76 Agent General. [ASSEMBLY.]ASML. HowHwApitd Appointed.

That being the opinion of the Premier !sgisatfibet srbu when delivering his policy speech, I think Wednesday, 27th June, 1906. it was due to members of the Assenily that the Premier should have made a FAGP statement on this important question. Urgency Motion; Agent General, bow appointed I (Mr. Rason)------76 think the Government h-ave not only done Questions: Pipes Manufacture, Fees for Inquiry 94 Canning Reservoir,"Land Purchase...... 4 an injustice to members, but also to the Coolgardis Election Extraordinary .. .. 94 gentleman who is the subject (of this Railway Subway, Perth...... 95 3tidland Railway land Sales, Titles...... 95 motion. I say in view of the fact that Bridge Widening, Beaufort Street 95 statements have been made, not so Railways end Lands, how advertised...... A Philliys River Copperflelds, Railway ...... 95 much by members of the Opposition Gabing Law Aanendnaent...... 5 Agent General, Legal Point (Mr. Rason) .. 95 or those in touch with the Opposition, Boiler Explosion on Mine ...... 96 but by those who have been staunch Medical Offiers ed Fees ...... 96 Tick Cattle in Trucks, . . .96 supporters of the Rason Administration Corpora] Tyler's Retirement...... 9 and those who have. succeeded to the Protectors of Aborigines, and Roiees 96 Batteries, Inquiry Board ...... 96 position in the House, that the appoint- Public Service Commnissioners...... 96 ment was one that could not be coun- Election Appeal, a Statement ... Guild-.. 9 Resignations and Ily-Elections. Pilbma Guld tenanced from motives of honour and ford, South Freounutle .. !. _97 Sitting Days and Hlours ...... 95 sincerity, and, in the words of one very Government Business, Precedence ...... 9 enthusiastic supporter of the Rason Cominnttees fur the Session appointed .. 5.9 Address-in-Reply, debate second daky...... 100 Administration, it was nothing less than scandal. In view of these statements THE SPEAKER (Won. T. F. Quinlan) made by supporters of the Ministry it was due that we should have had a state- took the Chair at 4-30 o'clock p.m. ment from the Premier when he met the House on Thursday last. The point I Pui~vnls. * object to in connect-ion with the appoint- ment is the haste which has been evinced URGENCY MOTION-AGENT GENERAL, in making it. We have been informed HOW APPOINTED. that tbe present occupant of the position MR. T. H. BATH (Brown Hill): I is not likely to relinquish it until October desire by leave to move the adjournment or Novemuber next. Yet three or four of the Rouse on a question of urgency, months before it is necessary to make in relation to the appointment of the hon. the appointment of his successor, we find member for Guildford (Mr. Rason) as an appointment has been made. During Agent General for this State in succession the interval that takes place between to Mr. Walter James. now and then, a number of things may Leave given. happen. The Commonwealth Govern - Msn. BATH: I have brought this went may take into consideration and question before the House this evening, make an appointment of al High Com- and before I conclude I shall move the missioner, and the Parliament of this adjournment; and I desire to do so State may decide, in view of such an because I think this is an urgent matter appointment, that it is unnecessary for and one on which we should have had a the State to be represented by an pronouncement by the Premier on meeting Agent General of the status we have this House. As members are aware, to-day. The Assembly may also in its changes took place dluring the recess, and criticism or in its discussion of the mn the course of the Premier's policy Estimates and in its discussion of the speech at Bunbury be made use of a finances decide from motives of economy certain reference which indicated that he to make a reduction in the salary was of -opinion that if certain factsI attached to the position. In view of were placed before not only members of those circumstances, what a, false position the House but the public, it would be the member for G-uildford would be regretted that statements were made on placoed in, after the appointment has the platform and in the Press, for those been made, if this House saw fit either to statements bad been conceived in haste reduce the status of the position or saw and without full particulars of the fit to reduce the salary!1 The Ministry appointment and the changes effected. have no right to place the member in Agent General. f127 JUNE, 1906.] owc Appointed. 77 such a position. Therefore with this and which have been wade public in the object I have brought forward the ques- Press. The explanation should have been tion fot discussion. No one regretted made at the opening of Parliament- - more than I did that in connection with THE PREmiERz When? the appointment opinions should have MR. BATH: On Thursday last, in been expressed that could not hut have regard to this 'question, and also in had ain ill effect on the Australian credit regard to the changes which have been in the old country. So far as I am con- effected in the Ministry. I hope that cerned, I am not one who believes the adequate explanations will be given as States of Australia, with the important the result of this motion to-day, and position they occupy in the world to-daj, without any. farther discussion of it I beg should be so full of regard for the opinions to move: expressed by our critics in the old countryv. That the House do now adjourn. But as we have it stated in the policy THE PREMIER (Hon. N. J. Moore): speech and in the Speech of His Excel- The hon. member was courteous enough, lency the Governor that we are going on five minutes before the House met., to the London market in order to secure inform me that it was his intention to .2,50,000 to carry out public works,' move the adjournment of the House in then we must pa some regard to the connection with the appointment of Mr. criticisms which are continually being Rason as Agent General. Now plenty hurled against Australian credit, and of opportunities would have occurred in against the conduct of Australian political the course of the debate on the Address- affairs. In manY instances these criti- in-Reply ; ample opportunity would have and have no sound cisms are unjust been given every member of this House basis; but in this case they will have the to criticise that appointment. At the justification that prominent supporters same time I do not wish to burk any of the Government have in regard to the attempt at discussing this matter. The appointment uttered sentiments which appointment of Mr. Rason has been made we can only characterise as trenchant in and will take effect from the retirement the extreme. I for one am quite satis- of his predecessor, some time in October fied that if the er-Premier, in view of the next. For the action taken in appointing decision Riven last October which sent Mr. Eason I may say that there is ample him in with 84 supporters and a policy which he promised honourably to carry preedent. When Sir Edward Wittenoom out, bad faced this House, had given an was appointed Agent General for West- account of his stewardship, and had then ern Australia he was a Minister of the Crown. and I understand was a Minister duciarud Vbai, perbuoal or privak- reasons of the Crown until he arrived in London. made it necessary for him to relinquish big position as Premier, Mr. Iaefroy, when appointed Agent no one in this General, was Minister of Mines; while House would hav cavilled. at his being Mr. James, the er-Premier, was appointed appointed when the r'etirement of the by the party of which the hon. member present Agent General nicessitated such (Mr. Bath) was afterwards a Minister, an appointment. I for one would have immediately after Mr. James's defeat in been glad to express and would honestly' have felt the most cordial sympathy for this Chamber. the gentleman appointed to that position, MR. TAYLOR: The position of Agent and would have sincerely wished him a General was vacant. most useful and successful career as Mh. FOULKES: When it was offered to Agent General for this State. But with Mr. James, he did not then accept it. the statements which haive been made, THE PREMIER: He accepted im- with the unpleasant circumstances sur- mediately afterwards. rouuding the appointment, and the MR. FOULKES: He was away in the criticisms which have been levelled at it, East for about a month ; and that period I say that Mr. Rason can only go to intervened before his acceptance. succeed the present Agent General at the THE PREMIER: It is no use quib- end of his term with a considerable bling on a point like that. I am giving handicap in the expressions of opinion what I consider precedents for the action which we have heard from the platform taken. I shall now refer to the necessity 78 Agent General: [SEBY'[ASSEMBLY.] HwApitdHow Appointed. that arose for making the appointment. deavoured to follow the bon. member's Mr. James, notwithstanding the fact that remarks when speaking on the Address- he was cabled to and written to by mem- in-Reply. To my mind the situation bers of the late Government, asking him demanded the selection of a new Agent to retain his office for the usual period of. General; and, as I have already stated, three years, replied that he was unable to we consider Mr. Eason absolutely the accede to that request. Mr. Rason, for best man for the position, and no con- private reasons, one of which was that sideration of false delicacy should be his health was not too good, resigned allowed to govern a matter of this prior to the meeting of Parliament; and importance. The alternative course for in the action he took he was supported by Mr. Rason to adopt would have been to the members of his party, and I think by resign, with a sort of definite under- the public general-ly. A part from thatI do standing that after his resignation he not think that there isin this Chamber any would be appointed Agent General. The man more suitable for the position than action taken is clean and above-board, is Air. Rasont, a gentleman who has been and I have nothing to fear from any since 1889 associated with the public life inquiry that may be made. I think that of this State, and has been for three our action will 'compare very favourably years a Minister of the Crown. There- with the action taken in appointing the fore T maintain that he is perfectly quali- present Agent General. The mover of fied to represent the State of Western the motion has not detained us at very Australia in the metropolis of the world. great length, and I do not propose to The hon. member states that I did not weary the House. Several other members make any announcement when the Mouse may wish to speak on this question, and met. Well, he has not given me much we may as well get the debate over. I ?pportunty. In fact, at the last meet- was under the impression, as I infqrmed ing of the House he gave notice of two the Leader of the Opposition-I was questions as to this appointment, and about to say of the opportunists-that an also a notice of a motion he intended to opportunity would have arisen without make to the effect that all future appoint- this motion; and I hope that after this ments to the office of Agent General discussion it will not be necessary for shall he subject to the will of the House. every member to speak on this question I think, considering that this appo~int- in the course of the debate on the ment will not take effect until October Address-in-Reply. next, that the urgency of the present Ma. G-. TAYLOR (Mount Margaret): motion is not very great. The statement In supporting the motion of the Leader I made in my policy speech, after explain- of the Opposition, I cannot agree with ing that Mr. James was retiring from the the Premier's statement that this appoint- position, was as follows:- ment was so much above-board. I can assure theHouse that I was some distance The late Premier, who will succeed Mr. James, has a thorough grasp-(CI was speaking from Perth when I learnt of the appoint- in regard to immigrationj-of the class of in- ment from the leading journals of Wes- dividual required; and, having been so closely tern kustralia-journals, too, that have associated with Mr. James as a colleague, and always supported the Rason Government in close correspondence with him daring the and are supporting the present Govern- time he occupied the office of Premier, and farther having a good knowledge of our State ment. There was anything but a satis- and its resources, will, I am sure, prove equally factory decision arrived at in making this as successf ul as the distinguished gentleman appointment. Even Government sup- who now represents Western Australia in porters themselves differed seriously in London. regard to the procedure of the appoint- That was an announcement that the ment. I have beard those who supported appointment had been made; and if the Mr. Rason so strongly at the late elec- boa. member (Mr. Bath) bad given mec tions say that he had played it very low time to reply to his questions, and an down on the people who had placed opportunity of speaking on the Address- implicit confidence in him to lift Western in-Reply I should have been able to give Australia out of her at that time depressed him full information. Had he waited position. I want to know what the only an hour or two, I should have en- Premier thinks about the great howl that Agent General: [27 Jews, 1906.] How, Appointed. 79 the St. George's Terrace crowd made of Australia, let alone Western Aus- about the little man with the big heart, trali- who was to lift this country out of her MR. SPEAKER: The hon. member depressed financial position and put her in must confine himself to the subject a more flourishing state. I want to know matter before the House, and must not whether that has been done. I find, too, make statements irrelevant to the subject. that the same flourish of trumpets from MR. TAYLOR: I am discussing the the same section of the community appointment of the Agent General and followed the present Premier, who intends am illustrating what followed that ap- to do what his predecessor failed to do. pointment, what followed it in the cool of Well, I hope the Premier will not do one the night; and if I am not allowed on thing that his predecessor did-slip this occasion to discuss the position, I gently into some position which will be will discuss it on the Address-in-Reply. clouded with so mutch mystery and bad I want to say that in reference to the taste in the view of the general public of appointment of the Agent General there Western Australia. I hope he will not has been no appointment in Australia be guilty of that crime. I am one of the before or since Federation that has been people of this State; and personally Ilam so objectionable as this appointment. not heavily struck by the long association There has been no appointment made in of the member for Guildford (Mr. Rason) such a fashion as this. If the Premier with public life in Western Australia. I spoke the truth, be would say the gentle- can well remember that gentleman's man appointed himself to the position. career in this Chamber when he repre- That is my view of the way the appoint- sented a portion of the constituency which mnent was made; and I will not allow the I have since had the honour to represent. Premier to compare this appointment T would only refer hon. members, includ- with the previous appointment of Mr. ing the Premier, who has hardly spent a James to that position. The appoint- dog-watch in this Parliament, to Hansard. ment of Mr. James was maode after the Let him read up Mr. Rason's political then Agent General's time had expired career in this Chamber, and the Premier several months, and he was holding will see whether that gentleman's long the office practically at the request of association with the public life of Western the Government of the day. We find Australia is so creditable as the Premier that the appointment of Mr. Rason was would try to make this House believe. I made, as the mover has pointed out, about could deal with that gentleman's career five months before the expiration of the since I have been in this House; but I time for which Mr. James was appointed. shnill nnt* do so at this stagec. I -hall I cannot r.efrain fr~uaetering wy pro- have another opportunity later on, should test; and no doubt if my few remarks I speak on the Address-in-Reply. But I will send the gentleman to the Agent have no desire to do so now, knowing General's office in London surrounded that this appointment is made. If I with the same kind of atmosphere as that thought that there was any possible which has surrounded him in this country, chance of securing sufficient support to he will have a very tough row to hoe. I nullify that appointment, I should be the support the motion. very first to move. But I know that my Ma. J. B. HOLMAN (Murchison) :In moving would be useless, in view of the supporting the motion I must enter my senvile support that is now being given protest against the appointment of Mr. to the Government-the support that Rason as Agent General six months lent itself to the gentleman whose appoint- before the time for the vacancy to occur. ment is under discussion, which supported We find he is appointed to this position, him blindly and is prepared to support and I dare say the papers are duly signed the present Premier, notwithstanding all and that the Government are in honour the conspiracies that took place, notwith- bound to carry out the appointment. If standing the hunting up and down the that were not so I would support the mem- railway line in the dark, iooking for the ber for Mt. Margaret CMr. Taylor) in any Minister for Mines; notwithstandcing effort to have the present appointment an- that there were the most disgraceful nulled and afresh appointment made. It scenes ever witnessed in the political life was a disgrace to the country to make the 80 Agent General: (ASSEMBLY.] How Appointed. appointment after what had been said by *on every member who might think him- his own friends in disapproval of it, and self fitted to take the place vacated by the I think, therefore, that be is not capable Agent Gieneral, the onus of defending of carrying out the duties of the position what was done in caucus. I think the in a manner creditable to himself and to appointment was made for the sake of the country. If the same kind of honour sending Mr. Rason out of the way, lies on Mr. Itason as Agent General while because he was afraid to come to Parlia- in the old country as lies on him here, it ment after all the promises he had made will be nothing Wut a, disgrace to him and and had failed to carry out. Never was to this country a.%well. Iarnsorry indeed to there such an inane Government for the know that the appointment of Mr. James time they were in power as was the when it occurred took away from this Rason Government. There has been Houseoneof the most honourable members nothing done, and the country is now in in it. The appointment of Mr. James met a worse position than before, and the at the time with the approval of every present Government are following in Mr. class and section of the community: but Rason's footsteps, thus making the the appointment of Mr. Rason, which position worse. It has been said that we are now discussing, has met with Mr. Rason's political career in this nothing but an outcry from those who country baa been a credit to him and a have posed in the past as his best sup- benefit to the State. Since I have been porters. If we take for instance the in this House I have seen members who opinion of Mr. Hopkins, who poses as supported the Rason Government remov- being fit to lead any movement in this ing their seats from behind him so that country, and in fact has stated that he they should not be in close contact with has refused more than one leadership of him in the Chamber. We know that political parties in Western Australia, Mr. Riason once represented 4 con- Mr. Hopkins has stated that the appoint- stituency known as South Murchison in ment of Mr. Rason was a discredit to all this House for some four years; but at concerned. Then we have the opinion of that time the people in South Murchison Captain Laurie, another gigantic sup- did not know where to find their repre- porter of the present Administration; we sentative, and they had to go to another have the opinions of other supporters of memaber of the House to inquire where the Government, including the opinion of Mr. Bason could be found, and to have the mayor of Perth (Air. H. Stubbs), who their requirements attended to. That has stated his opinion in public. Such member could not tell them, and they being the opinions expressed by some of had then to advertise in the papers to find the leading public men in Western Aus- out where Mr. Rason was. So I think tralia, we must wonder when the people that when he goes to the old country as in the old country read the reports of Agent General we will have to advertise these opinions, what sort of opinion can in the papers to find out where he is and they form themselves in regard to the what he is doing. I enter my emphatic new Agent General when he goes amongst protest against such an appointment. themP This appointment, from all MR. J. 0. G. FOULKES (Claremont): points of view, is one of the greatest I did not intend speaking on this subject, mistakes ever made in connection with but the Premier having drawn a com- public affairs in this State. It is said of parison between the appointment of Sir course that Mr. Resont did not make the Edward Wittenoom and the appointment appointment himself. We find it was of Mr. Eason, I feel it necessary to correct caucus that made the appointment- the Premier with regard to what I know caucus, that body which has been so much plce at the time of Sir Edward derided by memb~ers on the other side of tooWittenoom's appointment. When Sir the House when referring to the Tabour Edward was appointed Agent General, party. We find that when the Labour Sir Malcolm Fraser had held the Government had the opportunity to make position of Agent General for this an appointment to the Agent General- colony during a great number of years; ship, they were manly enough to make and it was well known at the time that it without bringing it into caucus at all. the Government intended, as they knew But the present Government have thrown Sir Malcolm wished to retire, sending Agent General: [27 JUNE, 1906.] How Appointed. S1 a fresh Agent General to take the posi- [Several interjections.] tion. Tt was not until Sir Malcolm THE PREmiER: If Mr. James had not Fraser notified the Government of the taken the appointment, would Mr. Rason day of his intention to resign that Sir have been offered the appointmrent by the Edward Wittenooni was appointed to the Labour GovernmentP position; he was appointed for a term bil.FOULKES: Idonothuow. This of years fixed by a statute passed in is what I want to make clear to the 1894. Sir Edward Wittenoorn entered Premier, that Mr. Lefroy hatl decided to on the duties and held the position for resign just before the general elections, about three years; and it was not till his and no one knew then bow the elections term had almost expired that Mr. H. B. were going to turn out; none of us k-new. Lefroy was appointed to succeed him. Mr. James if hie had liked could have In course of time Mr. Lefroy took up the appointed himself, or could have ap- position and held it for three years. pointed Mr. Rason; but he deliberately Then at the request of the Government refrained from appointing himself or one of the day he continued to bold it a short of his colleagues. Compare Mr. James's time longer, holding it from mouth to conduct, his disinterested and patriotic month practically at the request of the conduct, with the manner in which this Government. So when Mr. James was appointment was made. This appoint- appointed to that position by the Labour ment was made by the Rason Ministry. Government, it may be considered that MR. GORDoN: Made by the party. the office was vacant. I draw a great distinction between the appointment of LABOUR MEMBERS: By caucus. Mr. James and the appointment of Mr. ME. FOULKES: I draw a great dis- Rason: for Mr. James did not appoint tinction between the Rason Government himself, nor was he a member of the and the Moore Government. This is Government that appointed him. He ~practically a new Government, and I am was appointed by a body of men who dealing now with the action of the past only a few weeks before had turned Mr. Government. I know some members of James out of office as Premier. They the past Government are members of the had opposed him very strongly at the present, but we have a new Ministry with general elections a few months before, three or four new members in it. In this and they did their utmost to turn him case what was the position at first? Mr. out of office. [MR. EWING: They said Rason was Premier and Treasurer, and he was not fit to be Premier.] I do not the Treasurer had charge and superiu- think Mr. James had very much to expect tendtece of the Agent General's Depart- from the Labour party n± thn time; but merit Mr_ Rasen had practical charge at any rate they recognised Mr. James's of that particular department. The good qualities, and appointed him to the Agent General worked under him and post of Agent General. I would not was subject to his instructions. The have spoken on the subject but for the present Premier can correct me if I am fact that I had been a strong supporter wrong with regard to my facts, but I of Mr. James in this House; and I lay understand the position was this, that the great emphasis on the distinction between appointment of the Agent Genieral was the conduct of Mi-. James and the conduct brought before the OCabinet, and the last of Mr. liason. I want the House to at of the last meeting which was held by remember that Mr. Lefroy had practically the Rason Government was to appoin~t resigned his position as Agent Generalt Mr. Rason to the position of Agent when Mr. James was appointed to suc- General of this State. ceed him ; and Mr. James, if he had liked, Tan PREImER: The present Govern- could have appointed himself at the time ment take the responsibility of appointing he was Premier. He was asked by many Mr. Pason. members of his party whether he was MR. FOULKES: I understand that going to appoint himself; and I can the present Government take the respon- remember his reply was:-" I am not sibility of it, but what I say is that the going-to do so. I am going to leave it appointment of the Agent General was to my successors or to the next Govern- made by the Rason Government. ment to make the appointment." Tan PREMIER: I say, No. 82 Agent General: [ASSEIABLY][SEBY] HowHwApitd Appointed.

