1945-02-21 17 3 1 SENATE 5 0 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. Third Session nf % Seventeenth Parliament. (First Period.) The Senate and the House of Representatives, on the 1st December, 1944, adjourned to a date and hour to be fixed by the President and Mr. Speaker respectively. By proclamation, the Parliament was prorogued by His Royal Highness the Governor-General on the 8th February, 1945, until the 21st February, 1945. The Third Session commenced on that day. Senate. 1945-02-21 5 proclamations The Senate met at 3 p.m., pursuant to the proclamation of His Royal Highness the Governor-General. The President (Senator the Hon. Gordon Brown) took the chair. The Clerk read the proclamation. 5 miscellaneous 5 miscellaneous GOVERNOR-GENERAL entered the chamber, and, being seated, with the President on his right hand, commanded that a message be sent to the House of Representatives intimating that he desired the attendance of honorable members in the Senate Chamber forthwith, who being come, with their Speaker, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS was pleased to deliver the following speech : - Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives: You have been called together to deliberate upon matters of importance to the well-being of the Commonwealth. I take this opportunity of expressing my pleasure that His Majesty graciously has appointed me to be Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Commonwealth of Australia. I hope that the period of my office will see the termination- of the dreadful struggle in Europe and in the Pacific. I am eager to renew my association with the Australian people and to learn much of Australia and her institutions while I am here. The war in Europe is moving to its climax. In the East and in the West the forces of the United Nations are steadily closing in on Germany. The armies of our great Russian ally, in operations on an unparalleled scale, have breached the Eastern defences of Germany and have thrust forward in a spectacular advance to within measurable distance of Berlin. On a wide front, they have also pushed deeply into Silesia, which, with its armament and industrial capacity, is an area . of crucial importance to Germany. In the North, Soviet Armies have penetrated to the Baltic Sea and have isolated the considerable German forces in East Prussia. On the Western Front the Allied Forces have resumed the offensive after their decisive defeat of the German counter-attack in December and January. Strong attacks have been launched along the Siegfried Line and the German defences have been penetrated in many sectors. PresidentRoosevelt, Marshal Stalin and Mr. Churchill have announced complete agreement for joint military operations in the final phase of the war with Nazi Germany. The detailed plans to achieve this are now being worked out by the Military Staffs of the three Governments. The outstanding event in the Pacific theatrehas been the capture of Manila by American Forces under the command of General Mac Arthur. The fall of Manila, as General MacArthur states, " marks the end of one great phase of the Pacific "struggle and sets the stage for another ". The brilliant campaign in the Philippines is the culmination of a series of great military victories that have characterized General MacArthur's offensive in the South-West Pacific Area. These successes are eloquent testimony of the soundness of his strategy in amphibious operations in island warfare. The by-passed enemy forces are formidable, and much remains to be done before they are finally liquidated. As has already been announced, Australian Forces have taken over from the Americans in the Solomons. New Britain and British New Guinea. The successes achieved on land in the Philippines are equalled . by the decisive defeats which have been inflicted on the Japanese Naval Forces in the Pacific, In a series of brilliant naval and air victories, the enemy's attempts to frustrate the Allied landings in the Philippines were completely defeated and the Japanese Fleet has been driven back to home waters. Command of the sea rests with the Allies, who also have absolute air superiority from carrier and land-based aircraft. With the establishment of air and naval bases in the Philippines, Japanese communications through the China Sea will become precarious. When the British Pacific Fleet is deployed, the combined naval strength of the United Nations will be overwhelming. In South-East Asia steady headway is being made in the offensive operations against the Japanese in Burma. A series of amphibious landings has been made by Allied Forces on the coast of Burma, while inland Allied Forces are continuing to make good progress in their advance . towards Mandalay. A notable event was the recent re-opening of the land route to China from Assam to Chungking, which is of great importance as a source of supply to China. Whilst military victory against our enemies can no longer be doubted, it would be foolish to expect that either