Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

FRIDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 1960

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

1618 State Transport Bill [ASSEMBLY] Report on Parliamentary Library

FRIDAY, 18 NOVEMBER, 1960

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) took the chair at 11 a.m.

GOVERNOR'S SALARY ACTS AMENDMENT BILL

RESERVATION FOR ROYAL ASSENT Mr. SPEAKER reported receipt of a message from His Excellency the Governor intimating that this Bill had been reserved for the signification of Her Majesty's pleasure.

REPORT ON PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY Mr. SPEAKER announced the receipt of the report on the activities of the Parlia­ mentary Library for the year 1959-1960. Questions [18 NOVEMBER] Questions 1619

QUESTIONS March 7, 1960, of which two were for drunkenness, three for unlawful possession QUASHING OF CoNVICTIONS oF T. R. JOHNS, of property and all the rest for vagrancy. E. W. RYAN AND T. DOTTI Since the beginning of 1946, Woods has been sentenced to a total of nine years Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ and four months in gaol. He did concede Leader of the Opposition) asked the Minister before the jury that he might have been for Justice- locked up for insufficient lawful means of "(!) Is he aware that on November 12 support or something like that and that the Court of Criminal Appeal quashed the was the only thing he could remember. convictions of three men, Johns, Ryan and It is beyond doubt that if the tally of his Dotti, who had been found guilty on Sep­ convictions had been admitted to before tember 30 of robbery with violence and on the jury his credibility would have been October 7 had been sentenced to six years' destroyed and with it the Crown case. Counsel for the Crown disclosed to the gaol?" Counsel for the appellant before the hear­ "(2) If so, is he aware the judgment of ing of the appeal that the complainant did the Court of Criminal Appeal stated that have convictions. During the hearing of (a) the chief Crown witness at the trial, the appeal Counsel disclosed to the Court Richard Harold Woods, had been evasive, the criminal record of the complainant, and had not admitted to any convictions, particulars of which are set out in the (b) the Crown had since conceded that the Judgment of the Court. The complainant chief Crown witness at the trial had forty­ was cross-examined by Counsel for the four convictions, including three for unlaw­ accused during the trial as to his convic­ ful possession of property, and had been tions for drunkenness. He had two such sentenced to a total of more than nine convictions, one in 1948 and one in 1949. years' gaol since 1946 and (c) had this His reply was, "Well, I may have one but record been made known at the trial the I doubt it". Although the Crown Prosecutor Crown case would have been destroyed?" cannot strictly discredit his own witness, he asked the complainant in re-examination "(3) The Crown having disclosed the con­ whether he had been locked up for being victions to the Court only after the appel­ drunk and when the complainant replied, lants had claimed the chief Crown witness "Well, not to my estimation," the Crown had given false evidence at the trial, is he Prosecutor then put the question, "Well, prepared to make inquiries and report to what for?" The answer of the complainant the House-(a) whether the Crown Prose­ was, "It might have been insufficient lawful cutor was aware of the criminal record of means of support on me or something like the chief Crown witness, Richard Harold that-that is the only thing I remember".'" Woods, at the time of trial and, if so, why was such record not disclosed, (b) if the "(3) (a) The Crown Prosecutor learned Prosecutor was not aware of the record, for the first time during the cross-examin­ whose responsibility was it to see that he ation of the complainant that the complain­ had such information, which would be ant had been 'locked up' for drunkenness known to the C.I.B., (c) what action he and that is the reason why he put the proposes to ensure there is no repetition questions mentioned in re-examination. At of such a grave public scandal and (d) no time during the trial was he aware of whether he is considering indicting Richard the extensive nature of the complainant's Harold Woods for perjury in view of the record, which is substantially one of con­ findings of the Court of Criminal Appeal?" victions for vagrancy. (b) The Counsel for the defence was apparently aware that the Hon. A. W. MUNRO (Toowong) replied- complainant had convictions for drunken­ "(!) I am aware that on November 11, ness. No request was made to the Crown last the Court of Criminal Appeal quashed Prosecutor to supply a list of the complain­ the convictions of the three men mentioned ant's convictions. If the request had been who had been found guilty on made particulars would have been obtained September 30, last of robbery with violence and supplied. If the Police Officer in and on October 7 last, had been sentenced Charge of the case knew of the criminal to six years' imprisonment." record of any Crown witness, he would be expected to inform the Crown Prosecutor "(2) (a), (b) and (c). The relevant part of such record. (c) The position which has of the Judgment of the Court of Criminal arisen in this case is due to the evasive Appeal reads as follows:-'The Crown was answers given by a witness for the Crown in a P?sition where it had to rely upon the evrdence of Woods to establish this -an old man who is a vagrant and of element of the charge. Thus the credibility limited mentality. The words 'grave public of Woods was a matter of paramount scandal' are a distorted misdescription of importance. Cross-examined as to credit he the situation. (d) The Court of Criminal ~as. evasive and did not admit any con­ Appeal did not suggest that the complain­ victions. But the Crown conceded in this ant had been guilty of perjury but of Court that his record consists of 44 con­ evasion. There is no case against the com­ victions between November 3, 1943 and plainant for perjury." 1620 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) asked ESTABLISHMENT OF TUNA FISHING INDUSTRY the Minister for Justice- IN QUEENSLAND "(1) Did Mr. Justice Hanger on Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) asked the sentencing Thomas Reginald Johns, Minister for Labour and Industry- Geoffrey Warren Ryan and Tasman Dotti "(1) Is he aware that the Chief Inspector to six years' gaol for stealing from the of Fisheries, Mr. E. J. Coulter, said in a person with actual violence say, inter alia, press statement on June 1 last that there that their crime was a shocking one and are large quantities of tuna off our coasts; a pretty horrible thing to do to an aged there is no reason why Australian fisher­ pensioner over twice the age of any of men cannot catch them and that tuna fish­ them?" ing as an industry could not be launched "(2) In giving judgment for the quash­ in Queensland without a complete survey ing of the convictions and the release of of the markets and costs?" the three men, did the Court of Criminal "(2) If so, has any investigation been Appeal give as its reason that if the made into the establishment of a tuna victim's tally of convictions and the fact fishing industry in Queensland and, if so, that he had served jail sentences been with what result?" known at the trial, the Crown case would have been destroyed?" Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (Isis-Minister for "(3) If so, does this judgment mean Education and Migration), for Hon. K. J. that anyone who has been convicted and MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha), replied- served jail sentences can be bashed and "(1) I have now read the Press State­ robbed with impunity?" ment of June 1 last, referred to by the "(4) What are the names of the three Honourable Member." Judges who constituted the Court of "(2) I am advised that, during 1954, a Criminal Appeal in this case?" survey was carried out by the Common­ "(5) Does he contemplate taking any wealth Fisheries Department to determine action in the matter, and, if not, why the distribution and abundance of surface not?" swimming Tuna in the waters inside and outside the Great Barrier Reef, adjacent to Hon. A. W. MUNRO (Toowong) replied- the coast of Queensland. The survey revealed the occurrence of commercial can­ "(1) The following is the relevant part ning species of Tuna, though a further of the remarks of The Honourable Mr. investigation of some areas was warranted, Justice Hanger when sentencing the three due to the large area covered. Represent­ men mentioned:- ations were made to the Commonwealth 'What the three of you did was Government for a further survey, but the shocking. This was a man whom you matter was held in abeyance due to the knew, and whom you knew was an old deterioration in the 1958-1959 season of the man, an aged pensioner anyway, and the Tuna Industry in Australia. During this three of you set upon him. I think it is period, United Kingdom markets of canned quite possible you were thoroughly Tuna were lost, and the price of frozen ashamed of yourselves shortly after­ Tuna in the United States of America fell wards. For three men to set upon a man as a result of the market being flooded by over twice the age of one of you anyway, the Japanese. Certain factors have hindered was a pretty horrible sort of thing to do'. the establishment of a Tuna fishing indus­ 'In all the circumstances, I sentence try, of which the chief are:-(a) Price each of you to imprisonment with hard received by the fishermen is not regarded as labour for six years'." good. (b) The development of an export trade is hampered by the high transport "(2) See the answer which I have already costs ex Australia and cheap overseas given to the question asked by Mr. labour used by our competitors. A freezing Duggan." plant at Gladstone to process Tuna for "(3) No." two American companies is at present "(4) The Court of Criminal Appeal was under consideration for Australian Food constituted by Mr. Justice Mack, Mr. Exporters Pty. Ltd. The capacity of the Justice Wanstall and Mr. Justice Stable." first stage of this plant will be 150,000 lb. of Tuna." "(5) No. Apart from other considerations it is felt that the High Court would not give special leave to appeal against this NIGHT APPOINTMENTS, BRISBANE DENTAL decision of the Court of Criminal Appeal. HOSPITAL GeneraL-Finally, as a general observation, Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) asked the Minister it is interesting to note, from the tenor of for Health and Home Affairs- these two related questions dealing prim­ arily with a question of law that the "(!) When were night dental appoint­ learned Leader of the Opposition appears ments reduced to twice weekly at the to be on one side of the fence while the Brisbane Dental Hospital?" learned Member for Townsville South is on "(2) What was the reason for the limita­ the other side." tion of this facility?" Questions [18 NOVEMBER] Questions 1621

"(3) In view of the fact that the Dental Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (lsis-Minister for Hospital is fully booked with night appoint­ Education and Migration), for Hon. K. J. ments until June next, does he not agree MORRIS (Mt. Coot-tha}, replied- that the limitation of night appointments "During the last year, an Overseas to twice weekly has created hardships to Company has made investigations, and has many working people urgently requiring been considering a project in Queensland dental treatment?" for the manufacture of paper from bagasse, but up to the present no definite decision "(4) Will not this practice have the effect has been made. Advice received from the of forcing working people on low wages C.S.I.R.O. is to the effect that ti-tree would to pay expensive private dentists?" not be an attractive proposition for pulping, and the extent of the available areas of Hon. H. W. NOBLE (Yeronga) replied- softwood plantations in the North is "(!) The North Brisbane Hospitals Board debatable. Nevertheless, discussions are decided on September 15, 1960, to reduce being continued, in an endeavour to interest the night sessions at the Brisbane Dental one or other of the larger companies in the Hospital from three to two sessions per establishment of a paper project in the week." North. It is probable that a visit of interested parties may be arranged in the "(2) Night sessions were introduced at New Year and, in the meantime, it is the Brisbane Dental Hospital in 1946 when suggested that the Honourable Member there was an acute shortage of dentists may care to discuss the various aspects of which obtained for many years after World the problem with the Director of Secondary War H. At that time the Hospital had only Industries." eight full-time dentists, including the Super­ intendent, and the Dental Clinics at Sandgate, Redcliffe and Wynnum were EXTENSIONS, BRANDON STATE SCHOOL closed because of the shortage. Since then Mr. COBURN (Burdekin) asked the Minis­ the South Brisbane Dental Hospital has ter for Public Works and Local Government- been established. The two Hospitals and the Dental Clinics at Sandgate, Redcliffe and "(!) Has work been commenced on the Wynnum, now have fifty-two full-time construction of the classroom, staffroom, dentists, including the two Superintendents. medical services room and library approved In the circumstances, the Hospitals Board for the Brandon State School?" did not consider it was justified in contin­ "(2) If not, when is it anticipated that the uing the three night sessions which cost work will be commenced?" nearly £18,000 a year in overtime." Hon. L. H. S. ROBERTS (Whitsunday) "(3) Any working man or woman eligible replied- for treatment and urgently requiring treat­ "( I) Yes-on 14th instant. Every effort men will be given attention without an will be made to have the classrooms ready appointment." for occupation at the beginning of the 1961 "(4) I have already advised the Honour­ school year." able Member that the suspension of "(2) See 1." appointments is temporary." INQUIRY INTO CATTLE-FATTENING LAND, NORTH QUEENSLAND EsTABLISHMENT oF PAPER MILL, LoWER BURDEK!N AREA Mr. TOOTH (Ashgrove) asked the Minis­ ter for Public Lands and Irrigation- Mr. COBURN (Burdekin) asked the Minis­ "With reference to the committee of ter for Labour and Industry- inquiry set up to examine the availability "With reference to my personal repre­ of Crown lands in the wet coastal area of sentations to him in recent weeks and to North Queensland for the expansion of the Premier in a letter, dated March 24, cattle fattening, when will this committee 1960, in relation to the establishment of a commence its field operations and where?" paper and hard-board mill on the Lower Burdekin, using the enormous quantity of Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham) ti-tree, poplar gum and Moreton Bay con­ replied- veniently situated and readily available in "The committee will commence its addition to bagasse, cane leaves and tops, investigations on the ground during the first as basic materials for pulping, will he week of December and the Ingham District arrange for Messrs. Young and Bedwell, will be the first locality inspected. Several officers of the Secondary Industries Assist­ applications, views and requests which have ance Branch and Mr. Nicklin, a scientist been put forward will be investigated by attached to the Queensland University, to the committee in the order of importance visit Ayr early in the New Year to discuss and likely prospects. For instance, a most the economics of a paper mill on the Lower substantial proposition has been made in Burdekin at a public meeting of local inter­ connection with an area outside Cooktown ested persons, which I shall organize and and this will be investigated at an early convene?" date." 1622 Questions [ASSEMBLY] Questions

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, GOVERNMENT Committee to supervise the work of and DEPARTMENTS, 0AKEY to review reports from the Feasibility Study Team. Cabinet also authorised me to Mr. DIPLOCK (Aubigny) asked the Minis­ engage Mr. Brian Stonier, a Chartered ter for Public Works and Local Govern­ Accountant of Melbourne, who is special­ ment- ising in this particular field, to act as "In view of the inadequacy of the office Consultant on the Committee. Early action accommodation provided for the Clerk of will be taken to set up the Committee and Petty Sessions, officers of the Agriculture to engage the services of the consultant." and Stock Department and the police at "(2) Installation, £1,920. Rental, First Oakey and the resultant inconvenience to six months, £258 13s. 6d. per month. the general public, will he arrange for an Thereafter, £515 7s. per month." inspection of these premises with a view to "(3) No." providing suitable offices at this centre in the near future?" Hon. L. H. S. ROBERTS (Whitsunday) LIGHTING ON PICNIC BAY JETTY, MAGNETIC ISLAND replied- "My Department is aware of the Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for inadequacy of the office accommodation Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North), asked the provided for the C.P .S. and Officers of the Treasurer and Minister for Housing- Department of Agriculture and Stock at "Is it the intention of the Department Oakey. A sketch plan has been prepared of Harbours and Marine to supply and for the erection of a new building adjacent to the Court House to be occupied by the maintain the lighting on the new Picnic Department of Agriculture and Stock Bay jetty, Magnetic Island, and, if not, Officers and for the conversion of the then what is the proposed alternative?" accommodation at present occupied by those Officers to provide additonal accom­ Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) replied- modation for the C.P.S. staff. The proposal ''The Jetty was built by the Harbours will be submitted to the Public Service and Marine Department from the Commissioner for his approval as soon as Commonwealth Aid Marine Works Fund. an estimate of cost has been completed. No The works constructed include lighting on advice that the accommodation for the the Jetty. Lighting would, no doubt, be Police is inadequate has been received from required if passenger vessels use the Jetty the Commissioner of Police." at night. It is proposed to place a switch for the lighting in a locked box and give INSTALLATION OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT Hayles, who supplies the launch service, a IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS key. He will thus be required to pay the Mr. DONALD (Ipswich East) asked the lighting costs involved in lighting the Jetty Treasurer and Minister for Housing- at night for the convenience of passengers carried on his services. It is not proposed "(1) What progress has been made in to light the Jetty at night for other connection with the installation of elec­ purposes." tronic data process in departmental offices?" "(2) What was the cost of the installa­ NORLINE DRIVE-IN THEATRE, TOWNSVILLE tion and the hiring charges of the punch Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for card equipment recently installed in the Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North), asked the Education Department by International Minister for Public Works and Local Computers & Tabulators Aust. Pty. Ltd?" Government- "(3) Would the installation of this equip­ "With reference to the application by ment affect the employment of young C. J. and A. N. Wordsworth, representing people in the future?" a syndicate of nine Townsville people, for permission to construct a drive-in theatre Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) replied- adjacent to the old migrant centre at "(1) Cabinet set up a Committee to Stuart, which was refused on October 12, investigate the possibilities of the introduc­ 1960, on the ground that it was con­ tion of electronic data processing in the sidered that present accommodation at Townsville theatres and the Norline Public Service. This Committee has Drive-In was adequate, is it a fact that reported to Cabinet through the Public immediately following that refusal Service Commissioner. Following this Haymarket-Tivoli Theatres, a subsidiary report Cabinet has decided:-(a) To estab­ of the Birch, Carrol and Coyle and lish a Feasibility Study Team to make J. Arthur Rank Organisation, made detailed studies of the application of application for permission to construct a electronic data processing to State Govern­ further 150 car ramps at the Norline ment activities; and (b) To establish a Drive-In?" Questions [18 NOVEMBER] Stock Acts Amendment Bill 1623

