26 Obituary. [&SSEX1BLY.][SE BY Ex-President.xPeiet to be an honour then, and I feel it more lttgistatibc cT ancit, so now, that on the only occasion on which this great man visited these shores Tuesday, 26th June, 1906. it was my privilege to welcome him on behalf of the people of Western A us- Mion:U Late Prosident's Eeirenext, record of tralia. It is a matter of very deep regret ...... 2 Address~in.eply,appreciation debate resumed, ndjoume ... 2 to me tbat he was unable to carry out his purpose of coming to Perth and still TE PRESIDENT (Hon. H. Briggs) farther making himself acquainted with the people of this State, as he promised took the Chair at 4-30 o'clock p.m. to do on his next Visit. However, He who rules all things has ordered other- PRaAVERS. wise, and now we have to mourn the loss of one of the greatest men the Empire has PAPERS PRESENTED. ever known. I think be may very rightly By the PA-9sIDnNTr: Public Accounts be bracketed with Cecil Rhodes, the for the Financial Year ended 30th June, great empire-builder, and I am certain 1905, accompanied by the Fifteenth his genial character, his deep earnestness, Report of the Auditor General. his sincere desire for the welfare of the By the COLONIAL SECCRETARtY: t, The people not only of New Zealand but of Mining Act, 1904-Amendments of and the whole of Australasia, link him to us Additions to Regulations1. 2, The Mining with bonds that will long be felt and long Development Act, 1 92-Regulations for can be trusted and tried. I have very the purchase of Auriferous Copper Ores at great pleasure-a melancholy pleasure, I Phillips River. 3, Fiuheries Act, 1905- admit-in supporting the motion which Reguilations. 4, Goldfields Water Supply has been moved. Administration-By-laws. Question put and passed, the members standing. MOTION-LA-TE PRESIDENT'S RETIRE- MENT. RECORD ADJOURNMENT. Or A.PPRECIATION. Tn_ COLONIAL SECRETARY (Hon. THE PREMIER moved "That the 3. D. Connolly) said: Ift is with a feeliug House at its rising do adjourn until of considerable regret in one sense that I Tuesday next, 26th June, at 4-30 o'clock have to move the following motion: p. In.) Question passed. That this House desires to piece on record its regret at the retirement of Sir George The House adjourned accordingly at Shenton from the 4Vgislative Council and 5-14 until the next Tuesday. from the office of President, and expresses the hope that his health miay again permit him to give his valuable services to the State. I think members will agree with me that our late President, Sir George Shenton, deserves well of his country, having devoted the best days and hours of his life to occupying public positions. We can hardly hope-I think it is rather too much to expect-that the last padt of the motion, namely that his health miay so improve that he will come back into public life, will be realised. However, I feel glad that Sir George Shenton has decided to retire, for this reason, that it is very hard for a. public man, after he has long occupied a public position, and particularly the public positions Sir George Sheuton has occupied for some thirty odd years, to continue actively in the work. We generally find that a man Ex-Presidenl'8 [26 JUNE, 1906.1 Ex-resden's 26EXE 196.1Retirement. 27 goes on Until it is too much for him. any other member- [Dr. HACKETT: NO.] We had a very sorrowful example of -to second this motion. that the other dlay in the death of R~ON. J. W. HACKETT (South-West): the late Right Honourable Richard I think Ilam not quite the oldest acquaint- Seddon; and I think that Sir George ance and friend of Sir George Shenton, Sbenton, considering the state of his. yet I can speak from close upon a quarter health, acted wisely in showing the of a century's experience, which in most courage to relinquish his position. As eases is sufficient to test the quality and I have said, I think Sir George deserves calibre of the wen with whom one comes well of his country; and Western Aus- into contact. I accept the duty which tralia should he proud of such a son. my hon. friend has placed in my bands Speaking more perhaps from the point of with the utmost pleasure, for it enables view of an Australisn, I think that Aus- me to rise in this House and testify to tralia as a whole indeed has no cause to the universal regard in which our'late be ashamed of her public men, when we President was held. Sir George Shenton find that during the Federation period was one who had the honour of being the she could put forth, as she has done and Leader of this House, and he eminently does to-day, the Prime Minister and a, deserves well, of this country. It so majority of theMinistry, the Chief Justice, happens that the whole of Sir George's and in fact the whole of the High Court; public life covers exactly, up to the pre- men of whom a country of much greater sent day, the politi2al history of Western population than Australia might, I con- Australia. He first gave his talents and sider, well be proud. And in one of the knowledge to the country of his birth States forming that Commonwealth, when, in 1870, a partially popular consti- namely Western Australia, we find even tution was accorded to Western Australia. a still better example. I know that when Not only was he a trusted speaker in the 1 came to) Western Australia some 13 old Legislative Council, and one whose years ago I was forcibly struck with the words in the Council were listened to, fact that the majority of the first Ministry but his de-votion to his work was such in the little State, which then had I think that when we passed into the fully a population of 60,000 to 70,000, eon- popular stage, when Responsible Govern- sisted of men native-born, one of them ment was granted to us, it was with beug the gentleman to whom I am now universal a~pproval that be was offered referring, the late President of the Legis- the position of Colonial Secretary and lative Council, Sir George Shenton; and Leader of this House; first in the I may mention all those public men -Iho long line of honourable and able have always fitted themselves so well for men who have held that position. I the positions they have held. I think it shall not take up time with a theme it is a, record of which any smnall country which most of us know so well, Sir like Western Australia should be proud, George Shenton's political history; but I even at the present day. Just a month would point out that he rose steadily or two back Sir George 'Shenton occupied from step to step from private member the position of President. We have had to Minister, from Minister to Presi- the positions of Premier, Chief Justice, dent; and at all these various stages, of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and advancement he continued to hold the President of thbe Legislative Council, high respect and esteem of those who the four highest offices in the State knew him best. I should like to point with the exception of that of Gov- out that not alone was he satisfied with ernor, occupied by four native-born giighis time and his labour to the Western Australians; and that is a record Parliament of his country, but he took a to be proud of. Western Australia ought, leading position in municipal life here I say, toi be proud of her native-born for over a dozen years. Farther, though public mnen, and nmore particularly Sir I do not think we have a right to speak George Shienton. Before sitting down I publicly of a man's private life, yet on an would like to call upon Dr. Hackett, who occasion like this I should like to refer is the oldest member of this Chamber in passing to that unbounded and un- and has known Sir George Shenton for a stinted hospitality of which I believe Sir number of years, probably longer than George Sheuton has been the donor to a 28 Ez-.President.[CUCL] [COUNCIL.] Ep-Experimental e/lFn. Btrms. greater extent than almost any other fereuce of electors, and also the six years' member of either House of Parliament. efluxion of time mentioned in the Statute. This praise is not invidious: there are II feel sure that hion. members will welcome other members for whom as much can be ci~orge Shenton as a frequent visitor said. But nobody has been more truly to th is Council, and will be pleased tohbear hospitable, not only to residents of the that he has courteously accepted my State but to visitors fromr outside, than poffer to provide for him, when be does Sir George Shenton. I should like also 1 visit us, a seat on the floor of the House. to refer, if only in a breath, to his con- I have much pleasure in supporting the nection with his own church, of which he motion, has been one of the most devoted, active, Question put and passed and successful leaders whom. the church On motion by Howr. J. W. flacamrr, has been able to boast ofasince itsfounda- Iordered that a copy of the resolution be tion in this State. As to his work in transmitted to Sir George Shenton. this Council, I leave members to form their own opinion;, for each is as well able as I to judge of its value. But I BILLS (2)-FIRST READING. would point out that from the ti me he Fremantle Jockey Club Trust Funds entered Parliament, or rather, I would I(Private), introduced by Hon. M. L. say, since Responsible Government was I Moss. granted, Sir George Shenton, except for Jury Act Amendment, introduced by one or two much-needed and all-too-short Hon. W. XKingsmill. holidays, was never absent from. his place in this Legislative Council. In second- RETURN-EXPERMENTAL FA.RMS. ing this motion I speak as a friend, as the oldest member of the Legislative How. W. T. LOTON (East) moved: Council, and as a man who has for the That a6 return be laid on the table relative last quarter of a century closely to the Chapman, Narrogin. and Hamel experi- watched mental farms, showing-[, The acreage cleared public affairs in this State. By the retire- and unclearied and cost (if any) of the land ment of Sir George Shenton we lose a comprised in each farm. 2, The amount paid man respected by us and by the State at for buildings annually since inauguration to large, we lose a citizen who has, dlone the 30th Jnne, 1M6. 3, The amount paid for good service to his country; and we beg machinery, implements, and tools each year. 4, The amount paid for clearing, fencing, and him to believe that he carries into his other improvements each year. 5, The amount retirement the sincere desire of all his paid for stock and all other products each year. friends that he may be long spared to 6, The amount paid in salaries annually to 30th enjoy that. repose which he has earned so June, 1906. 7, The amount paid in wages well.i I have much pleasure in support- annually to 30th June, 1906. 