the Germans or the Japanese will give in easily. It has been estimated by Mr. Churchill that it will take eighteen months to defeat Japan after the war in Europe has been won. It is evident that a great task lies ahead and the call is for willing and unselfish service until final victory has been achieved. It is fitting that I should refer to the effort which Australia has recorded on the Fighting Front and on the Home Front. TheRoyal Australian Navy has operated on all the oceans of the world, where it has built up a tradition in keeping with its earlier record and that of the Royal Navy. In the South- West Pacific, Australian naval units operating under United States control have participated ia practically every amphibious operation since the tide of war turned. Their work in the recent operations for the re-occupation of the Philippines has been outstanding. The Australian Army in this War, like its counterpart in the First World War, has a high record of achievement. The Second Australian Imperial Force of four divisions and ancillary troops fought overseas from the beginning of operations in Africa, Greece, Syria and Malaya. From 1942 to 1944, the Australian Army has played an outstanding part in the defeat of Japan's plans for conquest in the South- West Pacific Area and its striking force is now poised for further operations against the enemy. The Royal Australian Air Force lias participated in operations with the Royal Air Force throughout the European theatre of war, in the Middle East, Burma and in the South-West Pacific Area. In the South-West Pacific the Royal Australian Air Force has operated in close collaboration with the American Air Forces, and in all the phases of the Allied advance to the Philippines it has carried out the tasks assigned to it in a highly efficient manner. Australia's effort on the Home Front is a noteworthy one. Diversions of man-power and woman-power to the war effort have been made to the limits of her capacity. Australia has provided munitions of war, ships, aircraft and supplies of all kinds for the Fighting Forces. She has contributed in full measure to the needs of the Allied Forces in the Pacific and she has accepted substantial new commitments for the provision of base facilities for the British Pacific Fleet. She has also maintained the supply of large quantities of food for Great Britain. All this has imposed a severe strain on Australian economic, industrial and man-power resources and has involved sacrifices and burdens for the civil population. Nevertheless the willing endurance of these sacrifices is the most effective manner of shortening the struggle and ensuring the earliest possible return to more normal conditions of life through the earliest possible victory. The cost of war in terms of money has to be met, and very shortly our citizens will be called on to fill a loan of £100,000,000. My Minister for Trade and" Customs (Senator Keane) has recently visited the United States and Canada for important discussions on matters relating to the procurement of war supplies from North America. Arrangements have been made for the continuation of full-scale Lend-Lease aid to Australia, arid my Government, on its part, has undertaken to maintain a full measure of Reciprocal Aid to the United States Forces. Early in the present session, Senator Keane will present a statement to you on the results of his mission. Australia's role in Allied strategy has called for a major effort in the feeding of the armies of liberation. Australia has had to care for civilians; maintain food supplies to Britain; feed Australian, United States and other Allied services in the Pacific; provide for powerful units of the British Navy; supplement supplies to British and Allied forces in Burma, Italy and the Middle East and meet urgent requirements in Ceylon, India and the Pacific Islands. Australia's annual expenditure on food for the services now exceeds £100,000,000, or more than the total Commonwealth revenue in the pre-war year. This task could not have been performed but for the whole-hearted co-operation given by the farmers, food and transport workers, technicians and consumers. Unhappily, many areas of Australia have been laid waste by drought. Crops have failed and fodder reserves depleted to a dangerous level. For the first time since 1914, the Commonwealth is importing grains. It is my fervent prayer that rain will soon relieve the gallant men and women of the stricken areas. In the meantime, my Government is doing all possible to alleviate the position. The heavy demands in recent mon ths on Australia's shipping resources and port facilities have been accentuated by the need to provide for the requirements of British naval forces now stationed in Australian waters. Special measures have been taken to meet the position, as a result of which shipping arrangements are proceeding smoothly. The serious drought position has resulted in increased calls on shipping. Not only must the usual seasonal needs for the interstate carriage