Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 14 AUGUST 1945

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

Queensland Parliamentary Debates.

I.egi~latibt §~~emblp.

SECOND SESSION OF THE THIRTIETH PARLIAMENT Appointed to meet

AT BRISBANE ON THE FOURTEENTH DAY OF AUGUST, IN THE NINTH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE VI., IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1945.

TUESDAY, 14 AUGUST, 1945.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Pmsuant to the proclamation by His Exeellency the Governor, dated 26 July, 1945, appointing Parliament to meet this day for the dispatch of business, the House met at 12 o'clock noou in the Legislative Assembly Chamber.

The Clerk of the Parliament read the pro­clamation.

GOVERNOR'S OPENING SPEECH. At noon His Excellency the Governor came

to Parliament House, was announced by the Sergeant-at-Arms, received by Mr. Speaker (Hon. S. J. Brassington) at the bar, and accompanied to the dais.

Hon. members being seated, His Excellency read the following Opening Speech:-

"GENTLEMEN OF THE PARLIAMENT OF QUEENS­LAND,-

" We meet here to-day on the occasion of the Second Session of the Thirtieth Parlia­ment of Queensland, heartened by the great and successful efforts of the Armed Forces of the Empire, and of our Allies in all theatres of war during the past year, efforts in which Queenslanders have played a part, of which this State may well be proud and grateful. We shall never forget those who made the supreme sacrifice for us, to the relatives of whom ·we offer our very sincere sympathy.

''Japan's overtures for surrender to the United Nations and the possible early cessa­tion of the War in the Pacific have been received with thankfulness by our people. The result comes after a sustained effort of nearly four years of war against Japan in which our servicemen and servicewomen have valiantly fought for victory and our people on the home fronts have loyally supported them in their endeavoms. It is to be hoped that soon the world will enjoy peace for all time.

1945-B

''It is with feelings of keen regret that I realise that this will be the last Parliu.­ment which, as the Representative of His Majesty the King, I shall open. I am deeply sensible of the great honour which has be<>n mine now for nearly fourteen years, namely the confidence reposed in me by His Majesty during this long period. I am, at the same time, very thankful to have been requested by the Government of Queensland to con­tinue in this office for so long, and I am grateful, beyond words, to all the people in this great State whom you, gentlemen, represent in Parliament, for their unfailing kindness to Lady Wilson and myself.

"I have enjoyed, above all, a full appre­ciation of the unswerving loyalty to the person of the King and to the Empire on the part of the people throughout Queens­land, and I know well that the Honourable the Premier, on his retun1 after his most useful visit to Britain, will tell this House of the personal knowledge which His Majesty has of Queensland and of the interest which he takes in this important and valuable State.

''In the last few years, during which grave dangers have faced this State, my Advisers did everything possible to inaugurate ancl materially assist all efforts connected with the war. The citizens of Queensland have sacrificed much in order to co-operate in this essential work, and a great debt of gratitude is due to so many thousands in the State who have freely given their time and services to patriotic work of every description. Public• authorities, as well as private individuals, have continued to give every assistance, al}(l I feel confident that Queensland can look with pride on all that has been achieved by her citizens and that all efforts will be coil­tinned until the complete and final defeat of Japan.

"Since the House adjourned in March last, two leaders of the Allied Nations, gentlemen of lofty ideals, whose lives were characterised by devotion to humanity and self-sacrificing service in the cause of freedom, have passecl from us. We mourn the loss of Mr. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, late President of the United

2 Governor's Opening Speech. [ASSEMBLY.] Governor's Opening Speech.

States, and of the Right Honourable John Curtin, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth.

''The former will always be held in r-lwrished memory by the people of Australia, Pspecially for his timely aid freely given to this Nation in its hour of imminent danger, while the latter's memory shall abide for his unsparing efforts, zeal, and inspiration in welding this Commonwealth into a high state of efficiency to combat the forces of tyranny and oppression. Both died on the eve of complete victory; their example and self­sacrifice will ever endure and inspire us towards the establishment of a la;sting peace and an increasing prosperity, to which their lives were selflessly devoted.

''My Advisers join with me in according n :fitting tribute to the services rendered to the British Commonwealth, and to the United Nations, by the Right Honourable Winston Churchill as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Government. In Britain's, and the world's, darkest hour, his dauntless courage, magnetic personality, supreme driving force and ceaseless efforts unified the British Commonwealth into that inflexible resolve, which, with the collaboration of the United 1'\ations, turned defeat into Victory.

' 'My Advisers have noted with pleasure that the representatives of the United Nations at the recent Conference at San Francisco adopted an historic Charter providing machinery by which succeeding generations of our people will be saved the scourge of war. My Advisers ar,e pleased to note that Article 45 of the Charter provides that the United Nations shall promote higher standards of living and full employment.

''My Advisers have continued their policy of full co-operation with the Commonwealth Government in the prosecution of the war and in the promotion of the well-being of the people.

''With victory in the Pacific will come the opportunity to put into effect the plans which my Advisers have been preparing for some time, which provide not only for the :1dequate development of the State, but for the rehabilitation of our servicemen and ~nvicewomen.

''With a view to promoting the develop­ment of Queensland, particularly by migra­tion and secondary industries, the Honourable the Premier paid a visit to Britain, where he found an increasing interest in the estab­lishment in Queensland of new industries. 'rhe Honourable the Premier discussed with prominent leaders in industry in the United Kingdom the prospects for extension of their husin'€sses in this State, and outlined to them the scope for expansion by the manufacture of goods for the Australian and far Eastern markets. Now that there is peace in Europe, United Kingdom manufacturers are showing a commendable desire to extend their activi­ties abroad.

''My Advisers are of the opinion that migration should commence with the least possible delay. There will be, on discharge, servicemen and servicewomen who would desire to come to this country, but with delay :md disappointment many may lose their

interest and the State may lose many desirable settlers. The Honourable the Premier has been active in the United King­dom in bringing to the notice of the people there the prospects which Queensland off·ers and, as a result, it is expected that, when the complete Commonwealth migration plans are announced, there' will be a ready response of desirable migrants who could be readily assimilated in Queensland.

"In co-operation with the Common­wealth Government and the National Works Council, my Advis,ers are able to report substantial progress is being made in prepara­tion of a programme of public works suitable for construction in the early post-war period as and when required for rehabilitation purposes.

''In anticipation of any possible surplus of labour which may be available as a result of discharges from the fighting services, a works programme for constructions totalling £24,400,000 is prepared and ready for operation.

''My Advisers have decided to retain and expand the Labour Exchange system as an essential instrument of State administration in the post-war years.

''Constructive post-war projects continue to flow to the, State Employment Council from the representative Employment ExchangP Boards.

''The Juycnilc Employment Bureau, includ­ing workers' and employers' representatives, has now been reconstructed, and it is pro­posed to restore its operations, as ch·cum­stances permit, in major country centres.

''Although the Unemployed Workers lnsurance Act passed in 1922 has now been suspended by the commencement, as from 1 July, 1945, of the Commonwealth Unemploy­ment and Sickness Benefits Scheme, payment of sustenance to those persons eligible to qualify for it will be continued to' 30 Jun•a, 1946. It is, however, the intention of my Advisers to continue to provide relief assist­ance for those destitute persons who are unable to benefit under the Commonwealth scheme.

''My Advise1·s have a full appreciation of the need for the utmost energy in the reliev­ing of the housing shortage. The problem is a world wide one and ·calls for an effort on our part no less than the maximum effort expended in the war. The problem is one of manpower and materials, both of which are still required primarily for the war effort.

''My Advisers welcome the recent decisions of the Commonwealth Government which have placed home construction on a priority for materials and manpower next to the most important defence projects. This is in accorcl with Ill'J Advisers' strong representations to the Commonwealth Govern­ment, which have been supplemented by per­sonal discussions which the Acting Premier has had with the Prime Minister at Canberra, and in consonance with the resolution of this Parliament 'that every available resourco consistent with our war obligation should be applied towards relieving the housing shortage in this State.'

Governor's Opening Speech. [14 AUGUST.] Govet·nor's Opening Speech. 3

"With a view to obtaining as soon as possible the maximum of building labour, my Advisers have also made representations to the Commonwealth Government for the release of all Queensland members of the Civil Con­struction Corps of the Allied Works Council staff.