MR. FOULKES: I say I am subject Federal Parliament the y were not satis- to correction by the Premier. We have that the Government, whichever Gov- not been told yet when the appointment ernment was in power-they change so was made. often in the Federal Parliament-would THE MINISTER FOR MINES: You saw make a good appointment to the post of the Government Gazette notice, did you High Commissioner of Australia, and not ? they carried a resolution to the effect MR. FOULKES: No. I know these that no appointment should be made appointments are not necessarily an- without first consulting the House. I nounced in the Gazette unless there be think the time has arrived when this some particular cases which require it. post of Agent General should be placed I do uot know of a single case in Aus- under the control of the Civil Service tralia where it has been considered neces- Commissioner. (Some laughter.) I sary to make an appointment of this kind quite understand some members on the five months before the office became Treasury benches laughing at that idea. vacant. It looks bad. I can assure the Ma. BATH: It Might mean that they Premier-be must know it for himself- would not get the succession. that public feeling showed itself very MR. FOUTLKES: That is just it. strongly at the time this appointmient They would prefer that the present was made. I quite admit that many of system should be allowed to continue. us here were returned at the last general Hitherto every Agent General who has election to support Mr. Rason, and we been appointed has been a Cabinet Min- are all glad of the fact that he came back ister. The Premier said that in his opinion to this House with a great majority, hut no member of this House was so suitable we were all disappointed that our old for the appointment as Mr. Rason; but leader should leave us. No doubt the I1would like to remind him that there are member for Canning regretted it. other people in this State outside this Mu. GORDON : I sheltered myself House who would, I think, be quite as under his wing the same as you did. fitted to carry out the duties as Mr. MR. FOULKES: We all regretted it. Rason. There is another place where I was one of his most loyal supporters. members number something like 30, and MR. GORDON: Oh, you are now. there are many other public-spirited men MR. FOULKES: If he were still Pre- in this State who, I feel certain, would mier here to-day, I would support him, have carried out this office quite as well and that is why I am sorry indeed he has as the few men who agreed upon making left us to take this appointment. There this appointment would do. Reference was, I say, a great deal of disappoint- has been made to the fact that this ment expressed by' the general public, matter was brought forward before a because at the last election Mr. Rason meeting of the Itason party. I was not had made various promises, not to the presenit at that meeting, because I did party but to the people of the State. He not receive notice of the meeting in time; undertook to carry out certain measures, [MEMBER : They were very, doubtful and his supporters here had all looked about you.] I know that many memb ers forward to the time when we should give who sit on this side of the House have him loyal support to carry out those pro- been bitterly disappointed at Mr. Rasen's mises. Now he has decided to accept leaving them and also accepting the this appointment. I1 notice that the appointment, and there is a strong feeling leader of the Opposition has tabled a among people of all classes in this State motion to the effect that no future that Mr. Rason should not have received appointment should lie made without the appointment. first consulting the House. I do not agree Mn. T. WALKER (Kanowna): I feel with him that such is the best form of considerable diffidence in speaking on making the appointment, but I know there this subject, because 1 am informed it is has been some dissatisfaction expressed general public property that Mr. Rason in other Parliaments besides the Parlia- is the victim of untoward circumstances. ment of Western Australia at the pro- and that he is suffering from ill-health spect of appointing various gentlemen to and is not present in this House now. the post of Agent General. In the Nevertheless it is incumbent, I think, Agent GeneraZ: [27 JUSE, 1906,] AgenHoYwGeeral Appointed. [2 Juis, 906 83 upon all of us to forget persons when we MR. GORDON: YOU are not disap- are discussing high matters connected pointed. with the government of the State, and in Mu. WALKER:. I am not at all dis- my opinion there can be nothing more appointed, but I onjY wish he would important than representation of this keep his laughter for that institution in State at Home. I Cannot agree with South Perth which is more fitted for himt either my respected leader or the last than this Assem bly. I trust that wve speaker that the position. should be shall not, or we ought not at all events, to granted by this House or by any outside indulge in any idle trifling frivolity, upon body. More espepially would. 1 not a matter of this importance. support the view of an appointment of Ma. GonnDoN:- You are a bit -of a this importance being conferred by the joker. Public Service Commissioner, who has Mxz. WALKER: I am not going to just created such dissatisfaction in deal- bandy words with the lion. Lmember, at ing with small fry., It is a position the all events. This appointment and this Government should always take the action not alone concerns each individual responsibility for. It is part of our member in. this House, but the whole of Responsible Government. Moreover, I the State. It concerns Mr. Rason's posi- hold that there should he ever actuating tion when he gets to London. Thle ques- -us as a whole-the lowliest as well as the tion is, how will be he treated, how will lie greatest-a feeling that, the highest be regarded by those whom he has to possible distinction is a. reward of public meet when he gets there? By frivolously service. It is well to have a happy dealing with a matter of this kind we ambition to sit on those Treasury may show our utmost disregard for the benches. It is a still farther honour to highest an d most exalted functions of the be appointed by the occupants of those State. I submit that this appointment Treasury benches to represent this State was a direct violation of all those prin- as an ambassador among ambassadors in ciples that every Miuister ought to hold London. It is a high honour that should sacred. It was known th,%t Mr. James only be conferred upon those who have was about to retire before this was ever proved their fitness by long and faithful discussed. It was 'known at the street services. But when I observe the way corners. It was talked about among the in which the present appointment has common hordes that Mr. Rason was been made, I am bound to ask myself if about to retire, that Mr. Moore would any of these considerations have been very probably be the new Minister, and present in the appointment. Have those that there was going, to be a re-shuffling rcsponoi;blc for thi-act& thought fo r a OfLthe cardn, iAtuis knLuwJU evenO before mnoment they were the descendants of there was a meeting of the Government those having, British traditions which supporters, before ever Mr. Rason made hold in the highest honour the responsi- known to his supporters what he intended bilitv that devolves uponMistran to do, or to his colleagues, T believe. is asociated with evr uction of It was talked about commonly. It was parliamentary service ? Did they have known that this thing was in purport, any of those ideas ? What does it look that it was intended; and then what did liketo the publicd Nothing but a scramble Mr. Rason doP Now it has been said for office, nothing but a scramble for the that Mr. Rason is the fittest man to plums instead of the honour. That is represent this State. I am not for a what it looks like. So it has been moment going to question his ability. regarded not hr those of the Opposition His capacity is well known; but there is alone-which may be supposed at times more than capacity to fit one for an office to have an opportunityr for captious of that hind. There is the highest se~e. criticism of their opponets-but by the of honour, and a spotless reputation. highest authorities outside this House, Those are elements that should 'be by er-Cabinet Ministers, by the best considered in the appointment of an Press of the State. Leading journals A ge nt General. [Interjection by Mr. throughout the State have been filed with GORDNo.] What does the hion. member condemnation. The hion, member (Mr. sayP [A MlENDER: He is afraid to Gordon) laughs. Iexpectthatfrom him. repeat it.] Very likely he is. It is not 84 Agent General: [ASSEMBLY.] How Appointed. my career nor that of the hon. member at all ? Have they not the courage to I am considering now. I should be take the responsibility of their conduct ashamed to compare my private or public upon themselves ? Must they go, for- character with the character of the vulgar sooth, mud call their friends-and neglect man -who sits opposite to me. [Mr. to inform some of them that they think GORDON : You do not like compliments.] would be disagreeable-and in hole-and- I do not like them from you. You do corner meetings of people who are not not know how to convey one. I apolo- responsible to you, Mr. Speaker, nor to gise for taking notice of this insane the Crown, nor to this House, nbr to interruption. These things should be anybody, ask then1 to decide upon, taken into consideration. Who can deny important matters of State! It is it? Does the hon. member dispute it? a degradation of parliamentary govern- And what is the spotless character of the ment. Members may smile or do as gentleman appointed? It is this, that they like on the Government side of only a few months ago he t old the people the House, but I submit it is bringing of this State that be was going to full a parliamentary government to a fine state. certain line of policy; he undertook It is not parliamentary responsibility at certain obligations to this State ; he all, but a6direct shirking of responsibility. pledged his word to the people of this Where is this sort of thing to stop, if we State that he would do certain things, are to appoint Agents General, Premiers, and on that sacred pledge he obtained and I do not. know what else, by caucus, a large degree of support. Theme is by indiscriminate meetings of the Govern- scarcely a member on the Government ment party F Where then is Responsible side of the House who was not returned Government ? To whom are we to put on that solemn promise of faith from questions in this House if this is a public man. He kept that promise in done? Now again see the matter in the ears of the country to the termina- review. Mr. Eason having decided on this tion of last session. He was granted course came before these irresponsible certain privileges, certain concessions by followers of his, men he was about to this House last session. On the strength betray, about to desert. Hut they tole- of those promises a short session was rated it-why ? given to him, legislation was hurried over, Mn. GORDON: On a point of order, and criticism and debate that should have there is no question of Mr. Eason de- taken place were neglected, members serting the party. I should like those believing in his faithfulness and that he words withdrawn. would meet the House this session and MR. WALKER: It is quite open to carry out the pledges he had made to us contradiction. I expected contradiction. and to the people. But behind the back If there is no question of deserting the of Parliament, behind the baock of the party, then I withdraw the words. It is country, in recess to which he was so no point of order, but I do not wish to be ansidus to get for the purpose of redeem- interrupted. Mr. Rason did not desert ing his pledges, restoring the business of the party; they deserted him. I will not the country, placing our finances upon a say that I may please the very sensitive, sound foundation and organising the very delicate, refined feelings of the mem- public service departments, how was it ber for CJanning; but I say that Mr. usedP To juggle with Ministerial posi- Rason was about to desert his obligations tions and to appoint himself. For this to his party, and was about to sever all is a fact. It was done, only indirectly- his connections with it and thereby throw done by himself; but it was done in- to the dogs, as it were, all the promises directly by-not the Ministry, it is sub- he had made to it, and all the promises mitted, for thise are the interjections ; he bad made to the country; and it was but it was done, how P Byv delegating allowed. Why ? Because there were that resposble position, not to a Public certain men on the Government side of Service Commissioner, not to Parliament, the House who believed that if Mr. but to a rabble of Government supporters. Eason retired they would have a Is this how we are to interpret Respon- show for exaltation, and that the sible Government? Have those who sit transference of one member of the upon the Treasury bench no backbone Government would lead to a reconstruc- Agent General. [27 JUNP,, 1906.] AgetHow Cntrl: Appointed. 27UNE 196.] 85

tion of the Government, so that there wasn a member of that Ministry that did would be soveral seats vacant. I am not go there; he was one of those present at speaking now merely by guesswork, that caucus, and he was one of these who, because this was talked about in the after all'was over, drank to the health of streets before the meeting took place. the new proposals; so it is merely Ministers were decided on before this quibbling to talk in this way. The Gov- meeting took place; but the point oft m y erment. carried out what caucus told ohjection is that it was at that meeting them, and the Premier himself holds his of Ministerj 'al supporters that the appoint- position by caucus. He was not chosen ment was made. I object to that. on his Excellency's Commission. Ma. GULL: It Was not. THE PREMIER : Hie did not look for it, Mn. WALKER: Another one says, anyhow. "It was not." Mn. WALKER: Never mind. That MA. GULL: Why do you not try to is not the question. He was willing to speak the truthP be made a convenience of by other MR. WALKER: I am speaking the Ministers. truth. Ma. SPEARER: The bon. member MR. GULL: You are not. must confine himself to the subject MR. SPEAKER:- Order! The hon. matter before the House. member must not interrupt like that. M. WALKER: This all arises out of Mn. WALKER: I can quite under- this appointment. All these jroubles stand these interruptions ; but what I took place in this caucus, in this hole-and- am savying is absolutely a fact, and it was corner, this dark recess of conspiracy. testified to this afternoon by the inter- Now, I am coming to this. If a6man jection of the Premier that the party gets an appointment under such dis- appointed him. honourable conditions-for they were THE PREMIER: I did not speak. dishoncurabte and a scandal to the Gov- MR. WALKER: Then it was your ernment of this State-if a man gets a whip, or one of them. How many have position under such circumstances, can youP we hope that he will honourably repre- THE, ParnrnEt: I say the appoint- sents us at home P Can we feel proud of ment of Mr. Rason was nmade by the our ambassador? Is he the legate we present Government. should base our hopes upon ? And Ma. WALKER: You said you would moreover, is it not-I regret to have to be responsible, but was it not made by say it in Mr. Rason's absence and in the the instructions of that meetingP Was circumstances of his distressed domestia not the sense of the meeting takenP position-that his whoip csnrpr in fhis? Was it not their approval that he should House. and. in public life has been be the Agent-General, and were not that of a self-seeker and a place-hunterP the Government simply carrying out From side to side he has wandered ; from the instructions of their caucus repre- Government to Government he has gone; sentatives ? That is what I am com- he has followed at thd heels of every plaining of. If the Premier had taken the party with the possibility of success, ever responsibility of appointing anyone, I striving to seek re'wards; and here camne should have admired his courage; but I his opportunity. Six months in office have no admiration for the courage of a as Premier, and he appoints himself man who goes to Tom, Dick, or Harry. as Agent General, and gets, what is and asks his opinion, and is willing to mnore cowardly still, the responsibility carry it out whatever it may be. That is thrown upon his successors, upon caucus, not Responsible Government, and upon his party. If this is party THE PRvxIER: This Government did government, the sooner it isbroken up not go to any party at all. the bettor, I think we ought to MR. WALKER: That is an absolute empasise our position in a stronger way quibble. Of course this Government was than merely sp~eaking. If it were not there. That was the immaculate con- posssible, this appointment should be ception of this Government. It was not annulled in the interests of Mr. Eason. born then. The present Government If he is at all a man of sensive feelings could not go there, but the hon. member he cannot possibly accept the office 86 Agent General: [ASSEMIBLY.] How, Appointed.