of foodstuffs and produce be met, but provision must be made for the carriage of large quantities of wheat, chaff and other fodder to South Australian, Victorian and New South Wales ports. These demands are in addition to the calls on Australian ships for the carriage of supplies to operational areas and for the movement of raw materials and other essential supplies between Australian ports. The critical position of Australian shipping coincides with an overall pres sure on tonnage as a result of the requirements of the Eastern and Western theatres of war and of liberated countries. The British Minister for War Transport, Lord Leathers, in a recent message, stated that it was as urgent as at any moment during the war to exercise the most stringent economy in the use of shipping. It is unlikely, therefore, that the Commonwealth can expect any great increase in help from the United Nations' pool of shipping. It is anticipated nevertheless that by careful planning and with the co-operation not only of officers and crews, but also of those responsible for the loading, discharging and repairing of ships, it will be possible to meet all these demands. The tightening tonnage position emphasizes the need for all concerned to make the greatest possible effort to speed the despatch of vessels and to eliminate all avoidable causes of delay. The Commonwealth is now reaping the benefit of the merchant shipbuilding programme. To date seven of the 9,000- tonRiver class cargo steamers have been delivered and are in commission, and the remainder of the ships of this class, it is expected, will be delivered by February, 1946. These modern vessels have been of great assistance in the carriage of cargoes round the Australian coast, to operational areas and to overseas countries. Arrangements have been made with the Australian Shipbuilding Board for the construction of a number of smaller vessels for coastal trading and the first of these is expected to be launched in a few months' time, and arrangements for the construction of 4,000-ton and 6,000-ton vessels are also well under way. In the external relations of Australia the Government is contributing actively to the organization of the postwar world order. The two-fold objectives of this are security from aggression and economic and social security. My Government will continue to conduct external policy on constructive and positive lines, securing for Australia a status and voice commensurate with the country's exertions in the cause of the United Nations. As one important means to this end, Australian diplomatic representation abroad has 'been extended to France and South America, and it is hoped to in make further extensions. An essential condition of post-war security is general economic welfare. An immense task of world rehabilitation has to be faced when hostilities end, and Australia is playing its part in the necessary preparations. Steps in this direction were taken recently when for the first time an important international conference was held in Australia on the occasion of the meeting of the Far Eastern Committee of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. Especial emphasis was given at this meeting to the needs of China, to whose sustained resistance to Japanese aggression the United Nations owe so great a debt. You have already undertaken that Australia will help to the best of its capacity in these tasks. In connexion with international economic relations in general, my Government and the Government of New Zealand have consistently emphasized the importance of international arrangements aimed at the maintenance of the highest level of employment. In this policy both countries have the support of the United Kingdom. My Government is paying close attention to proposals now under discussion for the establishment of a world organization. Its view is that the smaller Powers have an important contribution to make to an effective security system. This view is quite consistent with recognition of the leadership of the greater Powers. My Government is in continuous consultation with the United Kingdom and the Dominions on all aspects of foreign policy including world organization proposals. A United Nations conference for further elaboration of the plans for the world organization will be held in April. Consultation on this and other questions is particularly close with New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand are acting in the closest harmony on all important matters of external relations, particularly in the Pacific region, where Australia and New Zealand have common and vital interests. My Government has been very active in the work of the United Nations War Crimes Commission. Its view is that in every case where satisfactory proof is forthcoming it is imperative that those persons guilty of conduct constituting a war crime should be brought to punishment before properly established tribunals. Some time ago, my Government appointed the Chief Justice of Queensland (Sir William Webb) as