/
19181219_reps_7_88.xml
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19181219_reps_7_88.xml
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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<hansard xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="../../hansard.xsd" version="2.1" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<session.header>
<date>1918-12-19</date>
<parliament.no>7</parliament.no>
<session.no>2</session.no>
<period.no>0</period.no>
<chamber>REPS</chamber>
<page.no>9813</page.no>
<proof>0</proof>
</session.header>
<chamber.xscript>
<para>House ofRepresentatives. </para>
<business.start>
<day.start>1918-12-19</day.start>
<para>
<inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Speaker (Hon. W. Elliot Johnson)</inline>took the chair at eleven a.m., and read prayers. </para>
</business.start>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9813</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>NAVY AND DEFENCE ADMINISTRATION</title>
<page.no>9813</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9813</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KWL</name.id>
<electorate>YARRA, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">TUDOR, Frank</name>
<name role="display">Mr TUDOR</name>
</talker>
<para>- I know that the Government have not had time yet to- consider the statement made last night by the ex -Minister for Trade and Customs <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Jensen),</inline> but I ask the Acting Prime Minister if there will be a further inquiry into the matters about -which he spoke, made by ' a Judge of the Supreme Court, or, preferably, a Justice of the High Court. In my opinion, the affair cannot rest as it stands at present? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXG</name.id>
<electorate>BALACLAVA, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party>NAT</party>
<role>Treasurer</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WATT, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr WATT</name>
</talker>
<para>- It has been impossible for the Government to consider the matter since the statement was made, and there is now such a pressure of work that I cannot say when it will be considered. I shall obtain the <inline font-style="italic">Hansard</inline> report of <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Jensen's</inline> speech, and shall -give it my earnest consideration. That is all I can promise at this stage. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>PERSONAL EXPLANATION</title>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<type>personal explanation</type>
</debateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXK</name.id>
<electorate>Postmaster</electorate>
<party>NAT</party>
<role>General</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WEBSTER, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr WEBSTER</name>
</talker>
<para>. - Last night the honorable member for Bass <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Jensen)</inline> suggested that some person - his remarks pointed to me-had placed his name on <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Jensen's</inline> locker, and that that was done during the time that the Government was considering his case, and before the morning of the day when the Acting Prime Minister <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Watt)</inline> made his statement to . this House. I was at Beaufort- on the previous evening, and on my return next morning did not enter the room in which this thing was said to have been done. The Minister for Recruiting met me, and was with me until <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Jensen</inline> came in, when I spoke to himabout some matter having nothing to do with the locker. Subsequently he went into the adjoining room, where the locker was. . I had not gone into that room in the meantime, and therefore could not have done what was alleged. I did not know then of the finalization of the matter. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JWO</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CATTS, James</name>
<name role="display">Mr J H Catts</name>
</talker>
<para>- I think you have proved an <inline font-style="italic">alibi.</inline></para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXK</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WEBSTER, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr WEBSTER</name>
</talker>
<para>- I do not wish that there should be any misunderstanding. Any man who suggests that I would bury a person before his demise suggests what is quite wrong, and I resent such a suggestion. The allegation against me has no foundation whatever. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>SOLDIERS' OVERCOATS</title>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KHE</name.id>
<electorate>CAPRICORNIA, QUEENSLAND</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">HIGGS, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr HIGGS</name>
</talker>
<para>- I ask the Assistant Minister for Defence if the. Department asks returned soldiers to give back their overcoats, and whether it is a fact that returning Anzacs were soaked with rain for want of overcoats ? Does not the Department consider that it would he a small - matter to allow the- men to retain their overcoats? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>L1P</name.id>
<electorate>GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party>NAT</party>
<role>Honorary Minister</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WISE, George</name>
<name role="display">Mr WISE</name>
</talker>