Jkiowing what is thought of him and least it is impossible to expect that the what is thought of the appointment by brilliant member for Kanowna should members of this House, and by the address himself to anything whatever country -at large. He must surely think except in tones of exaggerated eloquence. that there is something about the I desire that the debate should come back appointment that is sinister if not to the matter that we really want to con- absolutely degrading. In Mr. Rison's sidet, that is whether- Mr. Eason was interests it should be annulled, and more really, under the circumstances of the especially for the credit of this State. case, the best man that could be selected He cannot possibly go to England armed for the post when it became vacant. Let with that necessary prestige that should me point out this, that the Agent General come from a great State like this, after who is now holdiug office for us in Loudon these discussions have taken place and had announced his intention of returning after the facts beecome known of how he to the State in September. It must be was appointed and under what circum- admitted by anyoue having any business stances other Ministers reaped a reward instincts at all that weshould have aman in consequence. He cannot possibly in London before the present Agent have influence; he must to a certain General leaves, and, if possible, for some ex~ent be ignored; and in his person in reasonable time before lie leaves. There- England this State is involved. Insults fore it would appear to' anyone con- to him are insults to us; neglect of him sidering the question from tbat point is negl~ct of Western Australia; and of view that we should make an appoint- therefore, it is to our interest absolutely nient at a sufficiently early date so that that we should have a juan there capable the person appointed could leave here of wining, if he has not already got it, and reach London in the early days the highest possible respect from those of September. The fiction built up, great statesmen and great mninds and that the appointment was made six characters for which the name of Eng- months before it should have been, land is famous. I shall say no more now. when investigated conies to this, that we The subject, in part at least, will have to have made an appointment a month or be returned to on the Address-in-Reply. six weeks before the office is vacant, I must say I am surprised that the Pre- that being the time within which anyone mier did not take the first available taking up the post must leave this State. opportunity to make an announcement I am quite open to be corected if my on this question. Hle hats now made a arithmetic is wrong, and I leave it to any certain explanation for not doing so, but members of the House to calculate the it is no explanation at all. As soon as number of weeks that must elapse now the House met last Thursday a speech to the end of July, because at the end of should have been made to the House July whoever is appointed must leave giving the reasons. But the Premier this State. The attack made by the treated the whole matter as though it Leader of the Opposition was necessarily should have been forgotten or absolutely of a weak character, because the case neglected. Even yesterday there was an admitted of no forcible attack whatever; opportunity, had he so desired, of in- and indeed if there was anything in it forming thellouse ; bnt he has waited for that deserved any particular notice it is the question to be intermingled with the this, that lie explains-and it has been Address-in-Reply, a mattor that involves explained again since by other memb ers the birth of his Alinistry and carries with i-that he regretted that Mr-. Rason was it an everlasting scandal -to have the Inot present. appointment of two Agents General at Ma. BATH: I made no such remark. the same time-to have it. done secretly, TEE ATTORNEY GENERAL: I so that offices could be jumped and billets I regret having misinterpreted what the obtained for the place-hunters. hon. member said. Certainly the remark THE ATTORNE9Y GENEJRAL (Hon. was made by others, and that observa- N. Keenan, Kalgoorlie): It is scarcely tion was only used so as to make an possible to expect that a matter of this attack on a member who was not present. kind would be discuss" in that quiet Naturally members say they would like and deliberate manner that befits it. At him to be here ; but be is not here, so Agent General: [27 Juxs, 1906.] How Appointed. 87 they can sa 'y everything nasty about hand, I desire him to withdraw. The him. All members know that last session app)ointmient was made by the Govern- there was scarcely one of those miembers went without appealing to the caucus in who dared5to attack the hon. member to the same manner as this appointment his face. I do not think there is one has been made, and it was verified by man in this House, on this side or on the Parliament. The action of the Govern- other side, whose generous instincts ment has been a credit to the State. would not he openly affronted by conduct TnE ATTORNEY GENERAL: If I of that character. There is one matter I am incorrect, it is open to members particularly desire to mate clear to the opposite to contradict what I am saying, House, and thstt is the reference made by and if they contradict it I accept it. We the Premier to the precedents that exist heard a lot to-day as to what is common for appointments of this character. The knowledge, street gossip. Let me tell Premier had no desire, nor did be reflect members opposite a matter of common in any way on the eharacter of former knowledge that the appointment was Agents General. He stated that Sir made and kept from the knowledge of the Edward Wittenoom was actually a Minis- party to wvhich Mr. James belonged until ter when he arrived in London; but the one of their members blurted it out. If Premier does not for a moment reflect on that is not common knowledge, then Ilam Sir Edward Wittenoomn by saying that, in error. It must be a measure of con- but. he points out that there was a pre- gratulation that we hear criticism of cedent for the appointment of a [Van caucus methods coming from the opposite when a Minister. benches. And perhaps it 'is a matter MR. BATH: That was a breach of the also of surprise when we know that within constitution. a few hours of our sitting here to-day the TasE ATTORNEY GENERAL: It gentlemen on the opposite side were may have been a breach of the Consti- sitting in caucus, not for the purpose of tution. I am poiuting out the case to making an appointment perhaps, but show what the Premier meant by saying for the purpose of acting as inquisi- there were precedents. Mr. Lefroy was tors in torturing the conscience of a a Minister when he received the appoint- colleague. It is therefore a matter of ment of Agent General, but the Premier surprise that they should have the did not reflect on Mr. Liefroy's character. audacity to call our attention to the fact Lastly the Premier pointed to the caue of that the party did not elect their Agent- Mr. James. The member for Claremont General. The late Premier was desirous (Mr. Foulkes) has pointed out, I think, a of giving up the leadership of his party, good deal which arises from misconcep- and he gave reasons for doing~ so. What lion, because the Premier did not intend I said on speaking first, and what I to say an *ything that would reflect on desire to emphasise, is that we should Mr. James personally. He did not intend look at this question from the point of to say that Mr. James was not a perfectly view not of side details, and not from fit person. We are satisfied he is afit per- the lurid pictures painted by imnagina- son, and he has proved himself to be a fit tion, but from actual facts. Ts Mr. person. What the Premier did say was Rason a man of business capacity, a man that the appointment was made under who is able to discharge the duties of circumstances of a character that com- Agent-General ? pared with the present appointment in MR. B~OLTON : That does not come this light, whereas this appointment was into it. made in the open light of day, the other Tns'ATTORNEY GENERAL: The appointment was kept dark until a mem- member for North Fremantle protects ber of the then Government, in a weak his colleagues on the front bench, but I and ill-considered moment, let the matter accept after all the opinion of the member slip out. It was kept dark from the for Mt. Margaret. members of their own party. Mn. HOLMAN : The late Prenmier turned MR. TAYLOR: On a point of order, if many sotmersaults. the Attorney General infers that the TEE ATTORNEY GENERAL: The appointment of Mr. James by the Labour member for Murchison ought to be an Government was made in secret or under- authority on somersaults, because lbe was 88 Agent General: [ASSEMBLY.] How Appointed. put out (of at Ministry in such a fashion doubt about it that if members ask that if he did not turn a somersault he themselves the question if Mr. Rason is would not be supporting them now. At fit, they must reply that there is no that time I have no doubt that if he h 'ad man they can point to better fitted been asked he would have given us a for the duties of the office of Agent valuable opinion on the methods -adopted General than Mr. Hason is. I do by party Governments in order to get rid not desire to detain the House longer. of himself and another member of the I think that this debate has been Ministry. The question that really is from its initiation something in the important and worthy of discussion is nature of a farce. We are treated to this: is Mr. Rason at fit and proper something purely formal. The Leader person to fill the position of Agent of the Opposition, f rom the beginning to General? Has he not business experi- the end of his subject, does not say* any- ence greater than anyone we can put our thing that might not have been wholly finger on? ignored. I do not say that because I MR. TROT: Do you judge his fitness desire to show the slightest want of by his political character V respect for the hon. gentleman, but be- THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: T ask cause the occasion did not prmnit even a the House to address themselves to this man of his capacity to make any points point. ' Can members reasonably point whatever. As for the personalities to another man who has greater business dragged in, why they are simply beneath experience for the position than the man the contempt of every member of the who has been selected ? Hohse. MR. TROY: What about yourself? MR. P. J. LYNCH (Mount Leonora): Tn ATTORNEY GENERAL: I have I cannot hold the opinion of the Attorney no desire, and if I had the desire I have Uenerai that this debate has been in the no ambition, for the position. The main nature of a farce. I believe that if he question is one of business capacity, and were given a chance he would rather it being. impossible for anyone to point aJpply another word more suit-able to the out any reason why Mr. Rason is unfit occasion. In the first place, it was the from that point of view, surely it is desire of this (Labour) party, by the ill-considered conduct now to damage a mouth of its representative, to ventilate a man's reputation when be is going to matter of gr-eat urgency when the ap- represent the State in London. The pointment was made-of such urgency member for Claremont tells us that he at least that the Press of this State was very pleased indeed to support the were at one in their condemnation of the late member for Guildford as the Premier appointment of Mr. Riason. And every of this State, and he was pleased to fol- man of public repute, except perhaps the low him, and give him his entire con- thick-and-thin supporters of the Govern- fidence: Surely if that is so he can have ment, bestowed on it some form of con- but little objection to Mr. Rason's demnation, ranging from that of the appointment from the point of view of most stern character down to the muildest. having the power and the ability to dis- And when we remember that this feeling charge the duties of his office in the was abroad just at the time the ap- position of Agent General. pointment was made, we must hold MR. FOULKES: But he did not carry that a discussion of this character is out his promise to the people. quite in order, though perhaps it may Tns ATTORNEY GENERAL: I come rather late in the day. In the expect from members opposite that first place, I have to say that I do not criticism which is always to be found. regard the appointment made by the Gov- They say he is not. fit, and if we had ernment as the best that could have been appointed anyone-except possibly the made. I hold the opinion that the office member for Mt. Margaret or the member of Agent General is of more importance for Murc-hison-we should be dealt with to the reputation of this State in the old exiictly as we are being dealt with country than even the office of Premier. to-nighit. It is no good sa 'ving that Mr. There is at least one instance on record Rason is not fit, if members do not give where an Agent General in London found us some reason. There is no possible himself far out of touch with Australian Agent General: [27 Jrr4E, 1906.] AgetHowGnerl: Appointed. 27ins 196.] 89 sentiment, and even with the trend of serious proposal made by the Govern- public opinion in Australia; so far out of ment of the day to bring within reason- touch that the Government of the State able bounds the new Agent General's in question-at least so it was reported- salary;- or is the Government of opinion were about to takce serious steps for his that £,1,600 a year is a fair salaryF On removal. I mention this to show that, tbat point it would have been interesting in my opinion, in the appointment of a to have their opinion. With regard to representative in London there should be the appointee himself, he is quite silent much more care and tmuch more circum- on the question whether 11,5600 a year is spection than in the choosing of even a a, reasonable remuneration; and when we Premier; and for this reason. The repre- bear in mind his opinion on the question sentative in the distance, who mut~neces- of payment of' members, there is a6 sarily maintain the high level which that remarkable contrast. Mr. Rason, speak- office has attained under the hand of Mr. ing in this House en a proposal for the James, must necessarily have a free hand, increase of payment of members, said: and to that extent must have thle confi- No one can say that I am so rich that I can dence of the majority of the people here. afford to do without this extra hundred. I And although Mr. Rason did apparently probably want it as badly as any member of secure the confidence of the people here, the House. I am not going to take it while it does not necessarily follow that he the finances of this State are in the condition possesses the greatest aptitude for the they are to-day. position of Agent General. I believe That was Mr. Rason's attitude on the that if it were necessary, it would have question of payment of members, when been infinitely better to go outside the increases of salary wore proposed. Now, ranks of politics for an Agent General, for the sake of consistency, 1s it not in order to secure the best man to follow remarkable that the Government of the in the footsteps of Mr. James. Let me day, in view of their professions on the direct the Premier's attention to the hustings, have not proposed to reduce fallac-y of his statement drawing a.parallel the Agent General's salary? Tam not say- between the appointment of Mr. James ing that would be a fair proposition. My and that of Mr. Rason. Mir. James him- opinion is fa~r otherwise. I believe tha self, speaking in this Rouse on the £1,500 is a, reasonable remuneration for Address-in-Reply, said: the position. But I am pointing out the There are the Agent Generalship and various inconsistency of the Government of the other appointments available, which we said day in proposing to reduce their own before the elections we would not fill until salaries sad leaving this salary untouched. after the new Parliament had been elected. Then again, there is Mr. Rason's incon- Tell me an instance of another Government in AuoL.aiia Lhai has done this. cictoucy in obstt uug a proposal last session for the increase of members' So that, in the words of Mr. James him- salaries, and now accepting a position self, it is clear that he could have carrying a much higher salary on the appointed himself, but omitted to do so reduction of which he is quite silent. on political grounds alone, for the sake Boiled down, my objection to this ap- of political decency. So, theeore, ifit pointment is that a much more suitable is sought to draw a parallel between the person could have been obtained than the appointment of Mr. James and that of one appointed by the Government; and Mr. Rason, my authority for opposing that if the appointment had been left to the attempt is to be found in Mr. James's the choice of this House, I believe the words which I have just read. The choice would have been different. In the appointment of Mr. Rason is characterised first place, the Government did not follow by the absence of two remarkable fea- the example of the Government last year, tures. In the first place, we have the who appointed Mr. James without refer- Government of the day so anxious to ence to the party, or without reference to effect economies in this State as to caucus. When the present Government actually propose to reduce their own thought it necessary to refer the question salaries by £200 a year. to resolve to the consideration of their party as a themselves, so to speak, into a team of whole, I ask why they, following up that cheap labour Ministers. Now why is no course, did not extend the principle some- 90 Agent General. [ASSEMBLY.]ASML. HwApitdHvw Appointed. what farther and lay the question before Itest against this appointment, against this House, which represents the vote of the method that was adopted by the the citizens. In other words, their action Government, and believe that by a refer- shows that they were anxious that the ence to the whole of this Chamber a responsibility, the onus, I will not say the much wore suitable appointment could indecency-some other member can say have been made to the office of Agent that if he chooses-of making what is, I General in London. consider, a shady appointment, should be Mu., A. C. GULL (Swan): I cannot spread over the largest possible area. allow this motion to pass without attempt- That is the only conclusion to which ing at all events a, slight defence. It has I can come, that whqn they referred been said here that Mr. Rason appointed this question to the party, their object himself to the position of Agent General. was ifl a incasuire to satisfy those That the fact is not so should be as well members opposite who had, perhaps, known to the memubers of the Opposition ambitions soon to be realised, and as to Governmnent supporters. Themem- also to spread over as large an area hers of the Government party were just as could be obtained the responsibility as much surprised as anybody else when, for this appointment. I say again, not- at a meeting called by the ex-Premier, he withstanding what has been said even on read out the various cables received from this (Opposition) side of the House on Mr. James, in which Mr. James desired the impolitic nature of the motion, that to relinquish his appointment, and the in making an appointment of this kind cables in which the Government had it is of the first importance that this repeatedly asked him to reconsider his House should be consulted. We see in decision. Finality wats reached by one of the case of Mr. James that he did not these cables from 'Mr. James stating appoint himself, but showed clearly that emphatically that he would not retain the he could have done so, but would not appointment a~fter a, certain date. Mr. until after the general elect-ion. Then Rason then told his party that in the why did not the present Government circumstances lie was very desirous of appeal to this House and not to a section taking up the appointmnent himself, hut of it ? Therefore I see some justification that he would not do so unless he had for the motion moved by the Leader of first ascertained the feeling of his party. this (Opposition) party. The question The question was freely discussed; and was taken out of the hands of Cabinet for one reason and another it was finally and left for the Government party to decided by the party at that meeting that decide; but the right of deciding should if Mr. Rason wished to take the appoint- have been extended also to the members ment, then, so far as the party were on this side of the Houdse. I wish only concerned, he was at liberty to do so. to record in contclusion my protest [Mn. TAYLoR: Caucus.] It was not at against this appointment, purely on the all. a. question of caucus. It was simply of Mr. Eason'ks unsuitability for a question of Mr. Rason's consulting his theround position ; because in a question of party. He said that if his party did not this kind, apart altogether from the wish him to take the position, he would personal considerations that mtay obtrude, not attempt to do so. I am sorry indeed, the needs-of this country, the exigen - first of al, that this question should be cies of the situation the high pXne raised by the Leader of the Opposition, which that office in London ban attained who questioned the 'right of Mr. Rason puts the matter far above personal con- to sit in this Chamber. That question siderations; and on that ground alone 1 raised certain issues, which might have say that this appointment should ha-ve been combated perhaps successfully. been referred to the whole House stil, in the light of Mr. Rason's retire- when in the first instance a move was ment, which will happen in any case, Mr. made to refer it to one section only. Had Rason may not have considered it wise or the Government taken the course I ipolitic to face a possible action to decide suggest, their end would have been iwhether he was within his right in attained, be-cause the responsibility would taking his seat. have been spread over a. larger area. I Mu. TAYLOR:- Who questioned his have again to say that I record my pro- right ? Agent General: [27 Juw8, 1906.] AgetHow Gnerl: Appointed. 27une 196.] 91

MR. GULL: The Leader of the Government. The hon. member should Opposition raised the question. have sense enugh to see that. Mta. BATH: Yes ; incidentally, on MEMBR: 1 know he appointed him- another question. self, 3Mn. GULL: I do not care. You Mt. GULL: Had he remained Leader raised the question whether Mr. Rason of the Government, he would not have had any right to take his seat in this done what so many leaders of Govern- Chamber. Immediately following that, ments had doui-appointed himself. an adjournment of the House is asked to MR. Rim: - Save us from our friends! discuss this matter as one of urgency Ma. SPEAKER: Order! -to discuss the position of a mn who Mn. GULL: As a matter of fact, the is not in a position to reply. With the feeling of the men on the then Govern. exception of the speech of the member meut side of the House was that Mr. for Mt. Leonora (Mr. Lynch), we have Rason was a fool in his own interest. heard a lot of bitter, vindictive state- That was my opinion. I think that in ments that I had hoped would not have sacrificing the position he held for the emanated from the Opposition. Not only one he took up, he was acting against his from that side of the Rouse but from the own interest, because there is no ques- Government side also, I have to deprecate tion that hie could have met this House, attacks made on a man who, a month or and could have carried on for another two ago, members made a hero of. [Ma. twelve months, or even two or three BATH:- Who?] Not your party; I am years. [Interjections.] We were not re- speaking, for instance, of the memnber for turned because Mr. Rason was such a Claremont (Mr. Foulkes). Mr. Rason wonderful man, but simply because the was, up to a month or two ago, considered country was tired of the Labour Govern- a great man on this side of the House; ment. One member of the Opposition and therefore if he were a great man has alluded to this side of the House as on this side of the House, then he a -rabble behind the Ministerial benches. certainly is the fittest man to take up the Well, if "grabble" is in order, it is as duties of Agent General, especially when much in order to say the country was we are informed that the present Agent tired of the scum of the other side. General refuses *bsolutely to continue in Mn. TAYLOR:- I rise to a. point of office. order. LABOUR MEMB3ER: Why did not Mr. MR. SPEAKER: The hon. member Rason wait until the Agent General must withidraw that expression. retired? Mn. GULL: Very well. If "rabble" MR. GULL: There was nothing to is in order and "scum" is not, I will ttup Mr. Ratiou from meeting this House withdraw t~he word*'- scum."' as Premier, and retaining office for the Mn SPEAKER: "Rabble" is not in next five or six months-[MEMBrRL: Ex- order either. When theword "rabble" cept that the Agent Generalship was was used before, no one took exception to better] -and drawing his salary as it. Premier. Everyone knows Mr. Rason is MR. GULL: All I can say is that I not a wealthy mn, and a, matter of £400, ihought the one word was just as £500, or £600 before he left would have parliamentary ais the other. Although been of material assistance to him. Stl, thought so highly of as Leader of the he told the meeting of Government Govern ment, although thought so highly supporters that, having been given the of by his partyr, by his constituency, and privileg of accepting the Agent General- by the country generally which sent here ship-Tfmtorjections] -he would not a big foUowing, nobody supposes that if dream of meeting the House, carrying Mr. Rason had died, this country also out his duties to the last moment, would die. Nobody supposes that if Mr. appoinEing himself Agent General, and Rason has committed political suicide, then leaving for the old country. the whole country was going to commit LABOUR MEMBER: He appointed him suicide also. There were men left behind self, after all. just as good as he, and we have taken the Ma. GULL: lie would have done so beat course we could in selecting Mr. if he had still remained Leader of the lRason as the new Agent General. 92 Agent General. [ASSE31BLY.jASML. HowHwApitd Appointed.