a commissioner to inquire into Japanese war crimes committed against Australians in this area. The commissioner's reports have been brought before the War Crimes Commission. The representative of Australia on the Commission is Lord Wright, who has recently been appointed Chairman of the Commission. It would De wrong to underestimate the difficulties involved in attaining the objectives of the post-war world order. But these have long been the declared aims of the United Nations and Australia will endeavour to play its part worthily to the very limit of its powers. Impressed by the remarkable success of air transport during the war, the United Nations have been giving increasing thought to its development as an instrument of travel and commerce when peace returns. An International Conference on Civil Aviation attended by representatives of 52 Allied and neutral nations met last November to discuss the political, economic and technical problems which inevitably will arise. My Minister for Civil Aviation (Mr. Drakeford) represented Australia. At the conference there was a great degree of agreement on the technical standards and procedure to govern international air navigation, but there was understandable difference of opinion on politico-economic aspects. The Australian-New Zealand proposal for international ownership and operation of trunk international services was not generally acceptable, though support was "iven in several unexpected quarters. A proposal favoured by British nations, that there should be an International Authority with powers to allocate routes and frequencies and to control competition between the nations, also did not receive general support, and ultimately the conference adopted a draft convention providing for an International Authority, with purely advisory powers. Pending ratification of this convention, there is an interim agreement constituting an interim authority, with generally similar powers. The conference could not reach general agreement on the question of rights for international air -transport services to operate and carry passengers to and from foreign countries. Alternative agreements were drafted to which nations may adhere or not according to their individual decisions. Representatives of my Government have attended conferences in "Wellington, Montreal and London, at which various aspects of civil aviation as affecting members of the British Commonwealth were discussed. Attention has been given by my Government to air transport within the Commonwealth and proposals for a statutory authority to control interstate airlines will be brought before Parliament. The Department of War Organization of Industry has continued to carry out its -war-time task of industrial planning and re-organization, the result of which has been a maximum concentration of Australian resources to meet the requirements of the Australian and Allied services and to maintain supplies and services essential to the war-time life of the community. The heavy responsibilities arising out of this task will remain until victory is achieved. However, in recognition of the close relationship between war-time industrial organization and the re-conversion of industry to peace-time needs, the Department of War Organization of Industry has. been merged with the Department of Post-war Reconstruction. The latter department has assumed the functions of the Department of War Organization ..of Industry and will prepare plans to deal with the problems that lie .ahead, and take energetic action to implement plans approved by the Government. The Government intends to introduce n comprehensive bill providing for the re-establishment of members of the Forces. As far as possible, this will set out in the one measure a complete picture of the Government's policy in relation primarily to re-establishment of members of the Forces. The provisions relating to employment will cover reinstatement, in civil employment, preference in employment, apprenticeship, modifications of conditions of entry into certain employments and the establishment of a Commonwealth Employment Service. It is proposed that preference will apply to employment generally, whether Government or private, and that it will be available to members of the Forces "and to civilians who have been in actual contact with the enemy. Reinstatement provisions will be transferred from existing National Security Act regulations to the bill. The bill will give legislative authority to the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme. This is at present operating under a War Cabinet decision, and some 3,000 ex-service men and women are being trained. Under the bill, training will be .available to specified categories of ex-service personnel, and will be extended to civilian war workers so as to provide skilled workers and other trained personnel for urgent post-war tasks. Several important phases of the Commonwealth's reconstruction policy can be carried out only in collaboration with the Governments -of the States, lt