Rockhampton Bulletin and Central Queensland Advertiser, 14 July 1864, p. 3
MR. JOHN DOUGLAS AND HIS CONSTITUENTS.
A public meeting was held yesterday evening at the Royal
Fitzroy Hotel, convened by his Worship the Mayor, at the request of the
Committee of the Central and Northern Queensland Association, to obtain an
expression of opinion on the political action pursued by the member for the
District, Mr. John Douglas, in relation to the legislation of the present
Parliamentary session. The brief notice given—only a few hours before the time
of meeting—affected the attendance, the room being only moderately filled until
the proceedings were somewhat advanced.
The MAYOR presided, and having explained that the Meeting
was called for the purpose of expressing the opinion of this community with
regard to the parliamentary conduct of Mr. John Douglas, called upon Alderman
Fees to move the first resolution.
Alderman FEES then moved the following resolution:—
1. That this Meeting entirely approves of the course of
action pursued by John Douglas, Esq., M.L.A., as the representative in
Parliament of the District of Port Curtis, and hereby tenders to him its thanks
for the zeal and ability he has displayed in advocating the claims and
interests of his constituents.
In support Mr. Fees dwelt upon the difficulties with which
Mr. Douglas had to contend, and said that the want of support given that
gentleman alone prevented the success of his efforts.
Mr. HEADRICK briefly seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously.
Mr. REA moved—
2. That, in the opinion of this Meeting, the present
circumstances of the colony demand a comprehensive re-adjustment of
Parliamentary Representation, and that any legislation not fully recognising
this want, or necessity, be partial and injurious in its operation.
Mr. Douglas was permitted to return without some recognition
of his past efforts and prospective exertions. It was, therefore, considered
proper, that a meeting should be convened for the purpose of ascertaining
whether or no Mr. Douglas’ nightly efforts in Parliament carried the sympathy
of his constituency. After a brief résumé of the Ministerial policy of the
session, more especially as bearing the question of Electoral Reform, Mr. Rea
expressed his belief that any trifling increment of representation granted to
the North would be more than counterbalanced by similar extensions to the
South. Passing in review Mr. Macalister’s conduct in connection with the
Provincial Councils Bill proposal, and indulging in certain sarcasms upon that
gentleman’s alleged complicity with the profits derived from railway contracts,
Mr. Rea illustrated Southern proclivities by a few fancy Acts to be passed by a
Northern Parliament, on the principle, apparently actuating Southern
legislation, and concluded by requesting the meeting to affirm the resolution
he had read.
Mr. M‘WILLIAM seconded the resolution, which was forthwith
carried.
After a few remarks from some inebriated gentleman
excessively troubled about the interests of the colony, and Coolie labour, loud
calls were made for Mr. Fyfe, who excused himself from impromptu oration, and
promised to speak to the resolutions proposed.
Mr. SHAW then proposed the third and following motion:—
3. That this meeting expresses its opinion that any
representation not based on a principle fully recognising population, revenue
contributions, and property, as a whole, would be unjust, and tend to foster
the evils at present existing in the representation of the colony.
Mr. SHAW, in support, remarked that it was high time
legislation was based on some principle. Unless that was done, the colony would
be involved in difficulty. Commenting upon the sentiments on representation
expressed by the Ministry prior to the last census, as compared with their
present bungling of the subject, Mr. Shaw asked for a fair trial for the
Ministry, but would at once put a stop to any double dealing on their part.
There was some deep laid scheme to do this part of the colony out of its fair share
of representation, and unless their member was duly fortified by some assurance
on the subject from this community, he would be powerless to serve them when
the struggle commenced.
