answer. at the right time ; he must also fall ill at the appropriate place. A person who be BURSARIES comes ill at a place outside his own sub Mr PUNCH: I ask the Deputy Premier, division of his electorate and is taken to Minister for Education and Minister for hospital cannot exercise his vote. Science whether in 1966 the first children We believe that these things are basically under the new Wyndham scheme in our undemocratic. That is why we on this side high schools will enter fifth year. Is it a have said that we intend to restore postal fact that this new scheme will provide wider voting. We have said that consistently since opportunities for students to attain higher postal voting was abolished by the McGirr education and to continue their studies? Labor administration a number of years Does this additional education impose ago. Honourable members will have noted heavier strain upon the financial resources that His Excellency's Speech foreshadowed of parents who wish to keep their children that amendments will be made to the Parlia at school until matriculation standard is mentary Electorates and Elections Act. This reached? Did the new Government in its is one of the alterations that my colleague policy speeches promise that it intended to the Minister for Labor and Industry, Chief provide more bursaries to cover the educa Secretary and Minister for Tourist Activities tion of children in the fifth and sixth years? has in mind-as well as other matters of Will the Minister say how this new policy some little importance. In due course the is progressing and will he make a statement intention of the Government in •that respect to the House? will be made known. In answer to my col Mr CUTLER: As the honourable mem league the honourable member for Cron ber for Gloucester has said, the Govern ulla, I should say that the answer is, Yes; ment parties in their policy speeches we definitely intend to restore postal voting prior to the election intimated that -which should never have been taken it proposed to increase ·the number of away. bursaries and also the amount of the textbook assistance for those children PRICE CONTROL entering the higher forms of secondary Mr RENSHAW: I wish to ask the education, which of course will begin Premier a question without notice. Is it next year. It is true also that the a fact that in the weekend press the Minis Government has already taken some action ter for Labor and Industry was quoted as on these ma.tters, and from the first school saying that he did not intend to re-impose term next year new bursaries will be made price control on any commodity? Will the available to children entering the fifth form. Premier say without reservation whether From next February an increased textbook the reported statement of the Minister is to allowance will be made available to children be taken as the Government's policy? who enter all secondary forms in schools Mr AsKIN: In which newspaper? throughout the State. During the election campaign the gov Mr RENSHAW: The Government's ernment parties undertook to spend policy. £1 ,000,000 on textbook allowances, and Mr ASKIN: I asked the Leader of the also £500,000 on increased bursaries in the Opposition to tell me the name of the news first year. This will apply from 1st Febru paper. Probably it was Labor News. The ary next year. The bursaries will. range 26 Questions without Notice [ASSEMBLY] Questions without Notice from £25 to £150. The textbook allow Mr MAHONEY: On a point of order. I ances made available to assist parents of take the point of order that before a case children entering high school or continuing comes before the court, when notice is with higher education will range between given that a case is coming before the court, £2 and £12, the £12 being for those who the matter is not subject-- gain a bursary on entry to fifth form. The reason for the sliding scale of textbook Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have given my allowances is that in the earlier secondary decision. I ruled the question out of order. classes the cost of textbooks is only about £5 or £5 1Os., but in higher forms, fifth and ROADWORTHINESS OF VEHICLES sixth, the cost might range between £20 and Mr WADDY: I direct my question to the £25. The sliding scale is designed to meet Minister for Transport. Will the Minister, those differences. in pursuing investigations into methods of As an example of the new bursaries, the reducing the road toll, consider restricting child of a man with a wife and four children the use of motor vehicles involved in an and earnings of up to £1,699 a year gross, accident that is notified to the police, by will be eligible for a bursary of £75 if living insisting that ·they be subjected to an in at home, or £150 if living away from home. spection for serviceability before they are That is, of course, in addition to the text allowed back on the road? book allowance. In addition, it is intended Mr MORRIS: Yes, I will do that. to exclude from any consideration in the new bursary scheme the secondary school allowances that have been paid over the last EXCISE DUTY year or two. Secondary school allowances Mr MALLAM: I ask the Premier and of up to £50 from any source will not affect Treasurer whether section 114 of the Com the granting of a bursary. Thus, from the monwealth Constitution provides that the next school term, parents will be able to Commonwealth shall not impose taxation draw the secondary school allowance in on property of any kind owned by the addition to the proposed new bursaries. State. As the railways and the buses are the property of the State will the Premier TRANSPORT STRIKE challenge the right of the Commonwealth to charge excise duty on petrol and oil used Mr HILLS: My question is directed to by the government buses in this State? the Premier and Treasurer. Is it a fact that Further, will the Premier inform the House on Monday next, 30th August, a 24-hour how much each State department pays in stoppage of transport will occur in this excise duties and taxes to the Common State, causing serious delays and incon wealth Government? venience to the public? Is it a fact, also, that prior to and during the last election Mr ASKIN: I must confess that I do not campaign the Premier, who was then know off-hand what section 114 states, but Leader of the Opposition, completely misled to achieve what the hon. member for Dul railway workers-- wich Hill has in mind it would seem to me to be necessary to have some alteration of Mr SPEAKER: Order! I have ascertained the Commonwealth law. this morning that a judge of the arbitration court has signed the necessary rules nisi Mr McCAw: This position obtained for covering both transport services under the twenty-four years that the Opposition section 109 of the Conciliation and Arbi was in Government. tration Act, 1904-1965. These rules are returnable before the court on Thursday Mr ASKIN: That is so. I should say next, 26th August, before a full bench of that the previous Government had plenty of the arbitration court. The rules nisi are opportunity to challenge the Commonwealth being served this morning. The matter is in that respect. now sub judice and the question is out of Mr R. J. KELLY: But what are you going order. to do? Questions without Notice [24 Auo., 1965] Questions without Notice 27 Mr ASKIN: We are going to stay here those of his colleagues who last year de for a long while. The question that the nounced members who held similar views to honourable member for Dulwich Hill has respect what His Grace the Archbishop has asked opens up a matter that has im said? Will he also point out to them that portant ramifications. I shall have it a member of this House or any member studied and let him have a detailed reply as of the community may have views that soon as possible. differ from those of the Prime Minister or his colleagues and still remain a Christian HOUSING LO~NS and a gentleman? Mr. BROWN: I ask the Minister for Mr ASKIN: I have not seen the state Housing and Minister for Co-operative ment referred to by the honourable mem Societies whether he is at present preparing ber, but I shall study it at the first oppor legislation that will enable building societies tunity and shall give consideration to the to lend up to £4,250. If some of these suggestion he has made. loans exceed more than 90 per cent of the value of the home, will a Government in SUPREME COURT VACANCIES demnity be required? Will the Minister say when the building societies will be able Mr HUNTER: My question without to make the loans that will require the in notice is directed to the Attorney-General. demnity? Can they do it now, or will Is it a fact that two justices of the Supreme they have to wait for the legislation? Court have recently retired, that one other has been moved to another jurisdiction and Mr STEPHENS: Legisation has been that a fourth has undertaken a special prepared to increase from £3,750 to £4,250 assignment? If this is so, has the Govern the amount of the· loans that may be made ment taken action to meet the position? by a building society. This is in con formity with the promise we gave during Mr McCAW: The facts are as implied the recent election campaign. Undoubtedly in the honourable member's question. Mr this increase will help people who build a Justice Clancy and Mr Justice Ferguson home through the co-operative structure to recently retired from the Supreme Court do so at the standard they prefer. In reply upon reaching the usual age of retirement, to the second part of the bon. member's and Mr Justice Manning has agreed to question, a bill, to amend the Housing In accept appointment as chairman of the demnities Act, has been prepared and will Government's Law Reform Commission, shortly come before this House. Unfor which will commence functioning from the tunately, it will not be possible for bor beginning of next year. Also, Mr Justice rowers to take advantage of the indemnity Else-Mitchell has been made available by provisions until that bill has been passed. the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court However, I assure the honourable member for the special purpose of the Royal com for Raleigh and all honourable members mission to inquire into rating and other that this legislation will be one of the first matters in the realm of local government. bills to be proceeded with when the formal Cabinet has not taken any action to fill the part of this session if concluded. vacancies. There are really three vacancies, for Mr Justice Manning's services have PEACE been seconded permanently to the Law Re form Commission. The Government be Mr SHEAHAN: I ask the Premier and lieves that when legislation that it contem Treasurer whether his attention has been plates bringing down this session has been invited to a statement made by His Grace dealt with it will not be necessary, at least the Archbishop of Sydney, Doctor Gough, for a long while, to add to the existing in which he calls for full understanding in number of Supreme Court judges. respect of the views of those who differ from the Prime Minister and some of his In this context I think it is proper to colleagues on the questions of international point out that in 1943, twenty-two years peace and the Vietnam crisis. If not, will ago, there were 11 Supreme Court he be good enough to read it and to advise judges, including the Chief Justice. In 28 Questions without Notice [ASSEMBLY] Questions without Notice 1953 the number was 14. The following of Government policy that will affect year the number was 16 and it increased all cases that come before the commission. by two in each of the next two years, so Would it be competent for honourable that in 1956 there were 20 Supreme Court members to challenge Government policy in judges. When my colleagues and I came these industrial problems, as the Deputy to office last May there were 27 Supreme Leader of the Opposition endeavoured to do Court judges, two and a half times the num in his question without notice a few ber twenty-two years earlier. Victoria, with moments ago? a population of two-thirds or more of this State, has only 14 Supreme Court judges; Mr SPEAKER: In the course of preparing and justices of equal rank in England num myself for this onerous task, the question of ber only 54, though the population of that sub judice has exercised my mind consider country is more than twelve times that of ably and I have formed the preliminary im New South Wales. In the circumstances pression that, in the past, rulings of my it is felt that the solution to the problem of predecessors have been somewhat unduly growing congestion and delay in the lists restrictive of debate. I shall give the ques of the court is not the appointment of tion asked by the Leader of the Opposition additional judges. Of course, this matter some consideration overnight, and I hope will be kept under review, 'but for the time to be in a position at question time to being and with the approval of the Chief morrow to make a statement that will en Justice, it is not proposed to fill the present able him to know to what extent, if at all, vacancies in the Supreme Court. this matter may be canvassed during the Address-in-Reply debate. TRANSPORT STRIKE KATOOMBA ANZAC MEMORIAL Mr RENSHAW: I wish to ask you, Mr HOSPITAL Speaker, a question without notice. In view of the ruling that you gave a few Mr COATES: I direct my question to moments ago, will it be competent during the the Minister for Health. Having in mind debate on the Address in Reply over the the lengthy written submissions that I have next few days for any honourable members made to the Minister regarding the inade to refer to this dispute, particularly aspects quacy of services and facilities at the Anzac that affect Government policy? For your Memorial Hospital at Katoomba, will he information, Mr Speaker, and so that you visit that hospital and assess the situation might give proper consideration to this for himself with a view to its rectification? matter, I have in mind that the Premier Mr JAGO: I shall be only too pleased gave solemn undertakings to the railway to visit the Anzac Memorial Hospital at workers of this State that he intended to Katoomba. I know it well, having worked in intervene on just wages and conditions. His the vicinity in years past, and I shall be assurance was supplemented by statements pleased to see what can be done to assist in workshops-- it. Mr LEWIS: On a point of order, Mr. STATE COAL MINES Speaker-- Mr SIMPSON: I ask the Premier and Mr SPEAKER: I must ask the Leader of Treasurer whether it is a fact that the State the Opposition not to make a statement, but of New South Wales owns and controls ten to ask his question. operating or developing collieries which Mr RENSHAW: I was desirous of being have performed meritorious service in helpful to you, Mr Speaker, in resolving supplying coal to the Electricity Commis this complex matter. I can quite under sion. Is it a fact that a previous Liberal stand the attitude of honourable members. government sold out the State-owned Walsh I understand that the Commonwealth Island State Dockyard at Newcastle during Industrial Court will deal with the the depression of the 'thirties? Is it further merits or otherwise of this particular a fact that the combined mining unions