A GREAT OUTLOOK

Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1928, Page 1

A GREAT OUTLOOK

POSSIBILITIES OF WEST AUSTRALIA. AVELLINGTON, Aug. 13. After conferring with the British Government concerning a settlement scheme for AVest Australia involving eight million acres and £4,509,000, the Hon. Alexander AleCallum, Minister for Public AA'orks in the AA’est Australian Government, is returning to the Commonwealth by the Niagara. “The scheme was viewed very fav-

ourably by British authorities, and I have every confidence that it will be sK-eopto.d by them,” Air AleCallum stated. “The whole crux of the question is this: AAe have land with unlimited possibilities anij Great Britain has the people. Our State, with a population of only 400,000, is unable to finance a large immigration scheme, anil the object of ray visit to Great Britain was to secure support, which will amount to financial assistance if it is accepted.” ATi- AtcOalium said the possibilities of AA T est Australia had as yet only been scratched. Apart from a tract of 8,000,000 acres they had huge areas for development chiefly suited for wheat growing. If tlie scheme under review were adopted it was proposed to provide 1000 acre blocks at an average cost of from 12s to 15s per acre, the purchasers being given 30 years to pay.

“The cost of such a scheme can be well, appreciated when it is stated that 400 miles of railway and 6000 miles of roads will have to He constructed, in addition to schools, post offices, etc.,” proceeded Air McCnllum. “I have the greatest confidence in the future of the State. We have the largest tracts of undeveloped country in the world with what 1 consider the greatest possibilities.” Discussing the type of settlers that lie considered would make good, Mr AleCallum said he favoured miners. There were 300,000 of them unemployed in Great Britain, and he thought they would quickly adapt themselves to new conditions. They were steady, hardy, and thrifty. “The first year or two will mean hard work and hard living,” added Sir AleCallum. “The country is so wonderfully productive, however, that a newcomer should be well on his feet at the end of five years.”

Dealing with conditions abroad, Afp AleCallum said that Great Britain had definitely turned the corner. He was particularly impressed with the optimistic outlook of business men who were looking to the future jritli every confidence. He also noticed that there was a decided and strong, movement in favour of giving Dominion products preferential treatment.