WHAT OF THE NORTH.

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 68, 17 September 1927, Page 21

WHAT OF THE NORTH.

"The Long Lead." By M.JH. Ellis. London: T. Fisher- Unwin, Ltd. From Angus and Eobertson, Ltd., Sydney.

The largest overland continuous motor trek achieved ■within, the Commonwealth of - Australia, from Sydney to Darwin and back, stands to the credit of Messrs. Ellis, Brittlea, and Simpson. The total distance covered by the expedition was a little over 6000 miles, and it was accomplished in a standard 14 h.p. ear -with reinforced springing. The primary object of the trip was, not to create a new motoring record, but to investigate the conditions in the Northern Territory and to attempt to form a conclusion as to why 100 years or more of colonising effort had left so few marks on that vast area. As a result of this expedition and the articles written by Mr. Ellis upon his return, public interest in the Northern Territory has been aroused, "but," says the author,.."out of proportion to its true importance as a factor in the immediate future of Australian "settlement. Actually, white North Queensland,-as yet only one twentieth occupied, is. illimitably more fertitle and tempting to an invader, especially in view of its geographical situation, organised communications, and rainfall. Its partial emptiness is a real temptation, quite unnecessary, since its conditions in the main are such as to make the way of the settler with grit • comparatively easy. It will be half a before we can think of the Northern Territory except as a land of large pastoral holdings, but there need be no weeping over its condition^"

The book is a delightful account of the expedition and- its handships and adventures, many, photographs adding interest to the text. The party obviously saw the humorous side of things and were keen observers of the conditions prevailing over the large tract of country which they traversed. Mr. Ellis has some very pertinent remarks to make about the administration of this part of Australia's Continental mass, the whole book making quite stimulating- ana instructive reading.— H.W.M. ■ ' ■ ■■