STILL UNDECIDED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 7

STILL UNDECIDED.

IMPORTANT POST

N. TERRITORY CONTROL

CABINET UNDER SUSPICION.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, February 4. As I have already given my readers some detailed account of the controversy that has arisen over the proposed appointment of Mr. C. L. Abbott, M.P., as Administrator of the Northern Territory, I need not enter into many particulars now. Those who have taken the trouble to follow my earlier comments on this remarkable business, however, may be interested to learn that the Cabinet meeting which was expected to decide the 'matter last week left the appointment still in suspense.

In view of the very stringent criticism to which the Government has been subjected about this, proposed appointment, and the vehement opposition that it has aroused, it might perhaps he thought that the decision to defer the appointment was a "sign of -grace" and that 3lr. Lyons and his colleagues have been convinced of the error of their ways in attempting to treat the administratorship as a reward for political "services rendered."

Unhappily/ tliiit is. not the case, for tliu "Sydney Morning Herald" correspondent ,nt Canberra has explained that it is believed in the Federal capital that "Sir. Abbott is certain to be appointed," but one of the reasons given by the Ministry for deferring the appointment is the desire to avoid an enrly by-elec-tion in Gwyder to fill the vacancy in the House of Representatives that would bo caused by the resignation of Mr. Abbott from Parliament upon his appointment as Administrator." So, contrary to general expectation, the present Administrator, LieutenantColonel Waddell, who is now on leave, will return to Darwin and will continue to hold ollico till his siiKMsor U appointed—that is, in all probability until December IS, the date provisionally fixed for the next general election.

One Good Effect. It may be pointed out that whatever tho motive behind the Federal Government's decision, it will have at least one good effect. The Government has appointed a commission of three to investigate economic, financial and industrial conditions in the Territory, and as the appointment is now to be deferred till the end of the year the Cabinet will at least be able to await the commission's report, and may be guided by it to some extent in regard to the qualifications that ought to be possessed by the new Administrator. If, however, the intention to appoint Mr. Abbott has been already formed and the purpose of the Government is to carry it into effect, the delay will be simply vexatious and futile, and the indictment already framed against the Government by its accusers inside and outside tho Territory will be heavier and blacker than ever.

As I have already expressed my own opinion about this matter, I am glad to be able to quote from the "Herald" a further strong condemnation of the line of policy that the Federal Government has followed in regard to this appointment. In an editorial dealing with "A Delayed Appointment," the "Herald" scathingly comments on the report that the selection of an Administrator is to he deferred till the end of the year. If, as rumour would have it, postponement is merely a "political expedient" to obviate the necessity for a by-election, "such an attitude reinforces the objection taken to a political appointment and confirms the public in the feeling that the position of Administrator is being yffde a pawn in tho political game." The "Herald" adds that under such circumstances "it is no wonder that the protests against the- proposed political appointment were so strong and so widespread.

People's Right to Know. I The foregoing may give some idea of] the indignation and resentment arousedi not only in the Northern Territory, but in responsible political and journalistic! circles here hy the evident determination of the Federal Government to use this important office as a reward for one of its own supporters. Public opinion, however, will not allow matters to stand as they are without criticism or tion. As. the "Herald" justly insists, | the people of Australia have a right to | know a great deal more about this) curious business than has yet been dis-j closed. The public is still left in the! dark as to what extent the Government is committed to Mr. Abbott. Has it offered him the position ? If so was the offer made with the approval of the whole Cabinet or merely tentatively; and subject to its .approval later? Or! is the Government free to wait for the reply of the Payne Committee and then quite impartially make its choice of the best man available? I need not enlarge further on this last question; but enough has already been said to indicate thati if the selection of a new Administrator' for the Northern Territory is made in| strict accordance with the qualifications | of all available candidates the next I holder of this distinguished office will! not be Mr. C. L. Abbott. !