Hon. L. H. S. ROBERTS (Whitsunday) expense, and, if successful, consideration replied- will be given to restoring their Fellowship. "The Picture Theatres and Films Com­ Fifty-nine are at present in various years mission did on October 11, 1960, refuse of their Course. Of the 41 who successfully the application made by C. J. and A. N. completed their full Course, eight dishon­ Wordsworth in respect of a proposed oured their contract. All Fellowships are drive-in picture theatre at Stuart. An granted subject to the provisions of the application was made to the Commission Assisted Students' (Enforcement of Oblig­ on November 1, 1960, by Haymarket's ations) Act of 1951. Penalties and Tivoli Theatres Ltd. trading in Townsville damages prescribed in that Act are as Norline Drive-in Theatre to increase the enforced when a breach of contract arises capacity of the Norline Drive-in picture from circumstances not beyond the control theatre from 300 cars to 450 cars. This of the student. In addition to the penalties application has not yet been dealt with by under the Act, graduates breaching their the Commission." contract are not again given employment in the Public Service or in the Public Hospitals Service. So that the student taking up a PROTECTION OF BANKS OF PIONEER RIVER Fellowship is fully aware of this latter penalty, he is advised, in writing, of the Mr. DAVIES (Maryborough), for Mr. existence of this policy when entering into GRAHAM (Mackay), asked the Minister for the Fellowship. On the other hand every Public Lands and Irrigation- encouragement is given to the young "(!) What expenditure has been incurred Doctor who has completed his Fellowship by the Pioneer River Trust in connection to remain in the Service for the period with the protection of the river banks required under his contract. For instance, above the Hospital Bridge?" after a period of service in a Country "(2) Is he aware of any impending Hospital, Fellowship holders are appointed works to be undertaken by the Trust in to a major Hospital of their choice so that connection with river banks between the they may be given the opportunity of Hospital Bridge and the Sydney Street gaining advanced experience in their Bridge?" profession and of taking a higher Degree if they so wish." Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham) replied- PAPERS "(!) The amount spent to June 30, 1960, in protecting the bank to ensure the safety The following paper was laid on the of the Hospital and approaches to the road table, and ordered to be printed:- and rail bridges was £7,408 19s. 3d. Provis­ ion has been made in the Trust's Budget Report of the State Electricity Commission for 1960-1961 for a further amount of of Queensland for the year 1959-1960. £1,000 to complete this protection work." The following papers were laid on the "(2) Approval has been given for table:- expenditure of an amount of £6,000 to close Statute under the University of Queens­ a gap in existing stone protection work. At land Acts, 1909 to 1960. this section the bank is low and a break­ through is considered possible if the protec­ Orders in Council under the Traffic Acts, tion is not undertaken." 1949 to 1959. Regulation under the Traffic Acts, 1949 to 1959. STATE FELLOWSHIPS IN MEDICINE Orders in Council under the Supreme Court Dr. DELAMOTHE (Bowen) asked the Act of 1921. Minister for Health and Home Affairs- Order in Council under the Mines Regula­ .. ~~w many State Fellowships in med1cme have been granted since the tions Acts, 1910 to 1958. inception of the scheme, how many Fellows have terminated their agreements before the date of maturity and what STOCK ACTS AMENDMENT BILL action is taken by the Department to dis­ INITIATION courage the termination of agreements?" Hon. E. EVANS (Mirani-Minister for Hon. H. W. NOBLE (Y eronga) replied- Development, Mines, Main Roads and "One hundred and twenty-six Medical Electricity): I move- !'ellov:ships have been granted since the "That the House will, at its present mceptwn of the Scheme Of these 41 sitting, resolve itself into a Committee of successfully completed their Course 'and the Whole to consider of the desirable­ graduated, 16 failed in their Course and ness of introducing a Bill to amend the thereby terminated their Fellowship five Stock Acts, 1915 to 1959, in certain terminated their Fellowship before 'com­ particulars." pletion of their ~ourse, five who failed in a year are repeatmg that year at their own Motion agreed to. 1624 Sewerage, Water Supply, &c., Bill [ASSEMBLY] Scartwater Station Trust, &c., Bill

SEWERAGE, WATER SUPPLY, AND SCARTWATER STATION TRUST GASFITTING ACTS AMENDMENT EXTENSION ACT AMENDMENT BILL BILL INITIATION IN COMMITTEE INITIATION IN COMMITTEE (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Taylor, Clayfield, in the chair) (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Taylor, Clayfield, in the chair.) Hon. L. H. S. ROBERTS (Whitsunday­ Minister for Public Works and Local HoiL A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham­ Government) (11.28 a.m.): I move- Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation) (11.34 a.m.): I move- "That it is desirable that a Bill be introduced to amend the Sewerage, Water "That it is desirable that a Bill be Supply, and Gasfitting Acts, 1949 to introduced to make further provision with 19 51, in a certain particular. respect to the trust property known as Scartwater Station and for that purpose Without doubt, this is the shortest Bill that to amend the Scartwater Station Trust could possibly be introduced into this Extension Act of 1941." Chamber. It contains only one principle. Before I outline the principles of the Bill At present the law makes provision for I think hon. members would like to know the issue of country plumbers' licences, a little of the background and the intent of water plumbers' licences, and drainage the Scartwater Trust. The Scartwater licences, and there is provision, also, for Station around which the Trust is built com­ the issuing of interim licences pending the prises an area of about 287 square miles of holding of the Board's examinations. These good-quality breeding and fattening country interim licences are granted to persons who situated about 110 miles west from have the required certificates and after-trade Collinsville. During average seasons it tests. The maximum term of an interim carries about 9,000 head of stock, and is licence is six months. The Bill makes the well developed as a cattle holding. maximum term 12 months, and the reason Incidentally, I was interested in the name for this amendment is that examinations for "Scartwater," and upon inquiry I found, some licences are held only annually. It is rather to my chagrin, that I should have necessary, therefore, that the maximum term known. "Scart'' is a Scottish word meaning of interim licences be extended to 12 "cormorant" or "shag." Apparently there is months. water there which is frequented by this I commend the Bill to the Committee. aquatic bird. The name "Scartwater" or "Shagwater" naturally arose from the fact Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ that the water fowl frequented that area. Leader of the Opposition) (11.30 a.m.): I have been called upon to discharge various During 1917 the late Mr. A. H. W. roles. I recall on one occasion the late Cunningham, a successful cattle-man of Hon. D. Gledson stonewalling in the some substance in the Collinsville district Chamber for a considerable time. He dealt and a man who was a champion of the with the furniture, the type of door-knob cause of ex-servicemen, rallied around him at the entrance to the Chamber and all other interested persons and successfully sorts of things of that nature in order to approached the Government of the day with prolong the debate. I was hoping for a view to setting aside sufficient land for reasons sufficiently important to me that the purpose of operating a cattle station to we would not reach Item No. 4 on today's be run for the benefit of returned soldiers business sheet and accordingly I suggested and sailors from World War I, and their to some of my back-bench members that dependants. they take notes of what the Minister had to say. I was hoping that in this way we It was an area that would normally have would be able to comply with the Premier's been resumed. That land and other lands wishes to deal with Items 2 and 3 by held under a more temporary tenure round 12 o'clock and that there would then be about this portion of Scartwater station were no time to proceed with Item No. 4. dedicated to the purposes of a trust. The However, the Minister has said that this gentleman himself provided the cattle, as I is the shortest Bill he has introduced. understand it-in the first instance, anyway­ Consequently there were no notes for hon. the improvements on the area and the man­ members to take. agerial services in respect of this farm. We support the Bill. The Government agreed to the request and Motion (Mr. Roberts) agreed to. made available this area of land, which was to be resumed from the original Scartwater Resolution reported. holding during 1920, and an indenture was entered into for the management of Scart­ FIRST READING water. The late Mr. Cunningham and Mr. W. G. Graham, the then Under Secretary Bill presented and, on motion of Mr. for Lands, Mr. D. C. Alien and Mr. Roberts, read a first time. E. G. Lascelle were appointed managing Scartwater Station Trust [18 NoVEMBER] Extension Act Amendment Bill 1625 trustees and the Public Curator of Queens­ In spite of the very creditable amounts land was appointed custodian trustee. In distributed in that manner a substantial sum terms of the indenture, the trust property was stands at the moment to the credit of the to be managed by the managing trustees for trust by way of fixed deposits and Govern­ the benefit of returned soldiers and sailors ment bonds. Scartwater is well improved who prior to enlistment had resided in the and the trustees anticipate that profits arising Scartwater area as defined under the trust, therefrom will approximate £15,000 to or who had enlisted from that area. The £20,000 a year. The trustees now think that Scartwater Trust area extends approximately the time has arrived when invested capital from Proserpine in the south to Innisfail in could be used to advantage and they desire the north and, broadly speaking, west to the to purchase 30-odd acres of land situated in border. Under the trust the widows, child­ Bowen for the purpose of building thereon ren and other dependants of soldiers who a home for aged ex-service men. The trustees enlisted from the trust area were also eligible are of the opinion that there are soldiers of to benefit. both world wars who enlisted from the trust The stock originally placed on the station area who are in need of the facilities and were donated by the late Mr. Cunningham comforts that such a home could supply. and a number of other sympathetic pastor­ Mr. Duggan: What amount of money did alists. Mr. Cunningham was a man of drive you say was held in trust? and ability in the cattle industry. The trust business prospered under his management and Mr. FLETCHER: The amount is not given. continues to do so under that of his son, Mr. Ted Cunningham, who is now a managing Mr. Coburn: The return from it is £15,000 trustee in the place of his late father. a year? The trust has been a strong force in the Mr. FLETCHER: The income of the welfare of North Queensland's returned property is from £15,000 to £20,000 a year. soldiers, and thousands of pounds have been The trustees have a substantial sum in the distributed to eligible ex-servicemen in the trust account and they think the time has form of interest-free loans to establish them arrived to make use of it rather than retain on the land or in business. As at 31 October, it in the trust account. 1960, a total of £303,391 has been made avail­ able by the trustees in the form of interest­ Mr. Duggan: I was wondering whether free loans for those purposes. you had indicated the amount. In addition to the granting of these loans, Mr. FLETCHER: No. the trustees assist financially with the educa­ tion of children of northern war veterans. The To this end a planning committee was trust awards two scholarships, namely, the formed on which the hon. member for "Scartwater Scholarship", which applies where Bowen is a prominent figure, and the pre­ the scholar is proceeding from the Junior liminary arrangements for a home are well University examination to the Senior Univer­ in hand. sity examination and the "Cunningham Scholarship" for tertiary study at the univer­ The original trust indenture as extended sity. In addition, funds are distributed in by the Scartwater Station Trust Extension the forms of bursaries and educational grants. Act of 1941 could not of course foresee The monetary allowance for the "Scartwater these expanded aims, and legislation is Scholarship" is £150 per annum if the student required to clothe the managing trustees with is living away from home and £75 per annum the necessary powers. if he is living at home. The monetary allow­ I mention that in 1941 it became necessary ance for the "Cunningham Scholarship" is to extend the provisions of the original at the rate of £300 per annum if the student indenture. The original indenture applied to lives away from home and £200 per annum ex-service men of the first world war only. if he is living at home. The allowance extends The amending Act of 1941 extended eligibility during the normal period of the faculty to ex-service men of the war then existing chosen by the scholar. As a matter of between His Majesty the King and Germany interest, during the year ended 31 December, and Italy, but, as the war against Japan 1959, four students were awarded Cunning­ had not been declared at the time of the ham scholarships and during the same period passing of the Act, it did not apply to 12 were awarded Scartwater scholarships. As ex-service men of the Pacific or subsequent at 31 October, 1960, a total of £38,650 had conflicts. The trustees have sought an been made available by the trustees for dis­ extension of the objects and purposes of the bursement by way of educational grants­ Trust to include ex-service men of the Pacific no mean effort for that part of North Queens­ war and also ex-service men of the Korean land. and Malayan campaigns. Mr. Coburn: And it will continue inde­ finitely. In respect of scholarships, bursaries or educational grants, it is the desire of the Mr. FLETCHER: Yes. It is a wonderful managing trustees that children of all conception. That amount has been available ex-service men who at the time of the grant for disbursement by way of educational resided in the area defined by the Trust be grants, bursaries and scholarships. eligible for assistance even though the father 1626 Scartwater Station Trust [ASSEMBLY] Extension Act Amendment Bill of the child may not have enlisted from am happy at the opportunity to extend my the area or may not have been a resident congratulations and thanks to those who are of the area at the time of his enlistment. responsible for creating this Trust. The Bill now under consideration sets out Dr. DELAMOTHE (Bowen) (11.47 a.m.): to meet the wishes of the managing trustees I should like to expand a little on what the in respect of these matters. Minister has said and go into more detail. This is one of the finest stories that has come Briefly, the Bill extends eligibility for out of Queensland. The story of Scartwater benefits under the Trust to ex-service men is the story of a dream of, and a monument of the Pacific war and also ex-service men to, the late Harry Cunningham, whose name of any other forces of the Commonwealth is a byword in North Queensland. He was or of the United Nations provided they a member of the firm of Gilchrist, Watt enlisted from the Scartwater Trust area or when enlisted were residents of the Trust and Cunningham, which owned several cattle area. The objects and purposes of the Trust properties in the vicinity of Bowen. His are also extended to allow the purchase of father was one of the founding fathers-one the area upon which it is intended to erect of the very first graziers-of that area. In a home for aged ex-service men and also April next year the Cunninghams will cele­ to permit the establishment, maintenance, brate their first 100 years in the district. conduct and control of such home for the At the outbreak of the 1914-1918 War, in purpose envisaged. Provision is also made spite of his tremendous grazing responsibilities for the wider distribution of educational Harry Cunningham attempted to enlist, but benefits as sought by the managing trustees. he was "reserved" because of the importance I am quite sure the aims and objects of of food production. During the war he threw this short Bill will commend themselves to himself into every patriotic activity in the the Committee. area and helped to raise large sums of money. Over many years he was president and chair­ Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ man of numerous societies in North Leader of the Opposition) (11.45 a.m.): Queensland, particularly those associated I appreciate the Minister's references to with horse-racing. the history of the Trust. As it is the desire of the Premier to have the Bill pass the At the end of the war he saw very clearly introductory stage before noon, I propose to that the men coming back from overseas give the hon. member for Bowen, who is a would need help to re-establish themselves. member of the trust, an opportunity of speak­ He thought a great deal about it and ing on the Bill. eventually-as one would expect of a grazing man-he hit on the idea of starting a station I was aware in a general way of the for returned soldiers, to be worked entirely operation of the Trust, but I was not aware by them, with the proceeds devoted entirely of the full details as outlined by the Minister to their re-settlement and re-establishment. this morning. I should like, on my own He came to Brisbane first, to sell his idea to behalf, and on behalf of the Opposition mem­ the Government of the day, but he was not bers, to offer our appreciation to Mr. received altogether with open arms. He then Cunningham and his family for their very went to the Federal authorities and there great generosity in making the original received very little more encouragement at facilities available. first, but, through his tremendous enthusiasm and his reputation, he very shortly convinced The Minister has indicated the current both the Federal and State Governments of desire of the son of the original donor not the worth of his proposal to such an extent only to continue the operations in accordance that he was given a free hand and a free with the terms of the Trust, but also to choice of land in the Yacumunda area, about extend its operations to embrace other 170 miles from Bowen, which was coming activities. It seems an extraordinarily gener­ up for resumption. Out of that grew the ous act on the part of the late Mr. Cunning­ Scartwater Station Trust, which was estab­ ham, and it is very gratifying to know that lished by an Act of Parliament with Harry the disbursements in the form of interest-free Cunningham as managing trustee. He was a loans exceed £300,000, and that an amount of friend of mine for many years. He threw about £38,000 has also been made available himself into the proposal with very great for education endowment. That is a very avidity. generous measure of help, and I can only assume that the late Mr. Cunningham must In the first four years he donated 350 have been a man of very strong patriotic heifers as the nucleus of a breeding herd principles. Many people will benefit from the and he persuaded all his friends who had generous actions of this man, who has been spare cattle each to contribute some stock able to accumulate sufficient money and is while from the town dwellers he sought of such a generous disposition as to make money, so in the first four years he man· it available for this Trust. aged to secure, in addition to the 350 heifers he donated, 965 mixed stock from My chief purpose in speaking is to corn-· various sources. The original Scartwater mend the proposal very highly and say that herd comprised 1,200-odd reds, whites, the Opposition will warmly support it. I baldies, blacks, duns and even milkers. They Scartwater Station Trust, &c., Bill [18 NOVEMBER] Supply 1627 were the start of the herd. Today the In 1929 the first £500 became available Scartwater herd consists of 11,000 of the from Scartwater for the purposes of the Trust. most beautiful shorthorns in Queensland. In 1936 the annual payment rose to £1,000, The Minister told the Committee about in 1943 to £2,000, and in 195G it reached the original trustees. The present trustees £10,000 for the first time. This year it was are Ted Cunningham, son of the original £25,000. owner, Viv. Toms, station-owner at Moss The original idea of making advances to Vale, George Lascelles, son of one of the ex-service men has been very successful; but original trustees, Colonel North, representing we have now almost run out of applicants, the North Queensland District Council of and the repayments of previous loans are the Returned Soldiers' League, Major Tooth, more than sufficient to meet the new loans. who is the manager, and the Public Curator. Educational grants for scholarships of various There is a very interesting story to be kinds have been extended and extended; but told about the managers, too. The first was we are now running out of children to whom a Mr. Schultz, a member of a very famous we can make these grants, and we want to station manager family in the North. He extend the scheme to the children of all was followed by Dan Martin and then came ex-service men. Bert Carlisle, and, finally in 1938 Major With this large amount of money coming Tooth, who has been there ever since and in year after year from an established station, to whom the great success of Scartwater is it is thought that the time has come to look mainly due. He is a descendant of one of after ex-service men who are getting past the the early pioneers of Queensland, and especi­ stage of looking after themselves, and we ally of North Queensland. As a matter of propose to build this war veterans' home in fact, an ancestor of his was one of the Bowen. We expect to make accommodation founding fathers of Bowen. That in itself is something, but he was also a pioneer of available for 30, to begin with. A census the Gulf country. He was one of the first taken in all branches of the Returned Soldiers' people in Burketown. On top of all that, League in North Queensland to ascertain pos­ we have in this Assembly a connection of sible future requirements revealed that the the original Atticus Tooth, the ancestor of number in 10 years' time would possibly be Major Tooth. If I may digress for a 100. We propose to extend the accommoda­ moment, Atticus Tooth was a founding father tion by stages over the years to cope with the of Bowen, who killed the first bullock for increasing influx. the first meal on the first day of Bowen, and That is the story of Scartwater, which is, as he appeared in the police court as the first I said at the beginning of my speech (I could defendant on the first day for killing that not end on a better note), the dream of and first bullock without a licence. Perhaps the monument to one man. hon. member for Ashgrove would not like Motion (Mr. Fletcher) agreed to. having that disclosed. Resolution reported. To give a little more history-the brother of Atticus was a member of this Assembly FIRST READING for the electorate of Burrum. It is very pleasant while talking about Major Tooth Bill presented and, on motion of Mr. to be able to talk of one of his relatives. Fletcher, read a first time. Over 30 years there have been only one or two years in which losses have occurred SUPPLY on Scartwater, and that is a very great tribute to Major Tooth. The Minister has RESUMPTION OF COMMITTEE-ESTIMATES­ told the Committee something of the area TWELFTH ALLOTTED DAY of the Scartwater Trust and the eligibility (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Taylor, conditions. I should like to read briefly Clayfield, in the chair) from the annual report, which says- "The essence of the scheme is to provide EsTIMATES-IN-CHIEF, 1960-1961 funds to enable eligible returned men and women to become re-established in civilian DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC LANDS AND life in such a way as to ensure, as reason­ IRRIGATION ably as may be, permanent and profitable CHIEF OFFICE livelihood. This implies that an applicant is not so settled and cannot reasonably Debate resumed from 16 November (see achieve it without the help of the Trust." p. 1531) on Mr. Fletcher's motion- Anybody who is eligible can apply to the "That £304,281 be granted for 'Depart­ Trust. If his proposition is good, he is ments of Public Lands and Irrigation­ treated generously and given an interest-free Chief Office'." loan. Mr. TOOTH (Ashgrove) (12.1 p.m.): May As the Minister has told us, over the years I join in the complimentary references to a total of £303,382 has been advanced in the Minister on his assumption of the office interest-free loans, of which £210,994 has of Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation. been repaid as at 31 October this year, and I am sure I am expressing the views of all only 2.98 per cent. of the advances have been hon. members when I say that we are certain had debts. that the qualifications he exhibited for three 1628 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply years as speaker of this Assembly will carry different viewpoints. Firstly, top priority him through the very onerous task he faces should be given to the Channel Country, in his new sphere of activities. and the State Government-with or without I should like to pay a tribute to the out­ Commonwealth Government assistance­ going Minister, whom I had occasion to should spend a large sum in that area on approach on one or two somewhat difficult road construction and road improvement. problems. I am indeed grateful for the way That is one point of view. The second point he received me and the help he gave. of view is that top priority should be given to the development of the wet coast of Of the many State departments concerned North Queensland with the State Govern­ with the development of Queensland's rural industry the Department of Public Lands has ment's major concern being the opening up for pasture improvement of what is now one of the most important roles to play. unused Crown land. Sir William Payne, in his deservedly famous 1959 Report on Progressive Land Settlement I realise, as the hon member for Rock­ in Queensland, epitomised this view when hampton South has mentioned-and also, I he stated that "sound land laws controlling think, the hon. member for Carnarvon-that the use of the Public Estate and the skilful there is much to say in favour of a immedi­ administration of them are of transcendent ate and very detailed consideration of the importance to the life of the community." brigalow and speargrass country in Central Queensland. It is necessary also to keep in Throughout Queensland it is accepted that mind the areas in the Burdekin and Don our rural industries should be expanded. River basins to which the hon. member for Our rapidly-increasing population will Bowen has referred, the Gulf Country, the require more meat and milk, more fruit and Peninsula, and many other areas, but I think vegetables, more flour and sugar, more wool it is correct to say of the main areas of con­ and cotton for its needs. To enable it tention at the present time are~ the Channel to purchase more of those that are not pro­ Country and the wet coast of North Queens­ duced locally, we will need many more land. exports to pay for more imports. To provide jobs for an ever-increasing work In allotting priority, what should be the force we will need an expansion of main criteria? I think there are four. First industry-primary, secondary, and tertiary. of all, where to look for likely increases in Much of this expansion must come from the production; secondly, the reliability of that land, directly or indirectly. With this there production; thirdly, the extent to which that is general agreement but we are inclined production will benefit other industries within to differ on matters of detail. The key the State; and fourthly-and this is by no question is what should be developed first. means the least important-the return for the Up to a point there is a measure of agree­ money that will be expended by the State and ment on this issue at the present time. The the cattle-men concerned. carefully considered estimates of those Let us consider the relative possible whose task it is to weigh market prospects increases in production. The Channel Coun­ direct our attention to the beef-cattle try is a vast area of, say, 80,000,000 acres. industry. The expected demand, both within Of that area, 10,000,000 acres is subject to Australia and overseas, indicates that a con­ intermittent flooding. The rainfall of the siderable increase in beef production can area varies from 5 inches to 9 inches annually. take place with little risk of a glutted Periodically, rain falls to the north of the market. In addition, there is a wide accept­ Channel Country. The rivers then flow and ance of the view that much of Australia's there is a natural irrigation. Under the most overall increase in beef production should favourable circumstances, those natural take place in Queensland, the State that has grasses provide wonderful fattening country. for many years been responsible for about In unfavourable conditions, such as during half of Australia's production in this field. the last couple of years, severe losses are The point of difference arises when we ask suffered. where the State Government should first I am advised that the average turn-off of direct their efforts, and if they have avail­ fat cattle from the comparatively few stations able finance to encourage the expansion of in the area is about 50,000 head. I under­ this industry. Related to those questions stand that some of my colleagues in the Com­ is another on which a great deal of attention mittee put it at a higher figure. Those are has been concentrated, that is, for what mainly stores that come into the area from scheme, if any, can the State Government parts farther north-the Northern Territory obtain special financial assistance from the and North-west Queensland. Estimates vary Commonwealth Government for beef­ as to the possibility of increased turn-off. cattle development? Remembering that the area is too unreliable I lay no claim to expert knowledge on for any considerable amount of breeding, this matter and will not attempt on this that it has to rely on store cattle from else­ occasion to give the answer. I believe that where, that the distances involved are tre­ on all aspects of the matter the Govern­ mendous, and that even if roads are built ment have had a wealth of expert opinion. costs of transport must be high, I suggest the I do seek, however, to consider some aspects maximum figure could be 15,000 or 30,000 of it as they appear to a comparative lay­ head annually, or a total turn-off of from man in this field. Let me sum up the 65,000 to 80,000 head. Those are fairly Supply [18 NOVEMBER] Supply 1629

