Download PDF

35

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.

JOURNALS OF THE SENATE.

No. 7.

THURSDAY, 3r d DECEMBER, 1953.

1. Meeting of Senate.—The Senate met at eleven a.m., pursuant to adjournment.—The President (Senator the Honorable A. M. McMullin) took the Chair. .

2. PRAYERS. -

3. P etition.—Senator Anderson presented a petition, signed by 29 citizens, praying that action be taken to amend the Superannuation Act to rectify an alleged injustice. Petition received.

4. Questions.—Questions onmotice were answered.

5. Papers.—The following Papers were presented, pursuant to Statute— International Monetary Agreements Act—Annual Report on operations of the Act and, in so far as they relate to Australia, of the International Monetary Fund Agreement and the International Bank Agreement, for year 1952-53. Northern Territory (Administration) Act—Crown Lands Ordinance—Reasons for resumption

of recreation reserve. Alice Springs. Public Service Act—Appointments—Department of Health—I. D. Carter, A. L. Ware. Taxation Acts—Thirty-second Report of the Commissioner of Taxation, dated 1st November, 1953, together with Statistical Appendices.

6. P ublic Works Committee—Report.—Senator O’Byrne brought up the following Report from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works :— .

Report relating to proposed erection of a Commonwealth Administration Centre (First Stage) at Melbourne, Victoria.

7. Northern Territory (Administration) Bill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives·.— The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read :— Mr. P resident, Message No. 30.

The House of Representatives returns to the Senate the Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act to amend the ‘ Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910-1952 ’ ”, and acquaints the Senate that the House of Representatives has agreed to the Bill without amendment.

. Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, Speaker.

Canberra, 3rd December, 1953, a.m. ·

8. National Health B ill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.— The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read:— Mr. President, · Message No. 31.

■ The House of Representatives acquaints the Senate that it has agreed to the Amendments made by the Senate in the Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act relating to the provision of Pharmaceutical, Sickness and Hospital Benefits, and of Medical and Dental Services ”. ■ Archie G. Cameron, . House of Representatives, Speaker.

■ Canberra, 3rd December, 1953, a.in. .

9. Re-establishment and Employment B ill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read Mr. P resident, Message No. 20.

The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A BUI for an Act to amend the ‘ Re-establishment and Employment Act 1945-1952 ’, as amended by the ‘ Commonwealth Bank Act 1953 ’ ”, in which it desires the concurrence of the Senate. Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, Speaker.

Canberra, 2nd December, 1953. Suspension of Standing Orders.—The Attorney-General (Senator Spicer), pursuant to contingent notice, moved—That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay.

Question—put and passed. On the motion of Senator Spicer the Bill was read a first time. . Senator Spicer moved—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate ensued.

F.4937, '

36 No. 7.—3rd December, 1953.

Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The President resumed the Chair ; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Pearson) reported accordingly. '

On the motion of Senator Spicer the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

10, Life I nsurance Bill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read :— Mr. P resident, Message No. 29.

The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act to amend the ‘ Life Insurance Act 1945-1950 ’ ”, in which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

_ Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, Speaker.

Canberra, 3rd December, 1953, a.m.

Susjiension of Sta,ruling Orders.—The Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner), pursuant ' to contingent notice, moved-—That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay. Question—put and passed.

On the motion of Senator Spooner the Bill was read a first time. Senator Spooner moved—That the Bill be now read a second time. On the motion of Senator McKenna the debate was adjourned. Ordered—That the resumption of the debate be an Order of the Day for a later hour of the day.

11. F lags Bill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read :— Mr . P resident, Message No. 24.

The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A Bill for an A ct to declare a certain Flag to be the Australian National Flag and to make other provision with respect to Flags ”, in which it desires the concurrence of the Senate. Archie G. Cameron, -

House of Representatives, Speaker.

• Canberra, 2nd December, 1953.

' Suspension of Standing Orders.—The Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay), pursuant to contingent notice, moved—That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay. Question—put and passed. On the motion of Senator McLeay the Bill was read a first time. Senator McLeay moved—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate ensued.

Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator McCallum) reported accordingly. On the motion of Senator McLeay the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

12. R oyal P owers Bill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read :— Mr. P resident, Message No. 25.

The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act relating to the exercise by the Queen of Powers under Acts of the Parliament ”, in which it desires the concurrence of the Senate. ■ ■

. Archie G. Cameron,

' House of Representatives, Speaker.

Canberra, 2nd December, 1953.

