I pray the new Labor party of Australia research and understand

I pray the new Labor party of Australia research and understand the injustice that has been forced on the people of Norfolk Island. We once again....need a team in our corner.

NORFOLK ISLAND BILL
Second reading.
Debate resumed from 16th September 1913

Mr LAIRD SMITH:

I refer to Mr. A. J. Ogilvy. ....
I believe that the Labour party of Australia owe him a debt of gratitude which we can only repay by bringing his works prominently before the people, hoping that they will eventually bear fruit. We may apply what he says to the condition of affairs in Norfolk Island.

Speaking of the workers, he makes this statement-
"But having land he can always find something to produce that somebody else wants.

Even if there be no actual land-produce that seems to him worth producing for sale, there are always goods to make that somebody will be glad to buy, or services to render that somebody will be glad to hire.

His home and his food supply being secure, he is independent.

For even under the extreme and absurd supposition that he can find nothing to produce or to do that anybody else wants, he can always employ himself; he can always find something useful to do on his own account, to multiply his comforts, or add to his enjoyment in some way, so long as he has access to land.

But if he has not access to land - if “A” claims all the land, and will not allow him to occupy - then his freedom is gone indeed ; he is at “A’s” mercy.

He must get work from “A” (or somebody) on any terms, or die.

Without the first factor (land) the second factor (his labour) is paralyzed, and the third factor (his spade) is useless.

"We should do all we can to prevent this little island getting into the hands of the people who own land but do not live on it or work it.