"In order to provide for an equitable· home construction programme throughout the State, and to take advantage of available local resources of manpower and materials, my Advisers have requested all local authorities to act as agents for the State Advances Cor­poration with a view to accelerating the erec­tion of homes in local areas.

''My Advisers are co-operating with the Commonwealth Government in the training of discharged ex-servicemen for employment in the building and other industries.

"During the financial year just ended 131 homes were erected and 279 homes were under construction by the State Advances Corpora­tion under the various housing schemes. This was the ma..--rimum that could be constructed with the labour and materials available, but as a result of action taken by my Advisel's the tempo of home building- is being arcelerated.

''A measuTe to implement the Common­wealth-State War Housing and Post War Housing Schemes will be submitted for your consideration during the Session.

''Substantial progress has been made in my Advisers' plans for the reorganisation and development of the electricity supply industry throughout this State and in the establish­ment of Tegional areas. Sites for new central power stations have been selected, estimates have been prepared for the construction of gencntting stations, the purchase of plant, and the erection of many miles of new trans­mission lines, and large amounts have been allocated on the current year's loan pro­gramme for carrying out this development at a rate previously unparalleled. It is expected that Regional Boards will be operating iri certain Regions in the near future. The Loan Council Co-ordinator has accepted the appli­cation of Yarious Queensland electric authori­ties for expenditure of £1,589,850 towards the post-war programme of regional elec­tricity development.

''Closely related to the growth of the electricity supply industry is the expansion of manufacturing or secondary industr'ies requiring large blocks of electric energy. My Advisers de·sire to see new industries develop­ing the resources of this State, and have appointed the Secondary Industries Develop­ment Committee to investigate the present position of secondary industries and to con­sider proposals for their expansion or the establishment of new industries. These pro­posals will be carefully examined and my Advisers will assist private enterprise to stimulate secondary industry activity.

"Decentralisation of industry and admini­stration, a matter which has been prominently brought before the public, has been given mature consideration by my Advisers from time to time and as a result of· action taken

in this State- there has been achieved a high degree of decentralisation, which has been rconomieal of transport and a saving o£ public time and money.

''Following upon investigations made by the Honourable the Premier in the United Kingdom as to the market for Queensland canned fruits and tropical fruit products, my Advisers propose to obtain the services of a cannery expert from the southern States to advise on the re-establishment of co-operative fruit eannerirs in Queensland. Provided con­tinuity of supplies of high-grade products ran be obtained for export, it is con:fidentJ,­anticipated that a considerable trade in canned fruit can be promoted.

''The receipts in tht> Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ended 30th June, 194fi, amounted to £26,447,274, and the expenditure• to £25,878,059, leaving a surplus of £569,21:; on tlw ye:n·'s trnnsactions.

''Appreciating the need and value of medical research, particularly in relation to diseases per.nlinr to Queensland, my Advisrr' proposP to submit for legislative sanction ~];,• establishment of an Institute of Medica I Research. Queensland's concentration in the past on the stndy of tropical diseases h~~ heen n material fnctnr in the Pacific. V>-11'

operations.

''As the clangers of air attack are no"· remote the Civil Defence Organisation ha~ bren discontinued. This organisation was th<' finest example of community spirit ever exhibited in Queensland, and in the most critical hour of our history public spirited men and women were not lacking in volun­t:nilv offering their services to protect th<' lives' and property of their fellow citize-n". 'l'he <:ommunity owes a deep debt of gratitud<' to them.

''In accord with the provisions of the Hospitals Act Amendment Act passed in the J 944-45 Session of PaTliameiJ.t, my Adviser~ have now assumed full responsibility for financing capital expenditure and mainten­ance of all hospitals in the State. The annn~ 1 liability will be approximately £1,000,000 :1 year, which formerly devolved upon com­ponent Local Authorities under the precept system.

''In order to equip the hospital servict., of the State with qualified general nurses in the post-war !Period, my Advis·ers propos'' to widen the scope of facilities for the train­ing of general nurses by the establishment of preliminary training schools in the small<-r public hospitals.

"In pursuance of the Government's anti­malaria campaign payment of 50 per cent. subsidy to Local Authorities for expenditun• on measures designed to eradicate mosquito­breeding grounds will be continued in thiR financial year. Much effective work has been accomplished since this scheme of subsidy wus instituted.

"Further extensions of the Maternal 11 nrl Child Welfare Services have- been effected in several districts of the State despite thP difficulties in obtaining qualified child welfare nurses in the present emergency. During the

4 Governor's Opening Speech. [ASSEMBLY.] Governor's Opening Speech.

yun it is hoped to implement proposals to e8tablish Maternal and Child Welfare Homes at Townsville, Rockhampton, Ipswich, and 'l'oowoomba, for the care of mothers and habies, and of young children during the illness of their mothers.

'' 'l'wu new Rail Dental Clinic Cars "ill be i!Yailable shortly in the Ce.ntml and Southern Ba ilway Divisions to give dental services to isolat('d localities on these railway systems. The operations of these cars in addition to tlw original Hail Dental Clinic Car in the ~ orthern Division, the Hoad Dental Clinics and the Flying Dental Services will cover the major portion of th0 isolated areas of the State.

' 'Additional financial assistance has been given to the Flying Doctor Service, which 11as recently extended to the south-western portion of the State with headquarters at Charleville. This Service is highly appre­ciated by the people in the isolated areas of the West, and will be supplemented by a dental service at the Charleville, Longreach, and Cloncurry Hospitals.

''A Health Acts Amendment Bill will be s.nlJn.litted for your consideration during the Sesswn.

''The Railway Department has again played :w important part in the State's war effort. There was a decrease in goods and livestock tonnage, but passenger journeys increased considm·ably and again established an all-time record.

''The proposals of the Commonwealth novernment for the standardisation of Aus­tmlian railway gauges, which have been received, are being CTitically examined and \rill be considered at the next Premiers' Conference. My Advisers are convinced that strategic railway construction for defence purposes must inevitably be linked with rlevelopmental projects, as population and industries must constitute the basis of any d'fective defence system of Australia.

"It is proposed to build as early as possible " high-level bridge over the Burd0kin River I o replace the low-level structure at Inker­man, and tests are being made for the foun­<l:!tions of the new bridge.

''Investigations have been made of the possibility of establishing a Superannuation 8cheme acceptable to the employees of the i~ueensland GoveTnment Railways, and it is <'xpected that the results of the investigation ll"ill be placed before representatives of the railway unions at an early date.

'' 'The Stock RMLtes and Rural Lands Pro­/ u:lion Act of 1944' has been in force l!ince I .July, 1945. The Co-oTdinating Board nuthorised thereunder has been duly consti­tuted and already much preliminary work has heen accomplished.

''During the year 51 pa·storal leases, corn· ]'rising 8,827 square miles, were granted. 'Phe whole of these areas comprised vacant land or forfeited or surrendered holdings. Much of the land was remotely situated and none of it was suitable for subdivision for doser grazing settlement. In accordance with tl1e policy of my Advisers, all good class

land is being withheld from selection until the termination of hostilities. In addition to participating in all ballots for suitable grazing land returned servicemen will now have absolut~ priority in respect of 50 per cent, of the holdings made available.

''Submissions covering a total area of over 1,000,000 acres of lands for soldier settle­ment have already been made to the Com­monwealth Authorities, and advice has recently been received that a numb1;r of these proposals are acceptable for more m ten­sive investigation as to the suitability of the land and the prospects it offers for successful settlement.

''Field parties are being organised for the purpose of classifying and designing the land, but progress will be regulated by the number of suitably trained staff available. Representations have been made to the Commonwealth Authorities for the release of qualified officers for this purpose.

''My Advisers propose to introduce a Bill during the Session to make provision for the acquisition and setting apart of suitable lands for discharged soldier settlement. A f~r~her Bill to provide for the terms and cond1bo~8 of selection and of advances to settlers w1ll also be inb·oduced.

''The lands revenue for the year amounted to £1,579,976-an increa·se of £33,067 on thP previous year's total.

''The Bur0au of Investigation, appointed by the Minister for Lands under the Land; and Water Resources Development Act of 1943, )las made extensive investigations throuo·hout the State for the pmpose of expanding the use of irrigation, particularly by the utilisation o~ u~1~erground waters which involve the ava1lab1hty of cheap elec­trical power.