<para>- The practice of the Department was announced many months ago. There' was some trouble in July, and it was then stated that members of the A.I.F. who joined the reserve would be allowed to keep, their overcoats. Other soldiers give them up on receiving their discharge. No complaint has been made to the Department on this subject since July. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC</title>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Quarantining of "Boonah" - " Medic's " communication withnew Zealand. </para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>L1J</name.id>
<electorate>CORIO, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">LISTER, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr LISTER</name>
</talker>
<para>- Having received a telegram concerning the men on the <inline font-style="italic">Boonah,</inline> I ask the Minister for Trade and Customs whether his attention has been drawn to the paragraphs in to-day's metropolitan press, which show that the condition of things on that vessel are most unsatisfactory, and if he has issued, or is he issuing, instructions for- a close investigation to be made concerning the serious allegations that have been published ? Has the Minister a statement to make in regard -to the matter ? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9814</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KNF</name.id>
<electorate>RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>LP; NAT from 1917</party>
<role>Honorary Minister</role>
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MASSY-GREENE, Walter</name>
<name role="display">Mr MASSY-GREENE</name>
</talker>
<para>- I do notknow what are the allegations to which' the honorable member refers. The <inline font-style="italic">Boonah</inline> on her arrival in Australia had nearly 400 cases of influenza on board. The quarantine authorities at once took the matter in hand, and the infected patients were landed at the quarantine station at Fremantle, and effective measures were taken to clean the ship. Next day there were eight cases; the following day five cases; then two ; and then one ; and we anticipate that there will not be any patients today, that having been our experience with every other ship with which we have dealt. The returning Western Australian soldiers- will be landed at the quarantine station to-morrow morning, to complete their period of detention there. The </para>
</talk.start>
<para>
<inline font-style="italic">Boonah</inline>will probably leave Fremantle on Saturday, which is the earliest day on which we can return to her the members of the crew who have been sick, and who by that tune will be well - all but one or two who must be left behind at Fremantle. She will then proceed to the Eastern States, and the troops on board will complete their period of detention during this voyage. Presumably 'the vessel will be a clean ship when she arrives here, and the men will then be released. I do not know what more the quarantine . authorities could do for the benefit of those on board. </para>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JPC</name.id>
<electorate>KOOYONG, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">BEST, Robert</name>
<name role="display">Sir ROBERT BEST</name>
</talker>
<para>- The other day Iasked -the Acting Prime Minister a question about -certain rumours concerning the transport <inline font-style="italic">Medic,</inline> and he replied that he was unaware of them. I ask "him if he will have the fullest investigation made - if necessary, "by a civilian Commission, apart from the Defence Department - into the following 'statements" - </para>
</talk.start>
<list type="decimal-dotted">
<item label="1.">
<para>The <inline font-style="italic">Medic</inline> was warned on approaching New Zealand that pneumonic influenza was raging. </para>
</item>
<item label="2.">
<para>That, notwithstanding this, some officers, nurses, soldiers, and other persons did land in Wellington, New Zealand.- </para>
</item>
<item label="3.">
<para>Some of them contracted the disease and brought thesameto the ship, and the ultimate result is thatforty persons have died. </para>
</item>
<item label="4.">
<para>Arrangements made for segregation of infected persons on the voyageback to Sydney were crudeand inadequate. </para>
</item>
<item label="5.">
<para>On arrival at the Quarantine Station, Sydney, unreasonable delays occurred in landing infected patients, and for some three days no adequate provision was made for protection of passengers. </para>
</item>
</list>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXG</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>NAT</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WATT, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr WATT</name>
</talker>
<para>- Some of the statements to which the honorable member refers are within the knowledge of the Government ; that is to say, the statements of what happened to the ship when she came to Australia. As to whether the exact facts regarding her arrival in New Zealand are known, I cannot say, hut I shall see that proper inquiry is made. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>BONUS TO PARLIAMENTARY SERVANTS</title>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KEX</name.id>
<electorate>BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">FINLAYSON, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr FINLAYSON</name>
</talker>
<para>- I desire to know, <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Speaker,</inline> whether you havebeen able to give amyconsideration to the matter I raised on Wednesday last, namely, the giving of a bonus to the attendants and messengers of the House ? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>K99</name.id>