cptimistic figures, the upper limit never hav­ State would be very great, and it is equally ing been attained even during a run of good doubtful whether the Channel Country roads seasons. Remember, too, that roads will not scheme would result in cheaper meat. provide any more grass for cattle and there is no possibility of other than the present Let us now look at the wet coastal area native pastures in the area. In the circum­ of North Queensland. stances, it is wise to ask if the scheme pre­ Mr. Walsh: You condemn the Channel sently envisaged will reduce to any sub­ Country scheme? stantial extent the cost per head of cattle turned off. There is a slight margin in Mr. TOOTH: I have been asked if I favour of road transport on good roads as condemn the Channel Country scheme. I compared with present methods of droving do not condemn or support either scheme. only if one takes into account losses of stock I am a layman looking at the facts and on the road and losses of weight during the trying to assess the situation. droving trip. Mr. Burrows: Where did you get your What, then, is the reliability of any increase facts from? in production? The Channel Country can be Mr. Walsh: I think you are sitting on the expected to show this increase for only part fence. of the time, possibly for one year in two. Mr. TOOTH: You do not come down It is well realised that, for overseas mar­ heavily on one side or the other if you are, kets in particular, reliability of production is as I stated, not an expert. I am seeking of the greatest importance. Once a market information, which I have no doubt will is secured, the important thing is to be able be supplied by the Minister or the hon. to continue to supply that market every year. member for Bundaberg. The Channel Country project will, it is true, This area along the North Coast contains lead to a number of cattle-train operators 2,000,000 acres of land with an annual rain­ being given an opportunity-although not a fall in excess of 80 inches. Some of this regular run-month by month and year by land, by reason of the terrain, is unsuitable year. There will be some increase in the for any form of cultivation. Some has been, number of cattle available to the Brisbane and very properly should be, reserved as market and some more work for meatworkers national forests; some has been constituted in Brisbane. "Timber Reserve"-a kind of half-way house between being National Forests and Mr. Houston: What happened to the Can­ vacant Crown land. Some is part of Queens­ non Hill market? land's National Parks. Some is vacant Crown land, partly held because at some time it Mr. TOOTH: I have a fairly lengthy state­ might be wanted for sugar-growing, and ment to make and I should like to proceed partly because there are limited areas suit­ with it. Therefore, I propose to ignore inter­ able for timber. jections at this stage. Relatively, it is doubt­ ful if the increase would be very great. The In general terms the wet-coast scheme Queensland Meat Industry Board killed seeks to have 100 farms each of approxi­ 330,000-odd cattle in 1958-1959-admittedly mately 1,000 acres, or a total of 100,000 a record year. Former years showed a figure acres, selected from the unused Crown land nearer 300,000. In 1959 Borthwicks killed in that area and made available for cattle­ something over 53,000 head at their Moreton fattening. Quite apart from any increase works, and in earlier years up to more than in production that might come from land 80,000-odd. Even if the whole 30,000 already held as a result of the encourage­ increased turn-off estimated from the Channel ment given by throwing open this Crown Country were achieved and the whole of the land, the estimated increase in production increase came to Brisbane, the difference from the wet-coast scheme is 50,000 head would represent only 8 per cent. of one annually as a minimum, with a possibility month's killing. That would be significant of an increase of 75,000-in other words, but, as will be shown later, not as significant 500 to 750 head from each of the 100 as the prospective increase in North Queens­ farms envisaged. land. The reliability of the rainfall in the wet It is suggested that the return for the coast area is such that this increase can money expended by the State Government be expected every year-not just occasion­ would not be as great as could be desired. ally. It is reported that in 29 years Tully, Costs of maintenance of the Channel the centre of this belt, has been without rain Country roads could be high and interest in only one month. and sinking funds would have t~ be met. The Mr. Houston: Who wrote this? State Government would not recoup more than a very small fraction. There might be Mr. TOOTH: I am sorry if I am boring some gain in rail freights, assuming that the hon. member for Hawthorne. I have the increased output came to Brisbane no doubt he will be able to make a con­ instead of going to South Australia or New tribution to the debate and may possibly South Wales, which is by no means unlikely. be able to answer some of the queries I It is doubtful if the direct return to the am raising. 1630 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. Burrows: You know as much about a longer term we must look for even bigger this subject as you do about the electorates increases in the spear-grass country and the of hon. members. The hon. member for brigalow country adjacent to the wet-coast Hawthome is not even in the Chamber. area. The brigalow and spear-grass country Mr. Houston: You chased him out of the will serve the southern end of the wet-coast Chamber about two months ago. area, and the northern area will obtain its stores from the Gulf Country. There are Mr. TOOTH: I am referring to the hon. 43,000,000 acres of spear-grass country, and member who is interrupting. they can be improved at no great expense to carry three times the present number of The benefit of this increased turn-off can be cattle. There are 23,000,000 acres of brigalow seen when it is recalled that each year the country with similar prospects. The pos­ meatworks at Townsville and Bowen are shut sibilities are enormous. Let us examine these down for half the year and people are thrown proposals without preconceived ideas or pre­ out of employment. These three works judice, and do all we can to see that the amongst them killed just over 234,000 cattle possibilities are realised. in 1959. An increase of 50,000 would repre­ sent 21 per cent., and 7 5,000 would represent I should like to digress from this subject 32 per cent. The value of such an increase for a moment and refer to some of the remarks would be tremendous to these meatworks, to of the hon. member for South Brisbane their employees, and to the cities in or near during the debate. I am sorry he is not with which they are located. For such a result us this morning. I wish to refer to some the State Government expenditure would be of his comments concerning the President small. There is a need for further research, of the Land Court. He referred to that but, with the C.S.I.R.O. co-operating with the gentleman in terms, that, I felt, were extremely State Department of Agriculture and Stock, derogatory and for which, if it were not for the cost would be shared with the Common­ the fact that, in my humble opinion, the wealth. There might be a need for a few Standing Orders are defective, I am sure he more extension workers. Finance would be would have been called to order. needed, but it will be sought from the Com­ monwealth Development Bank. Eventually Mr. Houston: Are you reflecting on the there would be a need for some roads, but Chair? there would not be an immediate need for Mr. TOOTH: No, I am not reflecting on any large-scale construction. the Chair. I referred to the Standing Orders All in all, there is so much in favour of and to the defect in them. If the hon. mem­ the wet-coast scheme that it must be con­ ber had been listening to me, he would have sidered by anyone who is weighing all the realised that I made that point particularly. facts. To reassure those who talk of the As I say, in my opinion the references by possible sacrifice of the timber of the North the hon. member for South Brisbane to the I say there is sufficient land, so that there President of the Land Court were improper. need be no real conflict between timber and It is quite certain that he would not have cattle. been permitted to make them except that the Speaking personally, I feel that the emphasis Standing Orders do not cover the type of should be on the wet-coast scheme as first remarks he made. The cold facts of the priority. I am not opposed to roads any­ matter are that it was a deliberate attempt­ where, but I do want to see first things first. and the hon. member for South Brisbane is I recognise that the Channel Country roads not the only one who has done this in the work has started. With regard to this, I stress Parliament this session-a deliberate attempt the need to build firstly the roads that enable to prejudice the President of the Land Court cattle to be brought out in time of drought. by making references, and unworthy refer­ ences, to his former position as a member of Mr. LLOYD: I rise to a point of order. the commission that dealt with the redistribu­ The hon. member for Ashgrove said he had tion of electoral boundaries. There were three a long statement to read. Is he in order in men on that commission, the Public Service reading a prepared statement? Commissioner, the Surveyor-General, and The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Mr. Wright, and they carried out their job Gaven): I understand that the hon. member in accordance with an Act passed by this is quoting from copious notes Parliament. If there is any cause for criticism of the principles by which they worked, that Mr. TOOTH: That is so; and I should criticism should be directed to the Parliament like to correct the hon. member for Kedron; and, if there are any charges to be made, I made no such statement. those charges should be made to the Parlia­ In the Channel Country, priority should be ment. I want to register my protest and to given to roads bringing fat cattle out rather say that, in my opinion, the attitude of the than to roads to take the stores in. Opposition in this matter is unworthy and it is a very deplorable attempt to prejudice an In conclusion, let me summarise. In the important officer in the conduct of his duty. wet-coast area we can look forward to an increased turn-off of from 50,000 to 75,000 Mr. WALLACE (Cairns) (12.22 p.m.): I head; in the Channel Country the possible want first of all to congratulate the Minister increase is from 15,000 to 30,000 head. Over on his election to office. I believe he is Supply [18 NovEMBER] Supply 1631 thoroughly honest and will not be pushed the development of far northern Queensland. around by the grazing element of Queensland. Whilst this need has been recognised in the But I was somewhat disappointed at his past, I believe that there has been a good pugnacious attitude when replying to contri­ deal of talking with tongue in cheek in this butions made by hon. members on this side. Chamber, because a new battle appears to Although he will not be pushed around, it be developing. We have seen the battle of seems that he might be trying to have a the ports and the battle of the provincial couple of bob each way. In relation to the cities, and it now appears that we are going statement that he did not want any sympathy to see a battle between the north, the west from this side, I assure him that he will not and the south for priority in development. get any. When the time arrives to sail into Mr. Fletcher: You are not suggesting that him there will be no sympathy for him from my tongue was in my cheek? this side. Mr. WALLACE: No, I am not suggesting I honestly believe the Minister regretted that, but the attitude of many hon. members, the circumstances in which he was elected particularly many hon. members on the to his important office. I have a very high Government benches, is becoming very regard for the former Minister and, despite parochial. We must work for the full the thrashing that he took from the Treasurer development of the whole of Queensland. during his absence from the House, I believe There has been talk of the need to develop Mr. Muller's statements were substantially the Channel country and the brigalow country. true. I believe absolutely that the praise I do not want to buy into that argument, that Sir William Payne gave him would have although I intend mentioning the Channel been justified. country later. When people mention these I was pleased to hear the Minister say things, they forget the absolute necessity for there would be no departure from the policy the fullest development of far northern adopted by his predecessor, because I believe Queensland if Australia is to survive as a that policy was fair and reasonable. If it is nation. It is the most vulnerable part of continued, the Minister can expect to have the Commonwealth, and the Government some success as long as he stands on his own must make an attempt to populate and two feet. develop it. If it is not developed, what chance would the rest of Australia have if In presenting the Estimates the Minister we were attacked by another country? said that people going onto the land should have big hearts and high hope. That may be The Minister also mentioned that a Federal right. It reminded me of a chap who went committee had visited far northern Queens­ onto Nortledge station. After a very severe land and said how favourably impressed drought in which he lost almost everything they were by the potential of that part of he had, he wrote to the Press about his the State, and that if the Government were severe reverses and said that he hoped with to put forward a reasonable scheme they the help of God, a stout heart and two bulls would be prepared to support it in the Federal to re-establish himself. That indicates that House. Over the years quite a number of going onto the land entails a great deal of members of the Federal Parliament, including hard work and anybody preparing to go on the Prime Minister, have toured northern the land must face up to that. Queensland and other parts of the State, and we have also had members of the Govern­ The Forestry Department has been ment parties touring in those areas. I believe separated recently from the Department of that the Federal members, from the Prime Public Lands and Irrigation, and I regret Minister down, have no interest in assisting very much that the Government have made this Government or any other Government that decision. I believe that there must be to develop Queensland, and I say that very close co-operation between the three depart­ seriously. The Federal Government are far ments if the lands of Queensland are to be more interested in pouring their money into exploited fully and in the best interests of the Northern Territory than into Queensland. the people. The departments worked together I have said that off the stump before, and successfully under the former Minister, and I shall say it every time I get the opportunity. I think it would be better if they were all The people of far northern Queensland are under the control of the present Minister. not very impressed when they hear these There will be some co-operation between things said on so many occasions. We know the departments, I have no doubt, but I think that there is a great need for development the Minister is going to be hamstringed to and that far northern Queensland has a great a certain extent by their separation. potential, but what is the use of potential The Irrigation and Water Supply Com­ without positive action to develop it? I do not wish to labour the point but I say again mission is one of the most important depart­ that far northern Queensland is the most ments, if not the most important department, in the full development of our lands, because vulnerable portion of Australia, and that the we have seen what can be achieved by the nation's capacity to survive will depend on the efforts put forward by the Queensland provision of adequate water supplies. and Commonwealth Governments to populate I was pleased to hear the Minister say and develop that part. The Minister is that the Government had a responsibility for imbued with the great need to do what 1632 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I have suggested and because of his great In the first place, many of the people sincerity of purpose I think he will do what making such statements are not graziers; they he can to develop that part of Australia. are members of Parliament. To mention two, the State member for Townsville South He mentioned that a three-man team had and the Federal member for Herbert have been sent to the North to classify the whole jumped on the band-wagon of the move to of the coastal lands of far northern Queens­ fatten beef cattle in the coastal area. I land. That is a really good step forward. believe that those people come in purely for If the coastal land is classified reasonable the sake of making political capital out progress can be made. There has been a of it. There is no doubt in my mind that great deal of talk both inside and outside the hon. member for Herbert is in cahoots the Chamber about the merits or demerits with other members in the Federal House, of the far northern coastal land for the simply "blowing their bags" about what they cattle industry. A great deal of consideration will and will not do, but doing nothing. has been given to using that part of the State Those who want to gain access to the for cattle fattening, and as a breeding area. virgin scrub lands of Far North Queensland They are matters that will have to be dealt ~hould be prevented from using that type with separately. of country for fattening cattle. This land, I believe that Queensland's beef industry m my opinion, is a God-given heritage to is governed very largely by its capacity to the people of Australia, not only to the turn off beef of size and quality to suit people of Queensland. Timbers are grown the United Kingdom market. Despite any w those scrubs that are not grown in any temporary assistance from the American other part of the world, and they have hamburger market the United Kingdom received world acclaim. Why should the remains the dominant market. Therefore virgin scrub of Queensland be given over to the beef industry must raise the standard of cattle-fattening? It would be desecration to export carcasses if it is to compete success­ use it for such a purpose. The timber fully with the Argentine. No doubt, in industry, because of the parlous state it is in, demands that every possible acre of the minds of cattlemen, the chilled-beef trade land that nature provided for growing such is the answer. We have been sending frozen timber should be retained for that purpose. beef to England and getting lower prices In the early days many hundreds and thou­ for it. We have also sent samples of chilled sands of acres of good timber stands were beef, and I understand the experiments have destroyed through ignorance. It is because been successful. By using the route round of that that the industry is in such a parlous Cape York we can get to the markets quicker, state. and if we could only raise our standard to that of the Argentine we could compete Nature has provided this country for the successfully with that country. growing of these splendid timbers and it should be reserved and exploited for that In relation to the value of the existing purpose. lands as breeding areas, I should say that the coastal lands are in no way comparable It is my opinion that a scheme to fatten with the lands on the other side of the Great cattle on the far northern belt cannot by Dividing Range. I do not think the coastal any stretch of the imagination be regarded lands have any great value at all as a breed­ as a short-term project-it must be a long­ ing area for beef cattle, although on some term one-and its success must depend on parts of the far northern coastal lands a the capacity of the graziers to produce. small amount of breeding is done. I am very Production and capacity to produce are definite in my opinion that cattle of far governed by the seasons of the good Lord. better quality would be bred on the other Production cannot be greater than is possible side of the Great Dividing Range. I have according to the season. no doubt at all that the coastal lands cannot There is a great need for co-operation be compared with the land on the other side between the Departments of Forestry, of the range. Irrigation and Public Lands in the con­ Because of that opinion I feel that, in the servation of as much water as possible. long run, land on the western side of the Extensive closer settlement must be under­ Great Dividing Range will constitute the taken in the not far distant future. When it main breeding ground for cattle in Far is realised that it can be facilitated greatly North Queensland, and the coastal belt could with irrigation, the need for conservation of come into its own as a fattening centre. I water becomes more apparent. Irrespective am not saying definitely that it will, but it of the adverse opinion of Government mem­ could. At the moment there is a great bers of big schemes such as the Tinaroo Dam, desire on the part of cattlemen to get into I suggest that the Federal and State Govern­ this cattle-fattening scheme on the coastal ments must act at once to conserve every lands of Far North Queensland, and much drop of available water so that huge properties has been said about the value of the scrub can be cut up and the land brought to full lands for that purpose. The suggestion has productive capacity. We should take note ~een to burn off and then proceed to put of what has been done in the United King­ m cattle, but I do not think there is any dom. If we compare our effort in this great possibility of the scheme coming to wonderful country with what has been done fruition. on that little piece of dirt down through Supply [18 NOVEMBER] Supply 1633 the centuries, we should be ashamed of our­ Minister for Public Lands, the hon. member selves. On most properties no attempt has for Fassifern. While he held that portfolio been made to put the land under the plough he extended many courtesies to me and gave or bring it into production. Pastoralists and much of his time to me, listening to my graziers over the years have lived well in complaints about the various problems in my the good seasons, and have cried out to the area. I believe that by some of his actions Government for assistance in bad years. Fuli in the past, he has contributed to the welfare production can be achieved only if the Gov­ of people, who would not be as well off as ernment get busy and pian carefully for the they are today if things had remained as they conservation of water and land. were when he assumed office. I refer in In the three minutes still available to me particular to the Becker aggregation in my I should like to deal with the Channel electorate, which was subdivided into areas country. I do not want to say anything about that I believed were not living areas. When the brigaiow belt. I do not know very much that area was resubdivided, the former about the Channel country, but, from the Minister doubled the size of the blocks and perambulations and statements of the Premier the people who drew them are now on the of South Australia, I predict-and it is only way to becoming well established. The common sense-that the expenditure of hun­ development that they have achieved is a dreds of thousands of pounds on roads in the credit to them. I went through the area only Channel country will not be worth a tinker's recently, and it was an eye-opener to see the curse to Queensland's economy, but will be development that has taken place on these of great benefit to South Australia, New blocks in the last couple of years. If the South Wales and Victoria. I do not say that Becker aggregation policy is followed, we as lightly. Although I do not know a great a Government will have little to worry about deal about the area, I have spoken to people in closer settlement. We all know how with a great knowledge of it and they agree necessary it is to have a sound closer-settle­ that South Australia, New South Wales and ment policy. During the Budget debate I Victoria are going to bleed Queensland's spent much of my time on the need for the economy of the contribution that should development of the brigalow land, so I will come from this portion of the State. Instead not spend a great deal of time on it today. of building roads at great expense, I I have been one member in this Chamber suggest the State would be better advised who has expressed great hopes for the to spend the money on rail extensions to brigalow belt in Queensland, and it is pleasing western pick-up points in the droving areas. to know that I have the backing of Sir That would be the best way of getting full William Payne. production. In the Central Queensland district-the Rockhampton area-I see so much "plugging" I shall watch with interest the reaction of in the Press for the Windorah-Yaraka Road the South Australian Government when the that I often wonder why so little attention Queensland Government decide to build is given to the development of the brigalow roads into the area. areas in that part of Queensland. The Much has been said about living areas. greatest potential for quick development is in A living area can be of any size; it is a matter that area and development will bring about of opinion. I emphasise the great need for the things that are essential to provide stability in Rockhampton, and in the meat the conservation of water and soil. Living industry. The C.Q.M.E. Company has at all areas will have to be reviewed according to the progress made by the State in the con­ times strongly advocated the Yaraka­ servation of soil and water, and in a few Windorah Road and I, too, support it. I do not oppose for one minute anything that short years these things must not be just possibilities; they must be established facts. will be for the good of Queensland as a whole, or of any district, but I am a firm If something is not done to facilitate the believe• in the policy that if we are to &o development of the cattle industry, it will ahead with schemes we should take them m not develop as every hon. member would their order of merit. If the Commonwealth like it to. We should use every inch of Government would make £250,000 available suitable land and conserve every drop of available water. to develop the brigaiow area, it would be of great benefit to the people of Central (Time expired.) Queensland. Over the years much trouble has been brought about by the bad designing Mr. HEWIIT (Mackenzie) (12.46 p.m.): of blocks. I believe that much of the trouble At the outset, I offer my congratulations to in the dairying industry has been caused by the Minister and express my thanks to all too much marginal land being made available members of the Department of Public Lands in small areas and used as dairy farms. That for the many courtesies they have extended is why some of the smaller areas are being to me over recent years. I realise, as do swallowed up. A man is given a marginal many other hon. members, that the portfolio area on which to dairy but he has no chance of Public Lands and Irrigation is a very of succeeding. At times the trend is for some important one, because it plays a very large of the smaller properties to revert to larger part in the life of many people. I also holdings. That is why we should in the express my sincere thanks to the former future see that all areas are subdivided into 1634 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply blocks of a size that will give security to the their farms will not even realise the amount settler, make him prosperous, and so help of the mortgage on them. They are in a the community. very sorry plight. Mr. Low: Make them contented, too. Mr. Hanlon: There is never any real guarantee of success in any farming or Mr. HEWI'IT: That is true. If you do not business venture, is there? You cannot have a prosperous community you bring guarantee success in anything. about discontent and thereby detract from the value of the district. Mr. HEWIIT: I quite agree. Neverthe­ less, the original scheme has been established That brings me to the subject of irrigation, for over 30 years, and it amazes me to which is close to my heart or which plays think that hon. members opposite do not on my mind so very much because it is tied know what happened to the settlers under in with the lives of so many people who that scheme. My main complaint is that have been regarded as failures in the past. the £400,000, or whatever the figure was, has Do not think that I decry irrigation. Rather, been spent. We should first take care of the I believe that we must go ahead with irriga­ failure. When corrective meastires have tion programmes, but they must always be been applied successfully, we are then entitled soundly based. When a scheme is proved a to proceed with another scheme. Let us failure, there is no reason to proceed with a not proceed with a scheme such as this further scheme in the same area. That was until we have corrected the mistakes made done in my electorate. My statement is sup­ in the original scheme. ported by the former Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation, Mr. Muller, who made Mr. Walsh: Would you say that Theodore a tour of the Dawson Valley area at the was a failure? request of the Premier years before we Mr. HEWITT: I am surprised to hear the became the Government. He spoke of the hon. member for Bundaberg make that inter­ Gibber-Gunyah area-and how true his words jection. It only goes to show how little are today! It seems a pity to me that a man consideration he has for the people when he who is not well-versed in soil and the land supports such a project. Men in that area and so on should be able to go along and have given 30 to 35 of the best years of make these observations with his naked eye their lives to their farms. They have worked while the experts carry on with such a no 40-hour week; they have worked on scheme. Mr. Muller said in his report- Saturdays and Sundays. Today most of "I did not meet one practical farmer who them have nothing but a heavy mortgage did not think the Gibber-Gunyah project over their heads. If the hon. member for other than a shocking waste of public Bundaberg were in the same position, I money. Furthermore, as the proposed new am sure he would not be so happy about settlement is to draw its water supply from the present state of affairs there. It is all the Theodore dam, and, as the Theodore very well to make a statement such as that settlers are now short of water in dry when one is a member of this Chamber on periods, rather than relieve the present a fixed salary and quite secure. My concern situation, it will accentuate what now must will always be for the man who is down, and in that area the people are down. They be regarded as a most unsatisfactory need every bit of kindness that we can show position." them in an endeavour to put some value He went on to say about the sale value of back into their farms. irrigation farms- The original scheme has been a costly "As a result of inquiries I found that failure and it has brought no credit to any­ there had been only two sales in the last one connected with it. I am sure that the five years. These were made at less than Minister for Public Lands is big enough to the value of improvements and machinery take action, with the backing of the Govern­ on them. Whilst every farm on the settle­ ment, and do something for these people. ment is on the market, agents assured me that there was no demand for them. They Mr. Walsh: I will have a few posers for also assured me that other farm and grazing you to answer when I speak. properties in the district were selling Mr. HEWITT: The hon. member for readily and at continually increasing values, Bundaberg interjects again, and he is the quite in keeping with other mixed agricul­ very man who will tell us later on what was tural and grazing districts." done by former Labour Governments. Let It was obvious to anyone who went to us take Croydon, for example, an area of Theodore that things were not right on the 364 square miles of country, carrying original setlement area. I say it was the duty approximately 9,000 to 10,000 head of cattle. It was owned by the Labour Government, of the Government of the day to look after but what did they do? They sold it, bolus the men who had settled there originally bolus, cattle and all, for £155,000, when the instead of going on with further schemes that cattle alone would have brought that would eventually cost the State a great deal amount of money. of money. And they will. We as the Government today are faced with the task of Mr. Walsh: What officer made the report doing something to help those people because about that? Supply [18 NOVEMBER] Supply 1635