8, The amount received from sales of stock and other products ing the motion. of the farms each year. 9, The numbers and THE PRESIDENT (Hon. HI. Briggs): value of the various classes of live stock and It may not be unbecoming on my part, other products at the end of June, 1906. io. as the successor of Sir George Shenton, The number of students on each fewm each to join in the tribute of appreciation of 1year. his distinguished services, to recognise This return was asked for in no spirit of the zeal and ability with which he has opposition or antagonism to the Depart- discharged thbe important d-uties of many mnent of Agriculture; for it was fairly high offices in this State, and also to ad- well recognised that some at all events of mire the firmness and judgment with the branches of this department were which he has maintained the dignity doing considerablc good. But the return and privileges of this House. He has ought to prove interesting and instruc- given unremitting attkntion to the busi- tive, and not too troublesome to ness of Parliament, and his kindliness prepare, though the questions raised and urbanity have won for him the were numerous; for the experts employed esteem and respect or bon. members. to manage, these farms had doubtless a Midst our regret there is, the consolationl p recise and concise system of account- that Sir George Shenton is not altogether keeping which would show them every lost to us. With us still are his counsels year exactly how they stood. The exact and his example: these outlive the inter- financial result~of these enterprises, until Address-in-Reply: [26 .TrXe, 1906.1 Second day. 29 the end of June, would be valuable ability and practicall grasp of affairs will informnation to the House and the country. stand him in good stead in dealing with HoN. G. RANl)ELL (Metropolitan) any business that comes before him in seconded the motion. The information his office. I am also quite sure that the desired would doubtless be welcome to Minister will receive generous conqidera- the country, which would be glad to know tion from members of this House. There that these farms were being conducted ione other, a gentlemnw who sat by my on thle best lines, and that there was at side for the last six years, whom I least an attempt to make them profitable desire to congratulate, and that is the as well as useful. No doubt these insti- hon. Minister, the Hon. C. A. Piesse. tutions were training a, number of young I am particularly glad he is now, people who would make earnest, indus- sitting in front of me. Not that trious, and successful settlers, and would I wish to take an unfair advantage set an example to other farmers. As the and to attack him in the rear, but be- heads of the experimental farms were cause lie was rather troublesome at my supposed to be experts in their various side. I am quite sure the Ministry have branches, they ought to be able to afford availed themselves of his services because much information of value to Settlers Iof his great knowledge, not only of the generally. Land Act, but of almatters appertaining THE COLONIAL SECRETARY to agriculture, and his advice to the (Hon. J. D. Connolly): The Government Ministry will prove very valuable. When being desirous of giving the fullest I was Minister for Lands, not only the information, had no objection to offer to Hon. C. A. Piesse, but other country the motion; but as some time would members, seemed to delight in putting elapse before the 30th June, the return what I waLs going to say were fiendish could hardly be expected immediately. questions to me with rega 'rd to the Land It would be made up as soon as possible. Act, It is mry turn now; and there are Question passed. a few things I will want to know later on. I am not going to spring them on the ADDRESS-N-REPLY. Minister now, but I will give him fair notice that at an early date I desire to SECOND DAY OF DEBATE. know many things relating to agriculture, HON. C. SOMMERS (Metropolitan): such as fruit lies, poison leases, cattle Following the example of the mover and 4dipping, catching dingoes, innoculatin~g seconder of the motion for adoption of rabbits, shipping honey, growing wattles, the Address-in-Reply, I desire to add shearing angoras, land drainage, Holstein my congratulations to yva, Mr. Presi- hulls for Jersey cows, Italian peas, value dent, on your advent to the honourable of manures, eusilagemangel wurtzelo for position you now fill. Your long expe- camels, and the best hens for winter rience in the House as Chairman of laying. My support will depend a great Committees assures us that you have all deal on the information I get on these the qalifications necessary to follow one subjects. I have others I will ask later. who lbas ably presided over the House. *But, seriously, I have great pleasure in Also your experience as a private member congratulating the hon. gentleman on the demonstrates it; and I trust you may be position he occupies as hon. Minister. I long spared to occupy the position. I am sure it is pleasing to the members of also desire to congratulate the Leader of this House, as the hon. member has the House, as this is the first opportunity endeared himself to all members. I amu since the Assembling of Parliament that pleased to note that. the mining industry I have had of doing so. I am sure the is so satisfactory, and that the dividends hon. member's elevation to his present paid last year were larger than at any position is satisfactory to the country as time during the history of the goldfields. awhole. It is particularly pleasing to This is shown by the fact that we have me, because I formerly represented with been able to treat lower-grade ores on a the Colonial Secretary the North-East larger scale and on more scientific prin- Province. His knowledge of parlia- ciples, proving that although the ores are mentary procedure, though not lengthy, not of such great value, we have such still is good, and I am sure that his *quantities of them that it mabes us feel -30 Address-in.-Reply: [COUNCIL.] Second day. we have a long and almost permanent life *year, and the improvement conditions for our goldfields. The absence of any are spreaod out year after year, while the new finds is a matter to which the Gov- land be takes up is valuable for either ernment and the Mines Department grazing or agricultural purposes, being should pay particular attention. It is quite a different class of land to those idle to think that all the rich findsB were areas I am speaking of away out in madle during the early life of the gold- waterless country, which are not valuable fields. until the prospector puts his pegs in. lION. F. CONNOR: What about the If my suggestion were adopted it would North-West? enable the prospector to become more How. C. SOMMERS: I am sure it settled. Perhaps a man with his son will have a great future. I was pleased, could work the lease for a month and indeed, to listen to the remarks of Mr. then go down to an agricultural dis- Connor with regard to the North-West; trict where he might own a farm. At for he is one well able to speak con- any rate, it would be an inducement cerning it. I take great interest. in for him to have one. In this way it this subject. I think we can scarcely would settle people in the State, and realise the possibilities of our North. make them feel more comfortable here: Western territory. We should be par- not so floating and shifting as the mining ticularly liberal with regard to the population have been in the past. The encouragement of prospectors. I think prospector might make a good farmer; the conditions with regard to leases or with the conditions I suggest, be might taken up by prospectors are altogether have his family residing in cooler districts too stringent. If a prospector takes up and work his lease when the opportunity a piece of ground away out in prac- presented itself. A railway is proposed tically waterless country, no good for from Starvation Harbour to Ravens- agricultural or grazing purposes, and thorpe. If it were constructed it would which, until he has put his pegs in, is do a great deal of good. Many of us not worth a penny per acre, we find the know that there is a good piece of country Government imposing a tax of £1 per there, particularly in respect of copper. acre for the ground which is taken up The railway would be short, perhaps not by the prospector not only with the more than thirty or forty miles ; and I idea, of enriching himself, but also with believe there is a good harbour possible the idea of inducing others to go out at Starvation Harbour. I prefer that the there. railway should be constructed by private THE COLONIAL SECRETARY: He can enterprise. It is too isolated a system for take up ground on his miner's right. the Government to embark on, because it HON. 0. SOMMERS: Yes; but would not connect with any existing rail- when he tak-es up a lease we find that way. I believe that if encouragement his surplus capital has been expended were given we would find the railway in developing the ground to that stage; would be constructed by private enter- and nless he gets liberal terms, he prise. At the same time I would see that must either abandon the lease or seek stringent conditions were laid down as to aid from people to whom he has to give the mode of constructing the line, and half or three-quarters of the property. that a purchasing clause should be in- I would suggest that the prospector get serted in the agreement so that at any the land at a nominal rent for the first time it would be possible for the Govern- year. with a sliding scale for the first ment to resume the railway, say, at cost three years. Also, the conditions of price. A railway would not only en- manning the lease should be made icourage those people willing to ut their much more liberal. In the first year I money in the district, but would alsoi en- think it should he quite sufficient to man courage the development of perhaps a the lease for one month, and in the new field altogether. 1 am quite sure second year I think two or even three that if the railway into the North-West months would be quite sufficient. Let icountry could be constructed by private us consider the difference between the *enterprise it would assist the State. selector aind the prospector. The selector There is not the slightest reason why we need -not work the land for the first should lock up the country ; and if the Addresg-in- Reply: [26 Jr:sr, 1906.] Addrss-n-epl[2 Jtxi;dety. 196.1Second .31

Government are not prepared to carry a step in the right direction. The man out the work, not being satisfied that put on to clear land which lie afterwards they have sufficient knowledge of the desired to select would see that he worked country, and if it can be found that well and did as much work as he possibly private people, having faith in the could do in the time, knowing that he country, will build the railway to develop had the possibility and every right to the district, I say let them push on with acquire the land himself. By doing it immediately. With regard to the Land this we would do a great deal of good. Act, I am glad to notice that the Govern- It would be well if the Government took ment inten4 to amend it, and that they the opportunity of establishing a bureau also intend to push on with light railways. at Fremantle, right on the wharf. There I am certain that the construction of is a small office there, and sometimes an these railways will mean a great increase officer of the Government saunters down in the cultivation of lands, not only along to it with the idea of interviewing people. the railways but many miles back from What I advocate is that a sum of them. The Government might fairly .4,000 or £8,000 should be spent to put increase the price of first-class bind; up a place where there would be an because it is now altogether too cheap. opportunity of the State exhibiting all If we increased the terms to 30 years and sorts of information, maps and literature, added 5 per cent. interest and charged A. fairly good staff of capable men could £1 per acre, it would mean an increase to be kept there, so that those who have a the revenue and would not deter settle- few hours or a day to spare in passing ment for one moment. I would advocate through could upend it in seeing what more stringent conditions in regard to we can do. It would be a, splendid cultivation and the general keeping-up- advertisement for us, and it might be a to-the-mark of those people who have means of inducing people to