<electorate>LANG, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">JOHNSON, Elliot</name>
<name role="display">Mr SPEAKER (Hon W Elliot Johnson</name>
</talker>
<para>- I have previously informed the honorable member that I have had this matter under consideration for some time past. 'I remind honorable members that there is no vote under control of the Speaker from which any bonus could be paid, and any such expenditure must necessarily he specially provided for through the Treasurer. I propose, in conjunction with the President o? the Senate, when opportunity offers, to make certain suggestions to the Treasurer in this regard. Honorable members know , that the business of the House of late has been almost continuous, and all of us have been very busy; but the matter in still under consideration. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>PRICE OF BRAN</title>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KZC</name.id>
<electorate>ILLAWARRA, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">LAMOND, Hector</name>
<name role="display">Mr HECTOR LAMOND</name>
</talker>
<para>- I desire to ask the Minister for Price-Fixing <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Greene)</inline> what is the reason for the refusal to comply with the request of the South Coast farmers of New 'South Wales for the abolition. of the fixation of the price of bran? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KNF</name.id>
<electorate>RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>LP; NAT from 1917</party>
<role>Honorary Minister</role>
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MASSY-GREENE, Walter</name>
<name role="display">Mr MASSY-GREENE</name>
</talker>
<para>- The reason is that if -we allow the price of bran to rise it will affect the price of flour, and, consequently, the price of bread; the prices of all these commodities are contingent on one another. "We must either altogether abandon the policy of price-fixing or adhere to it. The Government do not feel that it can remove the price-fixing of bread at the present time; and, consequently, the price of bran will remain fixed. If the Government were to allow the policy of price-fixing to be lifted so far as bran is concerned, bran, of course, would become very dear, and it is doubtful whether the farmers would be able to get any more than at present. They are obtaining all that is produced, and <inline font-style="italic">no</inline> more would be forthcoming as a result of the removal of price-fixing. The only result would be a probable doubling of the price. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>VEGETABLES AND CLOTHING</title>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Reports of Inter-State Commission</para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9815</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JWO</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CATTS, James</name>
<name role="display">Mr J H CATTS</name>
</talker>
<para>- Has the InterState 'Commission's report on the cost of vegetables, and also theirreport on the cost of clothing, been finalized; and, if so, will the Minister for Trade and Customs <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Greene)</inline> make them available? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KNF</name.id>
<electorate>RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>LP; NAT from 1917</party>
<role>Honorary Minister</role>
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MASSY-GREENE, Walter</name>
<name role="display">Mr MASSY-GREENE</name>
</talker>
<para>- A report was handed to me a day or two ago, but owing to the pressure of business, I myself have not had time to read it. As soon as there has been time for myself and the Department to peruse the report, it will be laid on the table of the House in the usual way. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>DISTURBANCE AT PORT DARWIN</title>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Assault on Administrator. </para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JWG</name.id>
<electorate>PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">FOWLER, James</name>
<name role="display">Mr FOWLER</name>
</talker>
<para>- Has the Minister for Home and Territories <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Glynn)</inline> any information to give this House concerning the serious trouble that has occurred at Port Darwin in connexion with administration there? Is- it correct that the censorship has been applied to newspapers in this connexion; and, if so,, what becomes of the pledge of the Government? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KCO</name.id>
<electorate>ANGAS, SOUTH AUSTRALIA</electorate>
<party>NAT</party>
<role>Minister for Home and Territories</role>
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">GLYNN, Patrick</name>
<name role="display">Mr GLYNN</name>
</talker>
