Download Fragment

Wednesday, 4 December 1912

Senator MILLEN (New South Wales) . - I was unable to catch the purport of the petition. I should like to be informed of its purport, because the Senate, knowing the purport, might wish to have the petition read.

Senator de Largie - I intend to move that the petition be read.

Senator MILLEN - What is the purpose of the petition? How can we vote when we do not know what the document is about?

Senator de Largie - If you are anxious to hear the petition read you will.

Senator MILLEN - Before I can say " Yes " or " No " I think that I am entitled to know the purport of the petition. I hope the honorable senator will forgive me saying that I did not understand what he was reading from the document.

Senator Blakey - -No more did any one else.

Senator MILLEN - I think that a number of honorable senators are in entire ignorance of the purport of the petition. I would, therefore, ask, sir, that the Clerk might be instructed to read the purport, which I understand is indorsed on the outside of the petition.

---