tarry longer already selected. In order to prevent a with us. Persons may have been delsayed great deal of dummaying that is going on, in their journey and have had to give up I think that on all new surveys it would some arrangements; anyhow it would be be well to have the survey pegs dated so a. good advertisement for this State. The that the work of the inspectors would be great success of the sale of the subdivi- made much easier, and so that persons sion of the Midland Railway Company's looking out for land would be enabled to lands recently in Perth shows that there ascertain how long a piee of land had is a good demand for property, which is been in possesionT a selector, and most encouraging. I think it is most would have reason, if they saw the land encouraging all round to see that this was not being iuiprotved. to inquire why company at last has unlocked the land improvements were not being carried out. which has so long been locked up. Coming I notice that encouragement is being back to the metropolitan area, it is a given to induce people to settle in the matter of very great importance and of State; but while that is being done I gratification, that the Government have think we should give much more en- already made a start with the deep couragement to our own people to settle sewerage scheme, which has been badly on the land. There are thousands in the needed for many years. One can hardly Eastern States who would be glad to realise until one goes away frdmn Perth come here if we offered the same induce- anid sees other comparatively sm~all towns ments that we offer to people of other having all the conveniences of modern countries, while on the goldfields there times dealing with sewerage, and then must be hundreds of men out of work come back to Perth, so up to date in all and desirous of work, who, if taken in other matters, with its trains, electric hand and shown a little consideration lighting, and tine buildings, to find it is and given a little assistance, could clear so far behind newer towns in the disposal land which they might afterwards select. of its waste product. There is no doubt Much good might be done and a great whatever that the septic tanik system deal of the poverty existing now might be will be successful; I think there can be ended. An amendment of the Land Act no doubt on that point. One thing that to enable lands to be cleared, such as goes hand in hand with sewerage suggested by the G-overnnent, would be a"d its disposal is a, good su pply of water. 32 Address-in-Reply: [COUN7CJQ[CU i]Seoddy Second day.

Every summer we find how deficient has recently been before the electors, our supply of water is, how scarce it is, I know how defective the rolls and how inferior in quality. While wve and the law are, and how badly it is have the magnificent goldfields weir and administered. I hope) there will be some the water running away every su11nle, amendment in this direction. I have no why we do not make use of, it is a desire to detain the House longer. mystery to me. During the last twelve Sin E. H. WITTENOOM (N'orth) : I months there hass been an average of desire to preface my few remarks by con- one and a-half million gallons per day gratulating the President on the position used on the goldfields. We could take he has been placed in recently, and I feel three and a-half million gallons every confident that he will carry out the duties day fromnthe Mundaring dam, and thus do eminently satisfactorily. I should like away with the disability under which we also to extend my congratulation to the suffer in regard to water. We have a Premier, who at so young an age has great deal of disease and sickness, visits attained so high and dignified a position. of the plague and typhoid, and first of When we rememnber what we may call all it is directly traceable to the impure his immasture age said the very short quality, of the water we have to drink. parliamentary experience lie has had, I by adopting my idea we can hell) our think very great credit is due to him to be goldfields friends in reducing the price placed in the position of trust; and I of their water, and we can help the hope he will long remain to occupy that country by paying the interest and sink- position with dignity to himself and ing fund on that mag-nificent scheme. benefit to the country. I am not pre- While w-e are constructing the weir to pared to extend my congratulations to supply Perth and Frenmantle with water, the manner in which the Premier has which will take a greatnmany years, in formed his Cabinet, If mean those asso- the meanltime I do not see why we ciated with him. I do not do that with should not tap the Mundaring Weir, so any personal objection to any of the that we should have a, bountiful supply Ministers, but I do it for this reason: at once. There was a letter in the West there has been an unfair omission of any Australian newspaper yesterday, written representation of the northern part of by Mr. G. A. tefroy, giving some very the country in the Cabinet. I think I useful iuformation 'about the sewerage am safe in saying theme is not a single scheme. I hope the Government will Minister who k-nows anything about the look into the matter and see if they can- North. There is not one Minister who has not give Perth and Fremnantle a supply been much beyond Perth. We find this of water. I hope the Government do not portion of the State with its large inter- intend bringing in any fresh taxation. ests and industries neglected. I do not There is not the slightest reason why we think any Minister knows anything about should not go in for a little more stock-raising and squatting, and there is borrowing. With Mr. Connor, I think not a member in the Ministry who knows our credit is sufficiently good to push anything about farming. [Mnn: along with our public works. We might Mr. Fiesse.] I am not including the let the people get over the depression and useful Honorary Ministers. There is not be fairly on their feet before we have a. member who knows anything about more taxation. I hope this session will pearling. Yet the whole of these not he prolonged to such an extent as the industries are to be carried on without session was last year. While we have anyone in the Cabinet to look after work let us do it vigorously, and get them. We know how very important on with the business of the session before representation is. We have only to the hot weather comes in. People have look to the recent Fremantle elec- no desire for new legislation, and, except i tion. We do not know what terrible some amendments to existing Acts and loss may have accrued if the successful one or two urgent Bills which will require candidate did not happen to be a Minis- attention straight away, there is no need ter. What about the portion of the for a great deal of new legislation. The northern territory which has not a repre- matter of electoral reform is urgent sentative in the Ministry at all ? It and is badly needed. As one who really makes me, representing the north- Address-in-Reply: [26 JUNE, 1906.) Second day. .33 era part, a little afraid that it may not moment it is one of the biggest mistakes be looked after as it should he. There Western Australia ever made. I believe is a huge territory requiring a great deal in Federation in theory. I believe that of development, and I think one of the five or six States close together, with things the Premier should have done was interests in common, can be worked more tol see that the North was represented. cheaply and more effectively by a common Another point that makes the omission government than as scattered units. more marked is this. In the last Gov- Were I a South Australian or Victorian, ernment there were two Ministers, one or living in New South Wales or Queens- who represented the North. and one who land, I feel that I should have done my knew no more about it than moat of us. best to have brought about Federation, Yet we find, for some reason or other, both but I would have advocated a central these Ministers were retired from the Government of such a nature as to de- Government, and the consequence is we crease to a large extent the expenses have not in the Cabinet anyone to look and representation of the States; other- after the interests of the North. And if wise I see no object in amalgama- we look at the Speech, there is very little tion. My objection to Western Aus- Raid about the North. In one place there tralia's joining the Federation is purely is something said about artesian bores, a geographical one. We are separated which is a very important matter; and from the other States of the Common- there is a paragraph also which con- wealth by many hundreds of miles of gratulates the pastoralist on the bounti- unoccupied country and rough seas. We ful rainfall. But this bountiful rainfall have nothing in common with those in a large measure has fallen only in States, and therefore I think we made a some small portion. Here is an instance very great mistake in joining, especially of the knowledge which the Ministry at a time when our development was possess of the North. From the Murchi- commencing to be successful and they son upward the squatters do not know had worked out most of their resources. how to keep their stock alive. What I can quite understand their coming with reference is there in the Speech to the very sympathetic remarks and saying railway which is wanted in the North? how pleasant and proper it should be, 'Aa have a large portion of the territory that we should all be Englishmen, which is notably auriferous and which brothers of Federation, and joined has been inspected by the geological together. These are matters I can authorities, yet there is not a word thoroughly understand, but I cannot whether the aovcrnment 9re going on understand Western Australia's joining with the railway or not. I hope their in the Fedration where we keep up a silence will be excelled in a manner by Parliament now costing something like their actions. I confidently hope they eight millions a year. [HoN. G. RAN- will make up for their inexperience by DALL: Eight millionsiJ Something like showing what can be done by people that, is it not? I mean the coat of knowing nothing about a subject. The Federation is something like eight next question that seems to me of im- millions a year. And yet it is found portance is that of Federation. There is necessary, althongh we joined this feder- a little paragraph in the Speech of a ation of the picked men of Australia, to very* startling nature, that I think might keep two Houses of Parliament for Wes- be described as some of the chickens tern Australia, consisting of 80 members, coming home to roost. We are told to legislate for 250,000 people. I am in that paragraph that this State may certain it could be done just as well with possibly have to give up the sum of a board of directors of six people, with a £2430,000 a year. I have no hesitation good chairman. As far as I know, the in publicly stating that I have always Federal Parliament has not done a single been opposed to Federation. When the action which justifies its existence, but it question was brought before the people has done several that really authorise its in Western Australia I was in England speedy extinction. I am quite certain if and unable to take any part in it, there- it goes on as it is there will be a great deal fore I feel no responsibility and no hesi- of trouble. Under these circumstances tation in stating it, and I say at the present I thinkwewantto be most careful. And in 34 Address-in- Reply: [COUNCIL.] Second day.