"It is estimated that at present there are some 60,000 to 70:,000 acres of land . i!l Queensland under irrigatio~, a~d the ~chvl­ties of the Bureau of Inveshgatwn are m thf' direction of increasing that area. To tl;at encl, intensive soil surveys have been earned out in the Lockyer and Bremer. ar.eas, m:d the Condamine River Valley, Prehmmar:y mves­tigations have been made on the P~ne and Marv Rivers where there are considerable >mter supplie~ available, and on the Burdekin River where there are 200,000 acres of land which could form an extensive irrigation scheme.

"In the Dawson and Callide River V~lleys, the Bureau considers that if the capacity of the present water storag~ is increased thP $.-pansion of the Valley IS a safe economit, proposition.

''The Bureau proposes in the near future to make investigations in the Fitzroy River V alley, the N ogoa River Catchment, . the Dunraresq, Barwon, and other western nvers and other areas throughout Queensland, for the purpose of examination of water stomge and irrigation of country near the sto'rages.

''In addition, the Bureau will also in\018stigate the possibilities of the Walsh River, witl1 a view to increasing the produc-

Governor's Opening Speech. [14 AuausT.] Governor's Opening Speech. 5

ti?n of tobacco and other crops in the Dm1bulah, Mareeba, and adjacent areas.

''My Advisers have a full appreciation of the potential benefit to Queensland of water conservation for domestic and stock purposes and are paying attention to methods of fodder eultivation under irrigation so as to stabilise

ttpplics throughout the year.

'' A~1 Irrigation Research Station is being <:~tabhshE'd at Gatton to conduct investiga­tions of problems of irrigation under Queensland conditions and to provide instruc­tion in the practical use of irrigation.

''My Advisers have opened discussions with the New South Wales Government with a Yiew to reaching agreement for the' joint use by the Queensland and New South Wales GoYernments of the land and water resources o! the Dmnaresq, Mcintyre, and Ba'rwon nYer eatchment areas, where some 70,000 acres of land can be irrigated from a reservoir a ne! 14 low river weirs. The agreement nltunately reached between the respective Go;erm~ents >;ill be submitted for your l'ahficatwn c1urmg the current Session.

'' 1fanpower shortages have a'gain prevented ll ot only the resumption of an active refore­st~tion programr?e but also the carrying out of adequate mamtenance and protection of existing assets. Measures for strengtheninO' the organisation for preventing, controlling :mil eo m bating rural fires are being considered.

''Since its establishment, the Queensland Meat Industry Board, in co-operation ~with the < :onncil for Scientific and Industrial Research has been instrumental in deYeloping many nnprovements in both the processing and production branches of the meat industry of the State, notably in tl1e pioneering of the export trade in chilled beef. 'l'his placed the mdustry on a more competitive basis with other beef exporting countries and resulted in higher prices being realised for cattle.

'' Convil1ced that the beef industry is capable of expansion, particularly in the north-western parts of the State, my Advisers have appointed a Royal Commission which is now investigating the establishment of abat­toirs in other pa'rts of Queensland, and the possibilities of increasing the production of liYestock.

''In its last annual report the Board out-1 ined a plan of post-war developments for the meat industry which would be of benefit to hoth the local jand export trades. These included the process of the tenderising of beef prior to distribution, quick freezing, etc.

''My Advisers have agreed to the Board's recommendation that, whilst the Commission i ~ making' its investigations, a: delegation ~hall investigat., in the United States the latest developments in meat processes in order that any improvements which can be adapted bere will be introduced to the ;industry at the earliest date. It is proposed also that the delegation will investigate the latest ilevelopments in the transport of fruit and perishable goods by railways and by air.

''Assistance to farmers under the Agricul­tural Bank Acts was further liberalised in N o\·ember last by provision for special

advances up to £2,000 to purchase machinery for use on farm lands on a contract basis. Opportunity was also taken to make the benefits of the Acts as regards assistance to commodity boards applicable to the Committee of Direction of Fruit Marketing, the State Wheal Board, the Brisbane Milk Board or any other duly constituted milk board.

'' Adyanccs granted amounted to £446,704 £298,835 in the previous 1942-43.

during the year as compared with year and £96,079 in

'' QueBnsland 's production of sugar for the 1944 season-the best since the 1941 season­amounted to 643,000 tons 94 net titre, being an increase of 157,000 tons over that of the previous season. 'rhe value of the sea'son 's output was £12,7 40,000, exceeding that of the previous season by approximately £2t million in yalue. Most of the additional value was due to an increase of 133,000 tons in the quantity exported.

''My Advisers have taken up with the Com­monwealth Government the renewal of the Sugar Agreement, which will expire on 31st August, 1946. The renewal has been accepted in principle and further discussions on details will take place in the near future.

''The British Ministry of Food recently offered to extend the present arrangements for the purchase of Empire sugar for a further year, that is, to the end of 1947. This offer, which has been a'ccepted, was intended to encourage the maintenance of maximum pro­duction for a further period, and will doubtless be appreciated by the sugar producers of this State.

''Copious -vvin ter rains have ensured a goocl spring for field crops generally; con­sequently, the agricultural seasonal outlook is particularly bright.

''The last wheat harvest aggregated six million bushels of grain of excellent quality, a characteristic for which Queensland wheats are noted and which is the result of many years of effort by depa'rtmental wheat breeders. Over 80 per cent. of t11e wheats sown last season were bred by the Depart­ment of Agriculture and Stock and the standard of quality achieved is unsurpassed in the Commonwealth.

''The quality of dairy products has been J~aintained at a high level, and continued co-operation among farmers, manufacturers, and Government dairy technologists has con­tributed greatly to this achievement.

''In the present year it is proposed to expand the activities of the Department of Agriculture and Stock in experimental work and other research projects in agriculture and horticulture. Special attention will be given to soil conservation and management and to improvement in cultural practices. The necessity for the prevention and correction of soil erosion has been recognised and a soil conservation officer has been appointed to the Bureau of Investigation and will take up duty on his discharge from the se~·vices.

''My Advisers are negotiating with the Commonwealth Governmeut for the establish­ment of an Australian College of Tropical

6 Governor's Opening Speech. [ASSEMBLY.] Got•er?wr's Opening Speech.

Agriculture in North Queensland and have intimated their willingness to assist in the selection of a site and to contribute :financially towards the capital cost of a research institu· tion which would be invaluable in developing the great agricultural areas in the tropical North.

''The research work undertaken there could be adapted to the developmental needs of the Commonwealth in its administration of the New Guinea Mandated Territory, Papua, and the Australian Pacific territories.

'' The cotton industry is destined to play an important part in Queensland's develop· ment. The Commonwealth Tariff Board has just completed an exhaustive inquiry into the cotton-growing industry in Queensland and the Queensland Cotton Board has placed a complete case before the Board. My Advisers have been informed that a leading cotton manufacturer has post-war plans for the extension of cotton spinning mills in Australia, which provide for a consumption of twenty times the present Queensland cotton production.

''A Bill to amend the Fruit MH rketing Organisation Acts to implement certain recommendations eontained in the valuablP. report of the Royal Commission on l<'ruit and Vegetables will he submitted for your consideration.

''During the past two years, there have been important developments in education in Queensland. Boards of Adult Education, Post Primary Studies and Examinations, University Scholarships, and Libraries have been constituted. A notable innovation was the establishment of the Queensland State String Quartet. The members of this Quartet visit schools and present to the children pro· grammes of music devised to widen their musical knowledge and appreciation. In addition to their school work, the members of the Quartet give concerts for adults as a contribution to the· State provision for adult education. The Quartet has paid several visits to each metropolitan school, and has visited a number of country centres. In furtherance of the intention to provide more fullv for the musical education of childrc.n, "teachers of singing have been specially appointed and stationed in Brisbane, Townsville, Rockhampton, and Maryborongh. It is intended to make further appointments in order to extend this activity.

''Proposals are now under consideration with a vie,,· to the extension of musical education in State schools, in order to lay the foundations for a better musical educa· tion for our children.