<para>- There was a somewhat serious disturbance at Port Darwin on Wednesday last. A crowd of 400 ot 500 assembled opposite Government House, chiefly men from Vestey Brothers' works, and passed a resolution requesting the Administrator to address them, and give an account of his administration for the last five years. The resolution also asked the Administrator whether he would be able to go south by a boat leaving that day, pending an inquiry by a Commission into his acts of administration? The resolution was presented to the Administrator, who declined to do what he was asked. The crowd continued outside, and after about an hour, the Administrator, from within the fence, explained his position under the Government, and said that he was acting in accordance with the ordinances passed for the Territory, and pointed out, perfectly correctly, that every request or representation made, and intended to reach the Minister, had been sent south. The Administrator declined to accede to the suggestion made to him - made under impulse, of course. He had been assured by the leaders of the crowd that, if he addressed the meeting, no violence would be used. They gave him an absolute guarantee of safety; but, after about twenty minutes, as he was proceeding to his house, there was a cry of " over the fence." There was an alien element right in front of the crowd, and it was at the instance of some of the leaders that the cry was raised1. Some of the crowd jumped, over, knocked the Administrator down, and proceeded to attack him, and some of his staff. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JWO</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">CATTS, James</name>
<name role="display">Mr J H Catts</name>
</talker>
<para>- Were there coloured aliens? </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KCO</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">GLYNN, Patrick</name>
<name role="display">Mr GLYNN</name>
</talker>
<para>- No; there is a turbulent element in Darwin, intensified by the presence of a great number of aliens, but all I can tell honorable members about the aliens is that they are men from out side the British Empire. Every step should be taken by the Government for the purpose of preventing a repetition of such a disturbance, and maintaining order, by applying the ordinary rules of the administration. As regards the censorship, I cannot speak with any specific knowledge, but it is possible some telegrams may have been censored. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>SUPPLY OF CORNSACKS</title>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JLM</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">ABBOTT, Percy</name>
<name role="display">Lt.-Colonel ABBOTT</name>
</talker>
<para>.- Can the Minister for Price Fixing <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Greene)</inline> make a statement to the House in regard to the present season's supply of cornsacks and potato-sacks and other jute goods used by farmers? </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KNF</name.id>
<electorate>RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>LP; NAT from 1917</party>
<role>Honorary Minister</role>
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MASSY-GREENE, Walter</name>
<name role="display">Mr MASSY-GREENE</name>
</talker>
<para>- The Government have already purchased a very large number of corn and potato sacks. The major part of the shipments have already arrived in Australia, and every possible step is being taken to insure a full supply of jute goods for the current season. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>JLM</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">ABBOTT, Percy</name>
<name role="display">Lt.-Colonel Abbott</name>
</talker>
<para>- At a price controlled by the Government? </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KNF</name.id>
<electorate>RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>LP; NAT from 1917</party>
<role>Honorary Minister</role>
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MASSY-GREENE, Walter</name>
<name role="display">Mr MASSY-GREENE</name>
</talker>
<para>- Yes. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>REPATRIATION</title>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Special Sittings to Consider - War Service Homes: Staff Appointments and Control</para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9816</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>L1J</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">LISTER, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr LISTER</name>
</talker>
<para>- In view of the extreme urgency of dealing more fully with the great problem of repatriation, demobilization, and the judicious expenditure of public money, will the Acting Prime Minister <inline font-weight="bold">(Mr. Watt)</inline> give consideration to the desire of members to meet again shortly after the holidays for a specific time, say, a month, to discuss these questions exclusively? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXG</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>NAT</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WATT, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr WATT</name>
</talker>
<para>- I should like some better evidence than I have received of the earnest desire of honorable members to meet soon after the holidays. I notice that a similar suggestion was characteristically made by the <inline font-style="italic">Age</inline> to-day, but- 1 do not think I could ask honorable members to vote for such a motion now in the presence of the representatives of that journal. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KHE</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">HIGGS, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr HIGGS</name>
</talker>
<para>- Does the Government propose to abolish the office of Public Service Commissioner; and if not, why is it intended to appoint an officer at a salary of £1,500 per annum, who will control the expenditure rOI some £50,000,000, and whose staff will not be subject to the jurisdiction of the Commissioner? </para>
</talk.start>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXG</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WATT, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr WATT</name>
</talker>