addition to the left-handed legislation to that effect-and I can only hope it there., we have the undignified sight of will continue for a long time, because the Prime Minister and Leader 'of the what we want amongst our other require- Opposition contradicting and writing ments is a large number of immigrants. about each other every day. These are No doubt population is the one thing facts to which perhaps we do not attach Western Australia wants, and I hope this much importance, but it goes out to the system will continue, particularly at the world that there are these contradictions, people's own initiation. I am, however, villifications, and so on. I think thetime one of those opposed to any frantic has arrived when this State should make efforts being made to introduce immi- every effort it possibly can to retire from grants whether they are suitable or not. Federation. [MEMBERs: Hear, hear.] I believe Government money for the I am one of those who believe that no introduction of immigrants should be effort should be spared, but that every spent in a very careful manner. I should effort should be exhausted to try and cut put them to the test of having a little away from Federation, for the simple money to begin with-[Tn COLONIAL reason that we are not in a position to SECRETARY: So they do]-and should take advantage of it. I consider that the make it a condition that they should not Government-I recommend this to the Igo on until they had had a little experi- leader of the House here- should take ence. It is bad enough for a man to steps at the very earliest possible moment come from another country to this and to find out whether or not they cannot go on to the soil here with a little money retire from this Federation, even if it and no experience, but God help him if goes to the extent of sending a requisition he has neither. I am quite certain he to the Home Government. I have been could not do good, and I will only say as pleased to read certain portions of the a proof of my argument: Take any half- Press where writers have put their views dozen men who know anything about forward very ably, and given the strongest farming in this country, and set them reasons for retiring. They have not only down in England, and ask them to farm. done that, but they have stated they were How much could they do before they had prepared to back up those reasons by had a round of seasons? Therefore,'I say giving a certain amount of money. I saw before we spend a lot of money on the £2, X5, and £10 mentioned. I can only introduction of people with or without say that if there is any reasonable chance means and without experience, .it would of success, taking any reasonable nme&- be well for the Government to take every sines-not what our friend suggested the care. We have Canada, for example. other day- I will be prepared to enhance There they have gone in considerably for the subscription by £2100. These are my immigration, and I am told on evidence views, and I commend them to the Gov- which is indisputable that before many ernment. We are tied up with this years there will be a most tremendous Federal Parliament, and it is doing no number of failures amongst the people rood to legislation. It threatens its now whom the Government have put on the with a loss of R433,000 per annum, a. land-some of them-and helped with loss which means the difference between money. This should be a warning to us prosperity and otherwise to us, and to be careful. I have heard people talk- the Government should take some steps ing of spending millions, or £500,000 a to see if they cannot leave us to go alone, a year, and all this sort of thing, to intro- on our own resources. I am not fright- duce immigrants here. Upon my word, ened to go alone. I believe we could it is really amusing, and I read with the get along very well indeed, and I feel greatest pleasure one or two letters in confident that the majority of the people the Press about a week ago. I think one of Western Australia will come to the of them emanated from that esteemed same conclusion. Another reference has district to which my hon. friend the been made in this Speech which is of Minister belongs; an admirable letter it extreme importance, and that is in con- was. Amongst the statements was one nection with immigration. It says there that the writer considered that before a is a steady and increasing stream of man attempted to go on a platform and people coming into the State-something talk about farming he should be corn- Address-in-Reply: (26 JrNEF, 1906.] Second day. 35 pelted to do two years' farming. I think will cost or how much profit will be that mian was a wise one, and I hope the maode out of exporting. Of course I am idea will be carried out. What I sug- alluding particularly to wheat. I have gest is this: If the Government are no hesitation in saying that the only two going to spend any large sum of money classes of people who could make wheat in the introduction of people to be put pay for exporting are first of all the large on the land for farming purposes, intro- proprietor who could employ 10 or 15 duce a certain amount of. legislation also teams and have a proper system of over- to enable capitalists to come here and seers, and then the man who has a large invest their money with some confi- family, and does not require to employ deuce. I do not think it is at all labour at all. The ordinary man who fair that all the competition should be occupies a farm and pays wages will placed on one class. If you are going to never make wheat pay fo r export. Hie have all the farmers here subjected to the may make fruit or something of that strongest competition, the result here, as kind pay, hut certainly not wheat. I do in other places, will Lbe that produce will not propose to make more than a passing become almost a drug, and be extremely reference to the fact that there will cheap. On the other hand, if you intro- probably be a deficit in our finances at duce some capitalists, as I say, and wake the end of the year. and I. feel sure the things attractive for capital, causing Government are having some little trouble them to be happy when they come here, in thinking how to make ends meet. The they will then probably go in for consequence, as I see from the Speech, is factories or, nanufactories of some kind. that it will be necessary to resort to a There will be consumers then, on the one certain amount of new taxation. Of hand, and on the other hand we will have course new taxation is the first thing the producer. If you introduce only the that would suggest itself to a Treasurer men on the land, you have no consumer. or a Government in trying to put the I can quite understand this matter is one finances right. I would suggest that that appeals to those who go with the rather than do that they turn their Labour party. The Labour party would attention to the expansion of our re- naturally say this is correct, although I sources; make our resources larger, give must ad mit that some who belong to the every facility for developing them, and Labour party do not believe in any then I think it will not be quite so immigration whatever. Those who do, necessary to impose taxation, because the however, say '*We do not mind what the more taxation we put on the more immigration is; put them on the land"; unlikely it is that people will come here. and the consequence is that as lon-g AR IOf course money must come from some. you do not interfere with the wages where, and it is very easy to put a tas On anywhere, it does not matter to them this, that, and another thing, and very what competition the farmer gets, if the often it is property which is the first to produce becomes cheap. The Govern- be taxed. It must be remembered tbat ment should take the very greatest care it is the investor we want here, and there- with regard to the class introduced. fore his interests must be looked after a They want to see that they are placed in little, and every man who puts money into a portion of the State where they will the country tmst be made to feel that he is probablyr be successful, and they want to going to put it there under fair conditions, see at the same time some security given and that he will not be brought here to capital, so that we can have side by under one idea, and in a few years have side protection and consumption. [ HoN. to live under another. The two principal J. A. THromsoNs: It is for the Federal industries in this State, in my opinion, Parliament to give protection to the and the two which want the most con- people who will establish industries.] If stant care and attention of the Govern- there is such a quantity of produce that ment, are the mining and the timber it is not consumed locally, we have only industries, and my object in making then to rely on export. I have heard these remarks is that these two industries people talk of building up a very large are the means of bringing new capital export trade, but probably those people into the country without interfering with who talk about it do not know what it it when it is here. The products they .36 Addfress-in-Rteply: rCUC..,eoddy[COUNCTL." Seemid day. bring forward are all sent forth into of foreigners and others, so long as we other parts of the world, and it is of can keep gold-mining prosperous, and can the greatest advantage that we should continue to develop our gold wines. If be able to sell those things which we could find another Kalgoorlie, we bring in money from elsewhere to be should have another inrush of people, distributed amongst the people. Because -without having to bother about assisted here we have a. case in point, some- immigration. Therefore I suggest that what similar to that which I have the Government do everything possible been trying to argue; for those who were for the development of gold-mining; and occupied in the industry are entirely con- amongst the things possible, let me again sumers, and not what I call producers. urge the Colonial Secretary not to forget They take the chaff, the oats, and other that little railway in the North-West. food products; whereas the fruits of There is a portion of the country almost their labour go out of the country, and unknown at depth. It is known that bring back the money required by those mines have shown good gold on the sur- engaged in the fanning industry. That face, and so far as the workers have been is why I say that I think those industries able to get down; and that only cheap the miost important. All must admit transit is needed to insure a much greater that the gold and timber industries hive development. If this railway is built I been largely responsible for the develop- feel confident that there- will be a. reign ment of this country; and one need only of prosperity in that part of the country, look around in order to be assured that as there has been elsewhere. That is why they are responsible for the enormous I regret that the railway is not more strides made by the farming industry, definitely referred to in the Speech. Now and also for the great development of the I come to the timber industry; and this pastoral indutry-a development which, is another matter of great importance. as a consequence of the high price of A large sum of money has been