Mr. HEWITI: The hon. member for Surely after 30 years of settlement some of Bundaberg should not come into thrs the farmers who came into the area must Chamber and speak as he is today, have been competent. Only yesterday I because that area could have been sub­ showed the Premier some soil samples from divided. It would have given security the Gibber-Gunyah area. After one quick to many good Queenslanders on the basis look at them he was prepared to agree that of closer settlement, but it was sold by he would not be too keen to farm on soil the Government. I offer no apology to the like that. hon. member for saying that. It is a shock­ ing indictment of the Government of the Mr. Walsh: The Premier should have a day. look at some of the official reports. Mr. Walsh: You stick to Theodore. You Mr. HEWITI: Because of the way in think you know something about that. which the hon. member for Bundaberg inter­ jects I find mysli!lf wondering if he was not Mr. HEWITI: The hon. member always the instigator of the settlement. has it in his black book, but he really has no book at all. A Government Member: Was he the Minister? Mr. Walsh: I will tell you about Gunn's farm, Freeman's farm, and Latchford's Mr. HEWITI: I think the Hon. T. A. farm. Foley was the Minister at the time. The hon. member for Bundaberg says that he Mr. HEWITI: The hon. member men­ knows a great deal about the district. If tioned Freeman's farm. How ridiculous can that is so, he should have given his advice a man become? I know a little about that in a more practical way. Had he done what farm. I am married to Dick Freeman's the hon. member for Fassifern did when he daughter; I probably know as much of Mr. visited the area the second settlement would Freeman's position and the way he has never have been established. worked over the years as the hon. member does. There were several other matters that I wished to touch upon, but I realise there is Mr. Walsh: He was very successful when I was up there. a long list of speakers to follow me. I had wished particularly to refer to the land­ Mr. HEWITI: Mr. C. J. Latchford has ballot system in Queensland, but with only approximately 3,000 acres in the brigalow a short time at my disposal it might be country but it is not fully irrigated. He better if I waited until another occasion. knows his job very well and he is a very Mr. COBURN (Burdekin) (2.20 p.m.): successful farmer and grazier. He and his Before I discuss the subjects that I wish to late wife contributed much to the amenities of the district. bring before the Minister on these Estimates, I should like to offer my congratulations to Mr. Dick Freeman came to Theodore him on his elevation to Cabinet rank. There somewhere about 1923, or a little later and is no-one to whom I would more readily over the years he has worked very hard as and sincerely offer my congratulations. We an irrigation farmer. He has tried almost all regard him as a man of the highest everything on his farm and he did not integrity, one whose actions would never be work a 40-hour week. Even today, in his questioned by anybody. He is courteous and, sixties, he is a very hard worker. He is an because of the year·s of association I have ex-prisoner of war of World War I. He had with him, I have come to respect his has rendered a great service to the area in judgment. which he lives but he has found the diffi­ culties far too great to surmount. Even As a member who has been privileged from now, after all his years of hard work he time to time to place certain representations is not in a position where he can sell out before him on behalf of my constituents, and buy a home elsewhere and live in I can recall two in particular with which comfort for the rest of his life. It is no I should say he dealt in a Solomon-like credit to any settlement. What I condemn manner. Those matters were so difficult of at all times is the establishment of a further solution that men in my area with whom area where other people will be put in the I discussed them said, "Well, we will take same position. That is what worries me. our hats off to you if you can have them Perhaps we can make excuses for the solved satisfactorily." They were both original settlement, but we can make none solved satisfactorily, solely because of the for the Gibber-Gunyah site. The same very sensible attitude that the Minister thing has happened in the Moura River adopted when they were placed before him. irrigation settlement where the farmers are One particular matter that I brought before appealing to the Minister for assistance. him was that of an Italian who came to These are matters that will have to be Australia some years ago and did not know faced. It is no use this Government or the very much about procedure in this country. previous Government turning a blind eye He engaged a solicitor who, judging by the and saying, "It is all right." It is no use results achieved, did not know very much their blaming everyone else or suggesting more than he himself did. This man bought that the farmers have been incompetent. 10 acres of land from a deceased estate but 1636 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply before the title of the land was approved £29,000,000, but through delay in proceeding the Titles Office asked the Ayr Shire Council with the scheme it is now variously estimated to submit a plan of subdivision of which at from £90,000,000 to £120,000,000. Those they had approved. The council did so estimates, of course, are only a stab in the and the plan showed very clearly that, in the dark. subdivision of the 10 acres, an easment for The scheme had the approval of such men the land was provided. When the title was as the late Sir John Kemp, Mr. Nimmo, and issued it was issued without an easement the present Commissioner for Electricity and this man had no access to his property. Supply, Mr. Neil Smith. Mr. _Peterse_n, the The only way he could get onto it, as the Auditor-General, was also associated w1th the Minister for Justice remarked when I put committee that furnished the report. the matter before him, was by helicopter, because, unfortunately, his neighbour in It stated that the Commonwealth Govern­ recent times had become unco-operative and ment should be approached to assist to had complained about the dust he was stirring finance the scheme otherwise State finances up, causing annoyance to his wife. would be strained to such an extent that spending on other very necessary projects When he wanted to stop this man from within the State would be adversely affected. using this particular road the Titles Office And that is so. evidently would not assume any respon­ sibility for the mistake that had been made­ We were of the opinion that the Govern­ and I should say that the mistake was theirs, ment were continually placing this matter because they should never have issued a title before the Commonwealth Government, to the land without seeing that some access stressing its importance, and doing their was provided. utmost to get finance to implement it. We know from the Premier's own words that The Minister for Public Lands and Irriga­ nobody would be more happy to see the tion overcame the difficulty by agreeing to implementation of this scheme than he. But, resume a piece of land through the neighbour­ in reply to a question that I asked the other ing property for road purposes, provided day I was informed that no approach has that this person was prepared to pay the bee~ made to the Commonwealth Govern­ survey fees and the compensation for the ment on this matter since 1955 because in land resumed from the neighbouring farm. that year the Commonwealth Government He readily agreed so to do, and now his very definitely said that they were not pre­ piece of land, containing 10 acres, which pared to make finance available for the otherwise would have been valueless for sale, scheme. That was not a sufficient reason for will have access and will be considerably a discontinuance of the advocacy for the enhanced in value. implementation of it. If we believe ii?- it­ In my opinion, the Minister adopted a and it has been admitted by the Prem1er as very common-sense attitude in that matter. head of the Government that he believes in He did no harm to anybody. He gave justice it-we should not give up our advocacy for where injustice had been perpetrated by the it or lessen our pressure on the Federal Gov­ mistake of another Government department. ernment to play their part in the implemei?-­ I give all praise to the Minister for the tation of this great national scheme. It IS decision. It is typical of the decisions that claimed, I understand, that insufficient evi­ he makes in his department. He applies dence is available to the Government to himself most assiduously to the work he has prove the economic success of the scheme. It in hand. He has a judicial mind and there­ is very difficult to understand why that shol!ld fore his judgment is usually very sound. be so, when one peruses this comprehensiVe report presented t9 P~rliament ~y the. Burde­ I have on many occasions in this Chamber kin River Authonty m 1955, m wh1ch the told hon. members of the great benefit the committee expressed no doubt whatever about completion of the Burdekin irrigation and the economic success of the scheme. They hydro-electric project would be not only to said in one paragraph that with the com­ the Ayr and Home Hill districts which would pletion of the coffer dam they could place be in close proximity to the dam but also 200 men on tobacco farms at Clare, Millaroo to the whole of Queensland and the Com­ and Dalbeg, and that there was no reason monwealth of Australia. The value of the scheme is not one that has been arrived at why the return from the farms should not by me; it was arrived at by senior public reach an average of £1,000,000 a year. Their servants of Queensland who were held in the statements have been borne out as a correct highest estimation not only by hon. members prophecy, because last year the val~e of the in Government but also by hon. members in tobacco sold from those three regwns was Opposition, and by the general public of around £1,000,000. Queensland. They published a most compre­ The people of the area realise the ditficulty hensive report in 1951 on the Burdekin dam in obtaining sufficient finance for the b1g d~m project. Their estimation of the scheme was at the 90-mile site. However, somethmg so high that they claimed it was of the should be done and they have turned their greatest national importance, and that no advocacy to the construction of the diversion delay should be occasioned in the completion weir. All of us realise that the purposes of of it. They realised, of course, that it was the diversion weir are to divert water that is a costly project. In the early stages I think let into it from the big dam. The big dam the cost was estimated at approximately would conserve 16 times the quantity of Supply [18 NOVEMBER] Supply 1637 water in Sydney Harbour, and, as the water because in a dry period it would not be was required for diversion, it would be able to draw its water from the underground released from the big dam into the diversion supplies. That position has not arisen now weir to fill it to a height from which it but there are indications that it could. could flow by gravitation to the various farms Because of that, similar concern is again in the area. being expressed. It would appear that unless very heavy As it is felt in the area that so little rains fall in the near future there will not be is known even by the experts about the enough water to irrigate the farms at Clare, real source of supply for replenishment of Millaroo, and Dalbeg. The water used for the underground water, the people are asking irrigation on the farms in those areas is for a stepping-up of the investigations that pumped directly out of the river-it is not a are being carried out into this very important gravitational system-and then it is carried in reservoir that nature has given us so bounti­ wide concrete drains throughout the area and fully. I C