is my Government's intention to invite the Premiers to more frequent consultation on matters of common concern, after the ground has been thoroughly prepared by prior discussions between the officers concerned. At the conference of Commonwealth and State Ministers in August, 1944, resolutions were adopted as a basis for a Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement. A draft of this agreement has now been prepared. As soon as it has been considered by the State Governments, it will be presented for approval by the Parliaments of the Commonwealth and of the States. It will be appreciated that conclusion of this agreement is an essential preliminary to the housing programme which will be expanded as soon as additional resources can be made available for civilian purposes. In. October, 1944, the Commonwealth and State Governments reached agreements regarding the main principles which should form the basis for settling ex-servicemen on the land after the war. Since then, the Governments have been engaged in working out the administrative details of these agreements. Legislation will be introduced at an early date, and it is expected that the State Governments will also initiate corresponding legislation. It is . the Government's policy to. relax war-time controls over private business transactions as soon as the need for them is past. All controls are being kept Under review to ensure that none is unnecessarily maintained. My Government's economic policy after the war will be directed to ensuring that all available resources are employed in ways that contribute most effectively to raising standards of living, developing productive capacity and making adequate provision for defence. A statement will be presented to Parliament describing how it is proposed to maintain employment, production and expenditure in the transition from war to peace. During the present session, my Government will propose certain legislation regarding banking, designed to extend the functions and powers of the Commonwealth Bank, particularly in its Central Banking activities, and also to make provision for the regulation of the banking system generally along the lines which war-time experience has shown to be desirable in the national interest. The significance of science in the post-war development of primary and secondary industries is fully appreciated by my advisers, who propose to extend considerably the responsibilities of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. You will be asked at a later stage to approve a modification of the Science and Industry Research Act. Wool is a commodity the production and marketing of which is of outstanding importance for the Australian economy. To finance intensive research into both the production and manufacturing sides of the wool industry, Parliament will be asked to approve the collection of a levy on the annual clip, which will be collected from wool-growers and supplemented by an equal sum provided from the general revenue. To regain the ground lost during the war and to enable the Post Office to play its full part in the post-war world, a comprehensive programme of works will be undertaken when hostilities cease. The first stage of the plan is expected to occupy about three years, and will involve an expenditure of approximately £18,000,000. Dependent upon the progress of thewar in the Pacific and the calls which the Commonwealth will be required to meet in man-power and material for its successful prosecution, my Government proposes to make available to those eligible under the provisions of the War Service Homes Act all facilities possible to secure homes. My Government is not unmindful of the great need for relief in the existing shortage of homes, and it proposes to keep this matter under close review with the object of taking appropriate steps immediately the war situation will permit the diversion of man-power, money and materials towards activities in this direction. While making adequate provision for the maintenance of existing social services, my Government contemplates important extensions which will affect ever-widening sections of the community. A universal system of unemployment and sickness benefits and the organization of a comprehensive national scheme of rehabilitation for the disabled are of significance in this plan. My Government intends to introduce legislation during the session which will provide a comprehensive scheme as a valuable reinforcement to measures already in operation in the campaign against tuberculosis. Attention will be given to the future population status of the Commonwealth in the light of the declining birthrate, and an examination is being made of the various measures which have been suggested as being likely to improve the position. Legislation concerning benefits to seamen is contemplated to bring the Seamen's Compensation Act into line with the recent amendment of the Commonwealth Employees' Compensation Act and to make provision for the consolidation of benefits already