put into meat, promises to continue unabated for this industry, as into gold-mnining; but some time to cowe. As these results are unfortunately our timber has not adver- in my opinion due to the gold and timber tised the Stae so well as has our gold. industries, these industries should receive Before making any remarks on this adequate consideration from the Govern- subject, I would rewind members that I mnent. It is -almostsuperfluous to refer to have been intimately associated with both wiat the gold-mining industry has done these industies. I was for four years for the country. Front the year 1892 till Minister of Mines, when gold-mining 1896 there was, I believe, an unprece- was commencing; and I did. everything I dented influx of people to this Colony. could for its development. Moreover, I There is hardly another part of the world have been for some years a director of to which people ever came more quickly. what is 'known as Millar's Karri and With the people came the finest machi- Jarrah Company, or the Combine; and, nery ad any amount of money. Our therefore, I know something about timber. gold production advertised our resources But my position in the first case was; that of as nothing else could have advertised a, Minister of the Crown; and may position them. No newspapers, useful and in the second case is of an entirely marvellous as they are, nor anything advisory nature. I have not a penny of else of the kind, could have poited interest in the company, therefore I amt out to all quarters of the glo'be the entirely independent; and in these cir- importance of Western Australia so cumstances anything I say here is said clearly as this fact was advertised by our simply in the interests of the State. large gold finds. And so well has the Regarding Millar's Karri Company all industry developed that we are able to members will have noticed that there is point with pleasure to the fact that in much controversy and considerable corres- 1895 the gold-mining dividends were the pondence in the Press. The dispute f largest that have ever been paid. There- have taken rather seriously; because I fore I think members will agree that the was largely responsible for the raising of gold-mining industry is at the bottom of a great deal of the money which has been all our prosperity. There need be no wasted in Western Australia. While I trouble about inducing the immigration was Agent General in London, among -Addregs-in-Reply. L'26 JuNE;, 1906.1 Addessin-epl: 26day.ina 196jSecond V7 many British capitalists whom I wet were !shows nothing but hostility towards him. those interested in timber; and I guar- I The Combine was not formed to secure a ranteed to them in tbo name of the Imonopoly, but to work the timber so as Government that any capital invested in to put it in the markets of other countries this country should be looked after and to compete with other timbers, while at protected, and that the rights of all the samte time returning some interest shareholders or debenture-holders in- to those whose capital was invested. terested would be respected. Members Five or six per cent, would have will therefore understand my present satisfied anybody, but this the in- anxiety in connection with this company; vestors have never received; and there- and when we think of what it has done fore, in the circumstances, they are for the country, I can only hold it up as naturally much disappoiuted. Anyone an illustration of the fact that capital is who cares to ascertain the particulars can not at all well treated here, especially if read the article in last Satuarday's West we intend to do in the future what we Australian, by the general manager of have done in the past--try to draw the Combine,'who sets out every dletail; and the reader must admit that the com- capital to our shores. The capital' of this company amounted to £1,650,000. pany has not been well treated. It is most It paid something like £21,500 a day in unfortunate that a company which has respect of wages, railway freights, wharf- put so much money into Western Aus- ages, fodder, and so forth. Nearly every tralia, which has endeavoured to develop penny of this sum was spent in the State. one of its resources, should have to meet Surely Millaar's is what ma -y be called a, such great hostility; and if I wanted an fairly capitalised concern, which should example of the hostility with which it is receive some consideration fromr the met by a, certain class. I should have Government. Yet what has been the Ionly to refer to the treatment extended treatment of this company?. Somfe years ito Mr. A. J. Wilson, M.L.A. lHe being ago there were eight or ten timber com- a member of the Labour party was sent panies in the colony, and they found that to the Eastern States to verify or to dis- they could not, without some combine, Iprove statements which were made and tion, advantageously carry on the jarrah contradicted here. He went there and business in other parts of the world; *confirmed those statements; yet, though therefore they, formed a combine, so as to the statements are confirmed that there save some of the expenses and to com- Ithe railway' rates are lower, the wages pete in foreign markets. The Govern. smaller, and the hours longer than in ments of our sister Statez, when this was *this State. nevertheless we are told that being done, helped their timber people Millar's Oomnpany is making a forlLune, considerably by reducing railway freights and getting prices which it should not and wharfages, and by giving them get. In these cireumsanoes I have accredited agents in different parts of the brought forward this subject, not in the world. But what did our Government interests of the company-because I do doP Raised the freights higher than not think my action will be useful to the they ever stood before, and this at one of company -but to show distinctly that the most critical times in the history of capital is not getting fair play; and that the industry-at a time when our timber if it is not to receive fairer treatment in people were trying to capture the Indian Ithis country, capital in other countries trade in sleepers, and the South African had better be left alone by us. If this t-rade, in the face of severe competition. IState wishes to attract capital, give it Therefore, whilst we had to compete for *fair play when it comes here:z or else let our business abroad, it took us all our uts say, that we do not want it at all, and time to look after our interests in this abandon the country to socialism. Let country; and to many of the companies us have one or other policy, but do not the strain was serious. Then the labour let us try to have both. Millar's Com- troubles have in many respects made our pany is not the only case in point. We position veryv difficult, With the result have the Midland Railway Company, that the British investor is becoming which has never had fair treatment. badly frightened, especially when he Here are two companies largely and reads in the Press a correspondence which Iinfluenltilly represented in London, the 38 Address-in-Reply:;UCL [ColINCIL.] secoudeoddy day. place from which we wish to get the Ministry are going to proceed in capital; and yet they are treated iu a regard to some of the measures suggested nmner whichl I think would cause any here, but I can promise the Minister that member of this House, if be were con- we shall require the fullest information netted with them, to sacrifice all his on sonme of the subjects mentioned in the interests and go out. If we want capital- Speech, so that we may be enabled to ists here we must not treat them in that understand the drift of them and to give fashion. We must give them fair play, our views in a. way that will he hielpful or not have them here at all. to the Ministry of the day and for the HoN. J. A. THomsoNz: We are not benefit of the country at large. I am permitted to do as you suggest. To quite sure that this bon. House, as it has reduce the railway rates would be practi- always done, will approach the subjects cally to give a bonus. placed before us with one desire-for the Sin E. H. WITTENOOM: I am not benefit of the country. It is a nob-party asking Parliament to give them anything. House which will not take up any position All I have said is that at a critical time in order to embarrass the Mlinistry of the the railway rates were raised. I do not day or to protract debates, but in a ask the Government to lower the rates. businesslike way will deal with the ques- All I say is that the company has not had tions put before it, and members will be fair play, that it has suffered much hostile guided by their common sense and ex- and undeserved criticism; and I wish to perience, and also by the position they put the matter fairly before the country, occupy of being altogether apart from to ascertain whether or not it is desired party politics. I was greatly interested that capitalists should come here and be in the speech of Mr. Connor, and I fairly treated. I do not know how the followed him with considerable pleasure, fair treatment is to be secured. I shall inasmuch as I could hear him very not longer take up the time of the House. distinctly. I sincerely congratulate himi I feel confident that the members of the upon the ardent and earnest way in present Government will do their beet for which lie advocated the interests of the the development of the State. There is constituency he was sent to the Legis- no doubt we shall have much trouble in lative Council to represent. When the connection with Federation, which I fear hon. member was sketching out a pro- will be for some considerable time a gramune for the Government to take up - millstone round our necks. I1 can but a very sensible one I think it was, and say that in the interests of the country I very many of the proposals will possibly have pleasure in seconding the motion. corn mend' themselves to members of How. G. EANfDELTJ (Metropolitan): the House, and to. many people in the I wish to add my congratulations to those State-the thought came into my mind, already expressed to you, 'Mr. President, " I wonder if the hon. member has totted and to the Leader of the House repre- up the little bill which will be the result senting the Ministry, and also to the of the little measures he proposes for the Honorary Minister. The Governor's country." I made a rough calculation Speech does not call for very great con- in my own mind, I thought it would be sideration or remark.