dispute. However, there are other aspects recently expressed fear and apprehension Questions without Notice [24 AUG., 1965] Questions without Notice 29 that the present Liberal-Country Party Gov how accurate it may be considered. The ·· ernment would sell out the State coal mines? third will refer to methods that we intend If these are facts, will the Premier give an to adopt for controlling future expenditure unequivocal assurance that the State-owned on the opera house. and controlled collieries will not be dis posed of to private interests? PRICE CONTROL Mr ASKIN: Yes, I will do as the hon Mr LANDA: I ask the Premier whether, ourable member suggests and give consid in the past few days, prices of various basic eration to it. commodities have risen alarmingly, ad versely affecting wage earners, and particu SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE larly people on fixed incomes and pen sioners. Is it a fact that, although price Mil" HEALEY: I address my question control is limited to two commodities, the without notice to the Minister for Public Government can extend control very Works. Have the ineptitude and lack of easily? If these are facts, will the Premier proper supervision by ·the previous adminis state what he intends to do to protect wage tration allowed the cost of the Sydney earners, people in receipt of fixed incomes Opera House to spiral from an estimated and pensioners? cost of £4,800,000 to £17,400,000, a figure that was said to be final? Has the public Mr ASKIN: It is correct, of course, as been gravely concerned with press reports stated by the honourable member, that price of a further increase of £8,000,000? Will rises in basic commodities adversely affect the Minister say when he will be able to people in receipt of low and fixed incomes. tell the House the final estimate of cost and The problem of what should be done to the reasons for the huge increase since the counter this trend is one with which the original estimate? previous regime had little success. At my request my colleague the Minister for Mr HUGHES: The honourable member Labour and Industry is looking into the for Wakehurst expresses a concern that is in matter closely and he will report to Cabinet the mind of every honourable member and as soon as he is in a position to do so. indeed of the public. The figures he gave When Cabinet has considered the points he of an increase in estimated cost from makes, as well as those made by honourable £4,800,000 to £17,400,000 are correct. It members on. both sides of the House, I is equally true that when the former Premier shall make a statement to the House. was given .the figure of £17,400,000 as the estimate as recently as last year, officers of BURWOOD RAILWAY STATION the Department of Public Works intimated that this figure would be exceeded by at Mr JACKETT: I direct my question least £1,300,000. I have had a close exami without notice to the Minister for Trans nation made of this project and I want to port. Will the Minister inspect the entrance say, first, that the present Government will to Burwood railway station which, follow continue with the construction of the opera ing the closing of the eastern entrance house, and second, that it will ensure that several years ago, is completely inadequate the building as envisaged-a great building and has• an appearance that is quite out of -will be completed to the original plan. keeping with the district that it serves? Will However, I would add that the Government the Minister have plans for the development is extremely concerned at the question of of air space over the station expedited so cost control at the opera house. that an adequate entrance to the station may be provided? I say specifically that, under the previous regime, it got completely out of hand. Next Mr MORRIS: On several occasions dur Tuesday I shall make several submissions ing the past three months the honourable to Cabinet. The first will provide a new member for Burwood has raised this matter estimate for the .opera house. The second with me. I appreciate his concern, for the will give Cabinet a complete review of how situation at Burwood railway station has that estimate has been made and, indeed, been a festering sore in the area for some 30 Questions without Notice [ASSEMBLY) Questions without Notice time. I have called for the papers relating the Government side of the House and I to the development of the station and, after battled hard against the Labor administra I have studied the plans, will confer with tion for the provision of free school trans the honourable member on this matter. port for children in country areas. Only Though it may seem to some honourable with the advent of a Liberal-Country party members to be a fairly unimportant matter, government have we been able to achieve it is a most important one to the train com it. We are most proud of our achievement. muters of Burwood. Only a fortnight ago Indeed, we are very proud that from 1st I visited Croydon railway station with the February next year the country people of honourable member for Ashfield-Croydon New South Wales will enjoy free school in regard to a similar problem there. The transport for their children. Lest any city Government is interested in what may be members on the Opposition side of the regarded as small matters, for we know House are becoming somewhat anxious, I that the people who are suffering incon should like them to know that the provision venience regard them as important. I shall of free school transport in city areas of New confer with the honourable member for South Wales will be dealt with during the Burwood on this problem as soon as I am first term of this Parliament. The promise able to do so. made by both the Liberal Party and the Country Party will, unlike promises made FREE SCHOOL TRANSPORT by the Labour Government, be fulfilled. Mr C. A. KELLY: I ask the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education whe INTERNATIONAL LAW CONFERENCE ther prior to the last State elections mem Mr CLOUGH: I direct my question bers of the Liberal and Country parties without notice to the Attorney-General. Is made great play in country electorates with he aware that an International Law Con their promise to provide free school trans ference is being held in New South Wales? port for country children. Is it a fact that If so, can the Attorney-General say what Country Party and Liberal Party candidates part, if any, the Government is taking in promised that if they were returned to office the conference, and also whether he will they would immediately honour such a pro participate personally in it? mise? Has the Minister stated that he proposes to do something next year in this Mr McCAW: The Government is matter? As he was aware when making proudly aware of the fact that at 11 a.m. this promise that legislation would not be tomorrow, 25th August, 1965, probably the necessary to implement it, and also that the largest convention of lawyers ever to be held budgetary position would have now been in Australia will open at the Sydney Town defined, can he say why it has not yet been Hall. The Third Commonwealth and Em implemented? pire Law Conference is reported to be the largest ever to be held in Australia. Two Mr CUTLER: I should think that the others have been held at five-yearly inter honourable member for Bathurst, having vals, one in Ottawa and the other in been a Minister in the previous administra London. Australia is proud to welcome tion, would well know the answer to his some 1,500 oversea delegates who will question. Ministers in the previous Gov attend the conference with about 1,500 ernment were so over-confident about the New South Wales and interstate lawyers. outcome of the approaching election that The decision that New South Wales should they overspent tremendously in virtually be the host State was made in the belief that every branch of their administration. The the magnificent opera house would be com statement made by me on behalf of my pleted and the conference would be held in party and by the Leader of the Liberal ~ . Party on behalf of his was that a promise to give free school transport in country I am not playing politics when I express areas would be implemented. Since I was regret, which I am quite sure is shared by elected to this House eighteen years ago the Leader of the Opposition and his col other honourable members who now sit on leagues of the former Ministry, that the Questions without Notice [24 Auo.; 1965] Questions without Notice 31 opera bouse has not long since been com bus fares? Is it a fact, also, that the first pleted. The conference will be taking official act of the Minister for Transport place in the Sydney Town Hall and in four was to authorise private bus owners to in other balls that it has been found necessary crease their fares, including those of school to engage to accommodate the delegates children? Was this decision made with the to the convention, which is to last for a full knowledge and approval of the Premier? week. I am pleased to inform the hon Will the Minister inform the House of the ourable member for Eastwood and the premises on which he based his decision, House that the Government is doing what and will he lay the papers on the table so our predecessors intended to do had they that the simple-minded people of New South continued in office. It is giving a State Wales, who in their innocence believed that reception to visiting, interstate and local this Government would keep its promises, delegates. In addition, it bas been my privi will not feel that they have been betrayed? lege to make submissions to the Minister for Transport, on behalf of the Bar Asso Mr MORRIS: It is a fact that the Com ciation of New South Wales, and I am glad missioner for Motor Transport, with my to say that he has agreed to make buses acquiescence, approved an increase to available to take delegates from their hotels private bus operators of one penny in fares to the various meeting places of the con under a shilling and twopence in fares of ference, and also on scenic tours. one shilling and over a shilling. This matter had been before the previous Govern I was asked whether I would be partici ment for almost twelve months. It was pating. I shall be, to the extent of attending part of a tremendous bank-up of simi a number of conventions. I have agreed to lar requests which were in the depart participate in one of the debates, but only ment when I took over. Several hon if this does not mean not hearing someone ourable members from both sides of the from overseas. I have urged the organisers, House communicated with me about this and they have agreed, that priority should matter. Some of the private bus operators be given to delegates from overseas and were almost going out of business and were other States. The conference will have be running their services at a loss when it fore it about seventy-two papers on most was drawn to my attention. The Premier's interesting subjects, and those who will promise, as I interpret it, applied to our deliver them come from all parts of the own services. British Commonwealth of Nations. I have said already that we, the lawyers of New Mr R. J. KELLY: If the Minister looks in South Wales, are proud hosts, and the Gov The Liberal I am sure he will see that the ernment gives the conference its blessing Premier said there would be no rise in bus and expresses the hope and firm belief-1 fares. am sure that the Leader of the Opposition Mr SPEAKER: Order! and his colleagues join with us-that the work of this conference will redound to the Mr MORRIS: When my attention was great advantage of the people of New South invited to this matter, in view of the in Wales, of the other States and of the over ordinate delay that had occurred in dealing sea countries whose delegates are coming with this application by private omnibus here. We wish the delegates well, and wish operators I advised the Commissioner for them happiness during their stay. Motor Transport to approve the increase. I shall have a look at the part of the ques BUS FARES tion concerning the tabling of papers. I will add that there is one matter to which the Mr R. J. KELLY: I ask the Minister for honourable member for East Hills has not Transport whether prior to the last general referred, namely, the reduction of fares on elections the Premier made about 146 government bus services within the city promises to the people of New South Wales. area authorised by this Government within Is it a fact that one of them was quite the first two weeks of its assumption of specific, namely, that he would not increase office. 32 Questions without Notice [ASSEMBLY] Questions without Notice FISH MARKETING if he wants me to do so I shall be pleased Mr HOUGH: I ask the Minister for to check on the details and to advise him Labour and Industry, Chief Secretary and accordingly. On the attitude of the pre· Minister for Tourist Activities whether he is vious Labor Government of this State, 1 aware that a grave problem exists in the should like to take this opportunity of re marketing of fish at the Wollongong market, minding the honourable member that after where an endeavour has been made to set many years of goading by the Liberal and up a monopoly that is not in the best Country parties, especially in the person of interests of the public or the trade. Mr Vernon Treatt, a former leader of the Liberal Party, the Government, supported Mr WILLIS: I assure the honourable by the honourable member for Parramatta member and the House that I am aware of ultimately brought in some legislation in re~ the difficulties that have been encountered gard to equal pay. This legislation has been in the Greater Wollongong area in conse hailed by the Australian Labor Party as the quence of an unfortunate dispute between millenium in this regard, but has been criti the local fishermen's co-operative and the cised by other sections of the trade-union fish retailers. An attempt has been made movement, and I have quite a substantial by the Chairman of the Fish Marketing file in the Department of Labour and Indus Authority, Mr Joseph, to reconcile their try criticising various aspects of it. These differences, but though he is pursuing his aspects are being investigated further in the conciliatory role, up to the present !he has hope that during this Parliament we shall had no success. I hope that in the near be able to make further amendments that future we shall reach an amicable solution will extend the principle. of the problem; in the meantime I assure the honourable member that every effort FISHING NETS will be bent in that direction. Mr WEILEY: I ask the Minister for EQUAL PAY Labour and Industry, Chief Secretary and Mr MAHONEY: I ask the Minister for Minister for Tourist Activities whether it Labour and Industry, Chief Secretary and is a fact that, on a strict interpretation, the Minister for Tourist Activities whether he regulations prohibit the use of fishing net is aware that in 1955, 1957 and 1962, when with a mesh of less than three and one the important and far-reaching question of eighth inches. Is it a fact that the whole equal pay for women arose before the Eco of the fishing fleet at Maclean, consisting of nomic and Social Council of the United about fifteen vessels, is