Suspension of Standing Orders.—The Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay), pursuant to contingent notice, moved—That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay. Question—put and passed. On the motion of Senator McLeay the Bill was read a first time. Senator McLeay moved—That the Bill be now read a second time,

Debate ensued,

No. 7.—3rd December, 1953. 37

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair ; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator . McCallum) reported accordingly. On the motion of Senator McLeay the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

13. States Grants (Universities) Bill 1953.—Message from the House of Representatives.—The following Message from the House of Representatives was received and read :— · Mr . P resident, Message No. 26.

The House of Representatives transmits to the Senate a Bill intituled “ A Bill for an Act to make provision for the grant of Financial Assistance to the States in connexion with Universities ” , in which it desires the concurrence of the Senate. Archie G. Cameron,

House of Representatives, Speaker.

Canberra, 3rd December, 1953, a.m. .

Suspension of Standing Orders.—The Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay), pursuant to contingent notice, moved—That so much of the Standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Bill being passed through all its stages without delay.. Question—put and passed. On the motion of Senator McLeay the Bill was read a first time. .

Senator McLeay moved—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate ensued. Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time.

The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Wood) reported accordingly. On the motion of Senator McLeay the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

14. Customs Tariff Bill 1953.-—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time.

The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without requests.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Courtice) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Attorney-General (Senator Spicer) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

15. Customs Tariff (New Zealand P reference) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. .

Question-^put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill,

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without requests.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Courtice) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Attorney-General (Senator Spicer) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

16. E xcise Tariff Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. Question—put and passed.

Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

38 Νο..Ί.—3rd December, 1953.

Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.'

, In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without requests. The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Courtice) reported accordingly.

On the motion of the Attorney-General (Senator Spicer) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time. ' . ’

17. Commonwealth E lectoral Bill 1953.—The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the further consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee. '

The Bill further considered— ·

Senator Kennelly moved an amendment, viz.—page 2, clause 3, line 5, leave out “ twenty-one ”, jg|insert “ eighteen ”. Debate ensued. Question—That the word proposed to be left out be left out—put.

The Committee divided— Ayes, 27.

Senator— Senator—

Amour. Hendrickson.

Armstrong. Kennelly.

Arnold. Nicholls.

Ashley. O’Byrne.

Avlett. O’Flaherty.

Bonn. Ryan.

Brown. Sandford.

Byrne. Sheehan.

Cameron. T angney.

Cole. Toohey.

Cooke. Willesee.

Courtice. Fraser. . Teller:

Grant. H arris. Senator Critchley.

Amendment negatived accordingly. Bill agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

Noes, 28.

Senator— Senator—

Anderson. Pearson.

Cooper. Rankin, G. J.

Gorton. Reid.

Guy. Robertson.

Hannaford. Scott.

Henty. Seward.

Kendall. Spicer.

Laught. . Spooner.

McCallum. Wardlaw.

McLeay. Wedgwood.

McMuilin. Wood.

Maher. Wordsworth.

M arriott. Teller:

Mattner. Senator Annabel

Paltridge. Rankin.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Courtice) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay) the Report from, the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time. '

18. P rinting Committee —F irst R eport.—Senator Hannaford brought up the following Report from Printing Committee :— R eport.

the

The Printing Committee have the honour to report that they have met in Conference" with the Printing Committee of the House of Representatives. '

. The Joint Committee, having considered the Petition and Papers presented to Parliament since the last meeting of the Committee, recommend that the following be printed :— Audit Act—Finance—Supplementary Report of the Auditor-General upon .other accounts for the year 1952-53.

Conciliation and Arbitration Act— Annual ■ Report. by the Chief; Judge of·, the Commonwealth Court, of Conciliation and Arbitration, for year ended 30th September, 1953. .

Annual Report by Chief Conciliation Commissioner, for .year ended 7th October, .1953. International Monetary Agreements Act—Annual Report on operations of. the-Act, and in so far as they relate to Australia, of the International Monetary Fund Agreement and the International Bank Agreement, for year 1952-53. Papua—Report for year 1951-52. AVar Gratuity Act—Report of the Central AVar Gratuity Board on the Administration of

the Act. ,

D. C... Hannaford,, For the Committee.

3rd December, 1953.

Report read by Senator Hannaford. ·

Senator Hannaford moved, by leave—That the Report be adopted. Question—put and passed.

19. P apers.—The following Papers were presented, pursuant to Statute— Bankruptcy Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1953, No. 101. Hospital Benefits Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1953, No. 96. National Health Service Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1953, Nos. 97, 98,, 99.

Νό. 7.-—3rei December, 1953. 39

20. Wool Stores Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed.

Disorder.—Senator Willesee, having used objectionable words and refusing to withdraw such words, was named by the President. And Senator Willesee failing when called upon to make sufficient explanation or apology— The Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay) moved—That Senator Willesee be suspended

from the sitting of the Senate. Question—put. The Senate divided— Ayes, 25. Noes, 26.