<para>- The Government do not propose to abolish the office of Public Service Commissioner. The honorable gentleman probably refers to a Bill which is shortly to be considered in this House, and which was the subject of a message from another place. That will be duly explained at the proper time. I am not permitted to explain the measure now, but the honorable gentleman will see that he is mistaken as to the provisions of that Bill, in relation to the matter he has re- ferred to. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>WHEAT POOL</title>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<para>Financing New Crop</para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KIL</name.id>
<electorate>WERRIWA, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">LYNCH, John</name>
<name role="display">Mr LYNCH</name>
</talker>
<para>- I ask the Acting Prime Minister whether he is in a position to announce the arrangements, if any, which have been made in regard to the financing of the new wheat crop? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXG</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>NAT</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WATT, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr WATT</name>
</talker>
<para>- I have been anxious to make a statement for the information of wheat-growers and of honorable members who are representatives of wheat-growers, on two phases of the wheat question - the payment of guarantee for the new crop, and the problem of sale, with which I dealt before. I am not yet- in a position to deal further with the latter phase, but I hope to be able to do so before we rise. 1 am able to make this statement concerning the payment of wheat guarantees for the 1918-19 crop. Recently I discussed this question with the representatives' of the Australian Wheat Board who waited upon me. It was suggested, on behalf of the Board, that it would be desirable, in view of the short wheat crop in many parts of Australia, if the Government could arrange. the finances to pay the whole of the guarantee in one payment as early as practicable in the new year. On behalf of the Government I promised to consider the suggestion and confer with the banks, who assist in the conduct of such operations. There has been- difficulty, involving some delay, in the arrangement of this matter, and I have not yet received final answers from the principal banks. After carefully reviewing the present circumstances and the outlook for the new year, I have decided to pay the whole of the guarantee and will take all necessary steps in that direction in the new year. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>RELEASE OF INTERNEES</title>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KEX</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">FINLAYSON, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr FINLAYSON</name>
</talker>
<para>- I ask the Acting Prime Minister when it is proposed to give effect to the decision of the Government, announced yesterday, in regard to the release of Irish internees. Is that decision applicable only .to those gentlemen, or is it proposed t'o extend it to other -internees? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9817</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXG</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>NAT</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WATT, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr WATT</name>
</talker>
<para>- The Crown Law Department co-operates with the Defence Department in matters of this kind. I do not know how far this matter has proceeded, but the wish of the Government with respect to the interned men whose case was the subject of a recent inquiry, is that, with one exception which I have referred to, their early or immediate release should be given. The Minister for Defence has also, with the concurrence of the Cabinet, arranged for the release of several other internees, mostly men who are Australian born. That procedure is going on, and I expect that to-day, or some time this week, a list of another dozen or so of cases that have been carefully reviewed will be published by the Minister ifor, immediate release. It is the desire of the Government, as soon as it is safe and wise, after careful examination of these special cases, that the release of these men should take place. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>PERSONAL EXPLANATION</title>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<type>personal explanation</type>
</debateinfo>
<para class="block">correction of PressReport. </para>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KTU</name.id>
<electorate>DENISON, TASMANIA</electorate>
<party>ALP; NAT from 1917</party>
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SMITH, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr LAIRD SMITH</name>
</talker>
<para>- I wish to make a personal explanation. When the honorable member for Echuca was speaking on the Estimates with reference to the Government motor cars, I am reported in the press to have interjected, "Why not supply Ministers with tram tickets?" I , did not make that interjection. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>QUARANTINE</title>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KLM</name.id>
<electorate>MELBOURNE, VICTORIA</electorate>
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MALONEY, William</name>
<name role="display">Dr MALONEY</name>
</talker>
<para>- As one who knows the splendid situation of the quarantine station at Albany, I ask the Acting Minister for Trade and Customs whether, in view of. the terrible experiences Our returned soldiers have to undergo on the transports, as clearly explained in this House, he will give instruction at once to take all the unfortunate men off the transports atFremantle, and have them landed at Rottnest Island or sent to the Quarantine Ground at Albany? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KNF</name.id>
