THE FEDERAL CAPITAL

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 17020, 17 December 1920, Page 8

THE FEDERAL CAPITAL

* BUILDING WORK TO CONTINUE. (TROM OTTR OWN correspondent SYDNEY, December 8. An. announcement by the Prim© Minister that building operations are to be resumed at Canberra,. the site of the Federal capital, and pushed, on steadily, has (been received with, much interest. Sydney is pleased, and Melbourne —which has enjoyed possession of the capital since 1900—is very angry. . The Territory was acquired from New South Wales about eleven years ago, and comprises over half a million acres. It lies within a basin formed by low» hills, and'ns rolling, wooded, wellwatered country—one of the most magnificent natural parks in Australia. Building operations commenced in 19J.3, but owing to tlhe terrific financial stringency, all grants ceased during tho war, and building came to a complete standstill. Still, within that period, before building ceased, much was done. A splendid and ample water supply system was established, a large powerhouse was built to supply light ahd power, tho Territory was closely surveyed and roaded, a hospital was built, Jmckworks -capable of t-upplying five million bricks a year were erected, and afforestation was started on a great scale. Somewhere about £2,000,000 was spent, apart from the £800,000 required to resume tlve land. Since building ceased, good service Bias been rendered in improving tho land. The place ten years ago was a rabbit warren. To-day, as tho result of intense fencing ana patient digging out, there is not a rabbit to be seen. This alone has added £2 an acre "to the value of the land. This, and a general appreciation, makes the land for which £800,000 was paid to-day worth £2,000,000. Parliament has voted £150,000 for the resumption of works. Dwellings for workmen are to be erected right away, and tho erection ef Government buildings is to follow. A Federal Convention to consider proposed amendments of th» Constitution is to meet within two years, and it is hoped to house it at Canberra. After that the establishment of tlhe scat of Government there will follow in- due course. Anti-Can-berra Melbourne has done its utmost t»' secure the abandonment of the capital i scheme on the ground that the country cannot afford it. Melbourne is now thought to havo failed.