Mr. ALEXANDER FYFE, who, on rising to second the resolution
was received with loud cheers, said the resolution the meeting had just heard
read was one that spoke forcibly to the mind of every one present, and one that
every sensible man in the community would cordially endorse. (Cheers.) It
involved, in his opinion, questions of vital importance to the entire
community, whose duty it was to support and strengthen the hands of their
member, Mr. Douglas, in his efforts—made unfortunately by him almost single-handed
against a determined and uncompromising opposition—to obtain justice for them
and their rights. (Cheers.) It was their duty to back him up heartily, as their
interests were identical with his. When he pleaded the cause of the Northern
Districts in the House, it was most essential that not only himself but his
auditory should know and feel that he only spoke the unanimous sentiments of a
large and important section of the colony, which had sent him there expressly
to signify its wants, and demand its just rights and privileges. (Loud cheers.)
It was of the highest importance, especially in the present
political aspect of affairs, that the utmost unanimity should prevail with
respect to the opinions and wishes of the Northern Districts. He believed those
opinions were fully set forth in the resolution now before the meeting. He was
glad to see the meeting endorse that resolution, but in order to carry out
those views it was most desirable—it was imperative—that the House should know
that Mr. Douglas entirely and thoroughly represented his constituency when he
spoke upon the questions that came before the House. (Cheers.)
Mr. Douglas, it must be borne in mind, had a hard course to
be imposed upon him. His were no light, easy duties. He was bravely fighting a
battle where the odds were tremendously against him. But let him know, and let
his opponents become convinced, that not only he had justice and right on his
side, but that he likewise had the support of a large, an intelligent, and
influential section of the colony, that was daily growing in strength and in
wealth, intelligence, and influence. Let this be once thoroughly understood,
and his task would become easier and his labours would be materially lightened.
(Loud cheers.)
It was their duty, if they approved of his acts as their
representative, to give him their utmost support. (Cheers.) The principles set
forth in the resolution were so manifestly just, the fact was so patent and so
clear to the thought and mind of every one, that it was unnecessary for him
further to enlarge upon it. It was a sad thing to see so promising a colony as
this, at its birth placed under the care of men whose views were so contracted
that they could not appreciate rightly the importance of the charge entrusted
to them. Selfishness was their motto, and centralisation their policy. And so
it would continue so long as the Government felt itself strong enough, and
sufficiently secure to set public opinion at nought.
They now invariably turned a deaf ear alike to all petitions
and remonstrances coming from these districts; but the time was fast
approaching when their voices would be listened to and their wants attended to.
(Cheers.) At present it resembled the sledge-hammer wielded by the blacksmith,
which descending with great force upon the anvil, only burst the arm which
struck the blow.
The speaker then proceeded to compare the two Houses—the
Upper and the Lower—with respect to the liberality of their views and opinions
where the welfare and prosperity of the colony at large was concerned. He
considered that the Upper House, although composed of members elected by the
Governor, contained men more liberal and enlightened in their views than many
that were to be found in the Lower House. He had no wish, he said, to see the
existing franchise disturbed. He disapproved of its being extended so far as
had been done in one of the other colonies. The present franchise in his
opinion was quite liberal enough. (Hear, hear.)
But he was convinced that if the present Bill of the
Government was carried, and the measure became law, two-thirds of the electors
of the colony would be disfranchised. It was a measure that might suit a
coterie of Darling Downs squatters, but if it met the views and was in
accordance with the opinions of the constituency, he was very much mistaken.
(Cheers.)
When measures such as this were brought forward, depriving
the people of their rights, it behoved men to look about and bestir themselves.
Let the present Government once get impressed with the idea that the people in
the North of the colony were too busy attending to their own private affairs,
or too apathetic to care or trouble themselves much about what was passing in
Brisbane, and that Mr. Douglas was merely clamouring without reason, and
without support from the constituency he represented, then would they turn
round and gladly seize the opportunity of telling him they did not consider his
constituents actually desired or required what he was asking for.
Elated with their past unexpected success, the present
Government fancied it could afford to despise and ignore the wishes of this
large community, but he would tell them that they might venture too far in
this. (Loud cheers.) It was a very unwise policy, and could not possibly be
long continued. The Ministry might, for a time, succeed in retarding the
progress of these new settlements, and they were doing so; but they could not
stop their advancement, however much they tried to do so. (Cheers.)
