Mr FISHER (Wide Bay) (Prime Minister and Treasurer) . - I move -

Happily we have come to the close of a rather strenuous session, and I wish, as the representative of the Government, to thank honorable members on both sides for the way in which they have attended to their duties, and the good temper that has prevailed. In the heat of political controversy most of us forget ourselves at times, but it stands to the record of the members of the National Parliament that they have ever carried out their public duties with fitting decorum, and in such a way as to prove themselves a credit to the people whom they have the honour to represent. I make that statement with some pleasure, not by way of contrast with other Parliaments, but simply to emphasize the fact that the standard of parliamentary procedure has happily, with very rare exceptions, been all that could be desired. The good feeling that has prevailed,and the good work that has been done since the inauguration of the Federal Parliament, has been greatly aided by the officers whom we have had to assist both sides in this House. We have been specially fortunate in the Presiding Officers, who have been called upon to protect the interests of every member, and to see that the procedure was carried on in regular order. You, sir, who have the privilege and honour of presiding over this branch of the Parliament, will agree with me when I say that you are ably assisted by the officers who serve under you. It is my duty now not only to offer you congratulations, but to include in that expression the officers who have so assiduously and capably carried out the duties allotted to them. I trust that this Parliament will long be favoured in the same way. I should like, on this, the first opportunity that I have had to speak in this connexion, to make special reference to a branch of the officers of Parliament who stand somewhat apart from the ordinary system. I refer to the gentlemen who compile the official reports of the debates and proceedings of this Parliament. . I do not hesitate to say that no other Parliament is so fortunate in this respect as we are, and I hope that all future Parliaments will be as fortunate, in the gentlemen who are engaged in making a true and faithful record of what is said and done in the two Chambers of this Legislature. I venture to say that I am speaking for every honorable member of this House, and indeed for the whole Parliament when I utter these words.

Honorable Members. - Hear, hear !

Mr FISHER - They are gentlemen who do not intrude upon us in any way, save with the object of endeavouring to faithfully carry out the onerous and difficult duties that are cast upon them. I wish now to express regret at the absence, owing to illness, of the Clerk of the House, Mr. Duffy. I shall convey to him the hope of honorable members that his enforced absence will lead to his speedy recovery and return to the duties of his office. Although an enormous amount of work has not been done this session, I think that that which we have accomplished, apart from controversial matters, will have far-reaching effects, and prove beneficial to Australia. I feel, above everything else, that the trend of Australian thought is in a truly national direction, and that what were previously little rivulets, each running in its own way, are now uniting. into: a great stream of thought, which must lead to the development of truly national ideals. Happily, we have of recent years enjoyed unexampled prosperity, and we hope that it will increase and continue. It will be the duty of this Parliament, as well as of the Parliaments of the States, to do all that can be done by legislation and administration to assist in the continuance of the prosperity as long as nature is bounteous, and to be watchful of the time when the seasons may be less propitious. I do not wish to trespass further on the kindness and consideration of the House, except to wish you, sir, honorable members, and the officers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Honorable members will be called together next session earlier than in previous years - probably well before the end of the financial year - and I sincerely trust that they will return greatly invigorated as the result of the recess, and ready to perform their onerous duties in the best interests of Australia and the Mother Country, to whom we are proud to owe allegiance.