AN AUSTRALIAN PROBLEM.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1813, 3 January 1913, Page 3

AN AUSTRALIAN PROBLEM.

POPULATING THE FAR NORTH

The land which the Federal Gov- 1 eriiment is throwing open on Daly River, in thee Northern Territory, for agricultural selection is to be granted in perpetual lease. For the first period of leases—which will be for 21 years—no rent will he payable. Afterwards there will be a reappraisement every 21 years. If rent be not paid within three months of the due date, 6. per cent interest will be charged. AH mineral rights are reserved to the Government, together with power of resumption of the property. There are 26 blocks available, ranging from 200 to 620 acres. A strip of land about two chains wide is 'reserved along the river banks. The jungle consists Gf large kapok trees, parasitic figs, banyans, and numerous topical climbers (such as lianas, bamboos, and native passion fruit). The jungle soils are black alluvium, rather difficult to work, but when worked becoming friable. Transport tation facilities are promised by means of Government vessels, which are to trade regularly between Darwin and the settlement.