<electorate>RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>LP; NAT from 1917</party>
<role>Honorary Minister</role>
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MASSY-GREENE, Walter</name>
<name role="display">Mr MASSY-GREENE</name>
</talker>
<para>-- The Quarantine Station at Albany is now being utilized'. There is a full ship's company there. Another boat, the <inline font-style="italic">Marathon,</inline> is to arrive in Fremantle to-morrow morning, and she will proceed to Albany and clear up her troops there. The Albany Quarantine Station is being used to its full extent. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>POSITION OF MR. LEITCH</title>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KTU</name.id>
<electorate>DENISON, TASMANIA</electorate>
<party>ALP; NAT from 1917</party>
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">SMITH, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr LAIRD SMITH</name>
</talker>
<para>- I ask the Acting Minister for Trade and Customs whether he is in a position to confirm the'rumour that <inline font-weight="bold">Mr.. Leitch,</inline> the Director of Munitions, is about to resign.? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KNF</name.id>
<electorate>RICHMOND, NEW SOUTH WALES</electorate>
<party>LP; NAT from 1917</party>
<role>Honorary Minister</role>
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">MASSY-GREENE, Walter</name>
<name role="display">Mr MASSY-GREENE</name>
</talker>
<para>
<inline font-weight="bold">- Mr. Leitch</inline>is now Director of the Bureau of Commerce and Industry, but he is also carrying on the duties of Director of Munitions. He has been relieved of those duties to a very large extent to enable him to go on with his work in the Bureau of Commerce and In dustry. <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Leitch's</inline> appointment was for a period until three months after the war. The Government regret very much that, as the war is over, it will be necessary for <inline font-weight="bold">Mr. Leitch</inline> to give - up his position as Director of Commerce and Industry. The position is being considered by the Government in relation to the appointment of his successor. </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
</subdebate.1>
</debate>
<debate>
<debateinfo>
<title>QUESTION</title>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<type>Questions</type>
</debateinfo>
<subdebate.1>
<subdebateinfo>
<title>RUMOURED VISIT OF MINISTER TO LONDON</title>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
</subdebateinfo>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KWL</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">TUDOR, Frank</name>
<name role="display">Mr TUDOR</name>
</talker>
<para>- As this is probably the last opportunity we shall have before the adjournment to ask questions, without notice, ' I ask the Acting Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make any statement in reference to the persistent rumour that it is the intention of the Government to send <inline font-weight="bold">Senator Pearce,</inline> the Minister for Defence, to England, in connexion °with the demobilization of our troops ? </para>
</talk.start>
</speech>
<speech>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KXG</name.id>
<electorate />
<party>NAT</party>
<role />
<in.gov>1</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">WATT, William</name>
<name role="display">Mr WATT</name>
</talker>
<para>- My honorable friend appears to be much more sanguine than he was yesterday as to the early rising of this House. He has, apparently, made up his mind to assist the Government to finish tonight. That is what his remarks would indicate. As an experienced parliamentarian, I am sure the honorable gentleman cannot be holding out any delusive baits to an unwary neophyte like myself. </para>
</talk.start>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
<time.stamp />
<name.id>KWL</name.id>
<electorate />
<party />
<role />
<in.gov>0</in.gov>
<first.speech>0</first.speech>
<name role="metadata">TUDOR, Frank</name>
<name role="display">Mr Tudor</name>
</talker>
<para>- I know what will happen. The sitting of this House will be suspended from time to time, and there will be no new sitting. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
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<name role="metadata">WATT, William</name>
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<para>- I do not desire that Ministers shall escape questions either here or elsewhere while the House is meeting. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
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<name role="metadata">TUDOR, Frank</name>
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<para>-I was thinking of the difficulty of keeping a quorum. </para>
</talk.start>
</interjection>
<continue>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
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<name role="metadata">WATT, William</name>
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<para>- When we adjourn it will be by resolution., and, I trust, with the usual expressions of Christmas wishes. This course will give honorable members ample opportunity of asking, any questions they may desire to put to- the Government without notice, by leave of the Chair. </para>
</talk.start>
</continue>
<interjection>
<talk.start>
<talker>
<page.no>9818</page.no>
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<name role="metadata">BRENNAN, Frank</name>
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<para>- I was waiting for an opportunity to say something nice about the Government. </para>