''An improved scheme for the recruitment and training of teachers has been inaugurated, and several Junior Teachers' Training Colleges have been opened in various centres throughout the State. The allowances of students of the Teachers' Training College and of State Scholarship holders attending secondary schools have been substantially increased.

''To develop provision for the study of the many phases of education, my Advisers agreed to the request of the Senate to provide

the necessary funds for a department of Education at the Uniwrsity. It has been decided to grant :five additional University Scholarships and to increase the allowances to Scholarship holders generally.

''An Organiser of Physical Education in Schools was appointed in March, 1944, and to assist him a greatly increased staff of teachers was detailed to devote specin 1 attention to physical education throughout the: State. These teachers have been allotted to various districts. A national Ji'itness Council has been appointed to providt• for tlw development of physical :fitness in adolescents and adults.

''The administration of the Libraries A et of 1943 was transferred this year to th•• Department of Public Instruction anc1 a r,ibraries Board was appointed. Govern· ment subsidies are now paid towards the cost of building Schools of Arts and towards th" provision of Schools of Arts Libraries.

''Additional sites have been acquired upon which Post-Primarv Schools will he erectPd when the manpow:~r and building materials arc available and teachers are released from the fighting services.

'' 'rht• Govprnment has npprovecl of an expenditure of £100,000 for the improvement of accommodation an<l facilities for the train­ing of teachers. 'l'his action is based on its desirP that provision for the training of teachers shall lJe as complete as possible ani! that aecommodation shall be in keeping with the dignit~· and import~nce of the work of teachci·s. The work will he commenced a> early as possible in the post·war period. 'l'lw Government has agreed, also, to co-operate with the ScnatG of the University of Queens­l:llld in an inquiry to consider the advisability of establishing National UniverRity Colleges in Central an cl N orthe·rn Queensland.

''Stops are being taken to acquire land for the building of additional Technical College accommodation in the industrial centres of the State.

' 'A Committee of Inqn~ry has been appointed to report upon the advisablenes5 of establishing Junior Farm Training Schools in order to extend Agricultural Education in Queensland. This Committee is now engaged upon its work.

''Government subsidies are now available for the establishment of libraries from which school children may obtain books for home reading. In addition 96,000 books are available, free of cost to the schools, for use by school children for general reading in school. Subsidies have also been made availablG for the improvement of school grounds.

''Appreciating the value of th~ ":ork _of the Creche and Kindergarten Assoc1at_10n m the training of children, my Advisers have decided to increase the subsidy to the Asso· ciation from £1,350 per annum to £3,000 per annum, which will operate for the fin!ln· cial year 1945-46. This increased subsidy will enable the Association to widen the scope of its activities and to bring the benefits of modern kindergarten training to a larger

Governor'B Opening Speech. [14 AuGUST.] Governor'B Opening Speech. 7

number of our children in other parts of the State.

''The twenty-ninth year of the State Government Insurance Office is marked by service in all departments, particularly that of increased benefits, including medical and hospital expenses, under the Workers' Com­pensation Acts amended as from 1st January last. The office has subscribed £500,000 to War Loans for the financial year ended 30th June, 1945, and in all £2,075,000 during the present war.

''In view of the great demands made on available supplies of building materials and on manpower for urgent works for the },nned Forces, civil works activities of the Department of Public Works were consider­ably restricted and only such works as were nf an urgent nature were undertaken.

''During the financial year 1944-45, the expenditure on permanent works of the Main Roads Commission was £480,800, but an extensive and comprehensive programme of maintenance works was carried out, involving an expenditure of over £646,000.

''My Advisers, having in mind the desir­ability of the further development of the ports and harbours of the State, and the provision of modern berthage and curgo handling facilities, instituted an inquiry into ports, harbours and other relevant matters. The Committee of Inquiry is also giving con­sideration to the financial position of the ,-m·ious harbour authorities and the necessity for any adjustments. The inquiry, which has not yet been completed, should enable the Co-ordinator-General of Public Works to make valuable recommendations for harbour improvement and development.

' 'During the past year thera has been a complete reclassification of positions through­out the Public Service, including those in the Teaching Service. The reclassification arrangements, which have been embodied in _.'\_wards of the Industrial Court, have raised the values of positions in the Queensland Public Servic(' to a higher standard.

''Activities in the Mining Industry have been confined mainly to a few of the larger mines producing the major metals, and to a limited number of small mines producing wolfram, tin, and fluorspar. The relatively high prices for some of the metals remained fixed at last year's figures.

''The tin output has increased greatly, and f'opper production rose sharply, due to the iarge output by Mount Isa Mines Limited, which ranked as the premier producer of t•opper in Australia.

''The exploitation of beach sands deposits for their rutile and zircon contents has assumed a degree of importance, and pro­duetion has risen appreciably. Coal produc­tion was slightly less than that of the pre­vious year, during which a record was (•stablished.

''My Advisers are conscious of the need for the rehabilitation of the Mining Industry in North Queensland and plans are being

prepared in anticipation of the cessation of hostilities.

''A measur.e for the amendment of the Goal and Oil Shale Mine Workers (Pensions) Acts, 1941 to 1943, will be submitted for consideration.

''In conformity with its general policy for assisting in the e·xpansion of industrial development, the Govemment during the year set up an expert committee, under the chairmanship of the Acting Premier, to examine the possibilities of developing the Blair Athol coalfield, which offers prospects of coal being minecl by open-cut methods at a very low cost. The inquiry will be a V:ide one anc1 will cover every phase of possible development, including export markets, the production of liquid fuel, synthetics and plastics from coal the water anc1 land resources of the ar~a, large scale electricity generation and expanded rural and industrial development.

' 'While the committee is primarily con­cerned with the Blair Athol Field, it will in the course of its investigations collect much useful data which can be used to assess the prospects of the further development of other fields.

''The Estimates for the current financial year are in course of preparation and _will be submitted to you as early as possible. These estimates will be found to have been prepared not only with due regard _to econo_my but with full regard to the essential reqmre­ments of the State.

''During the session you will be invited to give consideration to the following, among other measures:-

1. A Commonwealth-State War Housing and Post-War Housing Bill.

2. A Health Acts Amendment Bill.

3. A Land Acts Amendment Bill.

4. A Coal and Oil Shale Mine Workers (Pensions) Amendment Bill.

6. A Discharged Servicemen's ·Settlement and Advances to Settlers Bill.

6. A Discharged Servicemen's Land Resumption Bill.

7. A Fruit Marketing Organisation Acts Amendment Bill.

8. A Co-ordination of Rural Advances Acts Amendment Bill.

9. A Fish and Oyster Acts Amendment Bill.

10. A Poultry Industries Bill.

11. A Picture Theatres and Films Bill.

''I invite your earnest consideration of all matters that may be brought before you, and I pray that the blessings of Divine PTovidence attend your labours."

His Excellency then left the Chamber.

ltlr. SPEAKER left the chair at 12.36 p.m., resuming it at 2.15 p.m.

8 Form of Questiow. [ASSEMBLY.] Papers.

PANEL OF TEMPORARY CHAIRMEN.

Mr. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the require­ments of Standing Order No. 13, I hereby nominate the following members to form the panel of Temporary Chairmen dnring the present session:-

Eric Paul Decker, Esquire, member for the electoral district of Sandgate;

George Henry Devries, Esquire, member for the electoral district of Gregory;

John Edmund Duggan, Esquire, member for the electoral district of Toowoomba;

Thomas Dunstan, Esquire, member for the electoral disb·ict of Gym pie;

Duncan Macdonald, Esquire, member for the electoral district of Stanley.

HOUSING SHORTAGE.

REPLY OF PRIME MINISTEH.

Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that I have received a letter from the Prime Minis­ter of the Commonwealth in regard to the resolution passed by the House on 21 March 1945 on the subject of the housing shortage in Queensland.

The letter is placed on the table for the information of hon. members.

DEATH OF PRIME MINISTER.

REPLY TO MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE.

Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that I have received the following telegram from the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth in reply to a message of condolence which I sent to him on the death of the Right Honourable John Cm·tin:-

' 'Greatly appreciate telegram of fifth July expressing sympathy of Queensland Parliament in death of Right Honourable John Curtin. I shall convey condolences to Mrs. Curtin and family.''

