["The Pearling Industry", The West Australian, Friday 27 October 1911, page 6]

THE PEARLING INDUSTRY.

ROYAL COMMISSION ADVOCATED.

SPEECH BY SIR JOHN FORREST.

Melbourne, Oct. 26.

In the House of Representatives to-day Mr. Bamford (Q.) moved that a Royal Commission should be appointed to inquire into and report on the Australian pearl shelling industry. He gave a number of details concerning the industry, which, he thought, could be conducted by white labour. Mr. Sinclair (Q.) seconded the motion. Sir John Forrest (W.A.) said the thanks of the House were due to Mr. Bamford for bringing up the motion. but he did not think that the Commission should be restricted to members of Parliament. The latter had much to do, and would not be able to go to Western Australia. He was, however, in accord with the views of Mr. Bamford as to the necessity for an inquiry. The industry was an important, one, the exports in 1908 being valued at £300,000. The White Australia policy had hampered the industry slightly but not to any very great extent. It was certain that if the people of the Commonwealth did not carry on the industry those of other nations would by fishing outside the three miles limit from shore. The work was hard, but remunerative. It was difficult to get divers, who earned good wages. The question was whether, white men would engage in the industry if coloured men were kept out of it. His own impression was that the industry was not a good one for a white man but if he could engage in it there was no reason why he should not be allowed to do so. Australia did not want the purity of the race interfered with, but coloured men in the industry stayed away at sea. and could only land under a permit. They must always remember that they ran the risk of destroying the industry if the restrictions were made too stringent. The Government should try an experiment by starting a boat manned by a white crew and divers.

Mr. Thomas: That is Socialism.

Sir John Forrest: That is what you believe in. I do not advocate it, but if you do, you should try it.

Continuing, he say that if members of Parliament were appointed to the Commission they would be loth to bring up a report that the industry could not be carried on by white labour. He would prefer to have as members of the Commission those who were unbiassed politically. They wanted the views of experienced men. He did not agree with the policy adopted by the Government, and thought that an inquiry should be made. At the same time he, was of opinion that the Commission should not consist of members of Parliament. The debate was adjourned.