His earnest advice was, that they should send their member
down with the firm conviction that he received the unqualified support of his
constituents, which would greatly strengthen his hands and increase his
influence and power in carrying out their wishes. (Cheers.) He had great
pleasure in seconding the resolution. (Cheers.)
Mr. BUZACOTT moved the fourth resolution,—
4. That in the absence of any bill defining the proposed
allocation of new members, this meeting views with distrust the resolutions on
the question of Electoral Reform submitted by Mr. Herbert to the Legislative
Assembly, (and subsequently adopted by the House,) as compromising the official
programme of the Government announced by his Excellency the Governor at the
opening of the first session of the present Parliament.
[Mr. Buzacott’s speech begins here.]
He remarked that there was nothing very particular at
present to excite public indignation. With regard to the position of the
colony, he thought room existed for serious consideration. Now the Ministry had
come forward as the champions of Rockhampton, and promised a railway, drainage,
extended representation, river clearance, and “is there anything else, you can
have it,” style of policy. The speaker thought he could, from their official
policy as announced by themselves as a Ministry, prove by a few facts that the
Northern Districts had ground of complaint.
In pursuance of this assertion, Mr. Buzacott reviewed the
history of the past and present Parliament, shewing the inconsistency of the
so-called appeal to the country, and criticising the action of his Excellency
in the matter. Reading the fourth clause of his Excellency’s speech, at the
opening of the first session of the present Parliament, Mr. Buzacott contrasted
the action taken with the programme put forward, and stigmatised the piecemeal
policy which had characterised Ministerial treatment of the subject.
The resolutions of Mr. Herbert, on the question of electoral
reform, were then read and criticised by the speaker as showing a covert
design. Extracts were abundantly quoted in proof of the assertion, and it was
demanded why the question of representation had not been disposed of in the
early part of the session rather than adjourning the House for six weeks, by
which time the Darling Downs men would want to look after their lambing, and
there would be no quorum of the House.
On the 18th of this month the Houses meet, the Estimates
will be hurried through, and the other important measures will be pitched
overboard on the excuse that no House can be obtained. There was no doubt that
if the Government persisted in their present course that separation would
ensue. (Interval caused by turning out inebriated gentleman.) The cry of
separation had something in it, and time would prove it. He (Mr. B.) would
conclude with one remark. It was affirmed that it was better to get a morsel at
a time, but though no final settlement could be come to, some definite plan
ought to be submitted to the country, and the question fairly and honourably
met. They did not always know how they were treated, and like Englishmen in
general, liked to have a voice in the matter.
By giving Ipswich one member, and Port Curtis three, the
Ministry could strictly comply with the population basis as shown by the
Census, but they did not want to do that; it would cut the ground from under
their feet, and compel them, for the purpose of retaining their seats, to come
and solicit the suffrages of the Port Curtis Electors.
Mr. BOWDEN rose to second this resolution. He said this
district had generally been designated as containing a “rowdy lot,” but he
thought it had been of late much too passive. They did not want the railway
which had been held out to them as a sop half as much, nor one quarter as much
as a fair and equitable representation. That they considered their rights.
(Cheers.) Give them proper and just representation first and foremost, and
afterwards when they could afford to pay for the luxury of a railway they would
call for one.
The Government, whether they wished it or not, sought to
compel them to pay for the railway from Ipswich to Dalby, but it would have
been more honourable, more fair, and more just, to have got the colony properly
represented in the House first, and then introduced that measure to the public
for its support. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. REA (in the absence of Mr. R. M. Hunter) moved the
following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Buzacott—
5. That the Resolutions, as adopted by this meeting, be
handed by the Chairman to the Secretary of the Central and Northern Queensland
Association, with a request that he will transmit the same to John Douglas,
Esq., as embodying the sentiments of this community in relation to his efforts
on behalf of his constituency, and what is desired in regard to representation.
The utmost unanimity prevailed throughout the proceedings,
all the resolutions being carried without a dissentient voice.