paralysed, and is this Nations Organization, Australia abstained having a disastrous effect upon the industry from voting, but when the question came and the economy of the town of Maclean? before the House of Representatives in 1960 Is it a fact, also, that the nets in use, which the Prime Minister, on being asked whe are only one sixteenth of an inch smaller ther he would implement the proposal in than the regulation size, have been used for Australia, said, "I am jolly well not going the past three years with the full know to do it." Is it a fact that the previous ledge of the fisheries inspector stationed in Labor administration in New South Wales the district? If these are facts, and so that implemented a progressive programme of the fishing industry in this small town may equal pay for women? Will the Minister be protected from collapse, will the say whether it is or is not the policy of the Minister consider allowing the use of these present Government to continue and extend nets to continue until the investigations now the programme to implement equal pay for in progress in his department are concluded women in New South Wales? and a decision is made on whether the smaller mesh may be used? Mr WILLIS: I must confess that I am unaware of the precise details to which the Mr WILLIS: I assure the honourable honourable member has referred in allud member for Clarence that I am very much ing to the attitude of the Australian Gov aware of the importance of the fishing in ernment representative overseas and to a dust~ to the residents of his constituency, statement made by the Prime Minister, but particularly those on the lower reaches of Inquiry into Air Routes [24 Auo., 1965] Death of Hon. R. S. Vincent 33 the Clarence River. I wish to advise him, into single electoral units he stood as Coun also, although I think he is aware of this, try Party candidate for Rateigh, and was that for some time an investigation has elected then and at nine successive elections. been conducted by the scientific officers of Mr Vincent brought to Parliament a clear the Fisheries Branch of my department into and vigorous mind, and his administrative the size of the mesh that might be permitted talents were quickly recognised and re in the particular circumstances to which he warded. He was appointed Secretary for has referred. Concerning the difficulty at Mines and Minister for Forests in the Maclean mentioned in the early part of his Thirtieth and Thirty-first Parliaments, and question, the only notice I had of that was also Minister for Agriculture during the about five minutes before I came into the Thirty-second Parliament. His ministerial House at question time, and I immediately career extended from 1932 to 1941, and called for an urgent investigation and a re these were fruitful years. port to me on the matter. At this hour I In 1938 he sponsored the Soil Conserva am afraid I shall not be able to advise the tion Act-the first legislation of its kind in honourable member, but before the day is Australia-and the first conservation station out I hope to be able to furnish him with was established under his Ministership. information on it and, if possible, do as National forests were provided for under he requests and meet the wishes of the the 1935 amended Forestry Act introduced fishermen in the meantime while the investi by Mr Vincent. The fuel research branch gation is being conducted. My knowledge of the Department of Mines was originated of the subject is limited to the receipt of a by him. These measures constitute lasting telegram a few minutes before I entered the reminders of Mr Vincent's zeal and vision. House, and I ask him to be patient at this He represented New South Wales at the stage. Commonwealth convention which drafted a code to ensure uniformity of aeronautical COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO NEW regulations within Australia, and served the SOUTH WALES INTRASTATE entire nation in a position of high responsi AIR ROUTES bility during the early days of World War II, Report tabled and, on motion by Mr when for a time he was sole distributor of Morris, ordered to be printed. coal for the several States of the Common wealth. DEATH OF THE HON. ROY STANLEY Roy Vincent was a returned soldier of VINCENT, EX-M.L.A. World War I. It was ill .health resulting Mr ASKIN ( Collaroy), Premier and from war injuries received in France in Treasurer [3.32]: I move: 1916 that forced his retirement from Parlia That this House extends to Mrs Vincent and ment in 1953. The sacrifice he made for family the sympathy and sorrow of Members his country in the Great War of 1914-18 of the Legislative Assembly in the loss they have sustained by the death of the H?D:ourable was with him to the end of his days. He Roy Stanley Vincent, a former Mm1ster of passed away, after a prolonged illness, at the Crown. the military repatriation hospital at Con It is with deep regret that I inform the cord on 5th June this year. House of the death at the age of 73 of a Mr Vincent was a man of integrity and former member and former Minister, the great capacity, and he rose to a position of Hon. Roy Stanley Vincent. I am sure that distinction within his party. I count it my Mr Vincent's high qualities as an adminis good fortune that I had at least one full trator and as a man will still be fresh in parliamentary term while Roy Vincent was the minds of many honourable members. serving, so that I was privileged to know The late Roy Vincent served the com him both as a colleague and a friend. He munity and this Parliament for no less than was a very fine man. Mr. Speaker, on be thirty-one years continuously. He was one half of the Government I extend to Mr Vin of three candidates elected to represent cent's widow, Mrs Ethel Vincent, and to Oxley under the proportional voting system his family very sincere sympathy in their in 1922. When the State was subdivided sad loss. 3 34 Death of the Hon. [ASSEMBLY] R. S. Vincent, ex-M.L.A. Mr RENSHAW (Castlereagh) [3.37]: I this Chamber both as a private member of second the motion and join with the Premier the Opposition and as a Minister of the and Treasurer, on behalf of members of Crown, he was well respected and liked the Opposition, in expressing sympathy for by honourable members on both sides of Mrs Vincent and the members of the the House for his gentle manner and dis family of the late Roy Stanley Vincent. For position. I join with the Premier and Trea some years I had the privilege of serving surer in conveying to Mrs Vincent and her in this House with the late Mr Vincent family our deep sympathy on the sad loss when he was on the Opposition benches. that they have suffered. We all knew of his record and of the Mr CUTLER (Orange), Deputy Premier, assiduous and detailed way in which he Minister for Education and Minister for carried out his parliamentary duties. He Science [3.41]: On behalf of my colleagues was a very versatile gentleman who started of the Country Party, I join with the his career as a journalist. He and his Premier and Treasurer and the Leader of brother published the Dorrigo Gazette many the Opposition in paying tribute to the years ago. When he entered this Parlia memory of a gentleman who enjoyed the ment he came in as a member of what were universal respect not only of every honour known as the True-Blue Progressives, and able member of this House but indeed of in 1925 when the name of his party was every person with whom he came into con changed to the Country Party he was one tact. I was especially happy to hear the of its leaders. Leader of the Opposition refer to Roy Vin It was in the offices of Secretary for cent in the terms that he did. I know that Mines and Minister for Forests that he con he remembers Mr Vincent as I always had ceived the need for the conservation of our found him in my early years here-a fine national assets and was responsible for the gentleman indeed. I am happy to recall that proclamation of the Pilliga scrub area Roy Vincent was one of the men who and the New England National Park. He trained me in things political when I came introduced the first legislation on soil con here in 194 7. I had the privilege of serving servation and established the first soil con under him for six years during which he servation station at Cowra, during the time was Deputy Leader of the Country Party. I he held these very important portfolios. was the political fledgling ; he was the ex The name of Roy Stanley Vincent is asso perienced political veteran of that time. I ciated with many important contributions suppose that we all upon entering Parlia to our deliberations during Address-in-Reply ment find ourselves confronted with many and budget debates. His speeches during difficulties-some real and some imaginary. these debates show that he specialised in Some new members of this Parliament are conservation projects and realised the need now going through what I went through for wise planning for the future. I suggest eighteen years ago. In those days I was that his speeches on this subject are well fortunate to have Roy Vincent for my men worth reading by those who in the future tor. He was of the greatest help to me want to specialise in any aspect of conserva personally and I benefited from his wise tion. To me, as one who sat on the opposite counsel. side of the House to the late Mr Vincent, As the Premier and Treasurer and the he was quiet and unassuming. He very Leader of the Opposition have said, Roy much liked his game of snooker and I do Vincent was a man of tremendous capacity, not think a better player entered this Parlia notably courteous and kind to those who ment. His relaxation was snooker and bil served with him and especially to those liards and he was an expert cueist. Perhaps under him. He was a highly capable jour he gained his experience in the game nalist before he went into Parliament and through living in small country towns it was in this capacity and as a member of where, in those days, the only places of the House and a Minister of the Crown relaxation were the pool and snooker rooms. that he played a tremendous part in the Apart altogether from Roy Vincent's formative period of the Australian Country thoughtful contributions to the debates in Party. In the years after his return from Death of the Hon. [24 Auo., 1965] R. S. Vincent, ex-M.L.A. 35 World War I he took an active part in firmly espoused the ideals of the Country Country Party affairs in the northern part Party. He did fine work for his own party. of the State and was a leader of the New I knew Mr Vincent not only as a member State Movement of that time. He played a of an opposing party but also as a fine man tremendous part outside politics in the ad with whom I was associated in this House. vance of that part of the State. He served It is sad that I must speak to this motion. the Country Party as a rank and file mem In his ~assing the State has lost a good man. ber, as deputy leader, as a Minister of the Mrs Vmcent has lost a splendid husband Crown, as Country Party Whip and at and I associate myself sincerely in the con other times as party secretary. dolences offered to her and the members of In the years that he served as Minister the family upon the passing of such a he was widely recognised as a most able splendid gentleman. man who had the faculty of quickly getting to the core of things. I have had the oppor Mr BROWN (Raleigh) [3.47]: As the tunity of listening to his speeches in the sitting member for Raleigh I wish on be House and then reading them in Hansard. I half of the electors of that area to extend know that Hansard even makes a fairly to Mrs Vincent and her family our deepest reasonable speech out of some of my own sympathy in the loss of a well-beloved hus remarks but with Roy Vincent it was un band and a man regarded in the highest necessary for Hansard to make many altera esteem by people throughout the whole of tions at all to his utterances in the House. the Raleigh electorate. It is about twelve I read with considerable pleasure many of years since Roy Vincent ceased to be the the speeches that he made before I came honourable member for Raleigh. This was to this Chamber. Roy Vincent was a de due to ill health. In the time that he re voted family man and certainly a loyal and presented the Raleigh electorate Roy Vincent dedicated member of the Australian Country served it remarkably well. In those days Party. This party owes him a deep debt of he had a motor cycle and travelled over gratitude for the work that he did for it in roads in poor condition in all weathers the early years of its existence. On behalf and at all times to all parts. of the electorate. of the Country Party I extend to Mrs Vin When I was first elected as the member for cent, her two sons and her two daughters the area the remark was made to me on a our deepest sympathy in the bereavement number of occasions that if I looked after that they have suffered. the electorate and attended to the affairs of the people as Roy Vincent had done I M!r HAWKINS (Newcastle) [3.45]: I should be a good member indeed. wish to be associated with the remarks of the Premier and Treasurer, the Leader of Roy Vincent was responsible for legisla the Opposition and the Deputy Premier, tion as important as any in our statutes. Minister for Education and Minister for During his term of office the Soil Con Science on this motion of sympathy to Mrs servation Service was established. In this Vincent upon the passing of a good and tragic drought that we have suffered and faithful husband. As has been pointed out ~>till are experiencing in many parts of the by the Leader of the Opposition and by the State we have seen the crying need for soil Premier and T:reasurer, Roy Vincent was a conservation and water conservation. Roy man of outstanding ability who won the Vincent's plans for re-afforestation were respect, goodwill and admiration of all those quite revolutionary and had they been fully · with whom he came in contact. He was a implemented we should not suffer the plight gentleman all the way. I was one of the that I am afraid will afflict the timber in new members of the House when he was dustry of this State. Roy Vincent was serving here as a Minister of the Crown. highly respected. In Lansdowne Forest we · In that period and in the years following when Roy Vincent was a member of the have the Vincent Lookout named after Opposition he was always a gentleman. He him. In 1960 I had the high honour of was naturally keen on the things that he unveiling a commemorative plaque to Roy felt to be near and dear to him and he Stanley Vincent. It is affixed ~to a tree in 36 Death of the Hon. [ASSEMBLY] R. S. Vincent, ex-M.L.A.
