ROSS DEPENDENCY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 185, 4 August 1923, Page 14

ROSS DEPENDENCY.

DOMINION RESPONSIBILITY. PARLIAMENT TAKES IT EASILY. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. After receiving an assurance from the Premier that New Zealand's new responsibility for the government of the Ross Dependency in the Antarctic will not involve serious obligations, and that there wag even some revenue likely to come from whaling and sealing licensee, members of the House of Representatives to-day showed cheerful acceptance and made jokes about a future Parliamentary trip among the icebergs. Mr. Massey read the lengthy Order-in-Couneil which had been passed a few daye ago by His Majesty-in-Council creating a British dependency under the control of i the Governor-General .of New Zealand of all islands and territories 'between the 160 th degree east longitude and 150 th degree west, situated south of the 60th degree of south latitude. The Premier mentioned that the matter had been under his notice since the last Imperial Conference. He did not know a great deal about the Ross Dependency, but for fifty years it had been visited by British ships, and every season Norwegian whalers were in the habit of visiting the Ross Sea, which he "was informed was one of the most valuable whaling grounds in the world. It was also valuable for seal fisheries. At present it wae uncontrolled, and it was intended by the New Zealand Government to issue licensee for whaling and seal fishing, this revenue, of course, to come to the 'New Zealand Government. Several whale fishing firms had informed the British Government that they were willing to pay reasonable license fees. As for the territory itself, he was unR'ble to say -whether it would become valuable. New Zealand vrould 'bear the cost of its government, but he was inclined to think the cost would be nil unless developments took place of which he was at present entirely unaware. Mr. E. J. Howard: No indentured labour there? Mr. Massey: No, but there is plenty of room for you if you wish to. go. (Laughter.) Labour members chorused: "Send Tsitt," while Mr. W. Veitch laughingly suggested "What about a Parliamentary trip?" "If the hon. member would like to go," retorted the Premier, "I would be pleased to arrange a Parliamentary visit for him | W himself." (Loud laughter.) I