- The Speech is ten millions. somewhat indefinite, and the subjects TanB COLONIAL SECRETARY: That was mentioned are some of them of no great only for the North-West. importance. The whole thing is, how HoN. G. EANDELL: It was prin- they are to be treated. We are left in cipally for the North-West. I am hardly the dark to a considerable extent as to inclined to think the Government, pro- what are the views and opinions of the gressive as I think they call themselves, Ministry of the day in regard to these and liberal as they are, and desirous of things. No doubt by and by we will doing all they' possibly can for the have before us the various measures pro- interests of the country, will be prepared posed to be introduced for the develop- to take up measures for one part of the wuent of the countryv,and then wvill be the State, as mentioned by the Leader of the time for us to go more deeply into these House, to the extent as I think would be matters when we thoroughly understand needed for carrying out the programme them. We do not know on what lines of the bon. me~mber. I do not' know Addrese-in-Reply: [26 JUNE, 1906.1 Addessi nliej~:day. [u JNE,190.3Second 39 whether the Government in this Speech an unpleasant feeling in the winds of which they have put into the mouth of large numbers of people in different parts the Governor have not sketched out a of the country. There are one or two sufficiently large programme-one that I things in the Speech to which I wish to think they will find very difficult to com- refer. Never mind about the bountiful press into 12 months at any rate. We rains-I do not know anything about were told the other day, that since the them-but one part of the North has departure of Sir John Forrest from the certainly had a bountiful rain-I speak State we have had six or seven Ministries of the De Grey River and the Pilbarra apidasuccession, and it makes one District. There are one or two questions in tik of aittle, passage in the Book of here to which, perhaps, I may be allowed Kings we are all acquainted with: to refer for a minute or two. Of course So Tibni died, and Omri reigned. there are other matters of importance, I do not wish to underrate the value of Members will find that, if they look for any of them, but on these two particular it. One Ministry retires and auother things I desire to say a word or two. succeeds rapidly. Last year I went They are the tax on what is called "un- farther than almost any member in con- improved land values " and the " altera- gratulating the country on having in tion of the Constitution Act." These power a really substantial Ministry, with are very important. I do not know as three years before them of honest labour yet the meaning of unimproved land in the7 interests of the country ; but here values, and I want to mention to the we are met to-day by a. new Ministry and Ministers present to-day that this House a new Premier! I regret this very much, will-i shall at any rate-require to because I was hoping that a good many know the definition of the term " unim- things that occur with a new Ministry proved laud values." I can understand would be all over; for instance, running very well taxation on unimproved land. about the country and visiting the differ- HoN. M. L,. Moss: That is not what ent parts so that Ministers may become they mean. acquainted with the different parts of the HON. G. RANDELLi: I have said in State. I believe to a large extent they this House before, and say it again- should listen to the memnbers of Parlia- though perhaps I am wrong and saying went sent here to make them acquainted it through ignorance, and may be en- with the wants and needs and resources lightened-there is no such thing as of the different p arts of the country. unimproved land values. If we tax The Ministry would thus do just as well unimproved land values, we will need to as running about themselves here and go bauk to the Crown- grant at 1 Os. an there and everywhere over the country, and neglecting, as they must do, the ad- acre or whatever the land was sold at. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY: The pre- mninistration of affairs of government, sent unimproved value. and leaving it, I was going to say, but it HON. G. RANDETJL: Then that is is not quite so bad as that, to the tender the improved value of the land, or the mercies of under-secretaries, so that the land has been improved in value by some- State would be governed by' under-sece- body else. I know very well the hypo- taries. From a public point of view I crisy of the term. Members here will think that is undesirable indeed, and I want it thoroughly explained-at least hope we will find a Ministry in office-in I hope hon. members are of the same fact I think we can congratilate ourselves mind as I am, that we will have it on having a Ministry which is a working thoroughly explained in this Rouse. We Ministry, and one that will give attention are not opposed to taxation. I dare say to the affairs of the State, giving them if there be any necessity for it no true earnest and honest attention, and acting citizen of the community would be in with the greatest expedition, for thereby opposition to it. No dou~t in the future we will have the best results from such there will be an income tax. No one, I a combination as we have in office to-day. suppose, would complain about paying I do not wisb to inquire how it came that tax, though I think it is a very about; I do not want to know; but I am objectionable one; but at the same time sorry it has occurred, because it has left it seems to me as just a tax as could 40 Adldress-in-Eeply: [COUNCI Ei.] Second day. possibly be imposed, to make people pay take up these fads; because they are according to their ability. Of course we only fads among a few, though a very c-an never impose taxation to fit every noisy few who get their views into the individual, because so many circum- newspapers now and then and impress stances must be taken into account, and the minds of people who are not so what may he a heavy tax for one may not impressed-with the state of things much be for auother, and what mar be a more than they should do. But there is crushing tax for one may not be felt by no injunction, so far aa I can see by the another. result of the recent general elections, to How. J. A. THOMSONi: It is the same take up the matter of amending the with the Customs. Constitution in regad to the position of HoN. G. RANDELiL: I do not think the Legislative Council. I hope that 81), but I am not disposed to argue that, these few remarks will make a due im- especially as we have no control over the ipression on the Minister, and that he will Customs duties at present. I will only say use his best influence as a member of the that they are high enough in my opinion. House, and one desirous of protecting its I do not believe in a Customs tax being privileges; because if we alter the status imposed beyond 20 per cent. unless in of the Legislative Council it will be a exceptional circumstances-such asi, of very bad thing for the workers of this course, tobacco and spirits. You can tax country. I wish to support the adoption them as much as you like. It does not of the Address-in-lteply. trouble me. It is a very good thing that How. T. F. 0. BRIMAGE (North- those who smoke and drink should bear East) : While regretting that Sir George taxation for others. I speak of this Shienton has retired from Parliament, 1 matter as a sort of warning to the desire to congratulate you, Mr. Presi- Ministry, that if the Bill survives dent, on obtaining your position, and the ordeal of another lplace, when I have every reason to believe that you it comes down to us we will give will perform the duties in the high and it most careful consideration, which honorable wanner you have previously we give to any Bills that. may be in- conducted the House as Chairman of troduced here, especially in connection Committees. I trust you will long live with the development of the country. t4 enjoy the honour. I notice that refer- The amendment of the Constitution Act ence is made in the Governor's Speech to is another matter. I hope it will be the lowering of the gold Yield. In the carefully considered. We know what is same Speech we are told that the behind the proPosal-a thing that was dividends have increased. I think we referred to on the hustings lately, and can generally congratulate ourselves that very- unneessarily I think; because so mining is to-day attaining great perfec- far as I have been able to gather from tion. The fact that the gold yield is less the reports of their speeches before their while the dividends are greater, is one constituents, members have never been evidence that the profession of the asked the question, and it has -only been mining engineer is coming to the fore referred to here and there. with the cheaper treatment of ore. I How. M. Li. Moss: It was asked at am hopeful that the present Minister for Fremantle. Mines (Mr. Gregory) will introduce How. G. RANDELL: Yes; and I legislation that will be of greater assist- hope the answer will prove profitable to ance to the prospector than the present the Ministry of the day. Apart from Mining Act provides. Mr. Somnmers, that, as a matter of principle we should when speaking with regard to mining, take as great care of the Constitution as referred to thecharges for mineral leases. ~siet They say, " Tinker with the As a matter of fact the statement is not ustomus as little as possible." I agree quite correct. He said the prospector with that, because one upsets and dis- paid £21. per acre when taking up a arranges business in doing so. If there mineral lease; that is not so. The pros- is any necessity, we should do so. The pector only pays 5s. pe-r acre for the first Ministry of the day, responsible for the year for a mineral lease. In my opinion good government and progress of the that is quite sufficient. I think when a country, should not hastily attempt to miner or a prospector takes up a mineral Address-in-Reply: [26 JuNE, 1906.1 Second dlay. 41 lease the first two or three years' rent tanks are situated, and I can assure should be nominal. The first carges are members in many instances it is not generally high. As soon as a. man pleasant. I think a great deal of the attempts to go prospecting, taxes appear. disease that permeates Perth is brought He is taxed before he takes out big lease, about by some of the septic tanks we because be has in the first instance to have. There have been complaints about provide himself with a mninor's right. the septic tank at the side of Parliament [THE COLONIAL SECRETARY:; Quite right House, and there are septic tanks in the too.] Yes; it is small but sufficient. neighbourhood where I am living which When a man goes farming, he is not are a menace to the health of the com- asked to take out, a farmer's license ; munity, and the stench that comes from then why should a man be asked to take them is most objectionable. [HoN. J.W. out a. miner's license? Certainly his WRIGHT: Report it to the board of chances of success are not so gre at in health.] I have done that; still we find taking up a mining lease as when taking no improvement. AUl last summer comn- up an agricultural lease. I am hopeful plaints were made to the Health Depart- that the Minister in his generosity will nment wijth respect to the septic tanks for make the charge, as far as a mineraL lease Parliament House, but at the end of the is concerned, smaller. There are many summer they were just as bad as ever. prospectors in the eastern districts at the In a country like this where we have the present time working mineral claims that ocean so handy we should go in for a are not paying their way. They put deep drainage scheme right away. The more money into the ground than they late Mr. C. Y. O'Connor prepared plans take out. Where mineral leases are not for a deep drainage system, and I do not paying the owners should not be asked see why the Government should not go on to pay the exorbitant amount of X1 per with