"Based on the capacity of the Gorge within the next five or six years, at least. Weir and the outlet against intake, we are The construction of such a weir is not a small reliably informed that water in the weir is task, and it would be some years before it sufficient to last only another three weeks. was completed. Anything that might be done A cusec is equivalent to 22,500 gallons per to overcome our present difficulties could not hour. be done quickly enough to afford any relief "At Inkerman Mill the fall of water level to those people, but we must guard against is at the rate of 1 foot per week. a repetition of the trouble in the future. We can do that only by acting now, and I 'This fall is due to the fact that the commend to the Minister's careful consider­ normal flow of approximately 50 cusecs ation the adoption of a sensible attitude has been reduced considerably because of towards the construction of the diversion weir the draw on the water from the river as the second stage in the Burdekin dam pumps, which pump direct from the river scheme. at Dalbeg, Clare and Millaroo. We should like to know categorically from "Irrigation and Water Engineer, Mr. Wilf the Minister whether or not the Government Davies, stated today that the general fall in favour the completion of the Burdekin irriga­ the underground levels throughout the tion and hydro-electric project. We were district was an average of 2 inches per always led to believe that they were 100 per week. cent. behind the completion of the scheme, "Mr. Davies, who keeps a close check on but our confidence in that belief has been water levels and records his findings, stated shaken considerably by the fact that we have that the water level reached an all-time been told that no approach has been made high of 18 feet in 1952 and an all-time low by them to the Federal Government for was recorded between 1935 and 1940. finance to enable it to be proceeded with. "Mr. Davies said that at the moment (Time expired.) working in the above scale the water was approximately 10 feet above the all-time Mr. HARRISON (Logan) (2.45 p.m.): On low level. the occasion of the Minister's presentation "He said that the draw on the water was of his first Estimates, I wish to take the now about 3 times as heavy as was the opportunity to extend to him my congratula­ _-;ase in the years 1935 and 1940. tions. I am sure he will do a good job for Queensland. I also congratulate his predeces­ "He said that it is estimated that the sor, the hon. member for Fassifern, for the draw on the underground supplies at the good job he did during his term of office. moment was at the rate of 150 acre feet per hour. There are two matters to which I should like to refer. The first concerns the very "Mr. Davies said that once we begin to valuable work being carried out by the draw from the basin the water level would drop rapidly. Co-ordinating Board established under the Stock Routes and Rural Land Protection "It can be clearly seen therefore that if Acts, 1944 to 1951. As Minister for Public we fail to get a wet season in January, Lands, this is the direct responsibility of the February and March of next year, our Minister. The other matter I had hoped to underground reservoir is likely to collapse. speak on-a matter of equal importance to A flood in the river will not replenish the this State-deals with pressing on with water supply to the underground basin. conservation in Queensland to enable "One therefore has not got to be an increased use to be made of irrigation. As expert to see that our crop losses next Minister for Irrigation, again that is the year could fall by as much as 50 per cent. responsibility of the Minister. This would mean a fall of £5,500,000 in So many hon. members have already our production." spoken at length on the subject of water con­ Because this water is indispensable for the servation and referred to the unfortunate production of the great crops of sugar cane in inadequacy of money available to enable us to the area, naturaly, those who have invested press ahead with irrigation, and to avoid their capital are concerned about the preser­ repetition I shall confine myself to speaking vation of the undergroud water supply. I wish about the work of the Co-ordinating Board. to impress upon the Minister the seriousness But, in passing, I should like to remind the of this concern amongst the farmers. I urge Minister of the value to be derived from him to exert himself to the utmost to arrive water conservation in three separate areas in at some decision about the underground water my electorate. They comprise the Logan supply and its replenishment and to take River, the Albert River and the Redlands whatever action can be taken to ensure that fruit and vegetable-growing area. The such a valuable asset will not be lost to immediate benefits that could be obtained Australia. from an assured irrigation supply would be I realise that anything we do now regarding very substantial because the three areas are the construction of a diversion weir cannot already well developed and highly productive. assist those farmers at Dalbeg, Millaroo and In irrigation parlance I understand that Clare who depend on irrigation water from there is a term referred to as a "costs­ the river for the production of their crops benefits ratio" which is used to measure the Supply [18 NOVEMBER) Supply 1639 economics of an irrigation project. I am sure cates the point I am making-that this is not that if that ratio were applied it would give a section of the Lands Department but an a high return in each of the three areas I entirely separate authority. have mentioned. At a later stage the Act sets out the con­ Dealing now with the Co-ordinating Board, stitution and functions and duties of the I should first like to mention that I was a Co-ordinating Board. It is laid down that member of that board for many years. there shall be a Co-ordinating Board con­ Although I am not a present member, I think sisting of ten members, as follows:- I can speak on this subject with a back­ 1. A superintendent appointed by the ground of knowledge and experience. I have Governor in Council, who shall be chair­ a very strong suspicion, simply because little man; publicity is given to the work of this board, 2. A member of a local authority nom­ that very few people have a really full inated by the Local Authorities Association appreciation of the extent or the value of the of Queensland; work that is entrusted to it. 3. Two owners or occupiers of holdings, For a start, I should say that there is no one of whom shall be nominated in that phase of rural land protection more import­ behalf by the United Graziers' Association ant to the economy and progress of Queens­ of Queensland and the other by the land than is the control of noxious weeds, Selectors' Association of Queensland; and that is only one of the important respon­ 4. An officer of the Department of sibilities of the Co-ordinating Board. Local Government nominated in that Actually, the work of this board is essential behalf of the Minister for the time being to the development of all our great primary administering the Act; industries because it includes responsibility 5. An owner or occupier of a holding for the provision of watering facilities on nominated in that behalf by the Council all our main stock routes and for the of Agriculture. He represents the agri­ barrier netting fence which was erected to cultural producers of Queensland; enclose the sheeplands of Queensland and protect valuable stock from the depredations 6. Four public servants, a senior officer of dingoes. On top of that, its functions of the Department of Agricultural and include responsibilitiy for the control and Stock, an accountant nominated by the direction of the programme to combat animal Auditor-General, an engineer nominated pests as well as all the vegetable pests of by the Co-ordinator-General of Public Queensland. Works, and an officer of the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission. As I say, very few people seem to have a clear understanding of the exact functions It is true that the Government give some of this board and of how it carries out its financial assistance to the board by way of work. I can assure hon. members that it is a small annual contribution of £10,000 from generatly thought that the Co-ordinating Consolidated Revenue. It has been the Board is just another section of the Depart­ same ever since the Co-ordinating Board was ment of Public Lands. That is not strictly originally set up under the Act. The Govern­ so. It just happens that the administrative ment also subsidise the board to the extent officers of the Co-ordinating Board are of 50 per cent. of the construction of stock­ public servants and, for convenience sake, route facilities, but it is important to remem­ they are housed in the Department of Public ber that most of the cost of operating the Lands and under the Act are deemed to board is met by the rural land-owners of be officers of that department. Queensland. Apart from the Government contributions I have mentioned, all salaries To revert to the original establishment of and administrative costs, and the cost of per­ the board, I understand that after a period forming the actual work in the field are met of chopping and changing it was finally from the Stock Routes and Rural Pests decided in 1945 that the best method of Destruction Fund, which is raised by means ensuring the protection needed for the rural of a rate on the rateable values of all rural lands of this State was to set up a board, lands in the State. In 1959 the amount col­ representative of all the rural industries and lected in that way from the land-owners of of certain Government departments. Their Queensland was £262,448. The 1960 report job was to co-ordinate the work of the shows that it is now up to £279,364. That development of stock routes and to afford sum is augmented by other fees, such as protection to rural industries by the control watering fees and agistment fees. The board of animal and vegetable pests. handles the sale of weedicides and hormones The Co-ordinating Board is an authority at cost price, free of railage, to local established by a separate Act of Parliament authorities and land-owners throughout the called the Stock Routes and Rural Lands State. The total revenue of the Co-ordinat­ Protection Act. That Act specifically states ing Board in 1960 was £376,457. it shall be administered by the Minister. Mr. Walsh: Where do they spend most of Section 6 of Part II of the Act provides it, in the south-east corner? that the Governor in Council may appoint a Superintendent of Stock Routes and Pest Mr. HARRISON: Throughout the whole Destruction and such other senior officers State, and particularly in the western areas as are required under the Act. That indi- where there is a great need for stock-route 1960-3F 1640 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply watering facilities and the eradication of many right in saying that the Land Act does not noxious pests. I admit that in the coastal impose any obligation on anyone to destroy areas the main consideration is the control animal pests, although it does impose of noxious weeds. obligations for the destruction of noxious It is worthy of note that the board was weeds. constituted at the end of the most difficult The annual report of the Co-ordinating periods in memory, that is, at the end of the Board, which by the way is to be found last war when it was virtually impossible tucked away at the back of the annual report to get materials or equipment. Despite the of the Department of Public Lands, gives difficulties, the board got to work and set ample testimony of the amount of valuable about planning what was required, and found work performed by it in the interests of ways and means of doing so as its record will land-holders of Queensland, and this work indicate. It succeeded in carrying out a is very largely paid for by the land-owners great deal of the work expected of it under themselves. the Act. The most workable method was Just to give hon. members a few examples found to be through the local authorities of of the type of work done by the board and Queensland. That is the accepted method. the success that has been achieved, let me The Co-ordinating Board is responsible for remind them that in 1934 there were only planning the programmes, but it implements 39 serviceable watering facilities in Queens­ them through the local authorities. This has land, but today, due to the work of this proved to be a very wise policy, as board, there are over 700 watering facilities undoubtedly the local authorities are the on the main arterial stock routes of this bodies closest to the individual land-owner. State, on which something in the vicinity of In framing its policy the board always £1,250,000 has been spent. has the closest regard to the opinions and I remind hon. members that the present recommendations of local authorities, land­ Government have realised the necessity for owners, and primary producers, and I should an extension of this most important work, say that the great success it has had is due in and have approved the expenditure by the no small measure to the close liaison it has had, and still has, with the authorities I Co-ordinating Board of £200,000 for the watering of stock routes in Far Northern have mentioned. In short, its policy of work­ Queensland, which provide the main outlets ing with local authorities has resulted in a for fat cattle to the Queerah meatworks at smoothly working combination of the local authorities, individual land-owners and the Cairns, and to the Ross River and Alligator board itself. Creek meatworks at Townsville. In addition, these far northern stock routes ensure an The Co-ordinating Board has been operat­ outlet for store stock to fattening areas in ing successfully for 15 years. From my other parts of the State. Since that approval ~xperience ~s a member of it, I should say was given, the Co-ordinating board has Jt has functioned very well and in the best planned the necessary work and it is now interests of land -owners. well under way. That is a very important There was some suggestion last year of programme and it fits in with what the effecting a number of changes in the adminis­ Minister has been telling us-and on which tration of the board. I am all in favour of hon. members have been commenting-of changes that will add to the effectiveness of the need for greater development of North the board and enable it to do a better job Queensland for cattle-fattening and grazing. for the protection and development of our As I said before, many people do not realise rural land. From my experience I say that there is a board operating in Queens­ very definitely that there would appe~r to be land doing those things. no justification for any alteration of the One of the great difficulties confronting the p;esent system of its operation, under the transport of cattle by road to the Townsville direct control of the Minister as indicated in meatworks has been the hazardous and diffi­ the Act. I emphasise that the board has cult road over Hervey's Range. I have always been charged with making its recom­ known of this problem for years, even mendations direct to the Minister, and since though I live in South-east Queensland. The the board has shown that it can function hon. member for Bundaberg may suggest we very well under that set-up I can see no are not concerned about this problem, but good reason for interfering with it in that I assure him that we have known of it for respect. years. After that there is the difficulty of getting the stock along the narrow routes As I pointed out, the work performed by into the meatworks near Townsville, which the Co-ordinating Board is quite separate are very heavily infested with Chinee apple. from th~ work performed by the Department There again, the Board has taken action to of Public Lands. The Co-ordinating Board re-route the stock to the Townsville meat­ is concerned entirely with the safeguarding works and to clear the routes of Chinee of our rural lands, and in that way con­ apple. tributes very substantially to the develop­ ment of our rural industries by the pro­ As another instance of the Co-ordinating VISion of stock-route watering facilities and Board's work, I could mention the good work the control of animal and vegetable pests. it has already done in the way of intcoducing When I refer to animal pests, I think I am insects in an endeavour to obtain a biological Supply [18 NOVEMBER} Supply 1641 control of some of our most dangerous weeds, integrity of the former Minister were such as lantana and Crofton weed, not forget­ undoubted by any member of this Chamber. ting the present efforts to secure permission The Minister has stated that this is a for the release of the two most important difficult department to administer. I agree insect enemies of Noogoora burr-Mecas with him, because in it one has to deal with from the U.S.A. and Nupserha from India, those who have and those who have not. about which I have spoken previously in the Down through the ages, back to the Chamber. dawn of the history of man, one thing has The Co-ordinating Board also has very stood out-holding land has been the cause close liaison with the Commonwealth Institute of wars and rebellions. If the Minister, of Biological Control, with its head office in in his administration of the department, can Canada. At the present time it is carrying solve the problem, he will have solved a out preliminary investigations on behalf of greater problem than one could solve, because the Co-ordinating Board to ascertain the pos­ he will have found the fourth dimension. sibility of biological control of giant sensitive Mr. Fletcher: The first Governor of plant, which infests the whole of the cane Queensland said when he introduced the first areas of North Queensland, and of groundsel land legislation that he had solved the bush, which has become a scourge in south­ problem. eastern Queensland. It might be interesting to mention that the Mr. DAVIS: Yes. That has been said Board operates through a variety of com­ at different times down through the ages. mittees. It has a works committee, which I wish to speak only briefly, but I want deals specifically with the stock routes and to say something about an anonymous letter watering facilities. Its vermin committee that I received from my area about an deals with animal pests and the dingo barrier hon. member of this Chamber for whom I fence. Its weeds committee deals with all have a great regard. The letter was attached noxious weeds and investigations into to a clipping from the Clermont weekly biological control of noxious plants and, paper, and it set out that the hon member finally, there is the Finance Committee. for Mackenzie had made a speech in this In all, it will be agreed that the Board is Chamber about the development of the doing a splendid job for Queensland. Unfor­ brigalow country. I congratulate the hon. funately, its ramifications are not widely member on the fact that he is not only known, but it is something that I can con­ a darned good fellow but also a darned fidently say land-owners, producer organisa­ good politician. The hon. member for tions and the local authorities of Queensland Mackenzie knows full well the policy of the value very highly. They do not want to see present Government on land matters, a policy any disturbance to the Board. They are all instituted by the former Government of which for having it improved and for giving it I was a member. I might say that I disagreed opportunities to do even better work for in certain ways with that land policy, and Queensland. We regard it as one of the very I think the hon. member for McKenzie is important functions associated with the now disagreeing with certain aspects of it, development of our rural industries. too. Any Government, irrespective of its political colour, is like a bullock that refuses Mr. DAVIS (Barcoo) (3.8 p.m.): I make a to go into the slaughtering pen or refuses to very belated entry into the debate. I have go into the chute to be transshipped to the been listening for many weeks now to the slaughtering pen and has to be reminded opinions expressed by hon. members in the by being prodded on the backside with an Chamber. I have listened to the oracles electric button. The hon. member for expounding their ideas and their opinions but Mackenzie is reminding the Government that I have just sat back and listened, expressing the policy is theirs. Let them institute their no ideas and no opinions. I heard you say policy along the lines of what is set out last night, Mr. Taylor, that you were becom­ on the Statute Book of the State. ing a little fed up with all the repetition in the Chamber. When one enters the race as Mr. LLOYD: Many years ago. late as I, it is only natural to find that every Mr. DAVIS: Many years ago, yes. Prior sign of the zodiac has been traced out by to the present Government's occupying the previous speakers, and I must expect that Treasury benches we realised the value of some of my remarks will be a repetition of the brigalow belt. I agree entirely with what has been said. the hon. member for Mackenzie, but I do I sincerely congratulate the Minister on his not agree with the anonymous letter. elevation to the position of Minister for Anonymity is something without a name. Public Lands and Irrigation, which is one of I do not know whether any of us are quite the most important departments in the State sure of our names but anyone who writes of Queensland or in any country in the world. an anonymous letter must have a greater I congratulate him because I have every con­ doubt of his surname than I have. fidence in his honesty, his integrity, and the The anonymous letter says, "What about sentiment that is necessary to administer the you, Mr. Davis?" I gave service to the department that he now controls. I also con­ area from where the writer came and the gratulate the former Minister, but only on paper is printed. The facts are to be found this: that I believe that the honesty and in the records of Parliament. It was only 1642 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply because of my advocacy that the present of the largest pastoral companies in Australia progress and development has taken place has come to Queensland. The company is in the Peak Downs area. The Government Australian Estates Company. had almost decided upon an area for the I could use certain words-they have been Queensland-British Food Corporation at used in this Chamber before-about an area St. Lawrence when I brought to the notice of my electorate that was taken from me of the Ministers of the day the possibilities but I do not intend to enter into controversial that I thought existed in the Peak Downs argument or discussion on the redistribution. area. On the introduction of the Queensland­ However, I know that in the area recently British Food Corporation Bill by the late represented by me there are Kyabara and father of the present hon. member for Thylungra, two huge areas held by the Baroona-the Honourable E. M. Hanlon, for Australian Estates Company. whom I had a great regard-the Leader of the Opposition, now the Leader of the I am now going to condemn the Govern­ Government, condemned it hell, west and ment of which I was a member. I made crooked. He even went so far as to say, representations to them to consider existing "Is this another rotten socialistic project?" land-holders when these great estates fell due Today the Leader of the Government is to the Crown in 1948. It was a period of lauding the Peak Downs project to the high lush conditions and high wool prices, wool heavens. prices that were undreamed of within the Commonwealth and seasonal conditions that In addition to having administrative were certainly undreamed of in that particular capacity it seems that the Minister is some­ part of the State. I am not now representing thing of a sentimentalist. He appears to the area and therefore I have no reason to be somewhat sentimental in his outlook seek from the Minister certain concessions for towards anything he may approach or towards land-holders in the way of additional areas. anything you or I may approach him upon. But, after the resumptions I have mentioned, His officers have lowered their flags to none the Government of which I was a member within the Commonwealth of Australia. saw fit to set the minimum living area at Those officers have, I know, the capacity 60,000 acres. The smallest block, surround­ and willingness to do their jobs. ing the town of Quilpie, was of 60,000 acres. Today I am making an appeal on behalf Yet in that portion of the State men have of the people of the town of Barcaldine existed for years and years on blocks of only for the retention of their common lands. 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, and 50,000 acres. The They are the common lands of the common estimate of the Government at that time was people on which all the wrangles of the that a living area was a minimum of 60,000 town have occurred. Those lands have been acres. utilised down through the years since the Much has been said about the Channel establishment of the town of Barcaldine as Country. I doubt if any hon. member knows a town common and they are being whittled more about it than I do. I have travelled away at the present time. through it every year for 15 or 18 years. Anyone who is observant and has I lived in Barcaldine for many years and been through it as frequently as I have must I know that the townspeople have never know something of the country. I often previously been compelled to make an appeal wonder whether the city dweller who has his to ouside sources for milk supplies to meet steak every morning ever thinks of the place the needs of the town. Those supplies were from which the meat comes, or where it has drawn from the use by certain stock of been produced. I have seen 2,000 dead the town common, but an attempt has now beasts at one waterhole. I understand the been made to whittle those common lands Minister has been there very recently. In down-to give them to whom? I ask the the 1930 drought I saw 2,000 dead cattle at Minister that question and I am sure he one waterhole-the hole was so full that no will take note of it because I have had more could get in. They were spread around a letter over his name in reply to a request the countryside. In the great 1930 drought I made. These people are asking for con­ I saw a trail of bones throughout the whole firmation of the fact that he has recommended of the Channels and surrounding areas. The that the lands should be utilised other than whole area was a charnel house of bones. as common lands. They have asked his During the period of the great rains for five opinion on the matter, which reminds me or six years it was said that those conditions of the old saying "Caesar appealing unto would never happen again. But it has hap­ Caesar." The advice as to whether these pened and it is happening now. In the last lands should be excised is being sought of few years there has been the opportunity for the person who has recommended that they development. I know of one property in be excised. the Quilpie area where £90,000 has been spent on development. It is only a small Before my time expires, I wish to touch property-not a huge area-and this expen­ on two particular phases about which the diture has saved the stock and the owner's Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation is financial position. very concerned. One is the resumption of large holdings within the State. That appears The present drought is not just something to me to be inevitable. I saw in this that is occurring only now; it will occur morning's Press that the director of one again. It is inevitable that drought will strike Supply [18 NOVEMBER] Supply 1643 in the western portions of the State, and "Such suspension was effective on and when it strikes it is the most horrible sight from the twelfth day of April, one thou­ one can look upon. Thousands of beasts sand nine hundred and fifty-six, and is still starve and wander until they drop. Only operative. those who see these things know something "The misbehaviour for which the said of the Channel Country. I know the Channel Vivian Rogers Creighton was so suspended Country as it is when the Cooper floods and was that in breach of his duty in the becomes the greatest natural irrigation scheme office of Chairman of the Land Adminis­ in the world. It creeps out across the plains trative Board- for 40 or 50 miles, and one can see almost (a) During the year 1955 he com­ unknown grasses and vegetation such as municated information which came to yellow top, wild sorghum, wild lucerne, and his knowledge by virtue of his office to many others. I say to the Minister that he one Cecil Wallace Edgar Williams, the should accept the reports of the commis­ said Cecil Wallace Edgar Williams not sioners, of which my colleague and friend, being a person to whom he was bound the hon. member for Warrego, was one prior or entitled to publish or communicate to entering this Chamber. - such information; Mr. WALSH (Bundaberg) (3.33 p.m.): I (b) During the year 1955 he used understand that some arrangement has been information gained by or conveyed to made between the Leader of the Opposition him by virtue of his office for a purpose and the Minister and the Premier on the other than for the discharge of his duties closing time of this debate. I did not know and entered into a clandestine corres­ anything of that arrangement, but I wanted pondence with the said Cecil Wallace to speak and got on the list. If the Minister Edgar Williams for the purpose of hav­ ing such information published in a does not object, I wish to exercise my right. newspaper; I will come to the more controversial things (c) He made complaints in a clandes­ first. Quite naturally, the Estimates for the tine manner concerning the administra­ Department of Public Lands always attract a tion of The Department of Public Lands lot of interest as they have such wide ramifi­ to the said Cecil Wallace Edgar cations throughout the State. As there is Williams a person not authorised in that quite a large representation from the rural behalf whereas any complaints which areas, naturally those hon. members want he desired to make should have been their story told as it relates to the various made to- phases of rural development. (i) His Excellency the Governor; Before getting on to other matters, the and/or more controversial aspect I wish to refer to (ii) The Cabinet; and or is a report that appeared in the Press recently of a proposal to appoint Mr. Creighton to a (iii) The Honourable the Premier; permanent position in the Department of and/or Public Lands. I am not going into a long (iv) Parliament by way of a report; story, but if that is so I wish to register my and protest. If the Government propose to (d) In so acting he systematically appoint him, I think it is pretty tough on deceived the Government and Parlia­ their part to put such a proposal to the ment and failed in his duty of loyalty Governor and the Public Service Commis­ to Her Majesty and Her Advisers. sioner for their approval, having regard to "The facts and inferences establi~hing the documents that are included in the the cause of suspension of the said Vivian journals of this Parliament. I refer to one Rogers Creighton were proved in evidence headed: "Statement of the Cause of Suspen­ before the recent Royal Commission sion of Vivian Rogers Creighton from the appointed to inquire into and report on office of Chairman of the Land Administra­ Allegations of Corruption relating to deal­ tion Board." That appears at page 877 of ings with certain Crown Leaseholds in Volume 2 of the Parliamentary Papers for Queensland by the testimony upon oath the 1956-1957 session. It says- of the said Cecil Wallace Edgar Williams "Statement of the Cause of Suspension of who also produced and tendered in evid­ Vivian Rogers Creighton from the office of ence before that Royal Commission the Chairman of the Land Administration said correspondence and the said evidence Board of the said Cecil Wallace Edgar Williams "On the eleventh day of April, one was not controverted before the said Royal thousand nine hundred and fifty-six, a Commission by or on behalf of the said time when Parliament was not sitting, the Vivian Rogers Creighton by cross-exam­ Governor in Council, pursuant to section ination, evidence in rebuttal or otherwise 15 of 'The Land Acts Amendment Act of howsoever. 1931,' as subsequently amended, suspended "The facts and inferences aforesaid Vivian Rogers Creighton, the Chairman of establish that the said Vivian Rogers the Land Administration Board, from that Creighton was guilty of a breach of the office (and also from any other offices held trust and confidence reposed in him as by him under the Crown) for mis­ permanent head of the Department of behaviour. Public Lands and of treachery to Her 1644 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Majesty's Ministers and that generally in of their experts, think they should embark relation to his said office his conduct was on a scheme in the North, in the brigalow unconscionable and unjustifiable." country, or further south, as the case may In view of that document in the journals be, well and good. But I know that all these of this Parliament, it is very wrong that the schemes have been investigated under former Ministers in their capacity as members of Labour Governments. There are reports the Executive Council should submit his galore on cattle-fattening and other schemes name to the Governor for approval for his of that type in North Queensland, and now reappointment to the Public Service, and, we have the farcical position of the Govern­ as I said, to the Public Service Commis­ ment appointing a committee to go through sioner, who is called upon to certify that he the North again. After officers of the Depart­ is a fit and proper person to occupy the ment of Agriculture, the Forestry Department, office. I know the excuses that will be and the Department of Public Lands have made. It will be said that he possesses the investigated these particular areas and their qualifications that no other officer has, and potential for cattle-fattening, we are now so on. That is just a bit silly when we asked to believe that this is going to develop remember the ramifications of the Depart­ into something worth while for the State. ment of Public Lands throughout the State If it comes about, well and good, but I have and the many officers who have been trained a recollection that many years ago, in asocia­ in its various branches of administration. tion with the Department of Agriculture and It is asking too much to expect the public Forestry, two brothers in the Tully area, Hugh to believe that there is no other office quali­ Henry and Bryce Henry, carried out some fied to take the position and that the Gov­ very extensive experiments on land that was ~rnment have to reappoint the man who, not generally regarded as being suitable for m the words of the document, committed cane-growing and was not, apparently, suit­ treachery to Her Majesty and her advisers. able for the granting of assignments by the ff that is to be accepted as the standard Central Sugar Cane Prices Board at that time. for employment in the public service-and They spent a great deal of money in that I have some knowledge of the attitude of area, and in the final analysis they probably senior public servants of the State at the failed. As I said, those experiments were time this matter came before the Parliament conducted in conjunction with officers of -I hesitate to think that the people of Government departments, and the records Oueensland can have any confidence in the are these to show the results. If the Minister future public administration of the State of cares to look at those records, at least he has Queensland. That being the case, one might a little history to guide him. as well say that there would be justification for re-appointing Burgess and McLean, who Any scheme of this type in the Far North left Great Britain and went to Moscow, to is to be approached with considerable caution, their responsible positions, positions of trust and I entirely agree with the hon. member for in the Public Service of Great Britain. A~ Cairns that we have in North Queensland a I said, I do not want to argue the pros and heritage in the natural forests that, once cons of the I?atters that arose at that time, destroyed, can never be replaced. Any sug­ but I want It to go on record that, as a gestion that all the scrub areas should be public man, I have no time for traitors and destroyed and made available for these some­ those guilty of treacherous acts in their what doubtful experiments would be a very public positions. retrograde step. It is the natural home for the class of timber growing up there in its Mr. Dewar: On that basis, you will never native state. There is considerable scope for get back into the Labour Party. the Forestry Department to engage in their activities if they are allowed to do the job. Mr. WALSH: I do not know how the hon. I am not saying that there are not a few member, on his record, was ever elected to areas capable of being used. But again let this Parliament. me emphasise that the reports are there. I referred to the Turners the other day. They Mr. Dewar: They like me. bring down stores from their grazing prop­ Mr. W ALSH: The electors might like the erties. They bought up quite a few of the rerpetual lease selections that were subdivided hon. member, but some of the things we were for closer settlement for dairying, but which told about him in this Chamber would justify had failed. They purchased these leaseholds, them in not liking him. We heard all sorts and they bring their cattle down there to top of things about tricks in the leather industry. them off. There are areas where probably Mr. Dewar interjected. this can be done, but to go in for any whole­ sale scheme to destroy that wonderful area of Mr. WALSH: If the hon. member wants natural timbers would be the greatest mistake to carry on the argument, I am prepared that any Government could make. I hope to do so. I have registered my protest on that that the Premier will keep his eye on it subject, and that is all there is to it. because I know that he has such a keen interest in forestry activities. He always dis­ We hear much about the developmental played that interest while he was in Opposi­ schemes that this Government are fostering, tion. You always strike trouble if you allow particularly cattle-fattening schemes in the too many closer settlement areas to abut on North. If the Government, on the advice hillsides and slopes. The hon. member for Supply [18 NOVEMBER] Supply 1645