LABOUR MEMBER: You selected the successor, and declined to do so. View- Premier. ing the whole matter from every stand- Mn. GULL: We were perfectly willing point, the party considered that the to select the best man in our party as acceptance of Mr. Rason's resignation as Premier; and if the best man comes to Premier, and allowing him to take up the the front, we intend giving him the same position of Agent General, was as good a support we gave to Mr. Raon. I have move as could be tak~en. He isoa politician heard a great deal about the appointment who has been returned year after year, of Mr. James, and in this connection I one of the oldest members in Parliament, wish only to state that the gentlemen and I think the late Premier's experience opposite were only too glad to get rid of and insight in all matters connected with him. I say this emphatically, because the government of the State ought to they ulid what has never before been done have fitted him as well as any other man. in the history of Western Australia- in Parliament for the position. I sup- they paid his fare and the fare of his ported the appointment, and if it comes wife and family to the old country, to a division, I will support the Govern- whether or not he was worthy of the ment on this occasion. appointment. I say that this, printS Ma. T. H. BATH (in reply): If no other facie, shows clearly that they were glad member desires to speak on this subject, to get rid of him. I wish to say a few words by way of [Several interjections.] reply. At the outset, the Premier stated that he had received only fire minutes' MR. SPEAKER: I must insist on notice of my intention to move the order being maintained in the House. I adjournment. He received more than do not like to go to extremes, but I shall five minutes' notice; in fact, he received be obliged to do so, if such conduct as we half ain hours' notice, and certainly have had this afternoon is continued. received greater notice than many mem- Ma. P. STONE (Greenough): I greatly bers on this side of the House. I did not regret this discussion. I was present at come to any decision till this afternoon to the meeting when Mr. Eason tendered deal with this matter; and then I decided his resignation. He asked the consent of that it would be infinitely better to have the party to certain conditions, which a discussion on the matter straight away consent, after long consideration, was than have it running through the debate given. Mr. RAson complained that his on the Address-in-Reply. I also thought health was failing, and stated. that he it necessary to make su~ch- a move because could not continue in office as Premier, on Thursday last I asked, without notice, but if the party insisted or even desired a plain and simuple question. I asked the that he should remain in office in spite of Premier 'whether the appointment of his; ill-health, be would st hold the Agent General had or had not been position. The majo 'rity of the members made; and surely he, as a member of present at the meeting agreed to ask him the Ministry, was in a position to tell to send in his resignation, and also agreed me whether the appointment had or had to his accepting the position of Agent not been ma-de, without the necessity of General on the expiration of Mr. James's asking me to give notice of the question term. The members in Opposition were for some future day. I say that this fact not present at the meeting, and how can alone made it necessary to draw attention they understand anything of the dis- to the appointment. Then we have the cussion that took place Y I do not think fact that a new Ministry-the result of there was anything discreditable in any shuffling the cards and the result of the way to the members who took part in that meeting. A man's health is his General-facedppiteto the r Houseao withouts An first consideration, particularly if it fails 1 ord of explanation on the matter. Also, him and he has a famnily. The 20 odd we are told by the Premier that the ap- members present agreed to accept Mr. pointment has already been made; and Rason's resignation, and he asked them almost in the inext breath (in dealing to give an indication as to who should be with this motion) he said the appoint- his successor. The party did not like to ment would not be madec until October take the responsibility of selecting a 1next. Agent General: [27 JnNs, 1906.] Howo Anpointed. 93

THE MINISTER FR MINES: Not to Attorney General that it was an appoint- take effect until October next. ment by the Government; and we bad MR. BATH: In the meantime, then, expressions of dissent from members of the appointee is practically dependent on the House when the member for Kanowna the will of this House or on the will of (Mr. Walker) declared it was the result of the Ministry. a caucus decision. I need go no farther Mn. TA&non: Undoubtedly we will than the statements made by the whip test that point. of the party (Mr. Gordon) after the MR. BATH: They have the right to Ministerial meeting, when certain state- change the appointment, if necessary. I ments had been made in the Press as to have been twitted with the fact, or it has the manner in which the appointment been stated, that no mention was made had been brought about. Mr. Gordon, of the popular approval of the appoint- the member for Canning, said:- ment of Mr. Rason. If I wanted to As whip of the ppay, I may be allowed to point out that he was objectionable-and know what actually did take place at that I did so briefly not only to members of meeting. the Opposition, but to members ad sup- And I must say that, as whip of the porters of the Ministerial party-I could party, he ought to have known. have brought forward a number of ex- Mr. Eason asked for an expression of opinion tracts couched in the most scathing terms Ias to the vacant Agent Generalship. He said of condemnation of the appointment, by that if the party desired he would stay on as, Premier, or if they thought it better that he ax-Ministers, colleagues of Mr. Bason, his should take the vacant Agent Gernerahship, he supporters, and by the president of the would do that. He placed himself entirely in National Political League, who claims to the hands of the meeting, and the unanimous be the sponsor as well of the Rason Gov- decision was that he should take the Agent ernment as the present; also by a present Generalship. member for the West Province, by the Well, if that is not a caucus meeting, I member for West Perth (Mr. Illingworth). want to know what is? It is a clear and by others who bad beep enthusi- expression of caucus decision that Mr. astic supporters of the Rason Admninis- Rason should tatke the appointment as tration. I did not desire to introduce Agent General. The Attorney General these things, because some of those con- has just now characterised this discussion deinnatory remarks were couched in as a farce; but if it be a farce, then he terms which even I should not consider has played a very prominent part in it; 1Ihad a right to use in reference to the and if there is nothing in the remarks of appointment of Mr. Eason. I refrained bon. members on this (Opposition) side for the same reason from introducinn the of the Hou~e which Call for comment, lh same matter here this evening; but if it made a very long speech in commenting were necessary. I coul have read out upon nothing. I desire to point out that to the House utterances showing that the there was ample time, that there is ample public and the Press did not approve of time even now, for the appointment to the appointment of Mr. Bason, but prac- be made, and to leave plenty of time to tically exrsed in the strongest terms elapse between that appointment and the their disppoal ofat least the method tine when it would be necessary for the of the appointment. The Premier has successor to Mr. James to proceed to the assumed great virtue in that the Ministry old country. I have contended right have taken the responsibility of the through that if Mr. Rason was fitted for appointment. What else could they do the position, he would have best exem- but take the responsibility, when that plified bin fitness by facing this House appointment has placed the Premier in after a long recess as Premier; that as the chair he occupies, and has given the aPremier committed by the support other Ministers the positions they hold in which he received in the elections last the Cabinet? There is no great mag- September to a programme for the sal- nanimity in assuming the responsibility Ivation of the country, he would have best of such; an appointment when it has exemplified his fitness by meeting the given those members the positions they House in a courageous manner and giving occupy. In regard to the method of the an account of his stewardship. Then appointment, we have it stated by the the appointment could have been per. 94 Agent General. [SEBY[ASSEMBLY.] Queation& feetly above-board. If he ba'd felt a adopted by the hon. member, and we find disinclination to continue to occupy the the one-time caustic critic of Mr. Rason position of Premier, if any difficulty or if getting up here to defend him, and ill-health muade it impossible for him to making certain attacks on members sit- carry on, no member of the House would ting on the Opposition side. I say the have been better pleased, whether on the remarks made by the hon. member b;efore Government or the Opposition side, if Mr. he became a Minister, and by other Rason had done that and the appoint- members on that side, have justified the ment had been made by the Ministry and attention which has now been drawn to submitted to the House in the proper Hr. Rason's appointment; and if nothing way, The member for Swan got up to farther bad been done this motion has make a defence of Mr. itason, and all I at least evolved from members of the can say is that members on the Govern- Ministry an explanation which they did ment side must have been saying among not deign to supply to the House when thems"elves "Save me from my friends! " it met for the despatch of business. It The member for Swan stated as a matter desire, by leave, to withdraw the motion. of great virtue that Mr. Rason could Motion by leave withdrawn. have continued to meet the House and to have drawn his Ministerial salary. What AA 640, the SPHAXER. left the Chair. I say, and what h&a been said by people At 7130, Chair resumed. outside, is that he was afraid to meet the House, that be was afraid that the failure QUESTION-PIPES MANUFACTURE, to carry out the promises so prolifically FEES FOR INQUJIRY. made in October last would mean, and Mn. BATH asked the Minister for would have received, a storm of criticism Works: r, What fee per sitting was paid not only from this (Opposition) side of (a) to the Chairman of the Board of the House, but also from the Ministerial Inquiry into the manufacture of the benches. He was afraid. also of the pipes, and (b) to each of the other mem- formation of that formidable "1third bers of the, board? 2, What was the party " which the member for Kalgoorlie total amount of fees paid in connection suggested was going to express discon- wi th the i nquiry ? tent at the failure of Mr. Rason as TiE MINISTER FOR WORKS re- Premier to carry out the promises made plied: i, (a) £5 5s.; (b) £2 2s. 2, by him; and I believe those were the £154 16s. reasons which made the Ministry and the party very anxious to give to Mr. Rasoin QUESTION -CANNING RESERVOIR, the appointment as Agent General. The LAND PURCHASE. Attorney General has stated that no reason has been given for the motion MR. BATH asked the Minister for here this evening, or to show that Mr. Works: Rave any negotiations been Rason's fitness had in any sense been entered into for the pu rchase of privately- called into question. I have only to -refer held land in the watershed of the pro- the Attorney General to his own remarks posed Canning River Reservoir P in Kalgoorlie before he became a Minister THE MINISTER FOR WORKS of the Crown. As private member for replied: ThI 1900 negotiations were Kalgoorlie, a somewhat caustic critic of entered into, but nothing resulted there- the Government, he delivered a speech from. In 1903 and 1905 offers of certain there dealing with the work of the last blocks were made to the Departmen t, but session, in which he stated that nothing these were declined, and nothing has worth 'y of note had been accomplished been done since. upon which he felt called upon to pro- nounce himself. He also went onto hint QUESTION-COOLGLRDIE ELECTION very strongly that, as a result of their EXTRAORDINARY, position as a party and as a. result of M it. B A T H asked the Attorney their discontent with Mr. Rason's failure General: i, Is it correct that the time during the recess, ithere was a probability up to which claims can be received for of a third party being formed. Of enrolment on the (Joolgardie roll, in course a different attitude is now being order to entitle electors to vote at. Ihe Questions. [27 Jrnxs, 1906.] Questions. 95 ensuin extraordinary election, has ex- QUESTION?-RAILWAYS AND LANDS, pired?9 2, If so, under what provision of HOW ADVERTISED. the Electoral Act has this decision been MR. HOLMAN asked the Premier: i, given?9 Was the information appearing in the THE ATTORNEY GENERAL re- Daily Yews. supplement of November 8th, plied: i, Yes, on the 21st June. 2, 1905, in r~ference to the Government Under Section 40 of the Electoral Act, railways and the lands of this State an No. 20, of 1904. advertisement authorised and paid for by the Government? 2, If so, what was QUESTION-RAILWAY SUBWAY, the cost to (a) the Railway Department, PERTH. (b) the Lands Departmenti 3, The MR. H. BROWN asked the Minister for total cost to the State for the information Railways: What steps does the Govern- supplied in the publication ? ment intend to take in regard to the THE PREMIER replied: t,.Yes. 2, construction of a subway in place of the (a) £25; (b) Nil. 3, £2160, Of which fohtbridge recently removed fromn Wel- £2125 was paid by the Treasury Depart- lington Street to Roe Street? ment. THE: MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS replied: It is not proposed to put in QUESTION-PUILLTPS RIVER COPPER- a subway. Ample provision forjpedes- FIELDS, RAILWAY. trian and vehicular traffic has aread been made by the erection of the Horse. MR. TAYLOR asked the Premier: shoe bridge. What is the intention of tire Government in the matter of connecting the Phillips QUESTION-MIDLAND RAILWAY -LAND River copperfields with the sea-board by TITLES. rail ? .SALES, TnY PREMIER replied: The question MR. H. BROWVN asked the Minister of connecting Ravensiborpe by rail is for Lands: i, Is he aware that the Mid- now under consideration. land Railway Company are advertising their lands for sale with the proviso that the Government guarantee the titles ? QUESTION-GAMBLING LAW AMEND- If so, whyP 2, Have all moneys been MENT. received as provided in the agreement MR. TAYLOR asked the Premier: Is made with the Government for guaran- it the intention of the Government to teeing the X500,000 of debentu res ? amend the laws relating to gambling, THE MINISTER FOR LANDS re- this session, in the same drastic form as plied: y. No; hut thp lato Government indicated 'by the Premier of Victoria. proisd that' on payment of the faDl THE PREMIER replied: The pro- purhs money the titles would be posals of the hon. the Premier of Victoria issued by the Government at the direction have not been considered. of the company, and this promiise will be adhered to. 2, No transfer is approved until the Government is satisfied that the QUESTION-AGENT GENERAL, LEGAL purchase money, less five per cent., has PONT. been paid to the Treasury. MR. BATH asked the Premier-: i, Is the statement which has bee" circulated, QUESTION-BRIDGE WIDENING, that the member for Guildford has been BEAUFORT STREET. appointed Agent General as successor to MR. H. BROWN asked the Minister the Hon. W. James, true? 2, If it is for Railways: When will the widening of true, is not the hon. member for Guild- Beaufort Street Bridge be commenced P ford committing a. grave breach of the THE MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS Constitution in retaining his seat in this replied: That alterative plans for carry- Assembly after having accepted an office ing out this work had been made and of profit under the CrownF are now under consideration by the THE PREMIER replied: i, Yes. 2, Government. The work will be com- No. Mr. Eason's resignation is now in menced within the next two months. the hands of the Speaker. 96 Questios. [SE[ASSEMBLY.] BY]Qetos Que8how. QUESTION-BOILER EXPLOSION ON QUESTION-PROTECTORS OF A-BORIG- MINE. INES, AND RESERVES. MR. LYNCH isked the Minister for Ma. TROY asked the Premier: When Mines:- i * What means has he employed is it the intention of the Government to to discover the cause of the boiler ex- appoint Protectors of Aborigines and set plosion on the Sons of G'walia Mine? apart the reserves as provided in the z, Has a, conclusion been come to, and Aborigines Act 1905? what is the nature of such conclusion P TaE PREMIER replied: 86 Pro- THE MINISTER FOR MNES re- tectors have already been appointed, plied: i, The Inspector for the district namely 40 Resident Magistrates, 31 has sent in his report on the accident to. Police Officers, and 15 private gentlemen. the fourth section or the left-hand flue Travelling Inspectors will be appointed tube. Farther inquiries have been made after Parliament has sanctioned the by the Chief Inspector of Machinery, necessary expenditure. It is not con- who is not prepared to come to a finea! sidered advisable to make Reserves until conclusion until he has made a personal sites are found suitable and niecesiry inspection. This lie will make shortly. after inspection by the Travelling In- 2, Answered by i. spectors.

