THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 2, 4 January 1916, Page 5

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

UNSUCCESSFUL SETTLERS.

LARGE AREA FORFEITED.

Anything but a bright picture of land settlement in the Northern Territory of Australia is painted by the Acting-Direc-tor of Lands in a report to the Federal Minister for External Affairs. The report shows that the total area now leased is 108.091,937 acres, an increase of orfly 12,580,632 acres since 31st December, 1913. This area is principally leased for pastoral purposes. During the eighteen months with which the report deals no fewer than 7,414,734 acres were forfeited. A considerable part of this area was held under pastoral permits, which expired through the non-pay-ment of rent. Twelve large pastoral leases on the Baridy tablelands, comprising an area of 4988 square miles, all held by one individual, were surrendered, conditionally on the Crown reissuing new pastoral leases under the ordinance. The new leases were for forty-two years, with reappraisement after the first twentyone years. None of the leases exceeded 600 square miles in area, while rentals considerably in excess of those under the old conditions were charged. Far more stringent conditions regarding stocking and improving, particularly water conservation, were imposed, necessitating the expenditure of thousands of pounds of capital, and ensuring the proper working of the land. Further, the new leases were issued to separate individuals. The area of the Northern Territory is divided .as follows:—Alienated area, 474,782 acres; held under lease, license, or permit, 108,091,937 acres; unoccupied, including aboriginal and other reserves and mission stations, 226,550,081 acres. Topographical surveys are being effected practically throughout the whole "of the Territory, and it is hoped that in the near future more land will be thrown open for pastoral occupation. The total number of applications received for grazing licenses since 31st December, 1913, is ninety-six, for an area of 21,386,880 | acres. The.area now held under grazing , license is 24,230,380 acres. Fifteen ap- j plications for an area of 2,920,960 acres are still pending. It is said that constant enquiries are being made about tills tenure. The Acting-Direotor, referring to the agricultural leases forfeited says that unhappily most of the applicants who. were granted agricultural blocks have. proved' themselves quite unsuitable for agricultural pursuits, and in most cases have not been in. possession of sufficient capital to make headway. Many of the forfeitures were due to the fact that blocks had been allotted to persons who applied for them from the southern States, but failed to proceed to the Territory, to enter into occupation. In the opinion of the' Acting-Director, the' establishment of the freezing works in Darwin will prove the greatest boon to the country.