Cairns, and for that matter anyone who visits "Mr. F. R. Golding representing the the North, would know what can happen even agricultural industries--" in the cane areas if they allow their fires to 'That is, on this advisory committee- go into the foothills. Thousand and thous­ ands of acres of good timber country can be "--said the letter was rather amazing destroyed, so let us keep away from the as the industry in Bundaberg had always North. been fostered by a major tobacco company and the quality of the leaf produced was When the Government had their Cabinet top grade. Only a few months ago a meeting in Townsville they made a great national tobacco show was held at Goondi­ noise about the £6,000,000 to be spent on windi consisting of leaf from all parts of road development in the Gulf area to assist Australia and a Bundaberg grower won the the cattle industry. What is the good of talk­ top award for the championship leaf." ing like that when people in the Mt. Perry Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Mr. area engaged in the dairying and grazing Minister! industries are deprived by the Government of their only suitable means of transport? The point I wish to make first is that I The railway line is closed down without any am not peddling the interests of the electors evidence of any real plan for an alternative in my area. This particular locality is not road system to comply with their require­ even in my area but, as a member ments. I realise that there is so much propa­ of this Chamber, and having regard to the ganda in the £6,000,000 proposal, but if it fact that the development of the tobacco is taken seriously it will mean that the Gov­ industry around the Bundaberg area has had ernment are going to construct roads into the a very considerable influence on employment Channel country and Gulf areas while people in Bundaberg, I am vitally interested in its ~.Jready settled have to get on the best way expansion in that area. As a matter of fact, they can without reasonable access. cotton, tobacco and peanuts-if they could get a wider scope there to grow peanuts­ I come now to the Minister's attitude would relieve very considerably the seasonal towards the development of the State and the unemployment in that area. Because there Government's approach to irrigation. I have was considerable employment in the picking a cutting from the "Bunclaberg News-Mail" of tobacco leaf, the last slack season was of 27 September, 1960. It states- one of the best experienced in Bundaberg for "TOBACCO GROWTH very many years from the angle of employ­ REBUKE FOR MINISTER ment. "Members of the Bundaberg Advisory Here is a Minister sitting on the front Committee last night strongly criticised a benches as the representative of the Govern­ suggestion that the district tobacco industry ment and telling the people that they are should not be expanded until development anxious to develop industry in Queensland. in the Mareeba-Dimbulah area was com­ He is putting the shutter right up against pleted." these people when all they are asking the Government for is a comprehensive survey In other words it is apparently the intention into the possibility of more intensive use of of the Government not to undertake the water in the area. Let the Minister remember development of any new tobacco areas until that what the tobacco-growers are doing they are satisfied that the Mareeba-Dimbulah there now is being done off their own bat. area is a paying one. The article goes on- They are doing it without any governmental "A letter was received from the Minister assistance-or very little financial assistance for Lands and Irrigation, Mr. Fletcher, and virtually none for the supply of water. regarding irrigation possibilities for tobacco There is a large area there that could be growing purposes in the Bundaberg area. opened up for this purpose. I do not want to delay the Minister unduly. "He was replying to the Minister for I have made my point on the subject of Labour and Industry, Mr. Morris, who made tobacco, and the hon. member for Burnett, representations on behalf of the advisory I am sure, will realise the position there just committee about irrigation possibilities. as much as I do. "Mr. Fletcher claimed that because of Mr. Wharton: I realise it. the lack of information on soils and their suitability for tobacco growing it was Mr. W ALSH: He would realise the posi­ impossible to assess the irrigation possi­ tion both in respect to the Mt. Perry pro­ bilities. posal and the proposal to spend £6,000,000 in the Gulf Country. The electors of the "He then said that because of the pro­ hon. member for Burnett have not a decent duction and marketing position it would be road and the Government are going to close undesirable to consider expansion of the branch-line down, yet at the same time tobacco-growing in the Bundaberg area they intend to spend £6,000,000 in the Gulf until development in the Mareeba-Dimbulah Country. area of North Queensland was completed." Up to a point I respect the arrangement The article goes on, under the caption that was made, and I thank the Minister for "Amazing"- his courtesy. 1646 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham­ study it intelligently and arrive at the right Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation) answers, they could have a very great bearing (3.53 p.m.): I think I should say again on the future prosperity and development of that today's debate on these Estimates Queensland. We have great resources in all has been very responsible and helpful those areas, and I do not think it would be and, with only slight deviations, was right at this stage for me to settle on any intended to be so on both sides of the one of them, as neglect of one or concentra­ Chamber. I appreciate that very much. tion on others may possibly mean that we Practical men spoke in practical terms of have neglected the vital one. I am very matters within their practical knowledge. anxious that we should make wise decisions Most hon. members were constructive and did in this matter. not try to score politically-with the excep­ The hon. member for Cairns spoke of tion, of course, of the hon. member for things of which he knew, which is a refresh­ Bundaberg. ing experience in this Chamber. Perhaps Mr. Walsh: I never miss a chance. a debate on land matters brings out more of this sort of thing, as it does not give Mr. FLETCHER: As he says, he never much scope for political interchange of views, misses a chance. and, after all, we all have something of a hankering to be a farmer, even those of us The first speaker this morning was the who never have a bigger piece of land than hon. member for Ashgrove, and I deprecate a backyard allotment. the fact that while he was speaking some members of the Opposition were inclined to Mr. Wallace interjected. take the view, "What do you know about it? You are a city man and you are talking of Mr. FLETCHER: Of course. What he something about which you know nothing." said about a settler who goes to the North, The hon. member was speaking of the the West, or the Centre of Queensland and cattle-fattening project and they seemed to starts to farm a piece of land, particularly imply that he had a bit of a cheek to take an virgin land, is absolutely true. As I said interest in it. I think the reverse applies. I earlier, if anyone thinks he is going to get think it is very much to his credit. As this it the easy way, he will be sadly disillusioned. was a Lands Department debate it was within The hon. member said he was worried his responsibility to take an interest in other about the forest lands of the North. I said things than merely those in his own electorate. the other day-some hon. member thought He had gone to some trouble to inform him­ I said it petulantly, but I did not-that we self on a current topic, that is, beef-fattening have taken this aspect into account very in the North, the West and the Centre of seriously and that a committee has b~en Queensland. I noted some of the things he sent up there. That was one of the factors said; they were the result of quite serious in my decision to include a forestry officer investigations. Some of his conclusions were in the committee, because experienced persons the same as mine, although I have had access outside and inside this Chamber know that to other sets of figures and information. I we must guard against the mistakes that think it becomes the city man to take an have happened in the past. Our experience interest in other parts of the State. Politicians over the years makes it obvious that mis­ are often chided by people outside for being takes-irreparable mistakes-can be made. too concerned with matters in and around I wanted to obviate those mistakes and that Brisbane. I think the hon. member's speech is why I sent to the North the type of was a "pretty good show." committee that has been sent. Mr. Walsb: We realise it was a preview of The hon. member for Cairns said that the report to come. various members talked with tongue in cheek about development in the North. I am not Mr. FLETCHER: Whether it was or not, one of them. I honestly believe that there it was a good thing for him to do. He was is a great future for the North if we can giving his interpretation and accepting the take advantage of modern techniques and responsibility that devolves on a member of advances in science. These latent resources Parliament to recognise the inter-dependence can be developed through advances in of life in the city and in the country. science, modern developments in machinery and technique, and the co-operation of men Mr. Bromley: Some of your colleagues who know something of the quality of the should remember that when we are speaking. land and the methods that have to be used Mr. FLETCHER: Perhaps that is so. I up there. I feel that the Commonwealth am not going to argue about it. Perhaps, Government could help us here. It is no as the hon. member for Bundaberg has said, use simply scowling at the idea and saying the hon. member for Ashgrove took some­ they will not. We have just got to try, and thing out of a report that is yet to be if they will not do it we will have to do presented with regard to priorities that ought as well as we can on our own. As far to be given to the Channel Country, the as I am able to inspire that sort of action, northern fattening areas, the spear-grass I will. I believe that we will get surprisingly country, the Gulf Country, and the brigalow good results from North Queensland. belt. It is a very interesting subject. If we Mr. Walsb interjected. Supply [18 NOVEMBER] Supply 1647