Senator— Senator— Senator— Senator—

Anderson. Pearson. Amour. Hendrickson.

Cooper. Robertson. Armstrong. Kennelly.

Gorton. Scott. Arnold. Nicholls.

Guy. Seward. Ashley. O’Byrne.

H a n n a fo rd . Spicer. Aylett. O’Flaherty.

Henty. Spooner. Benn. Ryan.

Kendall. Wardlaw. Brown. Sandford.

Laught. Wedgwood. Byrne. Sheehan.

McCallum. Wood. Cameron. Tangney.

McLeay. McMullin.

Wordsworth. Cole.

Cooke.

Toohey. Willesee. .

M arriott.

Teller:

Courtice. Teller: Mattner. Senator Annabelle Fraser. Paltridge. Rankin. Grant. Senator Critchley.

And so it was negatived.

Question—That the Bill be now read a second time—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee. '

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The President resumed the Chair ; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator' Pearson) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

21. Royal Australian Air F orce Veterans’ R esidences· Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. ·

Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to, after debate. Bill to be reported without amendment. .

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Wood) reported accordingly. On the: motion of the Minister for· Shipping, and Transport (Senator McLeay)-. the. Report from .the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

22. W heat I ndustry Stabilization (Refund of Charge) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time.

The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The Deputy-President resumed the Chair; and the Temporary Chairman of Committees (Senator Pearson) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for Shipping and- Transport (Senator McLeay) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

23. I ncome Tax (International Agreements) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed.

40 No. 7.—3rd December, 1953.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment. ,

The President resumed the Chair; and the Chairman of Committees (Senator Reid) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

24. E state Duty Convention (United States of America) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. Question—put and passed.

Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

Question—put and passed. .

Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The President resumed the Chair; and the Chairman of Committees (Senator Reid) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

25. Gift Duty Convention (United States of America) Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. -

The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

• In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The President resumed the Chair; and the Chairman of Committees (Senator Reid) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

26. I ncome Tax and Social Services Contribution Assessment Bill (No. 3) 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time.

The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be. reported without amendment.

The President resumed the Chair; and the Chairman of Committees (Senator Reid) reported accordingly. On the motion of .the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the . Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

27. Defence F orces R etirement Benefits Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. Debate resumed. Question—put and passed. Bill read a second time. .

The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee. .

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole, and agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

The President resumed the Chair; and the Chairman of Committees (Senator Reid) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for National Development (Senator Spooner) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

.. N o. 7,—3rd December, 1953. 41

And General Business taking precedence of Government Business after 8 p.m.—

28. R eview of F ederal Constitution—Summoning of Convention.—Senator Seward, pursuant to notice, moved— -

(1) That, in the light of the experience gained during the 53 years of Federation, the Senate is of the opinion that the time has arrived for a review of the Federal Constitution with particular reference to those sections which deal with— . (a) the financial relationship between the Federal and State Governments ; and . (b) the composition and method of election of the Senate which the framers of the

Constitution intended to be a States House. . (2) That the Government convene at the earliest possible moment a Convention consisting of the Leaders of all political parties in the State Parliaments, and not more than an equal number of delegates (including the Leaders of the political parties) from the Federal

Parliament, together with an independent Chairman, for the purpose. of framing such alterations to the Federal Constitution as are regarded desirable. (3) That all decisions of the Convention should be carried by an absolute majority of the Convention. Senator Guy seconded the motion.

The Minister for Repatriation (Senator Cooper) moved—That the debate be now adjourned. Question—put. The Senate divided—

Senator— Anderson. Cooper. Gorton.

Guy. Hannaford. Henty. Kendall.

Laught. McCallum. McLeay. McMullin.

Maher. M arriott. Mattner. Paltridge.

Ayes, 26. Senator— Pearson. Rankin, G. J.

Reid. Robertson. Scott. Seward. Wardlaw.

Wedgwood. Wood. Wordsworth.

Teller:

Senator Annabelle Rankin.

Noes, 21.

Senator— Senator—

Amour. Nicholls.

Armstrong. O’Byrne.

Aylett. O’Flaherty.

Benn. Ryan.

Brown. Sheehan.

Byrne. Tangney.

Cameron. Toohey.

Cole. Willesee.

Cooke. Courti ce. Teller:

Grant. H arris. Senator Critchley.

And so it was resolved in the affirmative. .

Ordered—That the resumption of the debate be an Order of the Day for the next day of sitting.