QUESTION-MEDICAL OFFICERS AND QUESTION-BATTERIES INQUIRY FEES. BOARD. Ma. LYNCH asked the Premier (r'e Ms., TROY asked the Minister for the Colonial Secretary) : i, Is he aware Mines: i, What localities have to date of the amount of the fees charged by been visited by the Board of Inquiry resident medical officers on portions of appointed to inquire into the Public. the Goldfields for medical attendance, Battery system? 2, Is it his intention mileage, and performance of operationse to instruct the Board visiting the Mur- z, When satisfied that such fees are ex- chison?P , If not, why not? cessive, will he amend the regulations Tan MINISTER FOR MINES governing existing agreements in order replied; z, Southern Cross, Coolgar- to bring those fees within reasonable die, Widgemooltha, Laverton, Burt- boundsP yulle, Yundamindera, Pigwefl, TLeonora, Tu PREMIER replied: t, No. z, Niagara, Menzies, Norseman, Riandalls, Yes, where possible. Yerilla, Muiwarrie, Mulline, Siberia, Yardi; 14 other batteries crushing for QUESTION-TICK CATTLE IN TRUCKS. ~the public, including many subsidised MR. GORDON asked the Minister for batteries. 2, NO. 3, Because their re- Railways : i, The number of trucks port is urgently desired; special inspec- altered for carrying tick cattle as recom- tions however will ho Made. mended by Mr. Mitchell?Pa, The cost of same ? QUESTION-PUBLIC SERVICE COM- TaE MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS MlISSIONERS. replied: i, None at present; five are now MR, MORAN asked the Premier: Is being altered. z, This cannot be stated it the intention of the Government to until the -work is completed. appoint two additional Commissioners to assist the present Public Service Com- QUESTION-CORPORA- TYLER'S missioner in the arrangement of the RETIREMENT. public service classification as provided HON. F. H. PIESSE asked the by the Act P Premier: Is the Government prepared Tan PREMIER replied: The matter to lay upon the table of the House all of farther appointments has not been papers in connection with the retirement considered. of Corporal Tyler from the Police Force, such papers having been ordered to be PAPERS PRESENTED. laid upon the table of the House on 16th By the PREMIER: Papers relating to August last. the retirement of Corporal Tyler, asked Tur, PREMIER replied: Yes. for by Ron. F. H. Piesse. Election Appeal. [20" JcN-E, 1906.] EletioReignatApeal [23 ions196:] (3). 97,

ELECTION -APPEAL, A STATEMENT. and by the prvsion of a special Court EAST FREIWANTLE. to secure that its d ecision bhall be final. Mn. H. DAGTJISH (Subiaco): The Premier was good enough at the last RESIGNATIONS AND BY-ELECTIONS (a). sitting to pro~mise that a statemnent PILBAnRA. would be made this evening concerning the East Fremantle appeal case. Is that Ma. SPEAKER- I desire to intimate statement available? to the House, before reading the resigna- lion of Mr. ladell, the l#te member for Tan PREMIE R (Hon. N.J. Moore): Pilbarra, that I received this resignation Under Section 169 of the Electoral Act, on the day of the opening of Parliament; the validity of any election or return and it is provided in the Constitution may be disputed by petition addressed Act, Section 30, that if Parliament is not to the Supreme Court. The decision of sitting it is within my province to issue the Court on the hearing of such petition the writ. However, I did not sign the is by way of judgment order or decree. writ until the following day, and Parlia- This is a departure from the provision ment in the meantime had assembled. mnude in the Electoral Act 1899, which, Therefore it would be necessary u nder the tinder Section 142. provided for a special Constitution Act, in order to allay any Court of Disputed Returns. Section question or doubt that might perhaps 167 of the Electoral Act (1904), which arise hereinafter, to h ave a6form al motion provides that the decision of the Court declaring the seat vacant. It will not be shall be final and conclusive without an inconvenience to candidates or anyone, appeal, is identical with Section 151 of the because it is a mere matter of form to Act of 1899. Under Section 71 of the comply with the Act. I wish to be Commonwealth of Australia, Constitution frank, and therefore will quote that Act (63 and 64 Victoria, Oh. 12) a section'of the Act dealing with the ease. Federal Supreme Court wras established It is already provided in a previous por- under the title of the High Court of tion of the section that such motions Australia. Under Section 73 of the should take place when the House is same Act, Suibclause 2, the High Court sitting; but the section continues: has jurisdiction inter die, to hear and The Pregident or Spesker may issue such determine an appeal from all judgment writ without such preceding resolution when orders, decrees, etc., of the Supreme Parliament is not in session, or when such Court of any State. It is clear that no vacancy occurs during any adjournment for a limitation of this appellate jurisdiction longer period than seven days of the H1ouse lies within the powers possessed by any affected by the vacancy. Parliament of any of the States; nor Therefore it is merely a formal matter indeed would it appear to be within the that this motiowshould be moved. power of any authority other than that Resignation read; and on motion by from which the powers vested in the the Premier, the seat of the member for High Court flow to make such limitation, Pilbarra was declared vacant. and then only by way of alteration of the Constitution, which would have to be GUILDFORD~, MR. BiSONJ-'S RESIGNATION. accomplished in accordance with the provisions and requirements of Section Mna. SPEAKER:. I have received a 128 of the Commonwealth of Australia communication from the late member for Con~titution Act. Had the precedent of Guildford (Mr. C. H. Rason). embodying the Electoral Act of 1899 been followed his resignation. It is as follows: in that of 1904 and a Court of Disputed Sir,-I have the honour, with great feelings Returns been provided for, then the of regret, to tender to you my resignation as provision of Section 167, which purports member for the Guildford electorate in the to malke the decision Legislative Assembly. The reason for my of the Court final irmedAt resignation is that it is argued and conclusive, would be effective. In that, in accepting the position of agent the Elector~al Bill now under considera- Genera, I have accepted "an office of p rofit under the Crown " within the meaning of the tion care will be taken to avoid the Constitution Act, although as a matter of fact inistake of the Act of 1904 in this regard, I shall receive no remuneration in connection 98 9iffq Days[A [ASSEMBLY.]EML. andidHrs Hovr-R,

'with, the office until October. One of my1 into by Mr. Rason, when Premier, with principal reasons for wishing to take andt the Leader of the Opposition retain my seat in the Legislative Assembly in regard for a little while longer was that I might to Parliament meeting on the 31st of have the opportunity of personally explaining May. On that understanding the Opposi- the actual facts in regard to my acceptance ofI tion had given the Government every the appointment as Agent General, and of assistance in getting business through replying to any criticism that maight be in- last session dulged in. That, however, is now denied to and, to a certain extent, me. In conclusion, I wish again to express rushing it through before the termination the regret I feel in leaving the Parliment of the session, but the contract had not that I have been'associated with since 1889, been carried out and the House met three and to sincerely thank you, and through you I weeks later. Not only were the Govern- the members on both sides of the House, and ment praoctically nullifying an agreement the officers and servants of the House, for very may kindnesses. that had been considered necessary to meet early in order that the transaction On motion by the Premier, the seat of of business and the Estimates might the hon, member for Guildford was de- proceed before a large portion of the clared vacant. financial year had expired, hut we were now asked to meet at 4-30 o'clock in the SOUTH FREMANTLE. afternoon, which would mean that for In consequence of the death of Mr. A. three or four months we would be meet- J, Diamond, the seat of the hon. member ing at that hour, and then towards the for South Fremautle was, on motion by close of the session members would be the Premier, declared vacant. asked to meet not only at 2-30 o'clock but on extra. dlays to make up for the loss of time by the arrangement the Premier now SITTING DAYS AND HOURS. sought to have carried. During last year TE PREMIER (Hon. N. J. Moore) and the previous year the House had moved:- assembled at 3-30 o'clock, but the Labour party since they had been in Parliament That the House, unless otherwise ordered, shall meat for the despatch of business on bad always endeavoured to Secure the Truesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at sitting of the House at 2-30 o'clock so 4-30 p.m.. and shall sit until 6-30 p,m. if neces- that business might be finished at an sary, and if requisite from 7130 p.m. onwards. earlier hour of the night. Mu. T. H. BATH (Brown Hill), in Mu. X. F. TROY seconded the amend- moving an amendment- ment. Mn. G. TAYLOR (Mount Margaret) That the figure 14 " (4110) be struck out and supported the amendment. As a member 2 " (2-30) inserted in lieu- of the House for six years, from his celled attention to the rtatements made experience he found there was apparently by members during the evening in regard a lot of time wasted in the early portion to the position occupied by the Ministry of the session, while as Christmas came and by those supporting them in their close it was found necessary to sit from relations to one another, that the Ministry 2-30 o'clock until midnight, and also to purposed carrying out precisely the same increase the sitting days from 3 to 5 in a policy as was adopted by, the Rtason week to enable the Government to get Administration; and to that extent the into recess and members to get to their Ministers practically declared that the homes for Christmas. It should be the present Government was a continuation duty of the Government to sit earlier in of the Rason Ministry. That fact was the dlay and perhaps to increase the also evidenced in the manner of conduct- number of days of sitting in the ing the Ministerial elections, for only earlier part of the session so that we those gentlemen appointed as new Min- could get the business of the country isters had been compelled to seek re- through in the early part of the year. election from their constituents; and it It would be remembered that every was shown that there was continuation session when the weather became warm. in the Ministry. This being evidenced, the Press and members of Parliament the Ministry should have paid attention proclaimed to the country the necessity to the honourable undertaking entered f or getting into recess. This was the Sitting Dayis. F27 Juxr, 1906.1 Committoes. 9

Arts. NOE. only business that he knew of whic;h it Mr. Bath Mr. Barnett was necessary to close during the hot Mr. Bolton Mr. Bsrebber Mr. Collier Mr. Brawn months; every other business could be Mr. Heitmatn Mr. Butcher carried on in this country during the Mr. Holman Mr. Dflaliah Mr. Lynch Mr. Ewing summer months. It was to be hoped the Mr, Taylor Mr. Gregory Premier would increase the Mr. Walker Mr. Gnu sitting days Mr. Ware Mr. Hnrdwick at an earl 'y opportunity, as soon as the Mr. Tray (Teler). Mr. Hayward Mr. Horsan Government had their Bills prepared. Mr. Illingwortb There had been six months recess. It Mr. eenan Mr. McLnrty was necessary there sbould be a long Mr. Male recess to give the Government an oppor- Mr. Mitchell Mr. Mfonrda tunity for administrative work; but Mr. N. J. Moore Mr, 8. F. Moore there were several members in the Gov- Mr. Please ernment who were Ilot in the previous Mr. Price Mr. stone Government, The Treasurer occupied a Mr. Ver Ir new position, and might require some Mr. A...o Mr. F. Wilson time to be cognisant of the details of his Mr. Gordon (Teller). department; but if the hon. member had Amendmwent thus negatived ; motion met Parliament controlling the same put and passed. department that he did when the proro- gation took place, he would have been GOVERNMENT BUSINESS, PRECE- able to give all the information required DEFCE. by the House. The Premiermih increase the sitting days from threto On motion by the Premier, ordered: four, and later on to five days a week, so That on Tuesdays and Thursdays Gov- that the business of the country could be ernment business shall take precedence of completed by the latter end of November, all Motions and Orders of the Day. and members could then get to their various constituencies before Christmas. COMMITITEES FOR THE SESSION. The argument that Parliament should On motions by the Premier, Sessional close when the weather became warm Committees were appointed as follow.- bad never been used by members on the PRINTING COMMITTEE-Mr. Speaker, Opposition side of the House, and there Mr. Brown, and Mr. Bath; to assist Mr. was no force in the argument at all. Speaker in all matters wh ich relate to the MR. H. DAGLISH (Subiaco) -Because printing executed by order of the House, of th fact that he had always supported and for the purpose of selecting and the proposa.l to sit, at 3-30, bie wiiahud tW arranging for printing Returns and say that in his opinion Ministerial work Papers presented in pursuance of Motionsi could not be properly discharged by 3-30 made by members, and all Papers laid p.m. on days on which Parliament had to upon the Table whether in answer to sit. His experience when a Minister was addresses or otherwise. that he had to rush work which should STANDING ORDERS COMMZTTE.-Mr. be carried out with a due degree of Speaker. Mr. Foulkes, and Mr. Daglish; deliberation when Parliament bad to with leave to sit during any adj ournment, meet at 3-30. He was convinced that and with authority to confer upon sub- Parliament should not meet earlier than jects of mutual concernment with any 4-30 if Ministerial work was to be Committee appointed for similar purposes properly discharged. The sittings of the by the Lvegilative Council. House could frequently be curtailed LIBRARY ComITTE.-Mr. Speaker, 'without public disadvantage, while the Mr. Male, and Mr. Walker; with leave to work of Ministers could not be reduced sit during any adjournment and during without the public suffering. the recess, and with authority to act Amendment put, and a division taken jointly with the Library Committee of the with the following result:- Legislative Council.' Ayes ...... 10 HoluSE Cowirnrrn.-Mr. Speaker, Mr. Noes ...... -. 26 Gregory, Mr. Gordon, Mr. A. J. Wilson, and Mr. Tay]dr; with leave to sit during Majority against _ 16 any adjournment and during the recess, 100 Address-in-Reply: [ASSEAIBLY.1[SEBY Seconde.odd day. and with authority to act jointly with the depression which reigned at Fremantle, House Committee of the Legislative because of the poverty which existed Council. there as a result of the administration of the Rason Government, the electors of ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Fremantle were compelled, for the sake of their stomachs, to vote for the Minister SECOND DAY OF DEBATE. for Works. However, now that he is Resumed from the previous Thurs- elected, I can assure him, so far as I day. am concerned, that he will receive the Mn. M. F. TROY (Mt. Magnet): I fairest treatment from this side of the desire first to express my pleasure that House, providing of course that he is the Speaker has safely returned from true to his electors, and does not follow abroad, and to express my gratification the course of action he foflowed last that his health permits him to attend session, when he Spoke here in opposition again to his office. I wish to tender my to three railway proposals, and then had congratulations to the Premier on his not the courage of his convictions. elevation to the highest position in the When the vote was taken, that hon. Government. At the same time, I have member absented himself from the to regret that that position was not House; and if he pursues that policy obtained without a suspicion of intrigue, during the present session, then of and that by Such intrigue he was com- course there is a, very warm time in pelled to sacrifice the goodwill of some of store for him from the Opposition. his former colleages in the late Govern- The Attorney General is to be com- ment. Indeed, the treatment meted out plimented on the success which has to the member for Roebourne (Dr. Hicks) up to the present attended his efforts. is without parallel in the history of the He, however, has gained that, success at State. That gentleman did very good some considerable sacrifice of principle. work for the past Government, and I During the past few years I remember his believe-I have it from the member him- being recognised as the leading light of self-that he assisted in the making of the Eastern Goldfields Free Trade Asso- the present Ministry, and when, he had ciation; and to-day-well, he is opposed done his duty by his colleagues, his col- to the Esperance Railway, because he leagues did not do their duty towards thinks the farmers on the coast should be him. All in the course of a few Mnt. Tinon: According to their lights, :ot ected.bse has been converted from a free- they did. trader into a, protectionist. Then again, MEL. TROY: According to their lights, the hon. member was the chairman of the possibly. The treatment of that gentle- Esperance Railway League; and whereas mnan is the darkest blot on the first page only a few weeks ago he advocated the of the Moore Government's history; and construction of the Esperance Railway, if the gentleman's assertion is correct, to-day he is opposed to the railway then the fewer such instances we have, because he does nut think it in the best the better for this House. The Govern- interests of the farmers on the coast. ment have been congratulated by the And yet agin, at the last general election mover and the seconder of the Address- he condemned the Labour Government in-Reply, on the fact that the price which which had previously been in power they offered for the Fremamtle electorate because it advocated an exemption in was accepted; though it is deplorable to connection with a land values tax. On find the various offices in the Ministry that point he very strongly opposed Mr. put up to auction like fish in a market. Johnson, and was electe opposed to The election of the Minister for Works exemptions. To-day the hon. member (Hon. J. Price) cannot be claimed as & advocates exemptions. I do not think Government victory. The election was there has been in the political life of this not fought on principle. The electors of State a better example of a complete Fremantle were, by the Labour party, somersault. Yet we expected so much asked to vote on principle, and by the from the member for Kalgoorlie. We Government they were asked to vote for were always assured he was the strongest their stomachs' sake; and because of the man on the goldfields; and as the Address-in-Reply.