Mr. FLETCHER: I think we are going to practical, average people doing their jobs, disappoint the hon. member for Bundaberg and they have not got very much out of very surprisingly. I do not believe that we it up to now. will make these horrible mistakes that he is predicting for us. We must classify the I wish to commend the hon. member for North as far as possible. We all make human Mackenzie for helping our Irrigation Depart­ mistakes, but we cannot do anything unless ment investigators. We believe that through we try. In spite of the hon. member's them we may be able to alleviate the position suggestion, there has not been a concerted of at least some of the settlers. If it is effort to classify the North into its various not possible to do something for everyone, components-land for timber, and land for at least we will have the satisfaction of doing other purposes. These days are a far cry as well as we can with the means at hand. from the years when the mistakes were made The hon. member is as keenly interested in in the youth of the hon. member for Bunda­ irrigation as I am. berg. We have come a long way. In the Throughout this debate I have been youth of the hon. member for Bundaberg, delighted to hear of the appreciation of the the development of the atom bomb had not work done by the officers of the Department even been thought of. We have advanced of Irrigation, for irrigation is so important in other things, perhaps not as far or as to the development of this State. It is dramatically as with the atomic bomb, but really one of the most important things that we have certainly advanced. civilised man must put his hand to, and it must be done early in the piece. As I have Mr. Walsh: There are millions of memos said previously, the southern States are on these areas. already beginning to worry about their lack Mr. FLETCHER: I do not care if there of further water resources, not only for irri­ are a million million. There were millions of gation supplies but for human consumption in their developing cities and towns. memos on other things before success was finally achieved. We will never achieve any­ As we might expect, the hon. member thing without trying. The hon. member for for Burdekin is worried about the problems Bundaberg thinks that if his grandfather, or of the North. I thank him fer his con­ his grand-uncle, or a friend of his, did not gratulations and goodwill and for what he succeed in the Tully area in 1914, it naturally referred to as the positive wisdom of a Solo­ follows that no-one would succeed now. That mon, or something of the kind, in helping out is just too silly and is hardly in keeping with some of the people there. We do our the sometimes quite bright intelligence of the practical best. I think it is practical, and I hope that our best is not too bad. It is hon. member. We agree that the timber up a very great satisfaction to help people who there requires special treatment, and we will are in a jam. see that it gets special treatment. We know that if it is destroyed we cannot get it back, I spoke of the Burdekin dam yesterday or and that is what we are worrying about. the day before and if the hon. member reads I think the hon. member will be pleased with my speech he will find set out fairly well our responsible attitude on this matter. what I tried to express. The Burdekin darn, ot course, is a wonderful project, if we can The hon. member for Mackenzie is a man ever raise the money to carry it out, but, more with a very sound practical knowledge of his importantly, if we can ever get all the answers area. I thank him for his compliments and to soil usage in the large area of the delta that good wishes, and I should like to thank him at the moment is not very suitable for irriga­ personally for the very great help he has tion. Down where they grow the sugar cane, been to me. He came with me into areas the soil is splendid and will grow anything about which I knew very little-and about without much trouble, but the flood-plain which I could not know all the facts-and he soils are not good. The answers are not yet was able to show me more in a few days to hand, though we are still experimenting, than I would have be enable to find out for and we think we are achieving something. myself in a much longer period. He did We are encouraged, anyway, to think that, that willingly, and practically, and with good in the long run, we will be able to do some­ sense. He is as keenly interested as I am thing that will make the Burdekin dam, along to do something about the Dawson irrigation with the possibility of using some of the area, which, in spite of what an Opposition water for electricity supply, a justifiable member said the other day, is not a very expense on the State. At the moment I do happy settlement. I am not blaming anyone not think we could justify it. for that. After all, we learn as we go and perhaps there will always be mistakes when Alternatively, the hon. member is worried we start to use lands in new and more about the diversion dam, which was projected intensive ways. However, we have to do as part of the general scheme, to impound and something for the people who have been at divert the water that was originally intended it for long periods of their lives without to be entrapped in the main dam. He has getting a reasonable return for their work. advanced the idea that we go ahead with Perhaps some of them have not always been that even if we do not build the main dam. as wise as they should be, and perhaps some If he examines the proposal in the light of have not been as industrious as they should the data we can give him, he will find that be, but in the main they are hard-working, it is a very questionable project. It would 1648 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply cost £7,000,000 for a quantity of water so Board, Mr. Brebner, is known throughout my small as to be out of all proportion to the department as a man who works far bey~nd amount of money it would cost. the legal requirements of h_is office .. He IS a fanatic in regard to the dmgo-barner fence The hon. member is worried, of course, and those other responsibilities that he and about tobacco growers who recently were his colleagues on the Board discharge. The seriously threatened with a shortage of water people outback and the people on th~ J?arling for a very promising crop in the Millaroo­ Downs have a wonderful appreciatiOn of Dalbeg area. Only a couple of days ago we what the Co-ordinating Board does, but, as I were desperately seeking some way to help said, its work is given very little newspaper them out of an extremity that looked like being theirs very shortly. We hoped to pump publicity. from the sand of the Burdekin River to keep The Board is hoping for great Slfccess wit~ them going. It is very serious to have a the Noogora burr insect with which experi­ shortage of water when a tobacco crop is at mental work has been carried out over the a vital stage of growth. However, they were past few years and which has not yet been lucky enough to get several inches of rain and released becau~e of the ultra-caution of the I think the weir is now about full and that Commonwealth department that controls they are assured of enough water to see the these experiments. I think it is necessary that crop through. That is a great relief to every­ they should be ultra-cautious. Although _we body, especially the officers of the Irrigation might think at the moment that they are bemg and Water Supply Commission, who feel a a little too cautious, better that than for us responsibility to the growers who have put to say in a year or two, "The blighters ought their all into tobacco-producing farms. to be more careful." We are concerned about the levels of I was delighted to hear my old friend the underground water on the Burdekin. I hon. member for Barco<;> speak of _those spoke about that the other day. Our things that he knew of his o~n expen~nce. investigations are still continuing. We It is a very good moral expenence to listen have a great deal of data on hand and to a man who knows what he is talking we have allowed £8,800 in the Estimates for about who has no axe to grind, who merely the work. We do not know that we will get wants' to do something for his people and the all the answers, because it is a subject on thinos in which he believes, and to pass on which one cannot expect to get definite som~ of that wisdom with which the years answers to all the questions; but at least we have endowed him. There is a humbleness are taking the matter seriously and we hope and a weight that impresses one in words that, with the effiuxion of time, we will be that come from the mouth of such an able to assure the people on the Burdekin honourable member, and I compliment hiJ? Delta that there are practical ways of ensur­ on the fact that he took the trouble at this ing a permanent fresh-water supply. In a very staoe because he is so much interested in dry season there has been an occasional inflow land 'matters and so much a friend of mine, of sea water, which, of course, is very bad I hope, to rise and give us the ben~fit of for the cane. his wisdom and experience. I thank him for The hon. member for Logan spoke-in his good wishes, and I hope that he is here complimentary terms, for which I thank next year and the year after to speak of these him-of the irrigation needs of the State. things. Again, he was one of those I had in mind when I said I was delighted to hear hon. He said something that I have often members speak in support of what had been thought-that in the administration ~nd done for irrigation as an arm of development ownership of lands we have s_oJ?_eth:ng of the State. connected with the development of CIVIlisatiOn down through the ages, somet~i~g that has His particular interest-and I compliment had a great bearing on wars, CIVIl wars, <:nd him highly on this-is the Co-ordinating politics generally. That is true. Most, I thmk Board. As he said, the work of the Board perhaps all, the big Socialistic or Commun­ goes largely unnoticed in this community. istic movements that have overthrown The Board is charged with a great deal of constituted authority in other lan_ds of t~e responsibility relating to dingo control, pest northern hemisphere have had their roots m control, the big dingo-barrier fences, noxious­ the savage discontent of the y~ople_ about weed control, and stock-route watering, which matters connected with the admmistratwn and is of great importance, and these men have, ownership of land. It has come down right over the years, given wonderful service with from the time of Magna Charta. There have very little publicity. Virtually the only always been arguments between the haves and publicity they get is adverse criticism when havenots and they have continued up to the they drop a few dingo baits out of an present ~tage. The barons who held land ~n aeroolane. I know it is debatable whether the old days have their counterparts m this -method is effective, but I honestly think modern times. There may be a reference to that the data on which they rest their case some of them in this pamphlet that I have for aerial baiting is sound. I think the money with me on this occasion. is very well spent when one considers the number of young dogs that are killed. The hon. member for Barcoo said he Generally speaking, the Board does a good, thought there was some sentiment in my honest job of work. The Chairman of the administration. I do not know what he meant Supply [18 NoVEMBER] Supply 1649 by that, but if he meant a great deal of observations may not be motivated by just sympathy with those who work and make a little bit of a hangover of resentment of their living on the land, he is right. old days that has stirred up hard feelings. He spoke on the need to institute closer However, I shall not say any more about settlement. We are doing that to the best that. of our practical ability. We are trying to The hon. member spoke of the farcical do it wisely so that there will not be nature of the North Queensland committee. unfortunate instances of men without enough I cannot be bothered with that-we have land to make a decent living for themselves been all over it. There is nothing farcical and their families, and at the same time about it. It is just common horse sense. we are trying to get the ultimate amount Every hon. member on both sides who of production and development from closer knows anything about it realises that it is settlement. just common horse sense. He spoke about If I were asked what my philosophy was people who went broke in the old days. It towards land settlement I would say that it was a sad story but possibly the hon. hinges on a deep feeling that any man is member nostalgically remembers those old all the better, a better citizen, a more respon­ days. What happened then does not apply sible citizen, one who takes his citizenship today; we are living in a new age. We have more seriously, because he owns his own tractors and scientific aids that were never piece of land. It is far better to have dreamed of in the old days. We would be half a dozen men on land that can reason­ plain silly to sit on the fence and say, ably support them than have them as "This was good enough for my grand­ employees of a big landowner. They father, and it is going to be good enough have a more responsible attitude towards for me." He tried very hard to connect the land. That perhaps could be at the proposal to put roads into the Gulf the background of my philosophy, simply country with the closure of the Mt. Perry stated. I will endeavour to give everybody railway line. It was a nice bit of mental a fair go. I humbly suggest that I will make juggling. But it does not work; there is plenty of mistakes, but they will be honest no relevant connection at all. There was mistakes as. indeed, most men make honest not even any great exactness, to use a very mistakes sometimes. mild term, in the observations of the hon. 'llember on either the Gulf or Mt. Perry. The hon. member spoke of the Channel country. Having just come fresh from there Mr. Walsh: Go up and have a look at I was in the frame of mind to take what their roads. he said as being perhaps the ultimate wis­ Mr. FLETCHER: Again I say to him dom to be applied to the area. It is a not to worry about the forests in North big tract of country; it has to be held Queensland. At least, he may have a little in large areas. There is a great deal of bit of worry because we do make mistakes, danger in an unreasonably small area. If but he need not worry about our sense of storm rains fall in one part of a big holding responsibility in regard to it. He need not it can help the whole holding, whereas small worry too much about the tobacco-growers holdings may miss out altogether for years. of Bundaberg. I know there was a news­ I know that there are two sides to the ques­ paper report and a claim to the effect that tion, but I honestly think that the Channel I did not like them, or something like that. country is chancy country for anyone but I have been to Bundaberg and have spoken large pastoral companies with plenty of to the responsible people in the community resources to withstand the knocks that with­ who are growing tobacco, and I have made out any doubt will come to that area of my peace with them. I told them what low rainfall, and sometimes no rainfall for was at the back of my thoughts. We are long periods. still investigating the possibilities there. It is The hon. member for Bundaberg was not any bonanza, either for water or soil, but trying to be as helpful as he could to his we are hoping to be able to tell the people political side. I could not find anything there some day how much water and land designed to be helpful to me in anything he they have for growing tobacco. said. There always has to be an exception Mr. Walsh: They grow a lot of good leaf. to the rule. He was the exception in this debate. He spoke of Mr. Creighton Mr. FLETCHER: Of course, they grow and dredged up some of the old regrettable some good leaf. history of the past. I do not have any When the hon. member for Barcoo spoke promises to make, but I do assure him that of the old days and the fact that land has if Mr. Creighton's name comes up and after been a source of argument right down the taking into account all the circumstances I years, he was probably thinking of the land am satisfied, I will recommend him, and it barons of old. I think he was probably will be an honest recommendation. I do thinking as I was and had read the booklet, not know if or when it will occur, but if I or "dodger", which I think is quite a good do recommend him I will not be apologis­ term, that has been circulated by our old ing for having done so. I think I should say friend, Mr. Charlie Russell. It is a very to the hon. member that it might be a good unfair attempt to discredit the Lands idea if he examined his conscience carefully Department; it is fairly characteristic of that in this matter to find out if, perhaps, his hon. gentleman and his general attitude down 1650 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

