§ 60. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will state the conclusions he has reached as a result of his visit to Hobart; if he is satisfied that Her Majesty's Government has made an adequate contribution to the Governor of Tasmania's Relief Fund; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BowdenWhile in Hobart I was able to see something of the extent of the damage done by this disastrous fire. The losses were severe but Australia is a robust country and I have nothing but admiration for the speed with which the ravages of the disaster are already being repaired. Our contribution of £20,000 ($A.50,000) to the Governor of Tasmania's Disaster Fund has been most warmly received. The Premier of40W Tasmania in writing to me his own thanks, called our contribution "a magnificent gesture". I discussed with Tasmanian Ministers the question whether there was any special assistance which they might wish to ask from us. This would, of course, be willingly given.