NORTH AUSTRALIA

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1933, Page 5

NORTH AUSTRALIA

•| AWAITING DEVELOPMENT FEDERAL OBJECTIVE. BASIS FOE NEGOTIATIONS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received 9 a.m.) SYDNEY, July 17. The Federal Minister of the Interior, Mr J. A. Perkins, said today 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 was 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 was the maintenance of a White Australia. ■> .

BRITAIN’S PRIME PART. MONEY AND MAN-POWER. AN EMPIRE INSPIRATION. (Received 9 a.m.) LONDON, July 17. The “Morning Post,” in commending the North Australia development plan, says it is almost certain that the British. investor will have to find the bulk of the capital and the British Government’s duty will be to ensure a response commensurate with so important an Imperial project. “It must also be clear that the manpower to carry out the work should Ibe drawn mainly from Britain. The paper adds: “No more auspicious moment could have been chosen. Markets, indeed, are temporarily dislocated by the world depression, but that is no ground for discouragement. On the contrary, Empire investments and migration are. matters of longterm . planning. Now, when the first signs of recovery are beginning to appear, is just the time to look ahead and make dispositions enabling the Empire to enjoy the fullest share of the prosperity which is coming.”

PLANS OUTLINED. -V.' FLEET OF FAST SHIPS. NEW PORT PROPOSED. (Received 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Senator Pearce, chairman of the Fe‘de*al Cabinet , sub-committee dealing with plans for the development of North Australia, disclosed the details of the Government ’s , project. He emphasised that -pastoral development rather than agriculture was the Government’s - object, and indicated that plans envisaged the provision of cheaper transport 'means, and of a fleet of fast ships and the building of a new port at the mouth of McArthur River, on the Gnlf of Carpentaria. Mr Lyons gave the assurance that the rights of the lessees in the Northern Territory would be protected, adding that the lessees would probably co-operate with chartered companies. Mr Perkins proposed to visit the Northern territory shortly to deal with the administration of the tory.The opinion is expressed in Adelaide by men who are familiar with the terktory that the area which could be adapted to the Government’s scheme is small.