provided by the Seamen's War Pensions and Allowances Act and Regulations under the National Security Act. We are now well into the sixth year of war. Due to our unpreparedness and our belief in peace, the enemy's earlier ascendency on all fronts was so complete that the demands on us to survive were colossal and, at times, looked beyond our capability. The heroism of our fighting forces and the stoical and sacrificial qualities of our rac« in general stood with us and, as I have said earlier in my Speech, we now approach the climax of the war, with our confidence in victory unbounded. We have, however, a still further price to pay before victory can come. On the battle fronts our casualties will continue. On the home front sacrifices must persist. While war rages anywhere the test on the civilian population is inescapable. In the earnest hope that Divine Providence may guide your deliberations and further the welfare of the people of the Commonwealth, I now leave you to the discharge of your high and important duties. His Royal Highness the GOVERNORGENERAL and members of the House of Representatives having retired, The President again took the chair and read prayers. 13 miscellaneous 13 KE4 Victoria ALP Minister for Trade and Customs 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE . - I regret to announce to the Senate the death of a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Samuel Dennis, who died in Melbourne on the 28th January last. The late Mr. Dennis was elected to the House of Representatives for the divi sion of Batman, Victoria, at the general elections in 1931, and represented that division until 1934. I move - That the Senate expresses its deep regret at the death of Mr. Samuel Dennis, former member of the House of Representatives for the division of Batman, places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service and tenders its sincere sympathy to his widow and members of his family in their bereavement. 13 KUA South Australia Leader of the Opposition 0 0 MCLEAY, George Senator McLEAY . - On behalf of the Opposition, I second the motion and join with the Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator Keane) in expressing sincere regret at the passing of Mr. Dennis and in extending to his widow and the members of his family our deepest sympathy. 13 KR9 Victoria 0 0 LECKIE, John Senator LECKIE - The late Mr. Samuel Dennis was probably not well known to many honorable senators in this chamber, but he was an old friend of mine, and I take this opportunity to pay a tribute to his memory. No man was more highly esteemed in the districtin which he lived than was the deceased gentleman. He was active in all matters affecting his district and in various forms of philanthropic work. He was a member of the House of Representatives for only a short period, but his sterling qualities must have earned for him the respect of all his colleagues. I offer my condolences to the members of his family in their great loss. Victoria, and indeed the whole of Australia, is the poorer for the passing of a man who did his duty in ail circumstances. 13 KAY Victoria 0 0 GIBSON, William Senator GIBSON - It was my privilege to know the late Mr. Samuel Dennis well. He was a fine citizen, who represented his district on the local council for many years. He was also a member of the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works. The deceased gentleman devoted a great deal of time and energy to the service of the public, and it is only fitting that we should pay tribute to his memory in this Parliament. I greatly regret that we have been called upon to pass this motion, and I extend my deepest sympathy to his widow and family who mourn his loss. Question resolved in the affirmative, honorable senators standing in their places. 14 miscellaneous 14 KE4 Victoria ALP Minister for Trade and Customs 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE . - by leave - I desire formally to announce that His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, accompanied by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester and their two children, Prince William and Prince Richard, arrived in Australia on the 2Sth January, 1945. His Royal Highness was sworn in as Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Commonwealth of Australia at Canberra on the 30th January. 14 miscellaneous 14 KUA South Australia Leader of the Opposition 0 0 MCLEAY, George Senator McLEAY . - by leave - I wish to advise the Senate that members of the party which I have the honour to lead in this chamber, wish from henceforth to be regarded as members of the Liberal party of Australia. 14 miscellaneous 14 KE4 Victoria ALP Minister for Trade and Customs 1 0 KEANE, Richard Senator KEANE . - by leave - T formally announce that, consequent on changes which have been effected in the organization of Commonwealth departments of State, the Ministry is now constituted as follows: - 14 Minister for the Army (and Deputy Prime Minister) - The Right Honorable F. M.