Bruxner Park on .the North Coast. The the Dorrigo and Coff's Harbour districts. people wanted this tree to be called the His work in forestry has carried through to Roy Vincent tree because it is the king the present forestry department, and will of the forest in that area. They believed always stand as a great monument to his that would be a fitting tribute to a man memory. Roy Vincent acquired an exten who had done so much for forestry in this sive knowledge of silviculture and forestry, State. Roy Vincent was deeply respected and had qualities that enabled him to apply in the area that I represent and I was often that knowledge. The results of his work asked how he was. Unfortunately, I had can be seen today. His work in conserving to say that he was not well. Since he has the vast timber resources of the North passed on, many people have spoken to me Coast can be described as statesmanlike. of his greatness and humility. Roy Stanley Vincent honoured a position of trust by I do not think I ever knew any other his dignity, ability and integrity. member who was so affectionately regarded by the people of his former constituency. Mr LAWSON (Murray) [3.49]: I join Whenever I went to Dorrigo I always re with other speakers in paying tribute to ceived inquiries about Roy Vincent. I was the late Roy Vincent. He was a Minister asked such questions as "How is he getting when I entered the House in 1932 and I on?" and "What is the state of his health?" served with him as a supporter of the Gov On many occasion I was asked to convey ernment for nine years and for a further to him messages of good wishes for his twelve years in opposition. In that period recovery, and for better health. Roy I never heard him say an unkind word in Vincent was a man of the people. The this House. Goodness knows, in this Cham editor of a small paper in Dorrigo, he ber in twenty-one years one would have embarked upon his parliamentary career enough provocation to say all kinds of un· the hard way. It is legendary how he can kind things, but he never did. vassed his very large electorate on a bicycle. Roy Vincent had a fund of good, healthy People who know the mountainous district humour. He was a well-read, practical of Dorrigo will acknowledge ·that he really man with a wonderful gift for expressing did things the hard way by looking after his thoughts in a way that attracted the the needs of his large constituency in this attention of everyone who heard him. Some way. of his speeches in this House on conserva As the honourable member for Raleigh tion, in which he explained what should be said, there is a magnificent memorial to done to safeguard our heritage by conserv him in Bruxner Park-an enormous tree, ing water, soil and timber, should be read one of the eucalypts. A plaque at its base for generations to come. I should say that was unveiled by my colleague the hon the prophecies he made in this Chamber ourable member for Raleigh. The Roy on all these matters affecting the welfare Vincent tree, as it is known, is over 200 of this country, and in particular our pri feet high and is one of the tourist attractions mary industries, were wise and true. As of the district. There could be no more the Deputy Premier has said, Roy Vincent fitting memorial to Roy Vincent than this was a kindly man and helped to train him. magnificent tree; certainly Roy Vincent him Roy Vincent helped me too. It was the self would have appreciated none better. I way of the man; he helped us all. A true join my colleague the honourable member friend has gone. His death is a sad loss to for Raleigh, who on behalf of the people of this House. Dorrigo and Coff's Harbour lauded the Mr WEILEY (Clarence) [3.51]: As a great qualities of Roy Vincent both as a member representing a constituency that gentleman and as a great statesman, in pay formerly included Dorrigo, where Roy ing tribute to his memory. Vincent spent most of his early life, I should like to be associated with this tribute Honourable members and officers of the to his memory. Roy Vincent is still affec House standing in their places, tionately remembered by many people in Motion agreed to. Death of the Hon. [24 Auo., 1965] D. H. Drummond, ex-M.L.A. 37
DEATH OF THE HON. DAVID HENRY in aeronautics and obtained special assist DRUMMOND Ex-M.L.A. ance to develop this interest in the univer Mr ASKIN ( Collaroy), Premier and sity, technical colleges and the Australian Treasurer [3.55]: I move: Air League. All this proved a great in vestment for this country. That this House extends to Mrs Drummond and family the sympathy and sorrow of Mem A sponsor and initiator of the first bers of the Legislative Assembly in the loss Libraries Act, he recognised that local they have sustained by the death of the Honourable David Henry Drummond, a government should be a partner with former Minister of the Crown. the State in library development. Still more It is with sincere regret that I inform was accomplished by this dedicated man. this House of the death of another of its The documentary film movement, physical former members, the Hon. David Henry education and the Child Welfare Council Drummond, at the age of 75. Born were launched during his term of office. in Sydney and educated at Scots College, he Coupled with his efforts in education, began his parliamentary career when he Mr Drummond took a great interest in the was elected to the Legislative Assembly in problems of the man on the land. A prac 1920 for the Country Party, representing tical farmer himself, he played a prominent the Northern Tablelands under the three part in the affairs of the Farmers and member system. In 1927 he won the seat Graziers' Association for many years and of Armidale for his party and became held executive positions with this body. Minister for Education in the Bavin coali Again looking to youth and the future, he tion Ministry. established the Junior Farmer Club move Mr Drummond held this key portfolio ment in 1928. in the non-Labour governments from 1927 The time for change came for David to 1930 and from 1932 to 1941, setting the Drummond in 1949 when he resigned from foundations for our modern educational this House and entered the federal political system in New South Wales. A minimum arena by successfully contesting the seat of school-leaving age of 15, country university New England in the House of Representa colleges, reorganised child welfare adminis tives. He spoke for the people of this tration and free milk for school children electorate until his retirement in 1963. The are but some of the achievements of this ability and drive of this man were recog extremely capable Minister. We are specially nised in Canberra and he became a member proud of one of his projects-the New of the Foreign Affairs Committee. England University College established in His intense interest in constitutional 1938, which today enjoys full status and matters, and his two books on constitutional the highest academic reputation. reform, made him an obvious appointment Mr Drummond paid a great deal of atten to the Parliamentary All-party Committee tion to the field of technical education, of Review of the Commonwealth Constitu realising its vital need in the developing tion. One of his well-earned rewards came technological age. He organised the first in 1957 when an honorary degree of Doctor mobile technical colleges and introduced of Letters was conferred on him by the the first Technical Education Act in 1938, University of New England. which decentralised administration and The energy and foresight of Mr Drum established the Institute of Science and mond were boundless, and his record of Technology. A man of progress, David achievement in education can only be de Henry Drummond had a keen interest in scribed as remarkable. We owe a lasting a comparatively new science-aeronautics -and during a visit overseas in 1936 he debt of gratitude to him for the way in made a special inquiry into the organisa which he served the people of his electorate tion of aeronautical education linking the and the people of New South Wales. schools, technical colleges and civil avia Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Government tion. On his return home he set about I extend to his family sincere sympathy in ·organising a drive for the training of youth their sad loss. 38 Death of the Hon. [ASSEMBLY] D. H. Drummond, ex-M.L.A. Mr RENSHAW (Castlereagh) [4.0]: I is correct, he started off as a share farmer second the motion and join in these expres after he left school and then progressed to .sions of sympathy to Mrs Drummond and owning property in the New England area . the family of the late David Henry Drum Irrespective of politics, there are men whom mond. In both the State and federal legis one should consult and talk to. David latures we knew David Drummond as a Drummond was one of these men, for he commanding figure, who assiduously and could give a considered and balanced view wholeheartedly applied himself to the many I commend to the new members of this tasks associated with parliamentary life. House the advice that one can learn, more Members of the Country Party should take by listening than by talking. To listen to . great pride in the fact that in 1920 David David Drummond and others was a most Drummond and Sir Michael Bruxner were useful exercise, for a member can learn the two members who came into this House much from their fund of knowledge and representing what was then called the Pro ideas on many matters. The Opposition gressive Party. The party, after it had joins with the Premier in extending our gained additions to its ranks, changed its deepest sympathy to Mrs Drummond and name in the mid-twenties to the Country her family. Party. Mr HUGHES (Armidale), Minister for . David Drummond specialized to a degree Public Works [4.6]: On behalf of the m the fields of education and child welfare. Leader of the Country Party and my parlia He was active in all spheres of education. mentary colleagues I wish to be associated He started the movement that led to the with the motion of sympathy moved by the National Fitness Council and the physical Premier and supported by the Leader of education and training of children, for he the Opposition. Mr Drummond was my was interested in building a child physically predecessor in the seat of Armidale. He as well as mentally so that it might be resigned from this House to contest the properly equipped to take its place in life. New England seat in the federal Parlia I need not repeat David Drummond's many ment. From 1947 onwards I knew him ex contributions to education. He brought his tremely well. I know of no man in this talents to bear in many other fields, apart or any other Parliament who has brought altogether from his parliamentary duties to it greater gifts, integrity, and foresight. and the administration of his portfolio. He Throughout its history this House, on both was perhaps one of the most active propa sides, has had men of fine character, men gandists in the initial stages of the campaign who have contributed a great deal to their for the formation of new States. His cam electorates and to the State, and Ministers paigning and writing were so forceful that who have made fine contributions in the the Fuller Government in 1924 was in administration of the State ; but to few men fluenced by his attitude and perhaps that of can we ascribe the term great. I ascribe one or two others with him to set up a that term to David Drummond, for he was Royal commission to inquire into and able to think clearly on current issues, he report upon these proposals. Although the was a magnificent administrator, he was commission recommended against new able to put his ideas into practice, and he States, Dave Drummond persisted in his had a great vision of the future. He thought advocacy over the years. As a member of well ahead of his time, yet he lived to see the Bavin-Buttenshaw Government and the many of the ideals and ideas that he put Stevens-Bruxner Government, he had the forward become realities. opportunity to exert his talents and to make The Premier and the Leader of the Op a substantial and imaginative contribution position have outlined some of Mr Drum in the formulation of new policies, which mond's outstanding contributions to this have been described by the Premier. State, but I should like to refer briefly to On behalf of the members of the Oppo some of them. Although he was a country sition I say that David Drummond was a man, born and bred, and although he re kindly man, who knew the tribulations of presented a rural area, David Drummond the man on the land for, if my recollection looked to the future and saw the urgent Death of the Hon. [24 Auo., 1965] D. H. Drummond, ex-M.L.A. 39 need for technical education not only in States. He never wavered from this ideal, the city but also throughout the rural areas. and even in the closing years of his life, His contribution to technical education after he had resigned from the federal Par alone would have stamped him as a great liament, was devoting himself to this cause. Minister for Education. But he went be David Drummond was a man of great yond this: he foresaw the need for tertiary character and complete integrity, with a education in country areas. Believe me, the magnificent sense of humour. He was a thought of a teachers' college or a university man of fine Christian principles. But I in a rural area was, in the 1930's, a bold shall always remember him as a friend. In one indeed. Looking back, we can see the this life the test of friendship is the way logic of these proposals, but to be thinking a man helps you when you are new to a in those terms at that time placed on David job. David Drummond did that for me in Drummond the hallmark of greatness. It is my early years in parliament. Another test fair to say that his foresight, his vision and is the way a friend supports a man when he the support he had from a team of dedicated is right-and when he is wrong and in diffi people in this field assisted him to achieve culties. Dave Drummond stood up to all two outstanding contributions to decentra these great tests of friendship, and I shall lisation and education in this State-the never forget it. establishment of the teachers' college at Armidale-which is now outstanding in this The years in which he held the Education field in the State-and the establishment portfolio and was associated with the of the University of New England at Armi Hon. Roy Vincent and Sir Michael dale, against tremendous odds at the time. Bruxner were the vintage period of the I can recall David Drummond's telling us three outstanding men in this Parliament in the story of the way in which they had to the 1930's. This afternoon, in supporting the work for the establishment of the college motion of sympathy that has been moved by at the University of New England. the Premier and supported by the Leader of the Opposition, honourable members are Honourable members know of the great paying tribute to a man who was a wonder support in this project given him in par ful representative of his electorate, an out ticular by Sir Michael Bruxner, Sir Earle standing Minister and one of the greatest Page and the Hon. Roy Vincent, whose Australians I have met. death has already been the subject of a motion of condolence this afternoon. These Mr HEFFRON (Maroubra) [4.16]: I men worked for many principles and, well wish to add a few words to what has already before their time, led the way in this field. been said about our colleague· and to en So it is that on behalf of the Country Party dorse everything that has been said of him I pay tribute to David Drummond for his by the Premier, the Leader of the Opposi achievements in it. tion and the Minister for Public Works. David Drummond was not only an out It would be improper for me not to standing politician. He was also a very refer to David Drummond's