- [27 JUNE, 1906.] Second day. 101 strongest man on the goldfields has sud- dents and-paid agents of the Chamber of denly fallen from his high place, then Mines. little can beexpected from other members THE TREASURER: That is not correct. representing Eastern Goldfields elector- I ask the hon. member to withdraw that. ates. I also wish to express my appreci MR. SPEAKER: The bon. member ation of the exquisite ta teshown must withdraw that statement. by the Attorney General when he, a MR. TROY: I withdraw. They have few weeks ago at Kalgoorlie, referred been. to his colleague the Treasurer. When THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: I scarcely asked at Kalgoorlie why he had joined ever ask for any withdrawal, because I the Moore M~inistry, the Attorney know how absurd such statements are; General said he bad found it necessary but I will formally ask that the hon. to joiin that Ministry because be had member withdraw that statement. taken a very strong stand in opposing the MR. TROY: I have great pleasure in Treasurer's obtaining the Premiership. withdrawing the statement that the The hon. member said: "Why I joined Treasurer and the Attorney General are was because, in the interests of the the paid agents of the Chamnber of Mines. country. I had taken a leading part in At the same time, they have been the preventing Mr. Frank Wilson from form- paid agents of the Chamber of Mines; ing a Ministry, and in promoting the and if they are not to-day- candidature of Mr. Moore for the posi- Ma. SPEAKER: The hon. member tion of Premier; therefore, when Mr. must Dot make any condition at all. He Moore Succeeded in obtaining the posi- must withdraw unreservedly. tion, I felt compelled to take a seat in THE ATTRNEY GsnSn: This is his Ministry." The Treasurer smiles; only an attempt to get in by a side-wind. but it is a painful and a sickly smile. I The hon. member says, "They have must confess that this is in very good been." The hon. member knows he is taste, coming from the Attorney General, wrong. That is the worst of his state- referring to his own colleague, to a ments. I have never been a paid agent gentleman who sits to-day in theldinistry; of any association. and surely that gentleman will not toler- MR. TROY: I shiall withdraw the ate such treatment. Surely lie is statement. At the same time, I was not human, like every other man in this aware that the Attorney General was not House; and at some future date I have such a paid agent. I have already Said, no doubt there will be a reckoning there are no two gentlemen in this House between him and the Attorney General. who possess more in common than those THE TRAnSURER: .The statement was two Ministers; and the fact thnat they not correctly reported. so much in common should at ME.TROY: I am not one to kick a Feast ossess be some reason why, they should man when be is down; and therefore I have a more thani usually cordial feeling will not make any farther remarks about towards one another. I cannot under- the Treasurer, because we all know what stand their enmity, and I do not think it it is to have our hopes dashed to the is sincere. Atthe same time, itis said that ground. The majority of members have if Mr. Hopkins gains the Pilbarra, seat the at one time or other had the cup dashed Treasurer will be bundled out neck and from their lips; therefore they can crop. Now that is a very sad state of recognise the present position of the hon. affairs. Not long ago the Treasurer took member. At the same time, it is most credit to himself for having given the surprising to find enmity existing be- death-blow to the Labour party in this tween those who sit in the Cabinet. To State. He said, "I laid myself out to my mind, and to the mind of the country, crush the Labour party, and I am going there are no two persons in this Rouse to suicceed." [THE TREASURER! When ?I who have more in common than have Well, 1 believe that was said at Busselton, the Treasurer and the Attorney General. at the time of the last general election. Why, both of them are the paid agents Yet we find that gentleman being crushed of those people whose chief interest in himself by his very friends, by the very the welfare of the State is the dividends people whiom he assisted to 'put on the they draw. Both of them are vice-presi- Government side of the House. That is 102 Address-in-Reply: [ASSEMBLY.] Second day. most ungrateful; and whilst my political *not necessary for revenue purposes;j that opinions are altogether different from Iit was necessary only for the purpose of those held by the Treasurer, whilst I am bursting up large estates; while others, politically opposed to him I feel that like the member for Perth (Mr. H. to-night, rather than express any hostility Drown), and those who think with him, towards that gentleman, I must extend held that if the measure was passed it to him my sincerest sympathy. With would prove a very heavy burden on the regard to His Excellency's Speech, one Small farmer. What is the argument to- cannot help making comparisons between day ? Those who said that the measure the Premier's policy speech at Sunbury was necessary to burst up large estates and the Speech submitted by His Excel- say it is necessary for revenue purposes lency, pointing out the proposals of the Ialso, and those who held that it would Government. At Bunbury, the Premier fall most heavily on the small farner touched on every conceivable Subject have changed their argument to- under the sun, and made every possible day, and say that the small farmer promise regarding the good intentions of will not be affected, but that the the Government; and yet the proposals burden will fall on the city lands. placed before us form the most colourless That is the argument we have heard all programme ever submitted to this House. along. The fact that the Governent I do not know whether a less important are being compelled to adopt our measures programme has ever been submitted; is the most magnificent triumph this certainly it is the most colourless since I party everhad. The other measure for an have had the honour to Sit in the Chamber. amendment of the Constitution I think The most important 1)roposal of the provides for a reduction of the franchise Government is that providing for an un- for the Upper House. It is proposed improved land values tax; and the only that the Government shall reduce the other important proposal in an otherwise qualification from £25 to £15. While milk-and-watery document is that pro- that shows a, little progressiveness it does viding for an amendment of the Consti- not show sufficient progressiveness to tution. With the exception of these ireet with the approval of members on prolposals, there is absolutely nothing of the Opposition side. We hold that as a progressive nature. The mere fact that far as possible every person in the both of these proposals form part of the country should have a vote for the Upper Premier's policy is the greatest triumph House, and the Government would do which the Labour party has ever won in better than trifling with the measure if this State. It is a signal triumph for they provided that the head of every the Labour party that the Government family should have a vote for the Upper have been compelled to accept those two House. I bold we cannot have Govern. proposals; because at the last general ment by the people if we have measures election the Government were themselves passed by representatives of the people opposed to a land values tax, considering in the Assembly, and then passed in it unnecessary. The Labour party went another House by members who only to the country, advocating a tax on land represent a small number of the people. values, in order to straighten the finances, The sooner this measure is passed in its and at the same time to assist in agri- most liberal sense, the sooner shall we cultural development. The Ministerialists Ihave the opinion of the people put into swept the country, telling the people that law. A measure which is being viewed the bad state of the finances was due to with a great deal of suspicion by members the Labour Government; and to-day the on this side, and myself in particular, is Government supporters have not the the proposed amendment of the mining generosity to admit that it was due to no regulations. The mover of the Address- such cause. Ministers have been com- in-Reply, the member for Swan, said he pelled to adopt the very measures advo- indorsed the intention of the Minister in cated by the Labour party, and this is regard to the proposal. I do not know the most signal triumph the Labour if that member was inspired in regard to party have ever secured in this State. At the reason he gave. But be gave the the last general elections some Minis- show away when lie said the proposal terialists said that a laud values tax was was to be carried because it would give Address-in-Reply: [27 JuNE. 1906.] Second dugp. 103

greater security to capitalists. He is greater portion of the year many of our correct. As far as I can see that measure best mines. The Murchison goldfleld is is not in the interest of the prospectors. a standing example of what can be done MR. GULL: Quote my remaining re- by actions of this kind. During the days marks also. of the boom a large number of English MR. TROY: I cannot do so. It is companies purchased mines in that the ignorance shown on matters of this locality, and after wasting their capital nature by such members as the member in erecting magnificent buildings on the for Swan that makes his presence in the surface, and ofttimes in champagne, they House such a danger to the country. It abandoned their leases. If this regula- is said there is more to fear from the tion had been in force the result would failure of good intentions than from a have been that they would have spent tiger with its tail ready to spring. enough in one year to tide them over two Mn. SPEAKER: The member must or three years. In that case the Murchi- not make remarks of that description. son goldfield would to-day have been dead. MR. TROT: The Minister for Mines But what has been the result? When would have us believe that this measure the English capitalists threw up their is to be brought forward in the interests properties, the miners who had been of the prospectors. thrown out of work took over the proper- THE MINISTER FOR MINES: I never ties immediately afterwards, and the knew that the Mining Regulations had result has been that the mines have been anything to do with that. systematically worked. Machinery was MR. TROY: The Minister speaking at pu~t on the properties, and in turn these Cue and at Coolgardie said it was his miners became mine owners givi ng em- intention to bring in a Bill giving security ployment to other wages men. That class to leaseholders, and he farther said the of n has made the Murchison so that expenditure of £10D a year per acre on a it is to-day second only in importance to lease would provide for the carrying out the great goldfleld of the State. I could of the labour conditions for a year. state numerous instances in Cue itself Agi the Minister said this £-10 could where the mines have been taken up after bespntinprovidin tramwas, water the had ben abandoned by the lessees. suppliesadsmlrwk. There isthe Light of Asia, the Volunteer, THE MINISTER FOR MINES: If the the Agamemnon, and numbers of mines member is pretending to give the House on the Murchison, at Cue and Day Dawn. my statements be should try to be Rather than see the Minister's proposal truthful. The reference to the £10 was brought into force 1 will stand in this simply an extract from the Tasmanian flut&e and oppose it Until it i~qthrown Act, and was referred to as an extract. I out. I should like to see a measure had no intention of trying to bring it introduced providing for atax on incomes. forward here. This country requires revenue for the MR. TROT: I am merely reading a purpose of development.- statement I have culled from the THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: No exemp- Minister's speech, and I am glad to find dion ? he has no intention of bringing forward MR. TROT: No exemption at all. The that regulation here, because I hold if he only person who changes his opinion at a did so he would not be conserving the moment's notice is the Attorney General. best interests of the mining industry. This country requires revenue. We must These liberal conditions (cold not be in have it, and the only way to secure that the best interests of the mining industry revenue is by additional taxation. Since because they would not help the pro- revenue is necessary for the development Spector. The prospectors have not asked of this State an income tax should be for these conditions. The only person brought forward for the purpose of pro- who has asked for them is Mr. Moreing viding that revenue. The Government and one or two others. There is nothing should give some attention to a measure in the amendment which will assist the providing for old age pensions. It is a prospector one iota. If this regulation saddening spectacle indeed to find that was allowed to come into force it would in Perth many aged people who have *be the means of closing down during a resided here from the time of their birth 104 A ddress-in- Reply: [AASML. SSMIBLY.] Secondeoddy day. are now seeking a precarious living and petent to give an award against them. receiving no consideration from the State While I agree with the Attorney General in which they, have served their best days. with regard to that particular amend- The members. of the Government must ment, I want to say that I do not agree meet these people, becauise I and others with him regarding his remarks that meet them. These persons daerve a trade unions should not use their funds pension, and the Government would do for other than. industrial purposes. At mnuch of a progressive character if the~y Kalgoorlie the Attorney General said that introduced. a measure of this nature. trade unions should not use their funds The Attorney General, speaking at Kal- for other than industrial purposes. If goorlie, said there was a necessity for the Attorney General proposes to intro- an amendment of the Arbitration Act. I duce an amendment to the Arbitration agree with that member, and I agree Act providing for a clause of that with one of the matters he desired to character he will receive strong opposi- amend. He said he did not think it tion from this side of the Rouse. I necessary that a Judge of the Supreme ask the hon. member what business it is Court should preside over the Arbitration of his what the unions do with their Court, but that other persons than a money. The money is theirs, and they. Judge should be compretent to preside can do as they please with it. No one over the Court. That is an opinion has a right to interfere with what a which I have held for years. A Judge person likes to do with his own. The of the Supreme Court is not the most bon. member poses as a democrat, and competent person to preside over the this petty tyranny shows what kind of a Arbitration Court. It must be remem- democrat the hon. member is. If the bered the Arbitration Court is an hon, member introduces that matter into industrial tribunal, and a. Judge has no a Bill and it is broughlt forward at & knowledge of industrial affairs. Some of o'clock at night, the hon, member will the awards gi von- the recent award at find me at 8 o'clock the next morning Lawlers and Black Range-are of a most opposing it. Reference has been made ridiculous character, and the arbitration in the Governor's Speech to economy in awards can never be satisfactory while administration, and we are told that they are umh~de by gentlemen who do not whilst the Government will assist as far understand the real conditions. One as possible in the development of our learned Judge gave as his reason why industries, they will not hesitate to effect wages should be reduced at Lawlers that economies wherever possible. I hope the the people at Lawlers did not have to economies that the Government intend live as well as the people at Kalgoorlie to effect will not be those eeouomies effected dlid. They did not require such good by members of the present Government clothes. They did nut have to dress as and members of the recent Govetment. decently. And again he said that the I hope it will not be effecting economies miner at Lawlers and Black Rtange could by cutting down the railwa 'y men's ,go prospecting after he bad finished his wages. There are railway men in Perth day's work, while the miner at Kalgoorlie receiving as low as 6s. 6d. per day, and could not go out prospecting. What sort these men are expected to keep wives and of argument is that P It is most childish families on that wage. The Minister for to come from a person occupying- the Railways cannot deny it. He knows position of a&Judge. Anyone knows that there are men in Perth, carriage cleaners, after a man has done his eight hours' who are receiving that amount; and will work he is not fit to go out prospecting. the bon. gentleman say that is a fair So long as we have gentlemen of that wage VStill that hon. gentleman, know- calibre occupying the position of Judge ing he was doing that, had the temerity of the Arbitration Court the decisions to say at Coolgardie. that the Govern- will not be satisfactory. It has been said ment had no intention to reduce the the people who object to the awards of wages of the railway employees. In Cue tile Arbitration Court are the workers. and another place wages have heen re- Naturally, because two persons on the duced from. 9s. 3d. to 8s. 3d. 'Whilst board are not in sympathy with the miners in the locality are receiving. workers, and these two persons are corn- £R3 15s. a week the railway men are not Address-in-Reply: (7Jxx10.[27 Jc-%r, 1906.] Secondeoddy day. 1050 receiving X3. That is the manner in MaL. BOLTON: You say "which has which the late Government and the been carried out "? present Government are econonmising. MR. TROY: The work was initiated THu INsISTER FOR RAILWAYS: Can by the tiaglish Government, and the you tell me of any gauger or fitter whose Minister took credit for his Government wages have been reduced in the last eight for having initiated it. Then again, besides months I' Can you cite one instance ? the starvation of public works, there has MEL. TROY: I can. In Cue a gauger been a criminal starvation of the mines who received l~s. 9d. is now paid 9s. 9d. development. The Minister for Mines is Before I came to this House I tookar alone responsible for that, and the Minis- ticular care to write up and get these ter has to be congratulated on the full particulars. These reductions have success which has attended his efforts to been made, and not only these, but -under stifle the mining industry. Take, for in- a new system which has come into force stance, the Murchison. The Black Range a number of men have been dismissed and battery has not crushed full time, with instead of having 10-mile lengths, as the exception of two months, during the obtained during the past year, these men past twelve months. I remember well are compelled to undertake 30-mile that when the hon. gentleman was sitting lengths, with the result that on two in this seat, he was for ever attacking the or three days of the week they are then Minister for Mines on account of away fromn their homes, and on that what he termed his lack of sympathy miserable wage they have to keep with mines development, and he even two homes. That is the economy of went thus far. The Minister for Mines the present Government. Again, I went to Phillips River and was away a believe that when the Governmcnt re- fortnight, and in the meantime the pre- duced wages at Gerald ton they took a sent Minister for Railways introduced a very long time, after a strong protest had deputation to the Under Secretary. He been made, to pay the old wage. 7[n the pointed out that the mining industry was interval they did -notpay the wage. They being starved by the then Minister, paid the reduced amount, and did not in knowing full well that the Minister for any- way compensate the men for the Mines could not reply until a fortnight reduction. That is the method of the had elapsed, and then the Minister'would Government's economy. not have sufficient time to combat his MR. BOLTON: Stopped their district statement, which Would go the round of allowance, too; another reduction. the country. I want that gentleman to Mn. TROY-: Again, they have econo- pay some attention to the matnner in miaced by culLing douwn the Wages, in. the which he is_treating' the Mnirphiqnn No miserable manner they have, of the civil wonder our gold production is decreasing. servants, but they have during the past Can there be any wonder it is decreasing year spent nearly a quarter of a million on t hat Black Range field, one of the best less in public works than the amount in the State ? The production of gold is which was spent by the Government they not half what it would be if the Mines had the impudence to call the " mark- Department paid some attention to that time " Government. If the Duglish Gov- district. As I have already said, the ernment was the " mark -time" Govern- battery is like a rattletrap. ment, what kind of a Government was Mn. TAYLOR: F thought you were the Government which spent £200,000 going to say it was like the Minister. less on public works than its predecessors ? Hia. TROY-. The 3N mister promised The Rason Government must have been me that he would put that battery in dead, and could not have been even order. A deputation waited upon him marking time. In connection with public and lie said, "1Ever since I have been in works there have been none worth office I have endeavou red to do all I mentioning cardied out. The only public could." Six months have elapsed since work carried out in this State is the then and he has done nothing beyond Fremantlc Railway Station during the providing a water supply. The battery past year; and that wats a work initiated is as bad as ever, and no effort has been by the predecessors of the present Gov- made to put it in order. Then again ernment. the Minister promised to put a dam in the 106 A ddnesse-ii-Reply: [ASSEMBLY.)[AS BL ]Seodd. Second dety. battery to prevent the slimes from being myself. I cannot get replies to my carried away by floodwater after a storn; letters; I cannot get promises fulfilled. and although that promise was given six When f drew the Minister's attention to mionths ago the Minister has not taken the fadt I received a most insulting wire one step to do that. In regard to a mine from himi. 20 miles away the Minister told me be Tafn TREASURER: What sort of a was providing regulations to sulbsidise wire ? prospectors, in order to enable them to Mn. TROY: I drew attention to the crush Black Range stuff at a decreased state of affairs. I wrote to him as rate. Nine months have elapsed and the courteously as I1 could, and received no Minister has not taken any step to keep consideration. I want to say again as to that promise. 1 could quote numerous Montague Range the Minister was instances of promises giveni by the Min- approached for a battery long ago. He ister, and not one of them kept. And had a report, but the report bhas never yet we are told in the Governor's Speech seen the light of day; the report has that the gold production is decreasing. never been submitted to this House, and So far as my electorate is concerned, and nobody has seen it. A little while ago, the Murchison, the decreased production when up there, I found a number of can be laid largely at the door of the gentlemen still hanging on to their Mines Department. As to Black Range, .shows. They have been hanging on from when the Minister could not -visit that year to year waiting for a Government locality he sent the State Mining Engi- battery, and no opportunities are given neer to make a. report; and the State for crushing. Yet we are told that Mining Engineer, who knows full well Ministers are doing their best to help the the conditions obtaining and what should mining industry. The Minister will do be done, made a complete report. When more by providing batteries, giving I introduced a. deputation to the Minister, water supplies and affording unfortunate asking him to take some steps, he assured prospectors an opportunity to get a ine he was going to send another engineer living, than he will by getting an amend- to make another report. We' first bad ment of the Mines Regulation Act. If tbe Chief Inspector, next the State Min- the Minister does not give them con- ing Engineer, and now we are going to sideration, he is going to hear from me have another inspector. We do not want every time I rise in this House. At. another inspector. The Minister for Montague Range people are living as Mines knows what is wrong. We only hard as possible. want the battery to be put in order. Until that is done there must be a THE@ Munismmn Fou MIXES: How decreased gold production as far as that many batteries are there ? locality is concerned. Then again, at the MR. TROY: There are subsidised battery at the present time there are over batteries ten miles away. At 'Montague 6,000 tons of ore at grass. The battery Range there is a little mill which would would not crush it in 12 months; and not crush a bucketful in a year, and yet no action has been taken. I know there is a pretty stiff rate for crushing. that at Black Range there is a number of The Minister promised to put a very prospectors who have been hanging on to large battery there. That was before the their little shows for the past nine months general election. I -was opposed at the and cannot get their ore crushed. These last general election by Mr. Baxter. men are being starved out. I have brought After the dissolution had occurred he the matter before the Minister, and they came and told the Morning Her-ald and can get no satisfactiom As far as I see, other journals that he had received a. no person seems to get satisfaction if promise from the Minister for Mines he sits on this (Opposition) side of the that if he had a battery at 'Montague House. One can get no reply to his Range he would be subsidised, and he letters and no consideration. I am not was going there at once; he had that satisfied. with the manner in which promise in his pocket. But he was de- Ministers have been treating members on feated, anld the battery has not got there this side of the House; and still less yet. He left the district and has gone satisfied am I with the treatment to elsewhere. ,I ddres-bt-Reply : [27 Jc.NE, 1906.1 Adre.s- n-Rpl:day. [7 Jxa,190.1Second 107