- Forde. 14 Attorney-General and Minister for External Affairs- The Right Hon- or able H. V. Evatt. LL.D., D.Litt., K.C. Vice-President of the Executive Council - The Honorable J. A. Beasley. Minister for the Navy, Minister for Munitions and Minister for Aircraft Production - The Honorable N. J. 0. Makin. Minister for Trade and Customs - Senator the Honorable R. V. Keane. 14 14 Minister for Commerce and AgricultureThe Honorable W. J. Scully. Minister for Supply and Shipping - Senator the Honorable W. P. Ashley. Minister for Post-war Reconstruction and Minister in charge of the Council foi- Scientific and Industrial Research - The Honorable J. J. Dedman. - Minister for the Interior - Senator the Honorable J. S- Collings. 14 Minister for Health and Minister for Social Services - Senator the Honorable J. M. Fraser. Minister for Repatriation and Minister in charge of War Service Homes - The Honorable C. W. Frost. 14 Postmaster-General - Senator the Honorable D. Cameron. 14 The members of the War Cabinet are - 14 Ministerial representation in the two chambers will be as follows: - In the House of Representatives - The Right Honorable F. M. Forde will represent the Minister for Trade and Customs. The Honorable J. A. ' Beasley will represent the Minister for Supply and Shipping. The Honorable E. J. Holloway will represent the Minister for Health and Minister for Social Services. The Honorable H. P. Lazzarini will represent the Minister for the Interior. The Honorable A. A. Calwell will represent the Postmaster-General. In the Senate - Senator theHonorable R. V. Keane will represent the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Treasurer, the Minister for Postwar Reconstruction, and the Minister in charge of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Senator theHonorable W. P. Ashley will represent the Attorney-General and Minister for External Affairs, the Minister for the Navy and Minister for Munitions, the Minister for Labour and National Service and the Minister for Information. Senator theHonorable J. S. Collings will represent the Minister for Transport, the Minister for External Territories, the Minister for Home Security and the Minister for Works. Senator theHonorable J. M. Fraser will represent the Minister for the Army and the Minister for Commerce and Agriculture. Senator theHonorable. D. Cameron will represent the Minister for Air and Minister for Civil Aviation, the Minister for Aircraft Production, the Minister for Repatriation and Minister in charge of War Service Homes. 15 miscellaneous Motion (by Senator Keane) agreed to- That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn to to-morrow, at 2 p.m. 15 bill Assent to the following bills re ported : - Commonwealth Observatory Fund Bill 1944. United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation Bill 1944. States Grants (Brought Relief) Bill 1944. Aluminium Industry Bill 1944. Wine Export Bounty Bill 1944. Financial Agreement Bill 1944. 15 miscellaneous 15 10000 0 0 BROWN, Gordon The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon Gordon Brown - I have received from Mrs. Cox a letter of thanks and appreciation for the resolution of sympathy and condolence passed by the Senate on the occasion of the death of ex-Senator Major-General Charles Frederick Cox. 15 miscellaneous 15 10000 0 0 PRESIDENT, The The PRESIDENT - I have to inform the Senate that I have received a copy of the Opening Speech delivered by His Royal Highness the Governor-General to both Houses of the Parliament. 15 leave of absence Motion (by Senator James McLachlan) - by leave - agreed to - That leave of absence for six weeks be granted to Senator Allan MacDonald on account of ill health. 15 papers The following papers were presented : - Arbitration (Public Service) Act - Determinations by the Arbitrator, &c. - No. 29 of 1944 - Commonwealth Storemen and Packers' Union of Australia ; and Commonwealth Naval Storehousemen's Association. No. 30 of 1944 - Commonwealth Store- men and Packers' Union; and Commonwealth Naval Storehousemen's Association. No. 31 of 1944 - Commonwealth Foremen's Association. No. 32 of . 1944 - Federated Engine Drivers' and Firemen's Association of Australasia; and Arms, Explosives and Munition Workers' Federation of Australia. No. 1 of 1945- Plumbers and Gasfitters Employees' Union of Australia. No. 2 of 1945 - Professional Officers' Association, Commonwealth Public Service. Canned Fruits Export Charges Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 5. Commonwealth Public Service Act - Appointment - Department of the Treasury - C. Campbell-Smith. Commonwealth Railways Act - By-law No. 85. Commonwealth Shipping Act - Australian Commonwealth Shipping Board - Cockatoo Island Dockyard - Balance-sheet and Liquidation Account, together with Auditor-General's Report thereon, for year ended 29th February, 1944. Customs Act - Customs Proclamations - Nos. 612, 614-618. Customs Act and Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1944, No. 177. Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules - 1944, Nos. 170, 171, 180, 185. 1945, No. 6. Electoral - Referendums - Statistical Ke turns in relation to the submission to the electors of a Proposed Law for the alteration of the Constitution, entitled " Constitution Alteration (Post-war Reconstruction and Democratic Rights) 1944"; together with Summaries of Referendums, 1906-1944. High Commissioner Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1944, No. 172. Lauds Acquisition Act, or Lauds Acquisition Act and National Security (Supplementary) Regulations - Land acquired for - Commonwealth purposes - Adelaide River, Northern Territory. Albany, Western Australia. Albury, New South Wales. Amberley, Queensland (2). Bendigo, Victoria. Broken Bay, New South Wales. Bulimba, Queensland. Camden, New South Wales Camooweal, Queensland. Cecil Plains, Queensland. Ceduna, South Australia. Charters Towers, Queensland (2). Colac, Victoria. Corowa, New South Wales. Darwin, Northern Territory. Dubbo, New South Wales. Eagle Farm, Queensland. Laverton, Victoria. Lidcombe, New South Wales. Maribyrnong, Victoria. Muswellbrook, New South Wales. Normanton, Queensland. North Ryde, New South Wales. Oakey, Queensland. Orange, New South Wales. Penshurst, Victoria. Port Melbourne, Victoria. Truganina, Victoria. Warracknabeal, Victoria. Woolloomooloo, New South Wales Postal purposes - Adelaide, South Australia. Bowen, Queensland. Brisbane, Queensland. Carmila, Queensland. Dalby. Queensland Gretna, Tasmania. Hartwell. Victoria. Hunter's Hill, New South Wales. Hurstville, New South Wales. Melbourne, Victoria. Morwell, Victoria. Newtown, New South Wales. South Melbourne, Victoria. West Maitland, New South Wales (2). Wonthaggi, Victoria. Telephonic purposes - Manilla. New South Wales. National Security Act - National Security (Agricultural Aids) Regulations - Orders - Hay. straw and chuff (New South Wales). Hay, straw and chaff (Victoria). National Security (Agricultural Machinery) Regulations- Order - Agricultural Machinery (No. 4). National Security (Apple and Pear Acquisition ) Regulations - Order - Apple and pear Acquisition 1944-1945. National Security (Building Operations) Regulations - Order - Building operations (Northern Territory). National Security (Capital Issues) Regulations - Orders - Exemptions ( 2 ) . National Security (Emergency Control) Regulations - Orders - Papua and New Guinea (Administration) (No. 3). Thursday Island Compensation Board ( Cancellation ) . National Security (Food Control) Regulations - Orders - Nos. 11-17. National Security (General) Regulations - Orders - Chain manufacture. Control of - Elastic materials (No. 2). Essential materials (Nos. 11, 12). Machine tools (No. 3). Overseas communications (otherwise than by post). Overseas postal communications. Overseas postal communications (Prisoners of war). Packages (No. 2). Feminine outerwear. Fish (Estimates and returns). Fishing industry secondary operatives (Registration ) - Revocation. Heating and cooking appliances (Control of manufacture) - Revocation. Heating and cooking appliances (Retail sales) - Revocation. Knitted goods. Male outerwear. Navigation (Brisbane River and Moreton Bay - small craft) (No. 2). Navigation (Control of public traffic) (No. 5). Prohibited places (10). Protected areaShirts, collars and pyjamas. Steam boilers (No. 2). Taking possession of land, &c. ( 1 07 ) . Traffic on road. Use of land (29). Wireless stations control. Woven underwear. National Security (Man Power) Regulations - Orders- Protected undertakings (124). National Security (Maritime Industry) Regulations - Orders - Nos. 48, 49. National Security (Prices) Regulations - Declarations - Nos. 149-153. Orders- Nos. 1747-1899. National Security (Rationing) Regulations - Orders - Nos. 50-72. National Security (Shipping Coordination ) Regulations - Orders - Nos. 70-80. Regulations - Statutory Rules - 1944,Nos. 166, 167, 168, 169, 174, 175, 176, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192. 1945 Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11 13. National Security (Supplementary) RegulationsStatement of Australian Banking Statistics for the five quarters ended 31st December, 1944. Naval Defence Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1944 Nos. 182, 183. Navigation Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1944, No. 178. Post and Telegraph Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1945, No. 10. Quarantine Act - Regulations- Statutory Rules 1944, No. 184. Science and Industry Endowment Act - Report by Auditor-General on the accounts of the Science and Industry Endowment Fund for year 1943-44. Seat of Government Acceptance Act and Seat of Government (Administration) Act- Ordinances - No. 10 of 1944 - Police Superannuation. No. 11 of 1944 - Trustee. No. 1 of 1945 - Careless use of fire. No. 2 of 1945 - Racecourses. Regulations - No.6 of 1944 - (City Area Leases Ordinance). Women's Employment Act - Regulations - Statutory Rules 1944, No. 179. 17 15:56:00 Senate adjourned at 3.56 p.m.