vast know good man--,-a good friend, a good family ledge of the constitutions of the State and man, and a good citizen among the people the Commonwealth. He made a great study and in the town where he lived. He was of them and in this field he was an author also an outstanding member of this House. of considerable note. His publication The Some three years after David Drummond Australian Constitution and New South ceased to be Minister for Education it was Wales is a textbook. my good fortune to follow him in that David Drummond applied himself to portfolio, which I held for quite a long problems well outside normal party politics. time. From 1944 onwards I had the op He had a well-ordered mind and brought portunity of seeing at close quarters the to this House a reasoned judgement which work that had been done in the field of was respected by everyone who knew him. education under his guidance. It is true He had a profound belief in the achieve that for nine years before I became a Min· ment of decentralization through the de ister of the Crown I sat on this side of the centralization of political power in new House, and that David Drummond sat on 40 Death of the Hon. [ASSEMBLY] D. H. Drummond, ex-M.L.A. the Government side as Minister for Edu was outstanding and I am glad to have the cation. I greatly admired the work that opportunity today of honouring his memory. he did then. In the world of politics men come and go, His relations with me were always very and it is not very long before some out good. I can recall his coming to me when standing men cease even to be a memory he knew I was about to visit Armidale and among the rising generation. However, we saying to me, "Please go and have a look shall remember Dave Drummond by his at the University College there". I told him outstanding works, by the lead that he gave that I would do so, and I did visit the and by the constant effort that he made, college. That visit stood me in good stead year in and year out, as a dedicated man later on, because there was a time when giving the whole of his available time to the that university college struck rather heavy success of the work that he had chosen in going and did not have as many friends life. as it ought to have had. At times I was I join wholeheartedly with the Premier, able to throw in my weight behind others the Leader of the Opposition and other to keep it going. In my long period as honourable members in paying tribute to Minister for Education, David Drummond, Dave Drummond. Also, with them, I offer on the Opposition side of the House, always my sympathy to Mrs Drummond and the proved to be a good friend and adviser to members of her family. me, and was always willing to lend a hand Mr BRUXNER (Tenterfield) [4.21]: I when it was required. I never knew him to be unfair to me. wish to be associated with the motion of condolence to the Drummond family, for As other honourable members have said several particular reasons. The first is my this afternoon, though David Drummond personal friendship with Mr Drummond. knew the Department of Education very Though there was a vast difference in our well indeed, he also knew a lot of other ages, Mr Drummond knew me intimately things. He was down to earth and all my life, and I speak today particularly always gave credit where it was due. I because of the very close association to always felt that I had much to thank him which honourable members have referred for. Whenever David Drummond came up between Mr Drummond and my father, the to the House he would drop in for a yarn former honourable member for Tenterfield. with me. The latest contact I had with him They were elected to this House on the was a letter when he was in a hospital bed same day and served here together for many in Wales during his last trip to the United years. Kingdom, written to tell me that he agreed I wish to be associated with the motion with what I had done in resigning from the also because I have the honour to repre premiership and saying that in doing so I sent that part of the State from which Mr had shown good sense. That letter was Drummond came. Many of us recall so typical of our relations. well his career in education and his con I can "Only repeat what has already been stitutional learning that we forget that Dave said by others, that David Drummond did Drummond was at heart a farmer-a wheat an outstanding job in the fie:Id of primary farmer in the districts of Oakwood and education, secondary education and techni Gum Flat, both close to the town of In ·cal education. He did very fine work in verell in which I live. Though that area launching the wonderful teachers' college at was later transferred from his electoral dis Armidale and, in 'Conjunction with men trict, his memory there is still held dear. such as Sir Michael Bruxner and others, the university college there. David Drummond My own recollections of Mr Drummond and others with whom he was associated are perhaps more vital than those of many lived long enough to see that university ·Other honourable members. I have one college grow from a struggling infant, per particularly kindly memory 'Of him. When haps not wanted by some people, into a fine he sold his last grazing property at Armi college, given ·autonomy .by legislation •car• dale he made me a .gift of his favourite :ried unanimously by the House. His work horse, a very fine old bay pony which he Mr Heffron] Death of Hon. D. H. Drummond [24 Auo., 1965] Death of D. S. Fraser, Esq. 41 had ridden for many years. I had the DEATH OF DONALD STEWART FRASER, pleasure of continuing to ride that horse ESQ., EX-M.L.A. until it reached a great age. As a matter Mr ASKIN (Collaroy), Premier and of fact Mr Drummond could never tell me Treasurer [4.26]: I move: how old the horse was, but it was well into That this House extends to Mrs Fraser the its twenties when it died on my property. sympathy and sorrow of members of the Legis I mention this as one of the ways I remem lative Assembly in the loss she has sustained ber the man. Though perhaps many other by the death of Donald Stewart Fraser, honourable members think of him as a very Esquire, a former member of this House. staid spokesman on education and constitu It is with sincere regret that I inform the tional matters, he is known still in my area House of the very recent death of the as a farmer. He was president of the former member for Gordon, Mr Donald Farmers and Settlers' Association for a Stewart Fraser. Mr Fraser passed away at term. the age of 60 last Friday. Though he had suffered from a serious malady for The honourable member for Maroubra quite a long while, he kept working until has said that the New England University recently and displayed great personal lacked for friends in its early days. That courage right to the end. is something that the late Dave Drummond never lacked, and he will not lack someone He was the Liberal member for Gordon to remember him in the district of New from 1953 to 1962, and colleagues will re England where he was known so well. I member him as a man of great energy am proud to be associated with the motion. and many enthusiasms, and as an able speaker. For twenty-one years Mr Fraser Mr CUTLER (Orange), Deputy Premier, was executive director of the Building In Minister for Education and Minister for dustry Congress of New South Wales. His Science [4.24]: I wish to speak briefly in my knowledge of the building industry was pro capacity as Minister for Education and found, and his contributions to debates in Minister for Science. I, at some disl'ance, this House on housing and associated mat follow in the footsteps of Mr David Drum ters were of the utmost value, and were mond who was Minister for Educa listened to with attention and respect by tion a quarter of a century and more members of all parties. Mr Fraser's ago. It is obvious to every honourable thoughts on housing and building matters member who served in this House with were well informed and incisive. He de Dave Drummond and me over the years livered himself of these with vigour, but when we were both here, that my regard always courteously, with the common good for him certainly matched that which has uppermost in his mind. already been expressed here this afternoon. Donald Stewart Fraser was a man of However, my major purpose in speaking to wide interests and experience. Early in his the motion is to refer to the obvious esteem career he was a journalist, and he always in which Dave Drummond is still held by retained :his membership of the Royal Insti senior officers of the Department of Educa tute of Journalists and the Australian tion. It is nearly a quarter of a century Journalists' Association. since he left the department, and still today Mr Fraser served his country with the I find that the many men who served with 6th Division, A.I.F. during World War II, him in the years prior to 1941 hold him and was a past president of the Rose Bay in the highest regard. I felt that I should branch of the R.S.L. take this opportunity of associating the He threw himself wholeheartedly into the officers of my department with the resolu public life of the community, and in and tion of sympathy to Mrs Drummond and beyond his electorate he was patron and her family. a supporter of numerous charitable and sporting organisations. Honourable members and officers of the I mentioned a moment ago Donald House standing in their places, Stewart Fraser's association with the Build Motion agreed to. ing Industry Congress, and I think it fair 42 Death of [ASSEMBLY] D. S. Fraser, Esq., ex-M.L.A. to say that for a generation-virtually ferent attributes from those of the other from the foundation of the congress-his former members. I have happy recollections name and that of the Building Industry of the thrust and parry of debate in this Congress were synonymous in the public House with the late Mr Fraser, especially his mind. forthright criticism of my behaviour as his Through his specialised knowledge of the local member. During the years he served in building industry he served the community this Parliament he displayed in debate in this from 1945 to 1949 as a member of the House his interest in the avocation that he New South Wales Building Advisory Com followed prior to his becoming a member., mittee. From 1949 to 1952 he was a mem in particular his association with the Build ber of the New South Wales Production ing Industry Congress. Advisory Committee. Mr Fraser also served Most of his contributions to debates were either as chairman or as director in a in relation to the housing problems of New number of co-operative building society South Wales and Australia. He made im groups. portant contributions to the building in Donald Fraser was a generous man and dustry and also to the co-operative building a very good mixer. Though usually very society movement, with which he thad such outspoken, almost to the point of being an a vital association. Moreover, he made a extrovert, he had a reserved side to his most effective contribution to the housing nature which may have been known only programme when giving evidence in another to those who knew him very well. I am place before a special committee that was reminded of this when I consider that the established by the government to consider item in Who's Who in Australia against his some of the problems associated with the name takes up only four lines. Bearing in building industry. mind his tremendous contribution to hous Mr Stewart Fraser might be regarded as ing in this community, one realises that this having been occasionally somewhat more very restricted reference does him less than forthright and outspoken in his views than justice. As honourable members will be some of the other former members about 11ware, the biography could have been so whom we have spoken today. Indeed, on circumscribed in length only by Donald occasions one thought that he might tear Stewart Fraser's own choice. He was a man this place apart. Then, by contrast, would of fine character and integrity, liked by come the quiet and his sense of humour honourable members on both sides of the would show through. He could be as re House. I have no doubt that all honourable laxed as any of the honourable members members will agree that his was a par who are now sitting quietly on the benches ticularly useful life in the service of our of this Parliament. Mr Fraser was community. On behalf of the Government, a friendly person. It is the friendly asso I extend to Mr Fraser's widow, Mrs Mar ciations that one makes with people of garet Fraser, very sincere sympathy in her different political points of view that make bereavement. this democratic Chamber work as well as it does. He most certainly had the Mr RENSHAW (Castlereagh) [4.41]: I various qualities that have been attributed second the motion and join with the Pre to him. On behalf of Opposition mem mier in expressing condolence and sympathy bers I join in the condolence motion to Mrs Fraser on the loss that she has and extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs ·sustained. The passing of Mr Fraser was Fraser on the sad loss that she has su~ quite a shock to most of us. Indeed, it tained. is less than a fortnight since I saw him :and his good lady at dinner in town, and Mr JAGO (Minister for Health) [4.35]: he then looked to be in reasonably good I appreciate the opportunity to support the health. Each of the late honourable remarks of the Premier and the Leader of members about whom we have spoken the Opposition in relation to the late Donald today had individual characteristics. I put Stewart Fraser, who for some years repre Donald Stewart Fraser in the category of sented the people of Gordon in this House . .an individualist, a man having distinctly dif- As his successor I should like to place on Death of [24 AuG., 1965] D. S. Fraser, Esq., ex-M.L.A. 43 record the appreciation and personal regard I quickly learned of the great esteem in for him of many residents of the electorate. which our colleague was held by all I came to this place as the member for classes of people associated with the build Gordon following a difference of opinion ing industry. The Minister for Labour and over selection by a political party. How Industry, Chief Secretary and Minister for ever, despite this difference of opinion Tourist Activities, who has been associated between Donald Stewart Fraser and with the Fibrous Plaster Association, knows myself, there was the best possible relation that Mr Donald Stewart Fraser used to ship between us. When I saw him recently compere an annual event conducted by that it was with great pleasure to me that we association. He knows that the members exchanged personal greetings on a pleasant of that body held him in the highest esteem and easy note. for his knowledge of the building industry, There was widespread personal suppor.t his great sense of humour and his ability for Mr Fraser in the Gordon elec to organise various branches of the industry. torate. He was held in high regard by all His attributes earned for him the greatest sections of the electorate for his personal possible admiration. I am indeed sorry that services, and his specialised knowledge in he has left us at such a comparatively young a number of fields was widely appreciated. age. For myself, and