And consideration of Government Business being resumed—

29: Life Insurance Bill 1953.—Order of the Day read for the adjourned debate on the Question—That the Bill be now read a second time. .

Debate|resumed. Question—put. a k.i. •

The Senate divided— Ayes, 26. Noes, 21.

Senator— Senator— Senator— Senator—

Anderson. Pearson. Amour. Nicholls.

Cooper. Rankin, G. J. Armstrong. O’Byrne.

Gorton. Reid. Aylett. O’Flaherty.

Guy. Robertson. Benn. Ryan.

Hannaford. Scott. Brown. • Sheehan.

Henty. Seward. Byrne. Tangney.

Kendall. Wardlaw. - Cameron. Toohey.

Laught. Wedgwood. Cole. Willesee.

McCallum. Wood. Cooke.

McLeay. Wordsworth. Courtice. Teller:

McMullin. Grant.

Maher. M arriott.

Teller: H arris. Senator Critchley.

Mattner. Senator Annabelle

Paltridge. Rankin.

And so it was resolved in the affirmative. . Bill read a second time. The Senate, according to Order, resolved itself into Committee for the consideration of the Bill.

In the Committee.

Clauses 1 to 3 agreed to. Clauses 4 to 26, by leave, taken together, and agreed to. Clause 27 read— Question—That the clause stand as printed—put,

42 . No. 7.—3rd December, 1953.

The Committee divided— Ayes, 26.

Senator— Senator— Senator—

Anderson. Pearson. Amour.

Cooper. Rankin, G. J. Armstrong.

Gorton. Reid. Aylett.

Guy. Robertson. Benn.

Hannaford. Scott. x Brown.

Henty. Seward. Byrne.

Kendall. Wardlaw. Cameron.

Laught. Wedgwood. Cole.

MeCallum. Wood. Cooke.

McLeay. z

McMuilin.

Wordsworth. Courtice.

. Grant.

Maher. M arriott. Mattner. Paltridge.

Teller:

Senator Annabelle Rankin.

H arris.

Clause 27 agreed to accordingly. Clauses 28 to 33, by leave, taken together, and agreed to. Title agreed to. Bill to be reported without amendment.

Noes, 21.

Senator— Nicholls. O’Byrne. O’Flaherty. By an.

Sheehan. Tangne.y. To ohey. Willesee.

Teller:

Senator Critchlev.

The President resumed the Chair ; and the Chairman of Committees (Senator Reid) reported accordingly. On the motion of the Minister for Repatriation (Senator Cooper) the Report from the Committee was adopted, and the Bill read a third time.

30. R etirement of the Second P arliamentary R eporter.—The President informed the Senate that Mr. Η. H. S. Temperly, the Second Parliamentary Reporter, was about to retire from his position, and that the present sitting was the last occasion on which he would appear at the Table. The President referred to Mr. Temperly’s long association with the Senate, and in particular to his services during the period he had been in charge of the reporting Of the Senate. The President praised Mr. Temperly’s ability and courtesy, and conveyed good wishes to him for his retirement. By leave, the Acting Leader of the Senate (Senator McLeay), and the Leader of the Opposition (Senator

McKenna), also expressed appreciation of Mr. Temperly’s services.

31. Leave of Absence to all Senators during Adjournment.—The Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay) moved, by leave—That leave of absence be granted to every Member of the Senate from the termination of the sitting this day to the day on which the Senate next meets. Question—put and passed. '

32. Next Meeting of the Senate.—The Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay) moved— That the Senate, at its rising, adjourn till a day and hour to be fixed by the President, which time of meeting shall be notified to each Senator by telegram or .letter. Question—put and passed. .

• , _

33. Retirement of the Government P rinter.—The President referred to the -retirement of the Commonwealth Government Printer, Mr. L. F. Johnston, O.B.E., and paid tribute to Mr. Johnston’s meritorious work in connexion with the establishment and development of the Commonwealth Government Printing Office at Canberra. .

By leave, the Acting Leader of the Senate (Senator McLeay), and the Leader of the Opposition (Senator McKenna), also made statements expressing appreciation of Mr. Johnston’s services.

34. Adjournment.—The Minister for Shipping and Transport (Senator McLeay) moved—That the Senate do now adjourn. Debate ensued. .

Question—put and passed. The Senate adjourned at nine minutes to ten pun. till a day and hour to be fixed by the President, which time of meeting shall be notified to each Senator by telegram or letter.

35. Attendance.—Present, all the Members except. Senators Devlin, O’Sullivan, Vincent and Wright.

JOHN EDWARDS, Clerk of the Senate.

By Authority: L. F. .Johnston, Commonwealth "Government Brititer, Canberra.