WHITE AUSTRALIA.

Grey River Argus, 17 January 1922, Page 5

WHITE AUSTRALIA.

JOE COOK’S ENDORSEMENT. BARWELL RAISING A GHOST. (Received January 16, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 15. Sir Joseph Cook, the new High Commissioner for Australia, interviewed, on arrival here, was questioned in regard to the question of importing Asiatic labour to work the Northern Territory of Australia, as advocated by Mr Barwell, Premier of South Australia. Sir Joseph Cook, however, deprecated the reopening of the White Australia controversy. It would be perfect folly, he said, and a pure waste of time. “Australia has made up her mind, irrevocably and beyond all further argument.” It was unnecessary to raise the question in any discussion about the development of Northern Australia. “We are doing quite well with white labour, and shall continue to do so. I deeply deplore the resurrection of these black labour ghosts, which were laid to rest by the first Federal Parliament. Any rediscussion will now be mischievous in the extreme. We mean to keep Australia for white people, preferably British people.” Sir Joseph Cook added that a “Times” editorial states that any advocacy of black labour would command neither sympathy nor support among Australians, expressed the situation exactly.