Page:To The Women Electors Of Queensland.djvu/3

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"The Federal Public Service Act of 1902" provides for the appointment of six inspectors, whose duty it is to visit the various public offices of the States of the Commonwealth, and otherwise assist the Public Service Commissioner in the discharge of his onerous official duties. In the interest of the female employees throughout the service, I advocated the appointment of a lady to one of these high and important positions, as I consider that women have a legitimate claim to a share of this work in the public offices. I regret my efforts in this direction were not successful, but I will continue to urge the appointment of one of your sex as Inspector under this Act.

By the Federal Constitution the Parliament is empowered to make provision for the aged poor of Australia. The well-being of the aged and destitute has been a question of deep concern to me for many years. In England I had an intimate acquaintance with the administration of the poor laws; and I occupied the position of Director of the Poor House of Morpeth in Northumberland. In the Legislative Assembly of Queensland I have on several occasions urged the introduction of a system for the establishment of Cottage Homes for destitute aged married couples. Any measure that may be introduced into the Federal Parliament dealing with this question should, in my opinion contain some provision for the establishment of these homes, thereby permitting the old and infirm to enjoy each others society during the closing period of their lives.

Under existing laws a man has the right to exclude his wife from all participation in whatever property he may possess at the time of his death. In many instances the wife has, by her own exertions, assisted the husband to acquire such property. I favour a change of the law in this respect with a view to securing to the widow a just share of the material wealth she has assisted to create.

I am of the opinion that no distinction whatever should be made between the sexes as to the causes for which a divorce should be granted.

What are we to do with our boys and girls? This question presents itself to all parents. I favour the granting of bonuses for the purpose of encouraging and assisting the establishment of Iron, Woollen, Cotton, and other industries, in order that new avenues of remunerative employment may be opened to the young of both sexes in Australia. It is unfair and iniquitous to place our young Australians on the same level regarding wages and conditions of labour, as the people of countries whose standard of living is of the lowest, and whose earnings preclude the enjoyment of what we are accustomed to consider ordinary necessaries. We must protect our children and our industries, and, by so doing, protect Australia from the errors of old-time civilisations.