PAPERS PRINTED DURING RECESS.

li'Ir. SPEAKER: I have to report that the following papers were ordered to be printed and circulated during the recess:-

Report of Committee of Inquiry appointed to investigate the business and affairs of the Mount Bauple Co-operative Sugar llfilling Association Limited.

First Interim Report of Committee appointed by Queensland Government to investigate certain aspects relating to the Great Artesian Basin (Queensland Section), with particula'r reference to the problem of diminishing supply.

FORM OF QUESTIONS.

:MR. SPEAKER'S RULING.

Mr. YEATES (East Toowoomba) pro­ceeding to give notice of a question about alleged strikes in the shearing industry-

Mr. SPEAKER: The hon. member is not dntitled to make a speech.

Government Members: Hear, hear!

PAPERS. The following papers were laid on the

table:-

Orders in Council under-The Regulation of Sugar Cane Price,;

Acts 1915 to 1941 (17 May, 1945).

The State Development and Public W arks Organisation Acts, 1938 to 1940 (5, 19 April (2), 24 May (2), 28 June, 26 July (2), and 2 August, 1945).

The Electric Light and Power Acts, 1896 to 1945 (21 June (3), 12 July, 1945).

The Regional Electric Authorities Aet of 1945 (2 August, 1945).

Proclamation under the Regional Electrie. Authorities Act of 1945 (21 June, 1945).

Rerrulations under the Public Safety Act ~f 1940 (19 April, 10 May, 14 .Tun.:, 28 June, and 11 August, 1945).

Directions under the Public Safety Act of 1940 (30 March, 4 May, 10 May, 14 June, 26 June, and 24 July, 1945).

Regulations under-The Friendly Soeietieg Acts, 1913 to

1943 (26 July, 1945). The Elections Acts, 1915 to 1944 (lti

May, 1945).

Proclamations under-The Prisons Act, 1890 (14 June, 194.5). The Liquor Acts, 1912 to 194J (29

March and 21 June, 1945).

Orders in Council under-The Jury Act of 1929 (24 May, 19,1S). The Supreme Court Act of 192] (.)

April and 7 June, 1945). The Liquor Acts, 1912 to 1941 _(3

May, 7 June, 5 July, and 12 July, 194<J). Balance-sheet of the Union Trustee Coy. of

Australia Ltd. Proclamation under the Health Acts, ] 9cll

to 1945 ( 19 April, 1945).

Regulations under-The Aboriginals Preservati~n and Pru­

tection Act of 1939 (19 Apnl, 1945). The Health Acts, 1937 to 1945 (Method

of Testing Soluble Lead in Paint). The Health Acts, 1937 to 1945 (Vene­

real Diseases Regulations). The Health Acts, 1937 to 1945 (7 .June,

1945). The Hospitals Acts, 1936 to 1944 (:!4

:\fay (2), and 14 June, 1945). The Mental Hygiene Act of 19::\8 (B

August, 1945).

Orders in Council under-'rhe Backward Persons Act of 19:18 (1B

April, 1945). The Health Acts, 1937 to 194;; ( 19

July, 1945).

Address in Reply. [14 AUGUST.) Address in Reply. 9

Orders in Council under-

'rhe Fauna Protection Act of 1937 (26 April, 1945).

The Primary Producers' Organisation :md Marketing Acts, 1926 to 1941 (3 May, 10 May, and 28 June, 1945).

The Sugar Experiment Stations Acts, 1900 to 1941 (May 10, 1945).

Regulations under-The Fruit Marketing Organisation

Acts, 1923 to 1941 (March 15 and June 28, 1945).

The Primary Producers' Organisation and Marketing Acts, 1926 to 1941 (March 15, June 14, and August 2, 1945).

1:-ltatute to amend further the Statutes of the Unive·rsity of Queensland.

Order in Council relating to the Constitu­tion of the University Scholarships Board and the appointment of members thereof.

Order in Council under the ATchitects Act of 1928 (26 April, 1945).

OPPOSITION WHIP.

~\.PPOJ:STMENT Ol!' MR. .J AMES BRAIDWOOD EDWARDS.

Mr. NICKLIN (Murrumba-Leader of the Opposition) (2.34 p.m.): Mr. Speaker, I desiTe to inform the House that Mr. .J ames B:raidwood Edwards, the hon. member for Nanango, has been appointed Opposition 'Wl:lip.

GOVERNOR'S OPENING SPEECH.

Mr. SPEAKER: I have to report that His Excellency the Governor this day delivered to Parliament an Opening Speech of which, for greater accuracy, I have obtained a copy. I presume hon. members will take this Speech as read~

Hon. "1Iembers: Hear, hear!

ADDRESS IN REPLY.

OPENING DAY.

Mr. TAYLOR (Maranoa) (2.35 p.m.), who was reeeived with che·ers, said: I move-

'' That the fo'llowin,g Address be pre­sentew to the Governor in reply to the Speeeh delivered by His Excellency in Hpening this the Second Session of the Thirtieth Parliament of Queensland:-"May it please Your Excellency-

" We, His Majesty's loyal and dutiful subjects, the members of the Legislature of Queensland, in Parliament assembled, desire to assure Your Excellency of our continued loyalty and affection towards the Throne and Person 'Of Our Most Gra'cious Sovereign, and to tender our thanks to Your Excellency for the Speech with which you have been pleased to open the present S€ssion.

'',we join with Your Excellency in expressing our gratitude to the men and women of our fighting services for their great and successful efforts, to our Alliea

for their part in all theatres of war, and ,,-e express our sincere sympathy to the bereaved. We received with great joy the news of the successful atta.ck on Nazi Germany and we were heartened by the success of the United Nations in forcing the unconditional surrender of the Germans.

"In expressing our appreciation of this feat of arms we note with pleasure the magnificent combination of United Nations forces in the Pacific theatre in which Queenslanders have taken a noble part and which has brought peace overtures from Japan. We trust in the light of the successes achieved by our forces that soon we shall have news of complete victory and peace in the Pacific and continued pea'ce for the world.

"We learn with much regret of Your Excellency's impending retirement from your high office as Governor of Queensland, and assure you and Lady Wilson of our warm appreciation of the valuable services which you have at all times rendered to the State and its citizens.

''The various measures to which Your Excellency has referred, and all other matters that may be brought before us, will receive our most careful consideration, and it shall be our earnest endeavour so to deal with them that our labours may tend to the advancement ancl prosperity of the State." At the outset of this, the first Speech

moved at the opening of this the second session of the thirtieth Parliament of Queensland, I wish to express my pleasure. at having had the honour and the opportumty given to me of moving this important motion. I am sure all hon. members agree that the speech delivered by His Excellency Sir LesliG vVilson this morning was an excellent one. I am confident that the business mentioned in it will receive very careful consideration.

I take this opportunity of expressing to Sir Leslie Wilson a'nd Lady Wilson the sonow of the people of Queensland in the fact that shortly they are to lose their Excellencies. In a few months they will be returning to England after having spent many years in Queensland. During the time they have been here they have endeared themselves to the whole of the people and, although we know they are anxious to return to their homeland, we are sorry that we are about to lose them.

I feel that I must congratulate you, Sir, on the excellent manner in which you have carried out your duties as Speaker of this Assembly.

Hon. Members: Hear, Hear!

Mr. TAYLOR: You have shown firmness when necessary and leniency when the occa­sion has arisen. Again, Sir, I assure you­and I feel that I am speaking for all hon. members now-that you are doing an excel­lent job both inside this Chamber and in controlling the affairs of the House generally.

To the members of the Cabinet, I wish to offer my congratulations for the efficient manner in which they have attended to the

10 Address in Reply. [ASSEMBLY.] Address in Reply.

affairs of their respective departments. While I have not always received what I have ,asked for, they have been very helpful in their assistance and advice.

I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without making some reference to the reported surrender of the Japanese forces. This is probably the most welcome news ever :flashed to the world, and I am sure that Australia and the Australian people have played their part magnificently in bringing this war to a victorious conclusion. We are now looking forward to the return of the men and women of the fighting forces so that they may settle down in their former occupations;

It is my duty also to refer to the death of John Curtin, late Prime Minister of Aus­tralia. All hon. members will agree with me when I say that John Curtin took on the job of leader of this country in the darkest hour Australia has ever experienced, and he came through a tough job with flying colours. Australia, I am sure, will not forget his efforts during those terrible years. This country, and in fact the whole world, has lost a splendid statesman, and I am sure his name will be placed alongside those of the world's greatest men.

