NORTHERN TERRITORY

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 July 1933, Page 5

NORTHERN TERRITORY

NO DEFINITE OFFER RECEIVED [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN.—COPYRIGHT.] SYDNEY, July 17. The Federal Minister of the Interior, Mr. Perkins, said to-day that, since the publication of the Government’s policy regarding the development of the Northern Territory, his correspondence had considerably increased. He, however, hastened to explain that no company had so far approached the Government concerning a charter, but he had been given to understand that certain big interests here were taking up the scheme if they could obtain concessions. He added that the scheme already outlined was merely a basis for negotiations, the only unalterable clause being the maintenance of a White Australia.

FURTHER DETAILS. I (Recd. July 18, 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, July IS. • Senator Pearce, Chairman of the Federal Cabinet Sub-Committee, dealing with plans for development of North Australia, disclosed details of the Government’s project. s He emphasised that pastoral development rather than agricultural, was the Government’s object, and he indicated that plans were envisaged for the provision of cheaper transport by means of a fleet of fast ships and the building of a new port at the mouth of the McArthur River, on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Mr Lyons gave an assurance that the rights of the lessees in Northern Territory would bo protected, adding that lessees would probably co-operate with the chartered companies. Mr Perkins proposed to visit Northern Territory shortly, to deal with the administration of the territory. The opinion was expressed by Adelaide men, familiar with the Territory, that the area which could be adapted to the Government’s scheme was small.

BRITISH MEN AND MONEY LONDON, July 17. The “Morning Post,” commenting on the North Australia development plan says: “It is almost certain that the British investor would have to find the bulk of the capital and the British Government’s duty will be to ensure that there shall be a response that is commensurate with so important an imperial project. It must also be clear that the man power to carry out such work should be drawn mainly from Britain.” The paper adds: “No more auspicious moment could be chosen. The markets, indeed, are temporarily dislocated. through the world depression, but that is no ground for discouragement. On the contrary, Empire investment and migration are matters for long-term planning. Now, when the first signs of a recovery are beginning. . to appear, it is just the time to look. : ahead, and to make dispositions eni abling the Empire to enjoy the fullestshare of prosperity that is coming.”