In 1894 the session opened on 17th July, and one of the most hotly contested measures was the Peace Preservation Bill, introduced in consequence of the disturbances connected with the shearers' strike in the West in 1891, and the apprehension that they would be repeated unless drastic legislation was enacted. Its passage was strenuously opposed by the Labour Opposition, and it was only forced through the Assembly by the application of the closure. Violent scenes culminated in the suspension of eight Labour members, the suspension being followed by an appeal by the ejected members to the Supreme Court, when that court decided that Parliament was the only tribunal for determining matters affecting its own jurisdiction. In all thirty-six measures were passed, but the majority were either financial or designed to amend existing statutes which caused friction in operation. The effort at this time seemed to be rather to pass practicable laws than enact measures embodying so-called advanced principles. The most noteworthy of these laws was the Agricultural Lands Purchase Act, which authorised the purchase by the Government of large estates at a cost not exceeding £100,000 in any one year, and the subdivision of the land into farms.
In 1895 thirty-five Acts were the product of the session, and they were generally characterised by the same adaptation of means to ends that was noticeable in the preceding year. In fact, during these two years the colonies were all suffering a recovery which did not incite to heroic legislation for securing the rights of man, including woman. Deserving of special mention are the Suppression of Gambling Act, and the Railways Guarantee Act which made provision for local authorities guaranteeing the State against loss in connection with the construction and working of railways built under the Act. In consequence of friction between the three Railway Commissioners, an Act was passed in this year reducing the number of Commissioners to one, Mr. Mathieson, the Chief Commissioner, being retained. A short measure of considerable value was the Standard Time Act, the object of which was to place Queensland in line with New South Wales and Victoria by adopting the time of the 150th meridian of east longitude as the standard time for the three colonies.
BARRON GORGE, CAIRNS RAILWAY, NORTH QUEENSLAND
THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT: 17th June, 1896-15th February, 1899.
In 1896 there was a general election, and the new Parliament opened on 17th June. Public confidence had been fairly restored after the financial crisis of 1893, and thirty-five Acts were passed, not one of which was of a highly contentious political nature. Even the Factories and Shops Act, introduced by the Government, was supported by the Labour party; indeed, no party or section opposed it, although the compulsory closing of shops at 1 p.m. on Saturdays throughout an area within the radius of ten miles of the General Post Office excited much individual opposition. Mr. Mathieson having accepted the position of Chief Commissioner of the Victorian railways, an amending Railways Act was passed empowering the Governor in Council to appoint a Commissioner for three years, reducing the salary from £3,000 to £1,500, and providing for the appointment of a Deputy Commissioner. Mr. R. J. Gray, one of the three original Commissioners, was appointed Commissioner, and Mr. Thallon, the present Commissioner, became his deputy. A measure of some importance repealed the existing Payment of Members Act, and made the new Act an integral part of the Constitution, the salary being fixed at £300 a year. The object, as stated by the Government, was to stop the incessant agitation that was carried on in political circles on the one hand for an increase, and on the other for a reduction of the salary.
In the session of 1897, Sir Hugh Nelson being still Premier, thirty Acts were passed. There was again a remarkable absence of measures of a party character, most of them being useful amendments of existing laws. Of these the Elections Consolidating Act was important. The Home Secretary, Mr. J. F. G. Foxton, deserves credit for introducing this session the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act, the first measure for the preservation and care of our fast-disappearing aboriginal blacks. It must be recorded with shame that the Government of Queensland should have allowed so many years to pass before taking steps to protect the race who had been dispossessed of their heritage from some of the curses attendant on our civilisation. Since 1897 the stigma no longer rests on our fair fame, everything possible being done now to save the natives from extinction. In this year, too, the Mareeba to Chillagoe Railway Act, which has proved very beneficial to the Cairns hinterland, became law. A comprehensive Land Act, occupying 110 pages of the Statute-book, was passed, and also an amending and consolidating Trustees and Executors Act.
The session of 1898—the last of the Parliament—opened on 26th July, and closed on 30th December. The principal work of this session was the passage of an amending Mining Act which greatly improved the condition of the working miners. Other measures were an Act to incorporate the Brisbane Technical College, and the Game and Fishes Acclimatisation Act, providing for the proclamation of districts, for an open season, for the issue of game licenses, and the appointment of guardians. Sir Hugh Nelson, in consequence of the death of Sir A. H. Palmer, had been translated to the Presidency of the Legislative Council, and the Premiership was assumed by Mr. T. J. Byrnes on 13th April. Mr. Byrnes died in the following September, and was succeeded by Mr. (afterwards Sir) J. R. Dickson.
On 1st December, 1899, Mr. Dickson and his colleagues resigned in consequence of a vote of the Assembly, and for seven days the Dawson Labour Ministry held office, but they were defeated immediately on the reassembling of the House. In the meantime Mr. Philp had been chosen leader of the Opposition, and on 7th December he returned to power as Premier with most of his old colleagues.