Repr€senting a country electorate as I do, I am very much concerned at the deal that has been given to the people of the outback areas. I say emphatically, 8ir, that in the past the people who have produced the greatest amount of wealth for this or any other Government have, had the worst deal of any section of the community. I have travelled the outback parts of this State and claim to know the difficulties forced on those people, despite the fact that they are producing the greatest proportion of the cities' wealth. In order that this State may prosper, it will be necessary to give much more consideration to the producers and the employees in the outback areas in the way of improved social benefits and the ordinary amenities of life. r fully realise that it is not possible to give to those people the same social conditions and ~menities as are enjoyed by the city dwellers.

'rhey must, however, have a fairer share of these amenities in the future. Of course, it will be oll!e of my responsibilities, along with my colleagues representing country districts, to see that there is this fairer distri­bution and that living conditions there are, made mor•e attractive. This can be achieved in part by better housing, cheaper railway fares and freights, and a quicker and more comfortable means of transport. Of course, I acknowledge the fact that during the war years it has not been possible to do these things, but when peace is restore;d these people of the outback should be allowed to enjoy some of the benefits I have mentioned. I believe also that the children of the out­back should have the same opportunities as those afforded to the children in the more settled parts of the State. Then, and then only, shall we have a happy and contented people in country districts. I know that the Gov,ernment are well aware of all these problems and I am confident that attention will be given to them in the near future.

I realised the importance of the Maranoa district as part of the State even before my entry into this Chamber, but I am now even more convinced of the possibilities of this highly productive part of the State. The people there only need some encouragement, guidance and assistance to ,enable them to make this district the most highly productive part of Queensland. Probably some of the finest beer cattle produced in Queenslall{1 come from there, as well as a large quantity ,,p wo0l, T 0"1 p0t;sfk~" thnf with irrigation the production of the district could be increased, and I am glad to know that the establishment of irrigation schemes is now l'eceiving the sympathetic consideration of the Government. I am told on the most relliable authority that the best wheat is grown at Hodsdon and Mt. Abundance, but J have every reason to believe that in the near future when conditions become normB' and the people on the land are able to get adequate labour and machinery, even gl'eater things can be expected of this district. Citrus fruits and grapes can be grown in almost any part of the electorate, and their quality is the best that can be produced in the State. When conditions become normal and transport facilities improve, I am sure that this industry will expand.

The importance that the Government attach to the Maranoa district is indicated by the assistance already extended to Dirranbandi in the way of a water supply for that town.

Today that has become a possibility and in the very near future I am sure that it will begin and the people of Dirranbandi and the surrounding area will have an ade­quate supply not only for household use but for irrigation also. Consid0ration has also been given by the Government to a pro­posal to set aside an area of land in that district to assist those people to obtain fresh milk for their children, which all will agree is necessary. I have every reason to believe that these projects will be accomplished in the very near future.

As I travel round the Maranoa electorate I am more than 0ver convinced that given the necessary help from the Government its people can produce sufficient fodd0r to feed the whole of the stock in the south-western part of the State should that occasion arise. I should also like to make the point that if the rivers from Mitchell to Dirranbandi and from Surat to Dirranbandi were harnessed by weirs it would be possible to grow sufficient fodder to feed probably all the stock in the southern part of Que0nsland. The land within those limits is highly productive and with th0 application of water will grow almost everything. That section of my elec­torate is particularly well served with rivers and streams that could be readily harnessed for such projects. I am pl0ased to be able to say that quite a number of them are now under consideration. If when those facilities are made available land-holders show that they are not willing to bring their land up to its full productive capacity, I agree that it should be given to those who can make better use of it.

Address in Reply. [14 AuausT.] Address in Reply. ll

ln conclusion, I feel that the legislation to be placed before ParliamBnt in the present ~ession will be highly beneficial to the people as a whole and that it will not bB enacted t•ntil it has been fully debated. I have much plBasure in placing the motion before hon. members.

lion. Members: Hear, Hear!

Mr. HILTON (Carnarvon) (2.49 p.m.), who was received with ch-aers, said: Mr. ?peakBr, it affords me very great. pleasure mdeed to second the motion so earnestly :md ably moved by tho hon. nF,mber for Maranoa. I wish to associate myself with ~he sentiments contained in the motion, firstly m regard to the very momentous times we "re living in. Of course I Tefer to 'he impending news of peace which we all :n·dcntly bope for and which we have all prayed and striven fo.r in the past six yeaTs. The fact that peace rs close at hand brings us renewed hope to grapple with the many problems that confront us. I feel that I am -.·oicing the sentiments of all members when I say that we are very thankful indeed, that we echo the expressions in His Excel­hmcy 's Speech of gratitude to Divine Provi­dence for the \vay we have survived the great "orlcl war.

I wish particularly to associate myself with the sentiments of the hon. member for Mara­noa. in regard to His Excellency's departure from this State. After many long years of faithful service in his high office he will in the near future take his departure from Queensland. I think all members have a 'ery full appreciation of the sterling work he has done for this State. They have happy recollections of the numerous occasions on which they have been associated individually :mc1 collectively with His Excellency; and because of those ma.ny and happy associa­tions I feel again that I am voicing the sentiments of all members when I say that we wish His Excellency a.ll that is best in the years to come.

Hon. Members: Hear, Hear!

WhBn we ta.ke stock of the position that I'Onfronts this State, the Commonwealth, and the whole world, we realise that we are called together to dea.l with problems greater than :my we have had to deal with in the pa.st, problems that ca.ll for the utmost wisdom we ran bring to bear upon them. Taking stork of the situation, I honestly and sin­cerely Bxpress the opinion tha.t it is fortunate that the Government of this State and most of thB other States and of the Common­wealth are composed of men who are possessed of the right political philosophy and sub­scribe to political principles that, wisBly used, are undoubtedly calculated to enable men to successfully grapple with the problems to wl1ich I referred. It is, I repeat, fortunate indeed that we ha.ve in Australia Govern­ments who are prepared to take bold but necessary measures to deal with the ma.in problems that confront us.

I rBalise that constitutionally there are great difficulties ahead of us. By that I

mean that there is a lack of constitutional powers possessed by the Commonwealth Government in some respects, that there are gaps in our Constitution that prevent a ready grappling with thosB problems. I hope, how­ever, seeing that the necessary powers were not granted to the Commonwealth GovBrn­ment at the referendum, that at the Barliest possible date there will be a constitutional convention and tha.t a.s speedily as possible both the Commonwealth and State Govern­ments will get down to bedrock a.nd decide their respective powers a.nd spheres of influence, and put forth a. policy that will be permanent and enduring and that will enable those problems to be tackled in a practical and efficient way. The uncertainty that prevails is a handicap in grappling with various situations. I hope that this con­stitutional convention will be held as early as possible and that the States and the Com­monwealth will have their respective powers clearly defined, a.nd that both will set about as early as possible dealing with the com­plex problems that call for attention.

I do not intBnd to go into detail a.s I realise that a. conference is pending in regard to powers that the Commonwealth Govern­ment desire to exercise for a period after the war and I do not know what the outcome of that conferenc€1 is likely to be, but I draw attention to a specific problem that I hop'e will be satisfactorily resolved, that of price­fixation. It was with pleasme that I heard a notice of motion on this matter being given for the first Private Members' Day and at this stage I will not anticipate the argument that may be used on it. There are many a.spBcts of it that call for attention and many a.rgumBnts that may be adduced and it is a very important matter inasmuch as it is bound to have a great effect on the economic position of our people. Whether the Common­wealth Government retain the powers they now exercise or not, I hope a more effective policy of policing price-fixation will be adopted, and if the Commonwealth Govern­mBnt re1tains their powers in that direction they delegate to the States the power neces­sary to effectiv,ely police it, especially a.s to foodstuffs. There has been great dissatisfac­tion in this respect for a long time. Many of the items greatly affecting the housewife's budget are not taken into consideration in the fixation of wages and they should be; and consequently there must be effective control of the prices of them.