in association with This afternoon the Premier has placed on honourable members who have already record details of his personal career and spoken, I express deep sympathy to his background in a much more exact way widow. than it is possible for me to do. However, Mr McCAW (Lane Cove), Attorney on behalf of many people I take advantage General [4.40]: I join with the Premier, of this opportunity to express, without any the Leader of the Opposition, the suggestion of hypocrisy, sincere and Minister for Health and the honour genuine regret that his life should be term able member for Bondi in expressing inated at what today is regarded as such sympathy to Mrs Donald Stewart Fraser a young age. I am conscious of the honour on the great loss that she has suffered that I have in representing the Gordon elec in the passing of her husband. I had the torate. I know that Stewart Fraser valued great privilege of close and long personal his association with this establishment dur friendship with Donald Stewart Fraser. We ing the nine years that he was a member were personal friends long before either of of it. I join sincerely in the sentiments of us came to this House. Tribute has already sympathy that have been extended to his been paid to him for his service to his widow, Mrs Margaret Fraser. · country in war and in peace, for his work Mr LANDA (Bondi) [4.38]: One could among ex-servicemen who elected him as scarcely add to the tributes that have been their president, for his work in the Build paid to our colleague by the Premier, the ing Industry Congress with which he was Leader of the Opposition and the Minister so closely, intimately and usefully associated for Health. However, I should like to say for so long, and for his public service in a few words about him, for I had special this House. contact with the late Mr Fraser. Though he I recall Mr Fraser as a man of strong was on the Opposition side of the House, convictions, a man of strong opinions and frequently he conferred with me in my a man with the courage always to express position as Minister for Housing. He spoke his convictions. He was a man of great in this House in a way that would almost integrity who sought to serve, and did in cause one to think that he was tearing down fact serve in a very real way the community everything that I was doing or trying to in which he lived. His courage is exem do.· However, I should like to pay him plified by the fact that he knew for many this tribute, that in all his remarks about months before his passing that he had not housing he never spoke in a political sense. long to live. He knew it last Christmas His speeches indicated quite clearly to me morning when he and his wife visited my that he was endeavouring to assist me in my home, and he knew it more keenly when position as Minister for Housing. they both again visited my home after the 44 Death of [ASSEMBLY] D. S. Fraser, Esq., ex-M.L.A. last State elections. In spite of the shadow Societies, I express to Mrs Stewart Fraser of ill health and the prospect of death the deep sense of loss that all sections of coming ere long, his sense of humour was my Ministry feel at his death. No person still uppermost and his warmth of heart gave greater service to housing than the and cheerfulness were still apparent. There late Donald Stewart Fraser did during his was no touch of fear or foreboding· in his years in the Building Industry Congress of attitude-and it was genuine. From our New South Wales. In all that time he had long association I know that it was his discussions regularly with officers of the courage which took him to war and into Housing Commission, and he and all the realm of controversy in this House and those associated with him did every elsewhere, but he was always friendly to thing that could possibly be done, with wards his opponents-and to his friends the funds available, to house people in when there were differences of opinion be the lower and middle income groups. tween him and them. Mr Fraser gave tremendous service in the There was a side of his nature and field of co-operation. His interest in the character that I believe few on the Aus building societies was most noticeable, and tralian continent knew, and that was his it was fitting that he should have been love of music, poetry and bush songs. We thairman for a great number of years of knew him here as a member of Parliament one of the large co-operative building and the principal executive officer of the unions in the metropolitan area. Further Building Industry Congress-which he often tribute should be paid to him for the initia said was the parliament of the building tive that he showed in establishing project industry. We knew him as a master of building, in which this State gave a lead protocol and hospitality. Those who had to the Commonwealth. On the floor of the privilege of visiting his home or who this House he first espoused the cause of took part in any function where he pre project building-which was rapidly adopted sided as master of ceremonies, knew him and proved to be so successful in the com as a master of courtesy and a man of munity. I join with other speakers in pay humour; but many knew him as a man ing tribute to a man who served his country who loved the Australian bush and poems well in war and, in the post-war period, about it. One of his favourites was called made a great effort towards the provision My Mate Bill, a poem written by an anony of better housing. I convey the feelings of mous Western Australian. He used to recite my department to Mrs Margaret Stewart those verses, and also The Man from Snowy Fraser upon the loss she has sustained, and River and Old Pardon, the Son of Reprieve. extend to her my heartfelt sympathy. I wonder whether, when we listened to him talking on housing and other matters in Mr BROWN (Raleigh) [4.48]: I wish to this House, we remembered that side of express the sympathy of the building society him-that gentle, kindly side which was movement to Mrs Stewart Fraser on the never far away from him even during the loss of her husband. I convey to her the warmth of controversy here. I recall many sympathy of our president and general sec happy evenings at his home and at mine retary, who are at present overseas, as well when he and Peg Stewart Fraser did us as that of the members of my association. the honour of visiting us. I most sincerely We believe that this movement has lost an join with those who have expressed their outstanding personality and one of its sympathy to Mrs Stewart Fraser upon the greatest advocates, a man who year by very deep loss that she has sustained. year attended our conferences and never hesitated to raise his voice to clear up a Mr STEPHENS (Byron), Minister for point or to ensure that a motion was carried Housing and Minister for Co-operative that would benefit prospective home-owners Societies [4.46]: I should like to be asso in this State. Those of us who remember ciated with the tributes paid today to the him so well know that he was a toastmaster late Mr Stewart Fraser. As Minister for of distinction ; we remember his cultured Housing and Minister for Co-operative voice and the stature that well fitted him Law of Evidence Bill [24 Auo., 1965] Address in Reply 45
for this position. His eloquence was en Parliament on opening this Session of the Par joyed by all on many occasions, and I speak liament of New South Wales be now adopted by this House:- for all our delegates when I say that he will be sadly missed. He will always be To His Excellency the Honourable Sir KENNETH WHISTLER STREET, Knight Com remembered as the father of project societies mander of the Most Distinguished Order in this State, for it was through his great of Saint Michae/. and Saint GeorJ?e, KniJ?ht efforts that they became a part of the build of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem, Lieutenant-Gover ing-society movement and a participant in nor of the State of New South Wales and Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement its Dependencies, in the Commonwealth funds. He believed that we should provide of Australia. as many homes as possible at the lowest May it please Your Excellency,- possible cost. This belief made him the We, Her Majesty's loyal and dutiful sub father of project building societies. jects, the Members of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales, in Parliament assembled, Mr Stewart Fraser was foundation desire to express our thanks for Your director of the Modern Homes group Excellency's Speech, and to assure you of our unfeigned attachment to Her MoSit Gracious of building societies and the Ku-ring-gai Majesty's Throne and Person. co-operative building societies, and for some 2. We ·beg to assure Your Excellency that years was the chairman of both groups. In our earnest consideration will be given to the this capacity he gave practical expression to measures to be submitted to. us, and that the necessary provision for the Public Services his great belief in home ownership for all. will be made in due course. We in the association valued very much 3. We join Your Excellency in .the hope his support and the frequent references that that under the guidance of Divine Providence, he made to the association during his par our 'labours may be so directed as to advance liamentary life. The building society move the best interests of all sections of the com ment mourns the passing of a giant in the munity. building field. On behalf of that movement It is with pride and much humility that I, I extend to Mrs Fraser our deepest sym this afternoon, move the Address in Reply pathy. to the speech delivered by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor of New South Honourable members and officers of the Wales. First, may I congratulate the Pre House standing in their places, mier, his Ministers and other members of Motion agreed to. the Liberal and Country parties on their outstanding success at the May, 1965, elec LAW OP' EVIDENCE Bill.. (pro forma) tions, and on the manner in which they have Bill presented and, on motion by Mr governed the State in the period since those Askin, read a first time. elections. I am fully appreciative of the honour which the Premier and the Govern LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR'S: SPEECH: ment have bestowed upon me-the more ADDRESS IN REPLY so because it was as long ago as 25th FIRST DAY's DEBATE September, 1940, almost twenty-five years, that a member of the present Government Mr SPEAKER: I have to report that the had the honour to move the Address in House this day attended the Lieutenant Reply. It may interest members to know Governor in the Legislative Council that on that occasion the mover was the Chamber, when His Excellency was pleased honourable member for Ashfield-Croydon, to deliver an Opening Speech to both Houses Mr David Hunter, who I am very happy of Parliament. For greater accuracy, I to say is with us on the Government have obtained a copy, which I now lay benches today. In fact, the changing nature upon the table of the House. I direct that of the Assembly is clearly demonstrated the Speech be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings. by the fact that of the honourable members present on the day of the opening Mr COHEN (Bligh) [4.53]: I move: of the thirty-second Parliament back in That the following Address in Reply to the 1940, only six have continued to remain Speech which His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor has addressed to both Houses of members of this Assembly. So that both 46 Lieutenant-Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply sides can draw upon their experience, it is most serious consideration. This is .the only just that three should be members of background against which the legislation the Government and three members of the outlined by His Excellency is to be intro Opposition. I pay tribute .to their length duced into this Parliament. Superimposed of service and devotion to the welfare of on this is the financial strain caused by the this State. For the three members of the Government's drought relief programme Government, after such a long period in during recent months. The Government opposition, the opening of this session of realised its responsibilities to the graziers the forty-first Parliament of the State of and farmers of this State, and faced up to New South Wales must indeed be a happy them admirably, but it all costs money. occasion. During one of the worst droughts in the history of the State the Government spent We, the members of the Government, large sums of money to subsidise the con after twenty-five years in opposition, veyance of stock and fodder. At the same listened with more than usual interest to time its revenue from the railways and port the many bills enumerated by His Excel facilities was adversely affected. In spite lency, as legislation for consideration in of this problem, the Government's pro this session. Coupled with the Govern posals, as outlined by His Excellency, com ment's achievements since taking office, we prise one of the most comprehensive and have an exciting programme of construc important programmes of legislation ever tive legislation, possibly unequalled in living introduced in this Parliament. memory, and one that must be of great benefit to the welfare and future of this State. I was particularly interested in the refer This programme is being undertaken at a ence by His Excellency to the realistic time when the financial resources of New approach which the Government proposes South Wales and the Commonwealth are to take to transport and traffic prob strained to the limit. On election to lems throughout the State. Particularly was the Treasury benches, this Government was I interested in the reference to the eastern faced with a deficit in the Treasury of suburbs railway, about which I shall speak £2,600,000. This in itself calls for econo later. Transport in its many forms plays mies, but not necessarily, in my opinion, an integral part in our daily lives, affecting for a balanced budget in the first year of every one of us. We either travel from place office. Still, this is something that we shall to place or we receive and use goods which learn more about during the budget debate. must have been transported from some where. It is therefore pleasing to see that, The Government is courageously facing after twenty-five years of the past regime, the situation brought about by higher this Government is already planning a re wages, higher costs of goods, and limited vitalised system of transport in which all finances from the Treasurer at Canberra. The forms of passenger transport will be in federal Government is also beset with the tegrated to form an economic and efficient problem of higher government costs, includ whole. It is to the Government's credit ing one of the largest defence commitments that, after only a few months in office, on record, and though one personally may planning of this necessarily long-term pro be disappointed with the funds made avail ject is well under way. We shall also be able from Canberra, one must realise that pressing ahead with certain vital railway the sources from which funds can be drawn, works this year. As His Excellency said, either by way of taxation or loan money, we shall proceed with the electrification of are limited. In the particular financial the Liverpool-Campbelltown-Glenlee sec relationship between the States and the tion of the southern railway line and the federal Government, restrictions are placed goods line from Canterbury to Rozelle, the on the amount of funds available to each planning of the new Como bridge and the State. We, as a State Government, have improvement of rail services generally. only limited taxing powers, and the avail I am pleased that special attention is ability of money to finance new legisla being given to the rehabilitation of the tion is a factor that must always be given government bus services. When Labor Mr Cohen] Lieutenant-Governor's Speech: [24 Auo., 1965] Address in Reply 47 was in office, the number of passenger jour speed. If he does not, a full licence is not neys on public transport fell not only by issued. This is a system to forestall acci millions, but by hundreds of millions. dents and place a much greater premium Whereas patronage in 1945 was over on the holding of a licence. 