MR. HOLMAN: He is uip in my district there, to mv mind, exists a more dis- now. graceful condition of affairs than exists in Mx. TROY- Some sympathy should any other part of the State. Take be expressed towards the people at Black Meekatharra, though it does not belong Range. And I want to tell those people to my constituency. Had the Minister who talk about the hardships that persons for Mines provided money promply to have to undergo in agricultural localities obtain a water supply for that distric;t, of an instance I saw at Montague Range. the goLd production would now be three I drove to a camp, merely a bush shed. times what it is, and the inen employed There was a bit of a calico tent, and to ten times the number now working my surprise, hundreds of miles from any there. That is the miserly manner in town, I met a woman. A member laughs; which tihe Murchison has received cou- but I want to go on and relate the inci- sideration from the Mines Department. dent. This Lady was prospecting with We are told that the Government are her husband, the only lady in the locality, effecting economies. Well, if this is and she was living just as hard as her their method of effecting economnies, the husband was. She came with her hus- less we see of themn the better for the band, and was assisting him in order to development of the country. While the make a living. And that lady told me Government 'have been starving the that they had a very good mine, and if mining industry and have been refusing they could obtain crushing facilities they to provide facilities for people in the coul1d get on very weUl Yet we are told mnining areas, they have been squander- about the hardships people have in the ing money on the coast. Take the last agricultural areas. I want to draw their Estimates, for instance. They provided minds to the struggle that people have money for building a snake house, and in this; portion of the State where they imoney for the public library in Perth. have not thq same opportunities for re- Again, a little while ago a deputation ceiving consideration as have those in the from 'Kalgoorlie was promised £1,200 agricultural localities. I do not want to towards an institute which is up-to-date go on with this castigation of the Minis- and has been liberally subscribed to in ter, but I wish to make one other refer- previous years, and for which the money is once. The Minister assured mec to-night not required. The Government starvein - that the Battery Inquiry Commission dustries in the State, and give away money will not visit the Murchison. The Mur- for things of this character. Again, at chison is the last place to he 6bn- Cottesloe, by an unauthorised expendi- sidered. Every public officer, every board ture, a jetty was built costing £900. of inquir, mst. go to tlo Ministfs' IParlianiens did not authoritse that ex- electorate. If there is any possibility of Ipenditure. The question was never sub- going elsewhere they go, -and leave mitted to rarliament; and yet, merely Murchison till last. The Minister for for pleasure purposes, the Government Al ines promised at Boogardie that the spend this money, and we are told this Battery Inquiry Commission would visit is economy - starving the industries of Boogardie. He favoured all the requests, the State and wasting money in this but, said he would await the report of the manner. inquiry board, and that as soon as that THE TREASURER: Was it not on the report regarding the requirements of Estimates? Boogardie was received, he would grant MRt. TROY: No. their requests. To-day' the Minister tells TurE TxExSUnnn: You look again. me the Battery Inquiry Conimission are MR, TROY : If this is economy in not going there, and the people of administration, the less we see of this Boogardie will not have their requirements foolishuess the better. Had the money met, although they had the promise given. been expended in the development of our It there is any part of the State where industries there would have been a great the Battery Co;mmission should go, and deal more to show for it. The member where they will receive some information f or Collie, who seconded the Address-in- wvith regard to the manner in which the Reply, made some complimentary refer- Mlines Department is conducting its ences to the Rason Government. I have operations, it is the Murchison; because refrained from discussing the position of 108 Addres8-in. Reply: [ASSEMBLY.][A EML.Seoday Second day. the to-be Agent General, and I do not and that they had been rushed through think I would have resurrected or disin- the House, and that there was no jus- terred the Rason Government had it not tification for them. I agree with the been for the reference made by the hon. members who opposed the measures member for Collie. The less we can say on that occasion, but am unlike those about the Rason Government the better. hon, gentlemen because when it came to They were without parallel in this State the test members on this side were true for incompetency and insincerity, and th e to their convictions, while, as I have sooner we bury the Rason Government already said, members opposite were again the better for the atmosphere of cowardly aind walked out of the Chamber. this Chamber. They stopped public absenting themselves from the vote. If works, and broke every promise. They those hon. gentlemen pursue their Minis- starved the mining industry, and showed terial career as they pursued their no sincerity in any of their proposals. careers. as private members in this Members on tbis side of the House were House, we can expect very little from twitted because last session they opposed them. Members did not oppose the. the only proposal brought dlown by the spur railways because they were opposed Rason Government, a proposal providing to the building of those lines, but because for the building of spur lihies of railway they were not satisfied sufficient informa- in agricultural districts. Not only did tion had been given to us to j ustify our the members on this side of the Hfouse ordering construction of the lines. No oppose those railways, but members on information was vouchsafed. In fact, the Government side of the House did the land had not been classified; and so, and amongst them were members later on, many members supporting the of the present Ministry. The Minister Government became convented to our for Works was one who strenuously convictions, so that we were justified in opposed those proposals, but did not the stand we had taken -up on that have the courage of his convictions. occasion, Reference is made in the Gov- Claucus dominated his convictions, and eruor's .-Speech to the building of light when it came to the vote be got oat of lines of railway; but we are not told the Chamber. The Attorney General where these railways are to be built. also strongly opposed them, but to-day THE TREAsURER : That will come in he is prepared to sit cheek-by-jowl with due course. that party and accept those proposals. Nar. TROY: I suppose we will be The member for Northamn, in an inter- told 48 hours before the close of the view Published in the West Ausiraliant session, as happened lnst session. We some months ago, said that the whole on this side of the House are not thing was a mistake and that the whole opposed to the construction of railways of the proposals bad been rushed through to Open u1 agricltural localitiesl. Pro- without any justification for rushing, and viding their construction is warranted that in his opinion the whole question they are not likely to meet with much should be reconsidered. We have gentle- opposition, at any rate so far as I am men on the Government aide of the concerned. I want it to be understood House protesting against members on that I hope the money is not to be this. side opposing the railways -when expended solely in the South-Western they themselves opposed them. Again, portion of the State, and that. I trust the take the remarks of the member for Gas- Northern portion of the State will coyne. Speaking at Carnarvon in the receive somre consideration. While in early part of the year, the bon. member the past the Government have brought said that the whole thing was a farce. in several railway proposals for agricul- Mn. BUTCHER: I do not remember tural localities, I want to know what using the words. has become of the Pilbarra, Railway. Mx&. TROY:- The lion, member might No mention is made of it; and that is not have used the exact words. peculiar in the face of the Government MIR. BUTCHER: 'Be correct. running a candidate for the Pilbarra. Mx. TROY: The hon. member at constituenc. That is not the way Gov- least led the people of Gascoyne to ernments generally do things. They believe that the proposals were a farce, generally state a, price for their con- Address-in-Reply: [27 JuNE, 1906.] Second day. 109 stituency, and sometimes the price is par- Range then had a very big population. ticularly high. I think the Pilbarra At that time he considered that a tele- Railway should be built by the. Govern- graph line should be built, and said that ment, and not by private enterprise. A if the State -had control of the system very large tract of auriferous country the line would be built without dlelay. and pastoral country exists there, and Yet in the face of that he made no effort nothing will do so much to open up to get the Federal Government to do it. that rich province as the building of Afterwards he sat on the Opposition side this particular railway. Again, there is of the House, yet made no attempt to ask the Mt. Magnet to Black Range Rail way or compel Parliament to guarantee a proposal. No reference is made to it. subsidy; and it was not until the mem- Members of the Government when speak- ber for Leonora moved a motion in this ig in my electorate always make refer- House for a guarantee that it was given. ence to their sincerity so far as this If any Ierson should get credit for proposal is concerned; yet they never do having brought about the construction anything of a. practical character. No of that telegraph line and for giving that reference is made to it in the Governor's facilityv, it is the member for L~eonora. Speech. There is great necessity, a THE MINISTER FOR MIN4ES: Why, his necessity admitted by the Ministers them- Government previously refused to give selves, for the building of that railway. any guarantee whatever. The district cannot be opened up in the MR. TROY: At the same time the manner in which it should be opened up James Government refused also. unless we have railway communication, THE MINISTER POR MiNEs: That is and the goldfields are as much entitled to absolutely untrue. railway communication as agricultural MR. TROY: The Rason Government localities near the coast. Representatives did not act until the House committed of coastal localities must remember that them to it on the motion moved by the they cannot have increased agricultural membher for Leonora. As the result of development unless they find markets that resolution the Government have been for the people who take up land; and compelled to give a guarantee. It is a if they want to find markets they must peculiar thing the Minister takes to build railways to open up our mineral himself credit for all this, when it is not country. If they do so, particularly to true. Reference is also made to the pro- open up the country I have mentioned, posal of the Government to prosecute t~e lines will not prove any loss to the boring for artesian water. This was a State while prodiding additional markets work initiated by the Daglish Govern- for agricultural districts. Again, there ment. and I hope the Government will is the Norsemtan Railway. It is not carry out the work initiated by that mentioned', though it is one that a mem- Government. I think the Government ber of the present Government held to be would do well to open up stock routes railway that should be considered and which would give employment in putting built. It is a peculiar thing that the down bores. The Government might goldfields receive no consideration at all start at Northampton and go right from this Ministry. I have already through to the Kimberley district. This drawn attention to the manner in which matter should receive the consideration the mining industry is suffering because of the Government at once. Then again money voted by Parliament is not spent there is the question that I asked the in the industry, and now we are also Attorney General to-night, that of pro- suffering from want of communication. viding Circuit Courts for the remote The Minister for Mines makes something portions of the State. Since I have had of the fact that the Government guaran- the honour of being a member, three teed any loss on the maintenance of the Governments have promised a system of telegraph line to Black Range. I can Circuit Courts, yet no Government has assure the Minister for Mines that be has taken a step towards the fulfilment of taken credit to himself for something he that promise. The Attorney General was not instrumental in bringing about. stated at Kalgoorlie the other day that He was Minister when the Black Range the recent Government before shuffling off goldfield was first discovered, and Black their mortal coil imported a Judge for 110 AddreHs dn-Reply: [ASSEMBLY.]AS.L. Secondeoddy day. whom there was no work. The Govern- Mr.. MONGER:- He never made such a ment can find him work by establishing remark. Circuit Courts and sending hinm on Mn. TROY:- I do not want to describe circuit. During the course of my remarks utterances which were never reported. I I did not pay the usual compliments to am guided by the Press, and that remark all officers sitting on the Government is reported in the Press. This side of the side of the House. I forgot to mention House does not receive mnuch considersa- the gentleman who occupies the very tion at the hands of the Press, and if the high and responsible position of Whip Press gives consideration it is to mem- of the Ministerial patty, and I am glad bers on the other side, and the Minister to see that the Government have seen fit for Mines is one of the last members who to appoint an assistant Whip. I think would be reported wrongfully. When this was found necessary owing to the the Minister travels in the back country fact that the chief Whip was most unsuc- hie takes a reporter with him, and when cessf ul on one occasion when tine Minister he was travelling there recently he took of Mines was spirited away on his return one of his closest friends, a brother of from the Murchison, and because he was so the member for Gerttldton, with him as a unsuccessful on that occasion the Govern- reporter ; and after the reporter had ment have seen fit to appoint an assistant written the utterances of the Minisater, Whip, and they think that if they put the Minister for MAines read the report. two Sherlock Holnieses on the scenti they One would imagine from the report which will be all right. I congratulate the was sent to Perth that the Minister for assistant Whip on his appointment. I Mines was received by acclamation on think he will earn his money because every possible occasion. I remember there is a great deal of disaffection in reading a report of his address at Cue, the Ministerial ranks, in fact there is and one living in Perth would have almost open rebellion; and in the Ministry thought that the Minister had been the mewn hers are not at harmony. Since received with open hands; that he had that position of affairs obtains, no doubt made a magnificent address, and was the Government will require the services received magnificently. What was the of two Whips, and no doubt these two position of affairs? The Minister gentlemen will earn the money paid themn. addressed 45 people-a dull, cold 45 Members on the Opposition side desire to people. give the Government every opportunity M. GULL: That was all there were of keeping their pledges. We are not left. going to stand the Government keeping MRt. TROY: There would have been their pledges in the manner that pledges none left if the hon. member had gone were kept by the Bason Government. I there. The Minister does get some venture to say that had the Rouse gone people to listen to him, but the hon. to the country during the last few months member would not; 45 people, and yet of the Rason term of office, the Minis- we read in the West Ausetraian news- terial side of the House would have been paper: "Mr. Gregory at Cue-Wel- vary much Wreakened in consequence. comed with open arms-Great recep- The Minister for Works plumes himself tion." This was the dull, cold 45 people. upon the fact that he won the Fremantle THE MINISTER FOR MINEs: That seat. The Fremantle election was not would be unfortunate if there was any fought on a. question of principle. The truth in the statement. Government put tbe Fremantle seat up MR. TROY: As I have already said, to the highest bidder, and it was knocked the gentleman who accompanied the down at the price of a dock. The Fre- Minister was a brother of one of his chief mantle election was the most disgraceful supporters-his chief back-scratcher. election that has ever taken place. THE MINISTER FOR MINES:- I Ministers went down there to fight the wish to make a little explanation in election, and the Minister for Mines, in case some wrong impression is created. his usual wanner, said to the people, As I desired to go through the baqk "1If you do not return Mr. Price it does country, I asked the Press if they would not matter to us, but it will matter to select one of their representatives so that Fremtantle." I could take a. newspaper mtan th roughout Address-in-Reply: [27 JvNC, 1906.] Second day. III the back country of which the member a very cold and stiff manner, and with Speaks, so as to have a good report of discourtesy. The same discourtesy was that back country published in both the shown last year when the Minister morning newspapers. visited Boulder and other localities. He MR. TROY : That may he, but this is did not have the courtesy' to advise the the peculiar thing about it, that whilst members of his visit. At the same time the Minister for Mines took a reporter he took with him a member of another with him so that there should lie a good Chamber who does not represent the report of the back country, when the pople, only at small portion of them. report appeared the next day regarding The Minister ignored the representatives his tour there was very little said about of the people. I regret to say, knowing the back country, and a lot about the what the Minister did at Boulder and at Minister. The Minister, at the same Coolgardie, when I heard that he intended time, may find it inconvenient taking that to visit my electorate I wrote to him and reporter with him, for the Minister made asked whether he would have the cour- so many promises, and the reporter tesy to advise tue so that I could write to recorded them, that when the Minister is my constituents when to be prepared for asked to fulifil these promises he will not the visit. The Minister said he could he able to do so. At Mt. Magnet the not advise me as to the date, butthat the Minister was asked for a grant for an date would be made public. In fact institute, and he said that his Govern- rather than make known to me the date ment would not consider anything like of his visit he would make it known in that. He was asked for a grant towards the public Press. As far as members on a recreation ground, and his reply was the Opposition side of the House are that the first person who would condemn concerned they do not receive the slightest him would be the member for Mt. Magnet. Icourtesy from the Minister for Mines. These were his replies in addressing my There is another matter to which I should constituents. I have culled from the like to refer. I wrote to the Minister for report of his speeches during his visit Mines on behalf of the Miuginew Pro- to Coolgardie very different replies given spectors' Association, but the Minister to similar requests. When the member did not reply. I asked for a well for for Coolgardie asked for a grant for a that locality, but the Minister did not recreation ground and required £50, the reply. I regret having to mention this Minister said it was not sufficient and in reference to the Minister. that they should have asked for more. THE MINISTER FOR MINES: Don't tell Thic Minister wvss nqlipa for £200 for a uas that. recreation ground, and the request was MR. TROY: But the Minister is the received with sympathy; but Coolgardie sole cause of it. My experience has been was represented by a Ministerial sup- that from other members of the Govern- porter, and Mount Magnet by an Oppo- ment we receive the greatest courtesy. sitionist. That is the way we receive fair If members go to the Premier they are consideration at the hands of the Gov- received with courtesy, and every attempt ernment. The Minister for Mines does is made to meet their wishes. Go to the not give fair consideration to members on Colonial Secretary and the same position this side of the House. I want to draw obtains, and, with the exception of the the Premises attention to this. When Minister for Mines, who has a dead set any member of the Opposition approaches on members on the Opposition side, we the Minister for Mines he does