I now wish to touch on one aspect of the big problem confronting all serious and decent-minded citizens at present. If our expressions of gratitude to the men in the fighting services mean anything we must as early as possible set about the great task of rehabilitating these men and women and restoring them to prosperous and permanent positions in our community. I propose this afternoon merely to ma.ke some observation on the policy of soldier la.nd settlement. Much comment has been made at various public meetings and much has been written in the metropolitan Press on this subject and it appears to me tha.t a campaign has been launched to cause undue haste in dealing with

12 Address in Reply. [ASSEMBLY.] Address in Reply.

this very important matter. I am as anxious as anybody else that soldier land settlement should be carried out as expeditiously and satisfactorily as possible but having in mind the great disaster that befell many such settlements after the last war and the problems associat·ed with this very important question I think that we must move very cautiously indeed. There should not be undue delay but the very nature of the problems associated with the question demand that we proceed very cautiously.

One aspect of it is that in all faimess every service man desirous of entering primary pursuits who has the necessary quali­fications should have equal opportunity with his fellow service men of acquiring any land offering for that purpose. We know that only a limited amount of land is available and at this stage we cannot determine how much there will be allotted or how many soldiers will be settled on it, but in all fair­ness to those men who want to earn a liveli­hood in this way we must see to it that each and all are able to compete for it. If soldier settlement is proceeded with in haste and put under way immediately I readily fore­see that many men will be deprived of oppor­tunities in that direction.

Another aspect of the matter that calls for careful consideration is the pursuits that these men are going to follow when they are settled on the land.

Mr. CL'lyton: That is a big question.

:l'Ir. HILTON: It is a very big question indeed. There is no doubt that for a few years there will be a big demand for most of our primary products, but is the wave of prosperity that this demand will cause going to continue 1 We have only to recall the posi­tion that existed in the wheat-growing indus­try at the outbreak of war when the price of wheat was at a record low level and when there was in the world the greatest accumu­lation of the grain the world had ever known and we at once become doubtful about the answers to the question. We must also take into consideration the fact that at the present time there are enormous stocks of wool on hand and there is also the possibility of future competition from synthetic fibres. Again, we do not know what competition the dairying industry will have to meet from the European butter-producing countries, nor do we know what competition will come from margarine, the production of which has of necessity increased during war years. Since the war began Great Britain has increased her self-sufficiency in the production of food­stuffs from 30 per cent. to 90 per cent., and we are reliably informed that in future she will produce at least 60 per cent. of her own food requirements. When we take these factors into consideration we realise how essential it is to be extremely careful about putting men on the land to produce, for instance, wool that they may not be able to sell and the price for which may fall to a disastrously low level in post-war years or butter that we may find it hard to sell; and, above all, the wheat position must be looked at very closely indeed. There is even the

question of applying to wheat growing, so far as Queensland is concerned, the system of assignments to grow it. These have been waived in recent years, but if in future we grow again the great surplus of wheat that was produced in this country in pre-war years then very certainly we must have a policy of assignments of wheat-growing land. There­fore, when we speak about soldier settlement we must examine the industries that afford the greatest immediate scope for that work, and, better still, we must look to providing ,omn~ permanent economic security for the soldier.

I have given some thought to tlJ.is subject, and, as I see the position, there are three primary industries in which we could s·ettle soldiers immediately. I refer to tobacco­growing, the production of fodder for conservation, and the growing of deciduous and other fruits. I will refer first to the growing and conservation of fodder to combat the ravages of drought. I hav·e spoken on this matter on previous occasions in this Assembly, and because I realise the sound possibilities offered in this direction for soldier settlement, I speak of it again today. We read in the Press recently of the great ravages of the recent disastrous drought in the crops of this great Commonwealth.

We read from time to time of the great economic losses suffered by the pirmary pro­ducers because of drought, and although that position has arisen frequently since this country was first settled no concerted and definite policy has ever been formulated to overcome it. I realise that perhaps it is impossible to grow enough fodder at an economic cost to save all our herds and flocks, or even a substantial proportion of them, in a bad drought, but I do think we can greatly obviate its ravages. I believe that by legislation and planning we ean offset the effects of droughts and reduce the great loss that Australia and' its primary producers suffer year aft·er year. I believe that with the formulation of a wise policy we can effectively settle many men on the land. Before we do, however, I repeat that we should set up some constitutional authority to handle this ques­tion. I believe legislation should be brought down creating trusts for the purpose of seeing that fodder is grown and conserved and stored in strategic areas.

Mr. Clayton: Water conservation also would be neeessa'ry.

Mr. HILT ON: The two -schemes would go hand in hand. There is an old saying that what is everybody's business is nobody's business, and from my observations not many primary producers will undertake fodder con­servation in a big way. In fact, many of them are not financially capable of doing it. I think this is something that has to be handled collectively. If that is so, the only way to do it is to create trusts and give them statutory authority. They could be com­posed of men experienced in these matters, and I believe that many citizens of this State would be very willing to serve in such a capacity. If regional trusts were created a'nd statutory authority was given to them they

Address in Reply. [14 AUGUST.] Address in Reply.

could enter into contracts with men who had land suitable for fodder-growing for the produ<ltion of lucerne at a: fixed price that would be economic to the grower and to the purchaser. I realise the great variations in soils and climate throughout Queensland. A policy that may be sound in one area may not be sound in another. That is ·why there should be regional trusts each comprising men who know their own loca:Iity and who can tackle such a question effectively.

The hon. member for Wide Bay referred to water conservation. That will come, and I hope to say something about that important matter later on. In my own electorate great areas of land are suitable for lucerne-growing. It is not a·n over-estimate to say that ·with irrigation six or seven ·cuttings a year could be made on thousands of a·cres. Nor would it be over-estimating to say that the yield of lucerne per acre would normally be 5 tons a year. In times of drought lucerne is sold at from £8 ta £12 a ton and over. Of course, that is not an ·economic price at which to buy lucerne for starving stock, but if it was grow11 under contract in good seasons, I think a gt·ower could make a good thing out o·f it at £4 or £5 a ton with irrigation. The average yield per acre per year would ba about fi tons.

lllr. Brand: Is that chaff or hay?

Mr. HILTO N: I am referring to hay. At £5 a ton it would yield approximately £25 an acrB a year. This in conjunction ;rith tobacco-gro>>ing and other forms of primary production, would enable men to settle success­fully on reasonably small irrigation area·s, and makB a very handsome living; and it would further a policy that would be of immense advantage to the economic stability of the State in that it would greatly offset the ravages of drought.

However, I am not happy in lmving to say that the tobacco industry in Queensland is in a vel'y pm·lous condition indeed. I have no desire to traverse the history of the indtJRtry in Queensland and shall content myself with saying that a generation a·go the industry :fl.omishcd in the Texas district and that the leaf was even maunfa.ctnrerl into the finished article there. Both the leaf and !he manufactured article \Yere sent to ir.ternational exhibitions and won first prize on more than one occa'sion. However, for some reason, well known I believe to us all, the industry declined, although later on it revived and rea'ched the high road of pros­perity, until it \Yas again blighted, this time by an alteration in the tariff at the hands of the Tory Commonwealth Government. That \Yas in 1932 and that Government, realising the gross injustice they had done to tl1e indus­try, modified their policy to a certain extent and the industry again began to come to the front, bnt unfortunately at the present time, owing I think mainly to tlte very bad control and direction of the Commonwealth Tobacco Board, the industry is again seriously declining and should the present position continue Queensland once again will find itself without a tobacco industry. That is a very serious statement to make but I 1wve very sound reasons for making it. As hon. mem­bers well know, I represent a part of the

State in which a considerable part of thl' State's tobacco supply is grown, an area in which it can be gt·own very suc<¥Jssfu11y indeed. During the past 10 years I have wit· nessed the endeavoms of many of the tobacco­growers to make good. I have seen them struggle virtually from positions of bank­ruptcy to a stage where they became fairly prosperous, only to see them suffer other set­backs. Of recent times I have seen manv of them go out of tobacco-growing with th~' firm resolve never to be associated with it again.

Naturally, I a·m very interested in the indus­try and I have gone to the trouble of ascertaining the yields in Queensland sinee 1939. 'l'hese figures, supplied to me officially, revealed an alarming position. I know that there are other factors in the decline, of which I shall speak later. Here are the figureH :-

Year. Acres. Yield. Gros,; Value.