550,000,000, it is now down to less The Government is to be praised on its than half that number, approximately call for more rigid checks of the road 262,000,000. The Government will con worthiness of vehicles, especially second centrate on the provision of quick, com hand vehicles that are offered for sale. I fortable and convenient services to win back should like to see it made compulsory for these passengers and so convince them that safety belts to be fitted to all new cars and it is better to keep their cars out of the to all second-hand cars when they change city. hands. Coupled with the Government's The Government has already been active policy to recruit more police, some of whom in keeping its election promises. In its will be assigned to traffic duty, these steps first three months in office it abolished the will go a long, way toward reducing the Market Street section for a trial period. road toll, which was continuously mount It also abolished the iniquitous tow-away ing over the years. system. Whatever may have been the rea Mr Speaker, may I now refer to one or sons for the adoption of this system in 1956 two matters in my electorate of Bligh. First, I do not know, but this Government is I wish to thank my supporters and friends, convinced that the motorists of Sydney who, through their hard work and assistance should be given a chance to show that they over many months, made possible my elec will obey the parking laws without the tion to this House. There were almost 800 imposition of this obnoxious restriction. of .them, many entirely new to politics, who, People resented the tow-away system. The caught up with the enthusiasm of the depth of this resentment was well illus Liberal Party inspired by our leader, gave trated by the reaction of a constituent of of their time and energy in a campaign mine, who in the closing days of the tow unequalled in the electorate for many away, declared that he would let his vehicle years. In particular I thank my campaign rot rather than recover it. The fact that he, chairman, Brigadier John W. O'Brien, or possibly his wife, did ultimately reclaim D.S.O., B.D., and my campaign director, the vehicle is beside the point-which is Mr John Holt, LL.B., for their advice and that impounding of private property is guidance during the difficult weeks before justifiable only on the most extreme grounds, polling day. and illegal parking is not one of those Second, I should like to make mention grounds. of my predecessor, Mr. Tom Morey, with I was also happy to hear His Excellency whom on matters of policy and on the con say that his Government was taking posi duct of a campaign, I differed violently, but tive steps to reduce the road toll. Death I place on record the time and attention he and injury on the roads concern every devoted to his constituents during the period citizen, and it is the duty of the Govern he was a member of this Parliament. ment to offer ·all possible protection to As I pause to think of the electorate of the people of this State. I am pleased to Bligh and the district it embraces, which I say that this Government is not neglecting now have the honour to represent, I feel that duty. Steps have already been taken humble as I reflect on many of the men by introducing a system of provisional who have been my predecessors. The Bligh licences for all persons who have not pre electorate was formed in the 1962 redistri viously held licences. Instead of waiting bution of boundaries as a result of the amal until a driver had a series of convictions and gamation of parts of the former W oollahra then taking some positive action to protect and Paddington-Waverley electorates. The the public, the Government is putting every latter, with minor alterations, had been pre new driver on probation so that he can viously known as Paddington. The Wool learn to respect the laws of the road and lahra electorate, first represented by Mr develop a responsible attitude towards Adrian Knox on 17th July, 1894, has sent 48 Lieutenant-Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY} Address in Reply only seven members to this House, the last under the previous administration-too being the Hon. Vernon Treatt, M.M., many of them and not enough action. Once Q.C., M.A., B.C.L., who held the seat for a plan is submitted to the public, especially twenty-four years until it was abolished in if it becomes incorporated under a local 1962. Paddington, always a turbulent area government planning scheme, it seriously since first being represented by Sir Daniel depreciates the value of affected properties. Cooper on lOth June, 1859, has sent no Banks will not accept them as security and fewer than twenty-one members to this the unfortunate owners cannot dispose of House, including the Hon. Maurice O'Sulli them. If they are eventually acquired at a van, who served in this Assembly from reasonable figure to implement the scheme, 1927 until his retirement in 1959, a re this is progress ; but if the scheme is a markable period of service of thirty-two dream for the future and there is no prospect years. of its being realised for many, many years, The two electorates from which Bligh if at all, then it should be removed from was drawn have supplied the House with the planning boards or some adequate form two Speakers, an Attorney-General, a Post of compensation paid to property holders master-General before federation, a now. Minister for Education, a Secretary for A prime example is, the eastern suburbs Public Works, and Ministers for Health, distributor, commonly called the Grafton Transport, Housing and of Justice--a re Street expressway. It was proposed under markable contribution to the Government of the Labor Government, but I understand New South Wales. The electorate, as it is there is practically no chance of its City of Sydney, a body overcome the basic problem of a com that administers the municipal needs of a pletely inadequate building. As for office variety of areas-the city proper, industrial space, I find myself sharing a common areas to the west and south, the residential room with eight other members, all excel and commercial areas of King's Cross, and lent room-mates, but all wishing to go also ~he district formerly known as the about their parliamentary business without Municipality of Paddington, most of which interruption. It is not our fault that six or is in the Bligh electorate. It is impossible more phones ring simultaneously or that, for one council to administer adequately after trying to concentrate against terrific such diversified and large areas: some dis odds, one of us succumbs to the temptation tricts must be neglected and others not to interrupt his neighbour. The conditions given the attention they deserve. This is under which we are expected to work are exactly what is happening today. The south intolerable. I sit at a desk with two small ern end of our great city has been neglected drawers, which a junior in a commercial and allowed to deteriorate until trade and office would shun. I am supplied with the commerce have almost come to a standstill. most elementary of office equipment, and if I wish to dictate a letter, I have to find my Likewise, in Paddington, development is way to the floor above, through a labyrinth completely haphazard. Some parts of the of passages to an amanuensis who, more district are being allowed to die and in than often, is engaged on work for another others, where development is occurring, member. there seems to be little planning. Slum dwellings are not properly controlled. The' If I wish to interview a constituent, I character of the district is being marred by may be lucky enough to obtain one of the too little attention being given to the type three interviewing rooms, which more than of buildings being erected and to the main seventy members use. Otherwise I sit in tenance and preservation of 52 Lieutenant-Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply decentralisation a reality, and to bring in township of Ballina and the smaller dustry and population into the rural parts business centres in the area are just of this State. as dependent upon the improvement of We recognize immediately that the Com primary produc•tion as are those of us who monwealth Government must display a true live on the land. interest in this field. The recent federal The industry that most needs improve Budget emphasised the Commonwealth's ment is the dairy industry. We in that interest in defence. One of the greatest particular vocation look forward to im defence measures must be to remove some provement of the dairy industry by imple of the population from the great metro mentation of the ten-point plan envisaged politan areas, which at present contain in the policy of the Liberal and Country 62.4 per cent of the State's popula parties. Perhaps the issue of greatest tion, and distribute it more evenly importance in Lismore, certainly the most throughout New South Wales. This point contentious one, is that of the Sydney milk on view on defence must be in the hearts zone. Let me say that we have grounds for ' of us all. We must realize that Aus looking with envy upon the lucrative prices tralia is no longer an isolated nation, obtained in the Sydney milk zone. The weeks of travel away from foreign dairy farmers of the Lismore electorate and shores. With rapid improvements in trans of other areas outside the milk zone receive port and communications, Australia is now exactly 6td. less for their products than within only a few hours' travelling time of they did eleven years ago. This represents all the great countries of the world. More one eighth less income from the production over, we must realise that man's ingenuity of milk and cream. I wonder how many has placed tremendous power in the hands strikes would occur in industrial areas if of mankind. We in Australia must be con weekly wages were reduced by one eighth. stantly aware of that power, and the need We believe the present milk zone is unjust. to plan for adequate defence should war or On 1962 figures, the average gross income conflict come to our shores. Might I say of dairy farmers in the milk zone was that a decentralisation policy can be truly £4,287, but the average gross income of administered only through State and Com North Coast dairy farmers was only £1,617, monwealth co-operation, with concessions which includes £300 income from other in freights, rates and taxes. To make de sources. Is it expected that men with a centralisation a reality in New South Wales, £15,000 investment should accept a return our country areas must be provided with that is well below the basic wage? We essential services and education opportuni earnestly wish to see the unjustness of the ties that will attlfact from industrial areas milk zone remedied. Whether or not this the specialist, the technician and the trades is achieved by a 10 per cent entry into man. These people must be encouraged to the zone by North Coast dairy farmers, I go to country areas, and they must have the believe a State or Commonwealth authority opportunity to educate their children there. should be set up to control the price, super vision and marketing of all dairy products. Speaking on behalf of the people of Lis more, I make it quite clear that the first step Before the last State elections, some four towards decentralisation in the Lismore teen months ago an annoying situation arose electorate must be to put value back into in Lismore following the ban on the sale the soil, to revitalize the industries that are of store pigs. This affected not only the · already established in the area. I say with economy of the pig industry, but in turn the . out fear of contradiction, that the political business activities of the city of Lismore. pendulum swung in Lismore because of The ban prevents the farmer from normal Labor's neglect of the great local primary free trading in pigs. Formerly, on his industries that need to be revitalized. This can be achieved only by encouragement and weekly visits to the local selling centre, he financial assistance from this Government. was able to purchase pig requirements . In the first place I make it quite clear that according to type, number and quality. To , the people of the city of Lismore, the day he lose~; much time travelling round MrDuncan] Lieutenant-Governor's Speech: [24 Auo., 1965] Address in Reply 53. the countryside in search of his require their own financial contribution to the em ments. The ban was introduced because of ployment of experts who will give advice the incidence of swine fever, but this disease according to terrain, pasture, irrigation, has never existed on the North Coast and is conservation and buildings. With the em not likely to occur because of the nature ployment of an economist who will be able of the feed. To make the ban complete, to draw up individual budgets farmers will the North Coast was brought into line with be able to take them to the bank for other parts of New South Wales. This ban financial assistance. has had a tremendous effect on the local I pay tribute to the flood-mitigation economy and I ask the Minister to give work that has been completed in the lower serious consideration to relaxing it in my portions of the Richmond River on the Rich area. Figures have been produced showing mond River flood plain. This work is esti that condemnations have been fewer in mated to cost about £1,200,000. Some abattoirs throughout the State. We in the forty-four of the fifty-four pastures protec Lismore district believe that this has been tion areas of the State have been declared brought about by the compulsory testing of drought stricken. Though the pastures pro cattle for tuberculosis. In the first place tection area in my electorate has not been so this testing ensures the removal of disease declared, in recent weeks we have been from dairy herds, and this must result in faced with a disastrous flood. Following an improvement in the health of pigs. days of cold and driving rain, from 7,000 to Second, this ban has coincided with the ad 8,000 head of stock, on a conservative esti verse dry conditions through which we have mate, perished in that period. The flood passed, and we believe that