through the years. Those hon. members of In the Clermont area, Mr. Russell and his this Chamber who were here when he was family, under the style of Logan Downs a member of Parliament will be aware of Pty. Ltd. hold four separate pastoral leases, what I might refer to again very mildly as Wyena, Logan Downs, Cherwell and Wuthung his keen business instinct in the matter of Holdings. In addition 70,000 acres of land. There is no doubt that he was, and freehold are held, and Mrs. Russell holds still is, a good client of the Lands Depart­ a small grazing selection of approximately ment, but I do not think he is entitled to 6,500 acres. That is the retention half of publish this sort of misleading statement and the area that was taken for balloting when get away with it. the lease fell due some years ago. The He is a man who is prepared to develop total area of land held in the Clermont his country-! admit that-and in some cases district by the Russells is approximately he has made very good use of it. He is 500,000 acres, and the department's estimate also possessed of a very keen business sense. of the total carrying capacity is 10,000 head I do not blame him, I suppose, for pushing of cattle. I do not think that is a bad his claims so long as he does it honestly, positiOn. They hold a fair slice of and, when he speaks of facts, speaks of all facts. Queensland, but what is more important is that the land is in an area that is gradually The hon. member for Port Curtis men­ being developed as agricultural country, and tioned Mr. Russell one day as a man who the duration of the leases cover substantial ought to feel a great deal of gratitude towards periods. For instance, Wuthung Holding, the land administration of this State. That an area of 250 square miles does not is no more than true. Whether it was under Labour or under this Government, the lands expire until 1983. Cherwell Holding which administration of this State has been kind has an area of 238 square miles does not to that gentleman. expire till 1983, and Logan Downs of 57 square miles does not expire till 1979. I In the Cunnamulla district, the Russell should say that Mr. Russell, who obviously family have approximately 82,000 acres in must have received new leases in that area in five separate grazing selections. That is more than would normally be allowed one person, comparatively recent times, was fairly well but that restriction was got over by having treated, bearing in mind what has been leases in different names-one in his wife's, happening in the locality. one in his sister-in-law's, and one in his I know the trouble with Mr. Russell, and sister's. The estimated carrying capacity of what is behind this artful dodger he has the Cunnamulla land is approximately 16,500 put out. It is his grievance over the fact sheep, which constitutes an aggregation of that some land was taken from a small several separate living areas. It will never grazing selection held by Mrs. Russell, which be cut up because the properties will always was worked conjointly with the half million be considered separately, and I think Mr. acres of land controlled by Logan Downs. Russell has every reason to be very satisfied with the Department of Public Lands, at may I will tell hon. members the simple facts rate in respect of his Cunnamulla holdings. of the case. I think I should observe that the publication sponsored by Mr. Russell In the Dalby district, Mrs. Russell and which he calls "Why Queensland Crown Mr. Russell's sister and sister-in-law hold an Land Development is Lagging!" is merely aggregation of 5,340 acres in ten separate another form of pressure, and we have heard selections, nine of which are perpetual leases in this Chamber about other pressures in and one of which is in the process of being respect of land. The history of the depart­ converted to freehold. Mr. Russell does not ment shows that this pressure has always say anything about that area so obviously been pretty constant. The very nature of he is very satisfied with it. the work, that is, the cutting up of land, The crux of the matter is one of the pieces is such that it lends itself to unfair, unjust of land that was taken from Mrs. Charlie and almost libellous criticism of the depart­ Russell at Clermont. That is the reason for ment. I think this is a pretty unscrupulous Mr. Russell's misleading and mischievous document. I think it would be fair comment booklet, which I think is hardly fair to the to say that since the advent of this Govern­ department that I administer. I think most ment the pressure if anything has been people understand that inevitably Clermont intensified. I suppose that is to be expected, is an area that is developing as the tide comes as it may be thought that we would be in. The fact is that land usage there is more lenient, but I can assure hon. members changing from purely pastoral to a mixture that these pressures will be strongly resisted of pastoral and agricultural. No-one can and decisions will be based on merit alone. stop that, but we can impede it by an unwise As I said earlier in the debate I do not land policy. The time when the larger land­ need sympathy over the pressures exerted holders on the Darling Downs were telling on me, because I am in a position to keep everybody that it was no use taking their mY conscience clear. land and making it agricultural land is green in the memory of some of us. In the high­ The simple facts with regard to this tra_ns­ lands the same thing is happening, and the action are that Mrs. Russell held a grazmg change is as inevitable as it was on the homestead of approximately 13,500 acres Downs. Development wiH take place. which had expired on 30th September, 1956 Supply [18 NOVEMBER] Supply 1651

This holding previously was run in conjunc­ In criticising the two subdivisions, . ~r. tion with a huge tract of nearby land and Russell talks of their ability to earn a livmg was situated in the 26-ins. rainfall belt, 38 in terms of pure grazing. That is not fair. miles from Clermont, and was naturally None of this area is subdivided purely as .a watered by spring water and artificially grazing area. It is subdivided for the pursUit watered from a bore located on an adjoining of grazing, plus agriculture. property. It comprised OI?en undula!ing Mr. Russell's booklet was very critical of downs with dark smls well smted for cultiva­ the quantum of compensation allowed for the tion. At least 2,000 acres of the area could improvements situated on the block that was be farmed without fear of erosion, and in made available for the new settlement. He addition substantial areas could also be alleges that provisions preventing the recovery farmed with some erosion precautions. The of more money than the original cost of area was protected by netting fences. and improvements dispossesses Crow~ .tenants of bearing in mind what was happening in the their full dues. The facts appertammg to pay­ district, and even on nearby lands, the depart­ ment for improvements on newly selected ment at the time would have been shockingly lands are as follows. It is laid down that remiss had this holding not been subdivided, if the owner of the improvements and the even forgetting the substantial area of selector of the land cannot amicably arrive at 500,000 acres that was joined to it. It stands a settlement the matter is referred for deter­ to reason that an administration must be con­ mination to the Land Court, where each sistent. Other lessees in this area have been party is free to adduce such evidence as adversely affected in the interests of closer he may see ft. The Court, in arriving at its settlement and progress. Had this holding determination, is obliged to obse:ve two not been subdivided, but renewed in full, there principles: one, that th~ value of ;mproye­ is no doubt that the administration would ments shall be their worth to the mcommg have had a case to answer, and public con­ selector, which is no more ~han the fidence in the department's administration principle governing every-day trad~ng. The would have been dealt a severe blow. other is that the value as determmed shall Furthermore, a decision renewing the lease not exceed the cost of making the improve­ in full would have established a new standard ments, less any depreciation from. use or for subdivision in the area, and standards otherwise. This, too, is merely plam horse­ have to be consistent throughout an area if sense. the Department of Lands is to enjoy the confidence of those who live there. Mr. Russell implies that a new selector should pay full replacement cost for improve­ I emphasise that there was no resumption. ments made in the past, ignoring the use We did not resume any of Mrs. Russell's and benefit obtained from them, as well as property. It fell into our hands upon the their inevitable deterioration. I feel this expiration of the lease. The two subdivisions hardly needs any comment fr

situated adjacent to the southern boundary The main reason why Mr. Russell enjoyed of the selection. No water is now avail­ renewals of leases over these substantial able for the tank and troughing, the owner areas was the outstanding developmental of adjoining freehold portion 1 not being work that he offered to do in exchange for prepared to supply water to this tank from new leases so that upon the expiration of a bore on the freehold portion from which the leases the lands comprised therein would it was formerly supplied. The new lessee lend themselves more suitably for subdivision has unsuccessfully endeavoured to clean for new settlement. The developmental con­ out and repair a neighbouring bore on his ditions offered by him were quite outstand­ selection which bore was abandoned ing and, at the time, the department con­ several years ago. There appears to be sidered it wise to encourage this develop­ very little possibility of obtaining water ment in the interests of more successful on the subject selection within reasonable settlement upon the expiration of the leases vicinity of this tank. All witnesses agreed now held by Mr. Russell. The transfer that without water, the tank and troughing proposal put forward by Mr. Russell, apart were useless as items of improvement. The from the fact that Mr. Russell himself had tank had no removal value and therefore stated that it was a design to secure a no value was attributed to these items." renewal of Wyena lease, at a time when It appears that the lessee of the new block developmental conditions had not been com­ successfully argued against Mr. Russell as plied with, was not considered by the depart­ to th€ value of the bore on the basis that ment to be a good proposition for obvious the equipment was of little value to him reasons. owing to the absence of water. Subsequent Mr. Hanlon: Did you support Mr. Russell to the Court's determination, Mr. Russell in the Country Party? says that circumstances have now changed in that water may become available from Mr. FLETCHER: No, he turned the bore and this becomes the basis of his Independent. In addition to the question attack upon the Land Court. What can of transfer arose the question of private you do with a man like that? What a won­ subdivision. In effect, Mr. Russell's pro­ derful significance and dignity he attaches to position was that Cherwell be subdivided the word "neighbour"! and that 33 square miles of the better-quality A further case put forward by the wily lands be added to one of his other leases Mr. Russell in the booklet in his attack and that he be allowed to sell the balance. upon my department deals with Cherwell The intent was, of course, to pick the eyes holding. In the book he states that the out of the property and sell the scrap, which company decided to subdivide and sell Cher­ in turn meant that, when Cherwell did come well because of criticism by certain Country into the hands of the Crown for closer Party spokesmen to the effect that the com­ settlement, we would be faced with the posi­ pany owned too much land. That is just not tion of subdividing the worthless portions of true. The reasons for the private subdivision the property. Broadly speaking, the proposi­ and sale as contained in Mr. Russell's appli­ tion submitted by Russell was good for cation for consent, dated 19 March, 1958, Russell-very good for Russell-but not in were as follows-and I am quoting from the public interest, and it was refused on his letter:- that ground. "(1) The lease is being sold because we When Mr. Russell became aware that he think we have enough land in the Cler­ would not be permitted to sell Cherwell on mont district and with the development of a subdivided basis but that the whole of the our other leasehold and freehold lands we holding could be sold upon compliance with believe we will ultimately carry as many the developmental conditions, he proceeded stock on the reduced area as we do on the whole area today." to carry out the terms of his contract and, as he has said in his book, to date he has In effect, Mr. Russell admits he holds too not sold the property. much country. "(2) Awaiting consideration is an appli­ Russell's arguments generally are weak, cation for an extension of Wyena lease selfish, and without merit, and I do not intend and it is felt that in view of our decision to waste the time of the Chamber in any to sell Cherwell lease your Department further discussion of them. will consider an extension of the whole of Reading his booklet, one gains the impres­ the Wyena area." sion that Mr. Russell feels that he should be The second reason sets out blatantly the given a freehold title to all his tremendous scheme envisaged by Mr. Russell. In effect tracts of leasehold land. Let there be no his proposition was that he subdivide Cher~ doubt that Mr. Russell, when he entered into well, retain the choice part and sell the these arrangements with the Crown a few balance, which, at the time, was not capable years ago, knew full well the terms of the of being subdivided or sold as the develop­ contract, and undoubtedly the department mental conditions had not been complied would be remiss in its responsibilities if it with, and the expressed motive was that he did not ensure that these obligations were then be granted a new lease over Wyena. met in full. In respect of the Dalby lands, Obviously this proposition did not merit any and the Cunnamulla lands, too, for that more than five minutes' consideration by the matter, Russell does enjoy permanency of department. tenure. In respect of the Clermont lands, Supply [22 NOVEMBER] Questions 1653 parts of these holdings finally will be required for new settlement. Meanwhile, Russell has the use of approximately 500,000 acres, most of it till 1983. And he wants us to feel sorry for him! Mr. Russell must remember that he is not Queensland. Mr. Hanlon: Mr. Ewan has been making representations on his behalf. Mr. FLETCHER: I do not think so. The trouble with Mr. Russell is that he thinks he has inherited, possibly from some remote ancestor, the divine right of kings, and that we should supply him with his kingdom. He must remember that his interests must be subjected to the overall interests of the State. I do not begrudge him his pressure tactics, but I repeat that decisions in these matters will be based purely on merit. I thought it was my duty to take up the time of the Committee on this matter because this booklet will be widely distributed and will be widely misread. The truth is in parts of it, but the whole truth is not in it. I thank the Committee for the way in which it has constructively debated the Estimates on the Department of Public Lands and Irrigation. I say to hon. members that, as a new, inexperienced, and very humble Minister, I have been given a very good reception by the officers who have the responsibility of running the various departments. I think I have a very able and satisfactory Lands Com­ mission, a very satisfactory Commissioner of Irrigation and Water Supply in Mr. Haigh, a man of vision and integrity, a man with a wide knowledge of his department. There is no doubt that I have in the Land Court a very fine body of gentlemen. It would be invidious to say it is the best Land Court we have had, but it is a very good one. The heads of the various departments have been most helpful, and it has been a very great pleasure to work with them. I pay them the compliment of saying that I have appreciated very much their attitude and helpfulness towards me. The CHAIRMAN: Order! By agreement, under the provisions of the Sessional Order agreed to by the House on 13 October, I shall now put the questions for the Vote under consideration and the balance remain­ ing unvoted for the Departments of Public Lands and Irrigation. The questions for the following Votes were put, and agreed to- Departments of Public Lands and Irrigation- Chief Office £304,281 Balance of Departments, Consolidated Revenue, Trust and Special Funds and Loan Fund Account . . £6,328,046 Progress reported. The House adjourned at 4.47 p.m.