not get have nothing to complain about. The the slightest courtesy. position has become so aggravated that A. MONGER: That is absolutely my own constituents know the real posi- wrong. tion of affairs. I received a letter fromt MR. TROY: If I arrange a deputa- one of myconstituents, and this gentleman tion to wait on the. Minister for Mfines he has never been apprised by me of any fric- receives me with a scowl. In fact if I tion with the Minister, but he knows from take my constituents to him, when they the Minister's utterances what treatment come out they wonder what sort of a members of the Opposition side receive. Minister he is. Whenever I walk into He tells me here he has written to other the Minister's presence I am received in members of the House asking them to 112 Address-in-Reply: [ASSEA[BLY.]ASML..eoddy Recand day. ' assist him ifa, certain matter because he cffot that the towns were living on the feels that the Minister for mines has a, country, therefore it was necessary they dead set against members here, and will shorild bear a great portion of the burden give them no consideration. What sort of of this tax. I trust that the Premier will treatment is that ? Is that the considera- take notice of what 1 am going to say, tion and courtesy which members on because it will very greatly affect the con- this side of the House should receive? stituency I represent, and I wish to. point I hope Ministers sitting on that side of out to him. and to the Rouse the injury the House who support, the hon, gentle- which the tax will cause to all the metro- man will at least themselves have the politan districts where that unimproved courtesy to see that members. on this side land tax will be imposed. If we take the are given something like fair considera- approximate value of the estates in this tion, and I hope the Premier will also country which have bean subdivided for take note of the stand which hasmbeen settlement, the average per acre is about made here to-night. I have no desire to 10s. to 12s., whereas the same properties make any farther reference to this would in New Zealand have averaged from matter, but I express the hope that my £23 to £4 10s. per acre. We know how remarks as to the unmeritedl treatmient a land value tax would affect that sort of of members on this side of the House estate, Of course we are taking it that will not pass their notice the unimproved land value tax would be Mia. J. BREBBER (North Perth): one penny in the pound, and taking the In dealing with this Address-in-Heply I value of such land at 10s. an acre the tax do not intend to follow the member for Iwill be only 2d. for every two aocres. But Mt. Magnet (Mr. Troy) through all the consider what the tar will mean when the maunderiags he baa been pleased to give principle is applied to such aecon stituency to this House. I would like so draw as I represent. I claim to be one of the attention to a remark that fell from the largest representatives of labour in the Attorney General to his constituents at House at the present moment. I repre- Kalgoorlie lat'ely, which has given me sent one of the largest constituencies, aid a great deal of consideration and made it is for that constituency I am talking me somewhat anxious in regard to the to-night. There are people in the con- policy the Government are pleased to stituency who have invested their all in take as to this plank of taxation on small sections of land from the Darling unimproved land values. The remark Ranges to Fremantle, knowing perfectly that fell from the Attorney General was well that they were justified in in- to the effect that the Government found vesting their money in land on account of the decrease in revenue was becom- the nature of the Improvement that the ing such a serious matter to this country settlement of this State will bring to such that it was necessary to impose a. land land. A tax of Id. in the pound will tax, not for the express purpose of break- press very heavily upon the constituency ing up estates that were unimproved, but I represent. I suggest that the tax on in order to get extra revenue for the unimproved. land values in regard to any State. In respect to this land tax, in municipalities or roads boards ought to the time of the last Government I sup- be entirely a tax for these municipalities ported the policy of that tax because I and roads boards, for that tax could be thought it would be a means of opening employed in the betterment of the land up huge unoccupied lands in this State in the vicinity. For instance, the tax could and making them available to settlers. be applied. in making new roads, obtaining When I find this land tax is going to be light, getting water, supplying sewerage, imposed for the express purpose of raising and making the whole of the conveniences revenue, and revenue alone, then I think of life greater in regard to the land which it will be necessary for members of the is paying heavy revenue. metropolitan district more especially to MR. BOLTON: Would you do away well consider what proportion of this tax with subsidiesP will be borne by it. The Attorney General Mua. ]3REBRER: I will come to sub. said that the towns were parasites on sidies in a few moments. Holding as I the country--he did not use exac-tly do that this tax ought to be one kept in those words, but his remarks were to th~e Ireserve for municipalities or roads boards, Addrees-in-&ply [27 JuNr, 1906.] Adde88-inRepySecond day.[7 Jxs,190.] 118

I think the Government in introducing not bear the cry from the self-styled this Bill should insert a clause that Labour representatives in this House that would exempt every municipality and the goldfields are the sole support and sole every roads board wvhich raise their thing this country has to look to. We municipal rates from the owners of have land here tha will make this country unimproved values. I would exempt when the goldfields are non esi, and land those bodies from paying revenue upon which, if we could only get water to it, unimproved land values. The great value would be equal to any part of Australia. to the municipality will be that we will I do not intend to keep the House long, be promoting settlement, because there but I intend to tell the members on the will be no room, when municipalities are Opposition benches why I cannot take taxed, for people to take up pieces of my seat with them. Ever since I have land away from the centres aud look for taken any part in public life I have the increase of value. Of course it would always refused to join any association, make closer settlement, because people any Parliament, or any other institu- would then have to settle or sell the tion where I would represent popular land to somebody who would be com- feeling, if I could not exercise any man- pelled to settle. I think if the Govern- hood, my individuality, and any opinions. ment introduced a scheme of that sort 1 will quote the words of your late leader they might improve their unimproved (Mr. Daglish), who, in his election canm- land value tax, and it would be conferring paign at Subiaco, complained of the inter- justice upon municipalities and roads ference of caucus when be was leader of boards. If the Government will accept the Labour party in this House. " When any suggestion of this kind I shall have I was leader of the House," he says, great pleasure in giving sly support; "with 22 followers, the interference of otherwise it will be a question for me caucus made it impossible to carry on to consider what action I will take the business." The business was im- when this land tax comes before the possible to cary on with the interference House. [Interjectiou] That is not of the organised trades unionists outside. the first time I have had a request And whyF Because they tried to make from members of the Labour benches the interests of the country subservient to take my seat along with them. I to their associations. Do Labour mem- will have very much pleasure in telling bers think that any State or country can them before I finish why I cannot take stand that sort of thing ? I say that I my seat with them, but I intend to finish amn a standing illustration of the correct- with the Glovernor's Address before I wzsOf my atcrnent. I Otnnil at North do that. Reference is made in the Perth against trades unionism, and stood Governor's Speech to giving facilities to alone. settlers. I supported that proposition in Man. BOLTON: You were the nominee the House when it was before the of the National Political League. Chamber during the existence of the Ma. BREBBER: I was nothing of recent Government. and I will support it the kind. I stood alone against a repre- again. I recognise the necessity and the sentative of your trades unionism; and I value of it; therefore I shall do every- beat him. WhyP Because I had the thing I can to give settlers the means of Labour population of North Perth at getting land and of bringing their produce my back. Those former adherents to market. In regard to artesian bores of organised labour wished to ietain in the North-West, I say that wherever their independence; and they said, in the interior of this country we can by "1We will be no longer tied to the Labour any means get water it will be more caucus; " and that was Your weakness. precious to this country than gold. I Do not think I am talking of trades have been through a considerable part of unionism without knowing anything the Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie Gold- about it. fields. I know the country and I know Mn. TAYLOR: YOU look like one who the soil. I was -born in a country knows. district, and know's little about it, and, MB. BREBBER : Labour members as far as I am able to judge, if we could need not think that I do not know what only get water for these fields we should I am talking about when I speak, on 114 Address-in-Reply: [ASSEMBLY.) Second dayi. trades unionism. I bad a really good should pay more than properties in less schooling in it, and to my cost. valuable situations. I should also like a MR. TAYLORn You could do with some system of asking the property-owner more. himself to make his own valuation, the MR. BREBBER: I have had too Government having the right to add 15 much. I wish to impress upon Labour or 20 per cent. to that valuation, and to members the reasons why I cannot take take over the property at that figure and my. seat on the Opposition benches. They sell it. That would insure to the Gov- are: first, because I cannot give away my ernment a fair deal, and would satisfy independence; secondly, I do not believe the owner of the property. that the Opposition represent the Labour HON. F. H. PinEss: Will you do that party. I take them to represent only the with Moir's Chambers? organisations outside this House; and MR. STONE: That has been dlone in that is why I cannot accept the invitation other parts of the world; and I think it to take my seat opposite. It is said that has worked satisfactorily, and that it we have three Labour members here who would work satisfactorily here, with will to-night record their votes in oppo- Moir's Chambers or any other chambers. sition to their own party. I know that HoN. F. H1. PiEasE: Would it be a is in the clouds; and we shall see the fair princi Ie in respect of rural lands? Labour party positively blown out. MRTNE: I think it should apply MR. P. STONE (Greenough): In all round. Municipalities, as well as looking through the Governor's Speech country districts, apply it in other parts the principal item seems to be a proposal of the world. I see thtthe dividends for a land tax. Years ago I foresaw the on gold mines amounted last year to need for a land tax; and, speaking as a £2,167,000. If the Government are landowner, I do not object to pay the pushed for more revenue, I do not see piper. I am prepared to bear my share why they should not raise more fromn our of the burden in view of the urgent rich mines, which, paying large dividends, necessity for more revenue. I see very can afford to pay a little more for the little chance of finding any other subject protection they get from the State.. In of taxation except land. The last speaker many other parts of the world such com- seems somewhat alarmed at the bearin panies have to carry on under greater of a tax on town and city properties. I difficulties and with less protection than think that such properties should, and in British countiries; therefore I think shall, bear tbe burden of a land tax, and they might readily contribute a little that seven-tenths or eight-tenths of the more towards the Government of the tax will come from city properties. I State. Much has been said from time to am in favour of the new selector, or of time about assisted immigration. I the smnall man who is starting a farm think we might do more for people under great difficulties, being exempted already in the State; give them some for a certain period, or below a certain assistance and encouragement to build valuation ; but I should like to see a up their homes here, rather than spend special provision for large unimproved our money to bring to the State estates. I think that the unimproved people, some of whom are dissatisfied and value should be taxed, not the improved run down the place soon after they value. The land itself in its virgin state Iarrive. I notice that the Governmeut should bear taxation, to force the holder ar about to introduce a Loan Bill; and to make it productive, or sell it to those Ithink that the particulars of the who will. Some people seem to fear expenditure in respect of it will be the taxation of city property; but I may anxiously awaited by members of the point out that most of the revenue is House. I for one want to know how it spent in the cities and towns, with the is to be distributed, and what parts of result that buildings can be erected in the country are to be benefited. large centres for about one-third less than MR. A. J. WILSON: You Will look in other parts of the State. And when after Greenough. they are erected, the owner gets one-third Mx. STONE: If Greenough is looked more rent than do owners in small centres. alter in that manner it will be for the That being so, I think city properties first time. I see that by a proposed Address-in-Reply: [27 Jt;NF, 1906.1 Addessin-epl:Second day.[7 4uxr 196.] 115 arrangement of the Federal finances we agreement, no other boat can go on the are likely to lose some £433,000. I tbink trade to enable intes to be cut, down to a we should do what we can to prevent any reasonable amount. North of Geraldton much injustice. These proposals should we have the highest rates of freight in any satisfy those who were in favour of part of the world. From Oeraldton to Federation, and should convert them into (Jarnarvon thbe freight is from 30s. to 459. separationists. a ton, and from G.eraldton to Freman tie, MR. A. J. WILSON:- You cannot now a corresponding distance, where there find a Federalist, with a microscope. is a steamer running subsidised by the MR. STONE: No. Its. one-time Government, we get goods carried at greatest advocates are now silent. As 79. 6d. per ton. There is a big difference to the proposed agricultural railways, I between the steamers in the combine and think that the Government should con- those outside it. sider the settlement of the country MR. A. J. WILSON: You had better nearest to the ports and other towns, put the "1Penguin " into commission. instead of going hundreds of miles away M&. STONE: We want something in from the chief markets. No menition is comrmission to bring down the freights made in the Speech of old age pensions; and fares in the northern portion of this and I regret that little provision is wade State, where there are the highest rates of for the aged poor, who, I think, are freight in any part of the world I know of. deserving of more consideration than they They go up to 75s. a ton for about 1,000 receive. Some may argue that the old miles, while between Geraldton and Mel- people did not, when young, save their bourne the freight is only ahout.2J per ton. money. Well, people who use that argu- .There is also the matter of the new Judge. ment have in most cases had an easier While agreeing with everybody that no end a better time than their unfortunate one can say anything derogatory to Judge fellow-citizens. Most of the indigent 'McMillan or even the new Judge, I think poor have, in their day, been hard workers it is a scandal to the Government and a throughout their career; and now, find- slight to the bar of this State to import a ing themselves in poverty towards the end man to take the position of Judge. I of their days, I think that those who have think we have as good men at the bar plenty should contribute to their main- here as in any part of the world, and it tenance. On the question of centralisa- should be something for members of the tion, I do not like to see an-much money bar to look up to. There is very little spent from time to time to increase the encouragement for a parent to bring value of property in. the large centres, up his son to the bar if he has seeing that the money has to be provided nothing to look aheadl to. The Gov- b7v the whole Stte. These large centres ernment deserve every censure for are able to look after themselves without having imported a Judge. The Agricul- so much spoon-feeding from the Govern- tural Bank requires looking into. I ment; and when large sums of Govern- think a commission should be appointed ment money are placed at their disposal, to investigate its workings. It has been I should like to see some sort of sinking most unsatisfactory and a, delusion to a fund, so that the State may, within a great many people who looked to get reasonable time, be repaid. Then there assistance from it. I have known scores is the matter of the coastal steamers. We fcan ts to the institution, under its all know of the combine thatexistshetween regulations made by Parliament, who have thesteamshiplines onthe Australian coast. paid their inspection fees, £2, or £3, or All the steamers north of Geraldton are £5, as the cape may be, and as the final in what is known as the "1associated result they could get no assistance from rates," which means that steamers must the bank. I have known dozens of cases carry at regulated prices in fares and where the same people have gone to the freights; and they have introduced a. commercial banks, and those banks have system known as the "bonus system," aodvanced the money straight away. .1 whereby every merchant signing is en- think the bank is a matter that requires titled to receive at the end of every year a overhauling, and a commission should discount of 2s. in the X on all his freights; investigate it and put it on a better foot- and by all the merchants signing this ing. I see by the newspapers that 116 1Addresqs-in-Repjly: (COUNCIL.]Forhd.Fourth day. there is a great agitation afoot to lower doubt whatever that you have the ability the haulage on timber for the timber to fill this position with satisfaction to companies. I do not agree with this. I yourself and to this House, and also that think the timber companies should be you will bring that dignity to the position made to pay the same rate as anybody which is so necessary for the duties. I else. should also like to convey my con- Mat. A. J. WILSON: I will convince gratulations to the Colonial Secretary. I you on that score before long. have known Mr. Connolly for a great Ma. STONE: I say that if it does not number of years; in fact, he is one of pay to work the timber, let the mills shut the pioneers of the Coolgardie gold- tip until some time when there is better fields, and I think I met him up there demuand for the timber and a better price for the first time in 1892 or 1893; for it. therefore I think that congratulations On motion by MR. A. 3. WILSON, coming from me, more especially as he is debate adjourned. one of my colleagues in the representa- tion of the North-East Province, are in ADS'OTJENENT. order. 1 hope Mr. Connolly will have a long, successful, and useful career as The House adjourned at seven minutes Colonial Secretary in this State. I should past 10 o'clock, until the next day. also like to congratulate Mr. Piemse on being Honorary Minister. Mr. Piesse is an expert not only on land but also on agricultural and farming pursuits; there- fore h is knowledge mu st necessari ly be of very, considerable use to the Government of the day and also to the House in which he now sits. To get back to the question before the House, I may state that I in common with all other members of this Chamber have given the Speech of His Excellency careful consideration. After gsgialatihe 6Dulr1i1. one has perused it he comnes to the con- Thursday, 2&th June, 1906. clusion that there is something 'wanting, and on turning it over in his mind he &ddres...in.ReoV. debategoucluded.. decides that the connecting link is the Adjornmet ofHouse, a fortnight.. ..146 I policy speech made by the Premier at Bunbury Some weeks ago. When mem- THE PRESIDENT (Hon. H. Briggs) bers read the two in conjunction they took the Chair at 4'30 o'clock p.m. have the whole, and some idea of the policy which the Moore Government PRAYERS. intend to bring before the Legislature of Western Australia. To use a vulgar PAPERS PRESENTED. expression, when the two are boiled down By the COLONIAL SECRETARY: Copies they foreshadow a policy of departmental of Orders in Council approved under Sec- works out of loans principally and fresh tion 35 of "The Audit Act, 1904."1 taxation for revenue purposes. I am wholly and totally opposed to any fresh taxation at the present juncture of affairs ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. in Western Australia. We are told that ]FOURTH DAY OP bEDiTE. fresh taxation is required. I am one of Resumed from the previous day, those who do not credit 'that statement. HON;. i. D). MCKENZIE (North- I believe that the revenue of this State East) : Before addressing myself to the at the present time is sufficiently large question before the House, I should like for all our requirements. What we to offer my sincere and hearty con- require here is a strong man on somewhat gratulations to you, Mr, President, on the same lines as the Premier of Victoria your elevation to the high and honourable is to-day, a man who can take a gras p position which you hold. I have no of the finances, and who is not afraid