these condi mitigation works have made a tremendous ·tions have improved pig health. contribution to relieving floods in the lower One must not always look on the black portions of the Richmond River. In the side of things. We pay tribute to the work last flood it was estimated that the works of the research team at the Wollongbar affected a saving in production of some research station. These men have intro thing like £250,000, and it is conservatively duced to the North Coast, and particularly estimated that the consequent improvement the Richmond and Tweed regions, new in production of the Richmond River flood types of pasture, spring and winter legumes plain will amount to £2,340,000 annually. and sub-tropical species. These pastures are For a total investment of £1,200,000, this making a tremendous impact upon produc will give an annual return of exactly double tion on demonstration farms. It has been the investment. The worth of the work is said that the present average production of obvious to all honourable members. North Coast farmers is about 75 lb of I bring ·to the notice of the Minister for butterfat an acre. Production on farms Public Works the fact that Mr. Galbraith, under the new project has doubled and it the engineer of the Richmond River County is expected that, with the introduction of Council, is now preparing an extra applica these new pastures, production will improve tion to bring in areas that were not contem to the value of £1,400,000 in the next five plated in the last survey, which was pre years, and by something like £4,000,000 pared in 1956. These areas are worthy of over a ten-year period. These farmers are inclusion in the scheme, first, because the awaiting earnestly the financial assistance value of this work is recognised, and second, envisaged by the introduction of a North because of a change in land usage in areas Coast rural reconstruction board, offering with a sugar potential, as well as dairying them long-term loans at low interest rates and grazing land that provided agistment for in order to rehabilitate pastures and assist starving inland stock during the last their farm economy. drought. The areas that I have in mind are Cumbalum, Teven, Duck Creek and It is not always government assistance Pirnlico in my electorate, Riley's Hill and· that is needed. At present farmers in the North Woodburn in the Casino electorate, area are considering forming demon and the Newrybar swamp area in the elec stration groups. They propose to make torate of the Minister for Housing. I trust 54 Lieutenant-Governor's Speech: [ASSEMBLY] Address in Reply that the Minister will bring relief to these this land will be developed to attract landowners and give them a priority by in more and more tourists who at present, cluding these valuable areas in flood-miti due to lack of local accommodation, pass gation and drainage work. through the North Coast to the Gold Coast Before passing from the subject of prim of Queensland. Only in recent days some ary industries I must mention one of citizens of Ballina have expressed a wish to tremendous importance to the North Coast, form a public company. Given the approval namely, the banana industry, which covers of the Minister for Lands, they want to an area from Coff's Harbour to the Tweed. develop this 100-acre site by setting aside In my electorate this industry has been the a big percentage of it for recreation and means of employment for many immigrants park purposes, another large portion for a or new Australians who have come to caravan park, and about 450 blocks for this country and demonstrated their zeal home-unit development. and energy by clearing much land that It will be of tremendous importance to formerly was unprofitable and inaccessible the economy of my electorate and the Rich though today it is producing first quality mond River district, and will play a big fruit. About 25,000 acres are included in part in keeping within this State many of the banana area, where 3,500 people are the tourists whom we are losing to other engaged in the industry. Their problem is States. I should like to mention another marketing. Everyone realises that •they have industry, the fishing industry, that has a perishable commodity. Their markets played an important part in the develop exist 600 miles away in Sydney, 2,000 ment of the Richmond River district. miles away in Adelaide and 1,000 miles About eighty-four men are permanently away in Melbourne. With the increasing employed there on a fleet of vessels valued activity of bulk buying by chain stores, it at approximately £750,000. There is, as is difficult for these farmers to make a go well, a successful fisherman's co-operative. of it in glut periods of production. They I say without fear of contradition that the want to see the implementation of the Government must accept responsibility for Banana Industry Act, which was brought providing safe harbourage for the fishing before the previous government and is fleet. similar to the Queensland legislation allow I recognize the importance of a most ing the implementation of the committee beautiful city that is situated within my of direction known as the C.O.D., to give electorate, Lismore, which over the years them a say in the marketing of their pro has depended almost entirely for its deve duce. I trust that the Minister for Agri lopment upon primary production. Quite culture will give due consideration to their a number of secondary industries incJuding wishes. those associated with the manufacture of When thinking generally of decentralisa. cJothing and engineering have already been tion I call to mind the tourist industry, established there and should prove most which will play a big part in decentralisa beneficial to the future development of tion in this State in the years to come. With the city. The 20,000 people who live improved living standards, higher wages, there are being handicapped by lack of longer holidays and the advent of more and an aerodrome. It is pleasing to note more motor vehicJes on the roads, more that an aerodrome investigation com people from the highly populated industrial mittee and the Lismore City Council are areas of the State are spending their holi working togeth.er for the provision of this days in country areas. The township of important communication need. The first Ballina, upon which beneficent Mother stage of the aerodrome scheme envisages Nature has smiled generously, offers won the provision of an air strip mainly for derful opportunities for development of charter work for agricultural and pastoral the tourist industry. It has a splendid site purposes, but incorporates plans also for of 100 acres covering the Shaw's Bay area a hangar and workshops-another new in between The Breakwater and Lighthouse dustry. Undoubtedly the aerodrome Beach. It is hoped that over the years scheme will be important for the people MrDuncan] Lieutenant-Govertwr's Speech: [24 Aua•• 1965] Address in Reply 55 of the area, who hope that in future it to induce the Commonwealth Govern· will be developed into a commercial air ment to make an even bigger contri field. I gave a ,pledge to the people of bution to education. As it is envisaged Lismore that, in working in the interests of that teacher training will be extended in their city, I shall seek government support the future to a three-year period, we must on their behalf for this proposal. recognize that teacher's college accommoda• I should be lacking in my duty if I failed tion will be reduced by about fifty per cent, to mention a problem caused by Brown's From this aspect alone we of the Lismore Creek, which is .to the east of the shopping area respectfully urge the Minister for Edu block. Prior to the last State elections a cation to consider establishing a teachers' scheme for overcoming the problem was college in our city. brought to the attention of all political In speaking about the great value of parties. I urge tohe Premier to heed the young people to our community we must Government's election promise that it remember, too, the growing social problem would assist in implementing this scheme of the aged and the need to provide ade· by making available a grant of £50,000. quate accommodation and services for The local people are waiting for the ven them. These people, who have spent ture to proceed, for it will not only pro their prime years in worthwhile citizen vide space to park vehicles but also will ship, must have adequate accommoda- , do much to beautify the area and will in tion in the winter of their lives. On crease the. value of land in the vicinity. Saturday last I had the opportunity of As I speak today about the various needs attending a fete at an aged people's home, of my electorate, I am aware that each Caroona at Lismore, which was built by honourable member could refer to the re· the local people with the assistance of Com• sources and the potential of his own area. monwealth finance. The result of the day's It should not be overlooked by any one of effort at the fete was a sum of £1,125, which us that tohe greatest economic potential of is to be channelled into the cost of estab this State is our young people, our youth. lishing a forty-bed geriatric hospital in the We must be continually prepared to ex grounds of Caroona. ploit this valuable resource. Whatever the The Government cannot overlook the value of our soil and our industrial poten problems of the aged. In asking honourable tial, our young people, who are the future members to think of the good work that is trustees of our State, must be educated to being done at the North Coast Methodist ensure that their individual intelligence will Homes for the Aged and the desire of those be directed to the development of New associated with the project to build more South Wales. We in country areas are hospitals for old people, I ask them to con desperately interested in the provision of all sider the tremendous benefit that these education services to country children. In homes and hospitals will indirectly confer deed, the people of the city of Lismore are on the public hospitals of this State. The most interested in having a teachers' col Government must accept the challenge and lege established in their city. They believe make a bigger financial contribution towards that they have a good case to present for providing accommodation and hospital the establishment of such a college. Fol treatment for aged people. lowing the last leaving certificate examina tion 250 teachers' college trainee scholar As new members we today accepted the ships were granted to students coming congratulations of His Excellency the within the administration of fue Area Lieutenant-Governor. It will be recalled Director of the Norton Coast. that he urged us to devote our energies and talents to duties that may conduce to the Lismore is a closely populated area and welfare and happiness of the citizens of the abundance of primary and secondary this State. I believe that, whether we are schools would be able to provide ex cellent opportunities for teacher training. young and inexperienced in the affairs of At the same time we cannot overlook this Parliament, or well established and ex the need for this State to endeavour perienced in the procedures of this House, 56 Adjournment [COUNCIL] Sessional Committees we must recognize the wisdom of his re marks. May we go forward in the· coming i4.rgt.alnttut Qtnuurtl term looking not for personal satisfaction, Wednesday, 25 August, 1965 but seeking rewards in the form of balanced development, economic stability and ·the Sessional Committees-Sessional Orders (Business Days: future progress of this magnificent State of Hours of Sitting-Precedence of Business)-Com ours, New South Wales. mittee of Subordinate Legislation-Port Stephens Shire (Soldiers Point Public Garden and Recrea tion Space) Bill (Petition)-Questions without Debate adjourned, on motion by Mr Notice-Lieutenant-Governor's Speech: Address in Renshaw. Reply (Second Day's Debate). ADJOURNMENT The PRESIDENT took the chair at 4.30 p.m. FISHING NETS The Prayer was read. Mr WILLIS (Earlwood), Minister for Labour and Industry, Chief Secretary and SESSIONAL COMMITTEES Minister for Tourist Activities [6.0]: I STANDING ORDERS move: Motion (by the Hon. A. D. Bridges) That this House do now adjourn until agreed to: tomorrow at 2.30 o'clock, p.m. That the Standing Orders Committee for the I wish to refer briefly to the matter raised present Session consist of the following Mem by the honourable member for Clarence in bers, viz.:-The President, Mr Cedric Cahill, relation to the three and one sixteenth inch Colonel Clayton, Mr Downing, Major Fitz Simons, Mr Fuller, Mr Hewitt, Mr Maloney, tetoron mesh nets used in the Clarence Mr Wright and the Mover, with leave to sit River, and the ban placed on their use by a during any adjournment and authority to con fisheries inspector. I have ascertained in fer upon subjects of mutual concernment with the meantime, and I am sure that the hon any Committee appointed for similar purposes ourable member will be interested to learn, by the Legislative Assembly. that representations were made yesterday LIBRARY afternoon to the Chief Secretary's Depart Motion (by the Hon. A. D. Bridges) ment by the secretary of the Clarence River agreed to: Fishermen's Co-operative Union on this That the Library Committee of this House question. It appears that the fisheries for the present Session consist of the following inspector had forbidden the use of the nets, Members, viz. :-The President, Mr Budd, Mr and the secretary of the Clarence River Carter, Mr Erskine, Brigadier Eskell, Mr Prat Fishermen's Co-operative Union had ten, Mrs Roper, Mr Sommerlad, Mr Weir and Mr Wright, with leave to sit during any pointed out that previous inspectors had adjournment and authority to act jointly with permitt·ed their use. I have since learned the Library Committee of the Legislative that today telegrams were received in the Assembly in accordance with the resolution department from the Maclean Chamber of of 7th August. 1862. Commerce and the Maclean Shire Council PRINTING urging the continued use of these nets pend Motion (by the Hon. A. D. Bridges) ing a final decision on the matter. I am agreed to: pleased to advise the honourable member That the Printing Committee for the present for Clarence that a direction has been given Session consist of the following Members, viz.: to the local fisheries inspector to permit the -Dr Bryon-Faes, Mr Budd, Colonel Clayton, Mr Colborne, Mr Day, Mr Erskine, Major use of the nets until the matter is decided. FitzSimons, Mrs Furley, Mrs Roper and Mr In the meantime urgent investigations are Weir, with the following duties and powers, and to whom shall be referred all Petitions being carried out so that a final decision presented to the House, and all Papers laid can be given and no further inconvenience upon the Table. It shall be the duty of such Committee to report from time to time which caused to those concerned. of the Petitions and Papers referred to them Motion agreed to. ought, in their opinion, to be printed, and whether in full or in abstract; and it shall be House adjourned at 6.4 p.m. until in the power of the Committee to order such 2.30 p.m. Wednesday. Petitions or Papers, or abstracts thereof, to be