those plans at once. If we had not acre. [HoN. C. A. PiEssE: The farmer the ocean handy, we might then look is in the same position.] I ami hopeful round for the patent ideas or new ideas that the Government will either build for the drainage of the city. railways from the mining centres to the HON. J. W. HACKETT: What would coast or allow private enterpise to do so. *be the cost of the ocean outfall system ? The country is by no means opened up Rom. T1.F. 0. ERIMAGE: That I do sufficiently, and I think encouragement inot know. should be given to those willing to build THE COLONIAL SECETARY: What these railwaYs. The country will stand would be the cost annually? a greater popuiatk~n than it at present RON. T. O.0.BRIMAGE: Thecost, I enjoys. I know on the best authority believe, would not be o great as the eost that Ravensthorpe is going to open up Iof the septic tank system. well. There is every prospect of farther HON. J. W. HACKETT: About one. settlement taking place there. I hope the third. Government will assist the people who are RON. T. F. 0. BRIMAGE:; Anyhow, I willing to build these railways, or else intend to ask the Government to lay kin build the lines themselves. I agree with the table of the House the plans pre- previous speakers, that the Government pared by the late Mr. C. Y. O'Connor. should not act on the dog- in -the- I think members should be, given the manger principle and debar other fullest information as to the Iseptic tank people from constructing the railways, system. I for one do not intend to take when the Government are not prepared for granted that it is a safe system, for to build the lines themselves. There is I do not think it is. I have it from a another important matter in the Speech, medical gentleman of this town that the in regard to the deep drainage of Perth. septic tank at Subiaco which is close to I wish to mention this matter to-night, a dairy, is the cause of a lot of typhoid because I believe the Government intend ranging about Subiaco. to institute the septic tank system. I HON. J. W. WRIGHT: Name it. have heard many opinions about the septic HoN. T. F. 0. BRIMAGE: The hon. tanks, but my only experience has been gentleman is evidently an advocate of the where 1 have happened to come into con- septic tank system. I think fuller tact with the locality in which septic inomton should be given us with 42 Address-in-Reply: [COUNCIL.][ONCL)Scoddy Second day. regard to the septic tank system for dustries; that is a considerable dis- Perth. I cannot help referring to the advanutage. in a, new country. I have mnanner in which the 'late Government little farther to say regarding the Speech. treated the country in the premature I think with some of the previous resignation, I may term it, of Mr. speakers that if we could possibly do Rason. Mr. Randell has referred to anything to put newcomers on the land this matter, and rightly so too. I think we should be following a good policy for it was distinctly unfair to those members populating the country, and there is no who were contesting the Legislative doubt this country wkats population, Council elections at the time. I think and we have any amount of land to most of us-there might have been one settle people on. Any good land policy or two exceptions-were being opposed that comes before the House will have by Labour candidates, and it was dis- my heartyv support. tinctly hard to explain the grasshopper tactics of the late Premier: I cannot At 6130, the PRESIDENT left the Chair. refer to them in any other manner. He At 7-30, Chair resumed. did not seem, in my opinion to, study anybody but himself, and for that reason RON. J. A. THOMSON (Central): I I say that on occasions of that kind the think I have made mention on former least that can be done is not to throw the occasions that these speeches on the country into a state of turmnoil when Address-in-Reply are, to my way of elections are pending. I farther enter thinking, mere matters of form which my protest on that matter against the might perhaps serve a good purpose to manner in which the Premier resigned, members who are thinking of going and also the subsequent tactics of before their constituents in the near some of the Ministers. future, or who, consider this a good way HOI(N. M. L. Moss: I do not think of letting their constituents know that that is fair. He placed himself in the they are alive to local interests. [HON. hands of his party. C. Somm Ens: When are you going up HoN. T. F. 0. BRIMAGE: It was not again ?] I hardly know when I am fair to the coxistituencies at that time. I going up again. We may perhaps have am quite justified in speaking of it. Sir a.general election before lung, if we are Edward Wittenoom has mentioned the going to alter the constitution of this question of Federation and our likelihood House. In addition to that, I think that of losing £400,000. I am with him in members, in speaking on this Address-in- all his statements. I think the majority Reply, should consider whether they of West Australians were hoodwinked approve of the measures which are fore- into Federation. Promises were made cast in the Governor's Speech, and if that we were to be connected by rail with they do not approve of them, they should the other States, and a. lot of us at that just state bow and why they do not time who were practically new from the approve. If they think they could have other States thought it would be a grand put better words into the mouthis of the thing to be connected with the Eastern responsible Ministers of the Governor, States by rail. I know that particular they ought to say, shortly, clearly and to promise wejged considerably with my- the point, what they think Ministers self, and I know that it weighed with ought to have said, or what they would others. I voted for Federation and have said if they had been in the worked pretty hard for Federation. I Ministers' plates. I do not mean to say regret that the promises made by the for one moment that any remarks that Eastern statesmen have not been kept, may fall from wne will influence the and if there is any movement for again Government in the very least. Therefore, separating from that portion of Aus- I would only be wasting your time and traia, I Shall be one of those for the time of the House in speaking at any aassisting Sir Edward Wittenoow. In a length on this Address- in- Reply. There new country like this we should have arer many remarks in this Speech from control of our finances so as to build up His Excellency which, I take it, really our industries: but by the Federal Act represent the opinions of His Excellency's we are debarred from assisting our in- responsible Ministers, There are many Addreas-in-Reply: [26 JCNE, 1906.] Addessin-epl:econd day.[6 Jxs,190.)S 43 of those remarks of which I heartily Iimportance which attaches to the approve, and which I will support to the items mentioned in the Governor's best of my ability, if the measures pass Speech. Everything is spoken of in the other House aud come before this general terms and left very largely to the Chamber for consideration ; but in my imagnation of members as to what the opinion it will he ample time for me deta are. I think we have a right to and other members to say what we fbe supplied with something more definite have to say on these measures if they than we have before us in the Speech pass the other House, and we should not from His Excellency. I have end eavou red wastp time by talking about what we will to construct a comparative table of the do or should do, or what we think we importance of the items in this Speech, ought to do, before they come here. athe only thing that has given me a True, if I could influence the Ministers in lead at all consists of a, few sentences any way in altering their decision or such as this - getting them to think differently from he lreexpenditure which has been what they have thought fit to express by necessary in the past for the administration of these words put into the mouth of His the Public Service has, in 'view of the state of Excellency, it would be worth my while the finances, given my advisers grave cause to speak; but I do not believe for one for, consideration. moment that any words that might fall. The reference to the Public Service Com- from my mouth, no matter how earnestly missioner's first proposal as to the classi- they might be expressed, no matter how fication of the clerical division of the civil fitly put, would make the slightesit differ- service is not quite so emphatic, but the ence. Therefore, I will just conclude by subject demands and should receive care- saying I will wait until these measures ful consideration. The pride of place which are forecast in this Speech of has been given to the freezing 'works in Hfis Excellency come before the House. the Far North, which we are told by the As to those I approve of, I will do my Speech will receive special consideration. level best to get other members who That is the only method I have of think as I do to support theta when they arriving at the relative positions of tome along; and as to t-hose measures of importance in which the Government which I do not approve. I will do my hold these measures. Our mineral re- level best to get my fellow members who sources and our mineral development think as I do to throw them out. must take the first place, I think, in our HoN. J. W. LANGSFORD (Metro- consideration. They made the State politau-Suburiban):- My first di'y to. what it is; and to develop new fields and night is to join with other members in encourage the race of pros p..tors, which congratulating you, Mr. President, on I am. informed is in very great danger of the high office to which they have elected dying out, ought to he the aim, and I you, and I may express the hope that think is the aim, of the Government. you will live for a very long time to 'What we want to avoid in connection dignify that office; also to congratulate with our mining development is con- the new Ministers, M r. Connolly aud Mr. stantly changing law, so that those who Piesse, upon the distinction to which have invested their money here will know they have risen, although it is not with- just what the law is on the question. out a pang of regret that I feel the loss The uncertaintv that is caused by con- of Mr. Kingsmill from the front bench stant change of law both to workmnen oif this Chamnber, and I think Mr. and to employers causes a great dis- Connally will have a hard matter to turbance, end it must, in our mineral excel Mr. Kingsn'ill in the leadership of development. The light lines which this Rouse. In reading down the Speech, are promised are not specified here. I it is difficult to say what. has been do not know how the Government are omitted f romn it that could possibly have going to arrive as to which lines are been put in. Everything on railways, to bebuilt first. Mr. Coner, in moving light lines, Loan Bills and amendments of the Address -in-Reply, mentioned I think the Constitution has been inserted, I may about six or eight lines that he wanted say, in an indiscriminate niner. No constructed in the North-West. I do one seems to know exactly the relative not know whether the Great Southern 44 Address- in-Reply: ECOUNCIL-3[~TC~ Secondeoddy day.