Mr. DOUGLAS, in reply to numerous calls, said he had
remained away in order that the meeting should express its opinion
independently of him. He could not conceive, nor could it be desirable, that
his opinions should always agree with those of his constituency. He hoped the
tenor of his conduct had pleased his supporters. (Cheers.) His duties had not
been hard. It was not desirable, perhaps, to touch that night upon political
matters, but he would refer to one or two.
He hardly hoped to attend and meet his friends that night.
His associations with that room were pleasing, but he somewhat regretted that
they did not possess, like the other towns, some large public room. It was only
lately that the Corporation of Brisbane had been empowered on very favourable
terms to erect a Town Hall. The Government had granted the land, and the banks
had advanced the money. He had not the slightest doubt but that if he was
authorised to bring in a bill for the purpose, he would obtain a similar
advantage for Rockhampton. The security here was fully equal to any that could
be offered by Brisbane. Perhaps if they were not ready to go to the length of a
Town Hall, they might procure a grant in aid of a Society of Arts. There was a
fund provided for that purpose.
Mr. Douglas then explained the six weeks’ adjournment as
arising partly from the Ipswich Races, partly from the Toowoomba Agricultural
Show, and partly from the very cogent reason that the Immigration Committee
would have time to deliberate and place the subject in a position it had not
yet attained, of perfect legality. Mr. Douglas expressed the opposition he had
felt to the tampering with the legislature on immigration by the Executive, and
affirmed that now it was agreed a cessation to such an evil was required, and
would be provided by the result of the deliberations of the committee on
immigration.
Mr. Douglas could state that the main cause of his visit was
the alarming ravages of the cattle disease, and assured the meeting that the
fine weather and remedial measures had greatly diminished that scourge.
Relative to the gold-fields Mr. Douglas had seen and heard nothing that
diminished his sanguine expectations of their continued development, and
attributed much of the prevalent sickness to unacclimatisation and imprudent
exposure. From those who remained, and that was a large number, he found a general
feeling of satisfaction at their earnings.
On the question of roads he thought the fact that not a
sixpence had been spent on the old road from Yaamba, did not redound to the
credit of the Ministry, as it was not a question of policy but administrative
detail. On the new road a considerable amount had been spent, but much variety
of opinion prevailed as to its practicability over the old road. It was
undoubtedly shorter than the existing route.
In fine, Mr. Douglas formally reviewed the prospects of the
gold and copper mines at the Peak Downs, and argued that any existing
depression from the stocks of goods on the roads to the mines could be but
temporary.
Reference had been made to the resolutions before Parliament
on the question of representation. The only practical test that could be
applied was population. Population and property were convertible terms. If one
or the other were taken, both were represented. Broadly he saw no principle
except that of population. The Reform Bill of England was based on population
with the exception of London, and he (Mr. Douglas) thought a capital ought to
be excepted, from the fact that the whole of the Legislature sitting there were
not likely to forget its existence.
Touching some sparring between Mr. Douglas and Mr. Taylor,
Mr. Douglas said that he felt the constant iteration of local requirements
somewhat weakened advocacy, but as he had told Mr. Taylor, should the capital
be removed to Toowoomba, Brisbane might be allotted a few more members than
even that favoured spot.
On the question of Provincial Councils, Mr. Douglas felt no
interest in the measure brought forward by the Government. He had his own ideas
on the subject, and after having seen their bill he drafted one, but found it
was not in order to have two bills on a similar subject before the House at the
same time. He would not, however, detain the meeting that night; he had not
come to talk politics, but on the subject of representation it was his advice
that this community should hold themselves clear from identifying themselves
with any bill that did not involve the principle of conceding full political
rights.
After the meeting had broken up, Mr. Douglas was entertained at a public supper given by the Mayor and Corporation. About thirty gentlemen sat down to the supper table, at which his Worship the Mayor presided, Mr. Fyfe officiating as Vice-chairman. The usual toasts having been given and responded to, several speeches were made, and harmony prevailed until a late hour.