--------Lb. £

1939 3,653 2,094,261 192,672 1940 4,402 2,596,157 295,002 1941 4,420 2,327,684 279,73fi 1942 4,034 2,884,055 373,130 1943 2,348 1,779,232 232,4l:l 1944 1,862 1,312,208 Not yet

available

Mr. JUacdonald: That was due to stress of war.

:J)Ir. HILT ON: I readily admit that to a. certain extent, but apart from stress of war and apart from difficulties of man-power many growers have ceased to grow tobacco because, to put it in simple terms, they think they are being robbed.

ilir. Healy: By the big monopolist.

~Ir. HILT ON: I propose to give some evidence of a statement made to me by one grower on this matter, which is the opinion expressed to me by a number of other growers. I propose to read a letter which a certain man, a reputable citizen, handed to me showing certain results of his tobacco crop for the 1944 season. This grower gave me the letter, saying, "You have full liberty to use this letter in any way you think fit and also to use my name if you wish.'' This letter is written by Mr. J. H. Meek, who has a tobacco farm in the 'rexas district, is dated 25 Sep­tember 1944, and reads-

" vVe have to acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated the 24th instant, and in reply we have to advise that of the bales mentioned the following conditions, under the Australian Tobacco Board regulations, apply:-

'' Bale 18: ordered out for repacking­must be handled here and placed on the Floor for re-appraisal.

"Bale 7: comprising Green leaf, which needs to be regraded and the immature green section removed. This bale may be railed to you should it be your wish to have this, which is the only one we are in a posi­tion to return to you. We enclose copy of the Board's Regulation covering this h3le of Greens.

Address in Reply. [ASSEMBLY.] Address in Reply.

''The other seven bales: comprise rejected leaf. This has no commercial value and we quote the Australian Tobacco Board regulation covering this leaf:

''At any time within fourteen days after receipt of a notification that any leaf has b~en classifi~d a~ unusable, the grower may g1ve such duechon to the licensed Broker having the custody of the, leaf as to its disposal as he thinks fit, and the broker ~hall, at ~he cost of the grower, dispose of 1t accordmgly, but shall first render it impossible for the leaf to be used in the manufacture of tobacco, cigarettes or cigars by treating it by one of the methods pre­scribed by paragraph (b) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 29 of the Excise Regula· tions 1925 (as amended).

''This refers to kerosene or other dena-turing substance. '

''We should be glad if you would advise us of your wishes, we assume that it is not likely you would desire to incur the expense of denaturing this leaf seeing that it would he rendered unfit for use.''

''Yours faithfully, ''C. S. Abercrombie,

' 'Managing Director. ''

'!'hat gentleman told me that the leaf com· prised in those seven bales was leaf of good quality and that he has no redress in the matter whatsoever. There is no appeal from an appraisal. As a matter of fact I have been informed by other growers whose le'lf was. rejecte? . in this way that they wer'3 ;lemed adrmsswn to the appraisal rooms to mspect the leaf. I have received similar complaints fro'!n many other growers in my electorate. I understand that the ~a,me position obtains so far as growers in the northern part of Queensland are con· cerned. It is extraordinary that growers should be deprived of the right to go on the appraisal floor and inspect their leaf that has been rejected. The rejections of recent years have been astonishing. Growers who have been in the industry for many years never suff~red in this way in the past. Whilst I realise that there are two sides to a,ny argu­me~t. or any dispute, I believe the present pos1hon calls for some investigation.

I regret ':l'l'Y much that the growers rejected the formatiOn of a State Tobacco Board not many years ago. The present board, which was created by the Commonwealth Govern­ment, has not been elected democratically. The growers are in a minority on it. I ven­ture the opinion that until there are State boards, on which the growers will form the majority of members, and until there is a Federal council on which the growers will predominate, we shall have a repetition of the unsatisfactory and sorry business that has existed in the tobacco industry through· out Australia.

Mr. Plunwett: You favour the producers having a majority on those boards~

:Mr. HILTON: Very strongly. The pro­posal put forward by this Government was

a proposal along those lines. I know that certain vested interests canvassed some of the aliens who were growing tobacco in parts of Queensland, and because those people did not have a proper understanding of what they were voting for they were influenced to vote against the formation of a tobacc.o board. I think many men who worked for the defeat of that suggestion have· been sorry ever since. Knowing that this industry is capable of expansion, I believe it will employ many returned soldiers if they receive the necessary training in tobacco-growing. Realising that it is of great economic value, and knowing the dissatisfaction that exists, and in view of the statements made by men that they are being robbed, I think definite action should be taken to clarify the position. The Corn· monwealth Government appointed a commit­tee of inquiry some months ago that travelled through parts of Queensland; but so far as I can ascertain its report has not been sub· mitted to the State Government or to any responsible body in this State. In 1942 the Hon. W. J. Scully, Commonwealth Minister for Agriculture and Commerce, visited the Texas district, and he expressed the opinion, after making an inspection, that it would become the Virginia of Queensland. I should like him to pay another visit there at the present time; he would see that his expecta­tions have not been realised; on the contrary, that there is a serious downward trend.

With all the earnestness I can command, I make the suggestion that the State Govern· ment should appoint a commission-a Royal Commission, if possible-to investigate the position in this State. I repeat, that because of the unwarranted decline in the industry and because of the statements made to me by the growers, in many instances they are being robbed of their rights.

lUr. Plunkett: Does some of that tobacco leaf go to cigarette manufacture~

Mr. HILT ON: I am not in a position to say. I have uot seen any of the tobacco that has been rejected. I have seen samples of very good leaf that I was told was similar to what was rejected.

Mr. Macdonald: That is the home of Referee tobacco.

])lr. RILTON: No, it is not. If the hon. member lmew the industrv as I know it he would realise that tobac~O' growing in this district can return £100 per acre. I think it is deplorable that the present position should obtain.

A Government Itlember: Vested interests!

.IUr. HILTON: Of course, that is the answer to the question, and unless the light of day is thrown on this matter and these unfortunate happenings that people say are associated with the industry are cleared up we shall not get anywhere. I repeat that I earnestly recommend to the State Government that they take early action to have full inves­tigation made into the tobacco-growing industry_

Special Adjournment. [14 AUGUST.)

I wish to make brief reference in the limited time at my disposal to water conservation. I listened with great interest to the remarks made by His Excellency on this important matter. It is, as I said a few moments ago, associated with fodder conservation. I was especially pleased to hear the reference to impending legislation to ratify the agree­ment reached between Queensland and New South W.ales for the utilisation of the waters of the border stream. A superficial examina­tion discloses an area of 70,000 acres awaiting closer settlement.

llir. Walsll: There is some of the finest land in Queensland there.

Mr. HILT ON: That is so. The variety of products to be garnered from the soil there is very great a'nd I repeat that thou­sands of people will greet the news of this impending legislation with great satisfaction. We earnestly look forward to an early com­mencement of the big scheme of water conser­vation and irrigation in that area. I referred to this scheme time and time again in this Assembly and must repeat that I believe it is one of the pTOjects that could be begun with the greatest amount of confidence at the earliest possible opportunity.

Briefly again I wish to refer to another item of the Governor's Speech, that of obtain­ing the services of a cannery expert to inves­tigate the canning of Queensland fruits. Fruit-growing is another industry with reason­able room for expansion in soldier settlement. An efficient canning works should be estab­lished to deal with surpluses in good years so that the economies of the industry will not be haphazard. The Granite Belt is the only deciduous fruit district in this State and great expansion can be made if a emming works is established in that region. Of course the large amount of capital needed for such a venture would require the cannery working almost continuously to make it a profitable undertaking, but as such an organisation would be of great assistance in expanding the industry and thus giving employment to a greater number of people in secondary industry, it should be subsidised by either the Federal or State Government to ensure that the capital outlay involved would not be too great for it to carry.

('rime expired.)

Debate, on motion of Mr. Nicklin, adjourned.

SPECIAL ADJ,OUR.:NMENT.

Hon. E. lii. HANLON (Ithaca-Acting Premier) : I move-

'' That the House, at its rising, do adjourn until 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.''

Motion agreed to.

The House adjourned at 3.38 p.m.

Victory of United Nations. 15