line and the Great Southern districts mices intended was a reduction of have all the railways that they need. at Ministerial salaries. I have heard nothing present. Probably the South-Western muore about it, and I do not know wheth er district will want several. The Govern- Bt isto be the only economy effected. ment give us no information as to how BtIfancy this is only playinig with the they are going to decide, or whether they question. Such an economy is not worth are going to build them all, I hopew we effecting. It is n~ot worth while to make shall have the information ready ver~y with that object an amendmecut of the much sooner than we had on the last 1Constitution Act, I do not know occasion, when I think it was in the last Iwhether that is the only objec of hour of the session the railways were the proposed amendment; but I so, brought down to us. Now we are the amendment is not worth making. beginning our session very much earlier IRather do I think that Ministers, if than in any previous year, and I1think it they feel-I hardly know whether I only fair to this Chamber that this Ishould put it in this light-that their information should be supplied to us at services are not so valuable as those of the earliest opportunity. I think Parlia- prepvious Ministers, should refund the ment was justified in passing the three S2-00 each without altering the Constitu- railways at the end of last session. We tion, so that. any future Ministers who have had all the experience, and we know may estimate their services more highly how much the lines will probably cost. than the services of present Ministers A great deal of discussion which would are estimated by themselves will not need have delayed us is at the present time to make another amendment of the Con- over, and the information which has been stitution. Whether the proposal was gained by the calling for tenders and by originally made with the intention of the early construction of those lines ought following it by farther economies, I do to assist the Government and Parliament not know; hut we have heard nothing in dealing with the light lines which more about the reduction of these salaries. will come before Parliament this session. I do not propose to say anything now on A very serious question is that of Federa- the question of public service classifi- tion and its effect on our revenue. We cation. I think we ought to. wait until cannot follow the advice of Mr. Connor, we get the next report of the Public Ser- and if necessary use force; because we vice Commissioner, which I presume will must remember that the military are in shortly be to band. Then we can discuss the hands of the Federal authorities. the question. But I think we must all Even the cadets are under Federal con- recognise the diligence and intelligence trol, so that we cannot look in that which the Public Service Commissioner direction for any great help. But the Ihas exhibited, whether or not we agree Government tell us that they are with his classification. As to a tax on " jealously guarding the rights of the un improved land values, I think we ought State in this respect." We should like to have clearly set before us the reason to know what steps they are taking to why this tax is to be imposed; whether guard jealously the rights of the State. it is, as has sometimes been stated, to Merely putting the statement in the hurst up the big estates-[fEMrErmR: Speech does not necessarily mean takiug Where are they P]-well. I am not now steps. Have Ministers put their views idiscus sing where they are; but the ques- before the Federal Gover-nment, the tion is whether taxation is a proper Prime Minister, or the Federal Parlia- method of effecting that object. I am ment? I suppose that the Federal not at all convinced that it is. I think representatives of Western Australia are that taxation should be Solely for the fully seized of the importance of this purpose of raising revenue; and if after matter; but we should like to hear from effecting all proper economies Ministers the Colonial Secretary how in this respect find that they must introduce a land tax- our Ministers are jealously guarding the and I think this is about the only State rights of the State. Ministers intend to in the Commonwealth that has notaland effect economies wherever possible; and tax ait the present tine. [HONv. C. E. a few weeks ago it was stated-I think DEMPSTER:- We have a land tax.] Yes; by the Premier-that one of the econo- but a tax imposed by the roads boards- Address-in.-Reply: [26 JUN E, 1906.] Second day. 45 not by the Government of the State. A the successors of the Ratton Government land tax is not a new thing on this con- entertain the same ideas and the same tinent. It has been said that the greater proposals. Now with Mr. Ranudell, I share of this tax must be borne byv the do not wish to do anything to weak~en population of the towns; and possibly this Council in the estimation of the that may be true. It may be that the people of the State; but I do not think people of the towns are best able to bear that a reduction of the franchise will this taxation, which should, I think, fall have that effect. In my opinion it will on those best able to bear it. The Muni- strengthen this Chamber in the affections cipalities Bill I do not anticipate seeing of the people. The desire for the aboli- this session. The Attorney General, who tion of this House is at the present time has it in charge, has promised the muni- practically non-existent. We hear very cipalities that after the second reading little about it. But the desire for an they will have an opportunity of seeing increase in the number of electors for the Bill; and the Municipal Conference, this Chamber is very great. [HON. R. which does not meet until October, in the LAURIE; Whence dloes it come?] It Show week, intend to discuss the measure, comes from those who wish to have a so that we may have the benefit of their vote and a voice at the election of mew- investigations. berm of the Legislative Council. Mem- HON. M. L. Moss: If the Bill is de- bers know that there is a difference of I layed until October, th4te will be little think front 80,000 to 100,000 in the opportunity of getting it on the statute- number of electors for the respective book. Houses. That difference is in itself to HON. J. W. LAITGSFORD: Exactly; be seriously regarded; and wherever I that is my contention. I think that if it went in my election campaign and advo- be delayed until October, next session cated the strengthening of this Chamber will arrivc before we pass the Munici- by the reduction of the franchise, my palities Amendment Act. utterances were greeted with loud THE COLONIAL SECRETARY: If the applause. I know that members will say Conference are not prepared to discuss it the reverse-that. when other Candidates until October, they will not be asked to proposed that this Chamber should stick discuss it. to its present franchise, such state- R oN. J. W. LANGSFORD: Near the ments also were cheered ; so per- end of the Speech we have one of its haps we do not get much guidance in most important items: "1Bills will also be that matter from the people, save the subjniLkdA to you for amennding the Con- guidance derivable from the last Legisla- stitution." We are told that it is neces- tive Council elections For the life of sary to amend the Constitution Act in mue I cannot understand why a man who regard to the Ministerial salaries; but pays £24 10s. per annumn is in a different how are we to know that this is the only c-ategory from the man who pays £26, amendment proposed P Ministers do not and why the former should not have a state here what ameildment they intend. vote. Of course there is a difference of They may have designs for the abolition 10s. a year; but that is not such a vast of this Council. But I presume the difference as to entitle the latter to a vote statement means an alteration of the and to disentitle the former. franchise for this Chamber. [HOm. J. HON. G. RANDELL: Carry your prin- A. THOMSON Undoubtedly.] Mr. Thom- ciple to its logical conclusion, and why son evidently knows. I cannoct quite should not the man who pays £1 a year agree with Mr. Randell's statement that have a voteP this question was unnecessarily intro- HoN. 3. W. LANGSFORPD: Well, the duced at the elections which took place a hon. member can Carrn- it to that extent little while ago. We must rememiber that if he likes; and if be favours that course the reduction of the Council franchise he will have an opportunity of putting was one of the chief planks of the recent his views before us. I think we should Government when they secured such an as far as possible give a vote for this overwhelming majority in the Lower Chamber to every man who has a per- House electorates; and I believe, from manent interest in the State; and by this brief reference in the Speech, that doing that I believe we should strengthen 46 Obituary: [ASSEMBLY.] A. J. Diamond. this House in the affections of the people. the sympathy of this House with the In conclusion, we have every reason to people of New Zealand, at the death of enter with great confidence on this par- the most prominent member of the L~egis- liamdentary session. We have here a lative Assembly of that Colony. To-day great State which needs population. A I have to announce that the same grim country that is territorially great does visitor has entered our own circle, and not necessarily contain a great people, one who was intimately associated with but it furnishes its people with the the parliamentary life of this State has opportunity' of becoming great; and I passed away. The late Mr. Diamond, hope that, led by the present Government, who was a citizeu of Western Australia, and with the assistance of Parliament, for over 22 years, had served his adopted this State will yet become one of the State in the capacity of a representative brightest in the Commonwealth of Aus- in this House for South Fremantle, and tralia. while giving every attention to the wants On motion by HON. C. E. DEMPSTER, of his own constituency, had not failed to debate adjourned. give the benefit of his wide experience to to the Rouse when questions affecting ADJOURNMENT. the commercial and shipping interests of the State were under review. Generous On motion by the CoLoNtAL SECRE- to a degree, itutan whose fair-mindedness TARY, the House adjourned at 8 o'clock until the next day. commended itr~If to all, he will indeed be sadly mnissed. Out of respect to the memory of our friend and fellow-member, I beg to move the adjournment of the House; at the same time extending to Mrs. Diamond and family our sincere sympathy in the hour of thieir trial. Mx. T. H. BATH (Brown Hill): I desire to second the motion which has been moved by the Premier, and at the same time to express my regret that one who was with us last session apparently in the best of health has since been taken away from us. Since I have been a Tuesday, 26th June, 1906. meinber of the House I was brought into contact with the late PAO hon. member for E South Fremantle, and I say I always Obituary: Mr. A. J. Dliamnond, motionof sympathy 40 found him to he a man of genial dis- position, one who was THE SPElAKERt (Ron. T. F. Quinlan) friendly to the whole of the members of the House, no took the Chair at 4-30 o'clock p.m. matter on which side they sat, and one who was particularly attentive to his PRAYERS. legislative duties. * It is regrettable that excitement which was incidental to a PAPER PRESENTED. subject in which he took a great deal of By the SPEAKER: Annual Report of interest occasioned his end. On behalf the Auditor General. of members on this side of the House I desire to join with the Premier in expres- OBITUARY-MR. A. J1.DIAMOND. sing regret that he has been taken away THE PREMIER (Hon. N. J. Moore): from us, and also to convey our expres- I beg to move that the House at its rising sions of the deepest sympathy with bis do adjourn until 4-30 o'clock to-morrow. relatives. I beg to secoend the motion. Question passed. Question passed, the members stand- mng. NOTION OF SYMPATHY. THE PREMIER: It was my melan- ADJOURNMENT. eholy duty at the previous sitting of the The House adjourned at 4-35 o'clock, House to* move a motion expressive of until the next day.