NORTHERN TERRITORY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 20 February 1920, Page 5

NORTHERN TERRITORY

DR. GILRUTH BEFORE commission (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright', (Australian ft N.Z. Cable Association) (Rec. 11 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. The Northern Territory Commission further examined Dr. Gilruth, whose - bank accounts were produced. Judge Ewing stated that they would not he made public unless something was found in them. Mr Barratt asked if it was the policy of the Governmentto carry out,, the White Australia policy; and receiving an, answer in the affirmative, asked why Dr. 'Gilruth allowed Chinese labour to be employed at the Daly River Copper Mine.

Dr. Gilruth replied: “Be- 1 cause it was recommended by 'Oliver. ’ ’

Mr Barratt: “How could you permit a subordinate to recommend against the policy of the Government ? ’ ’ Dr. Gilruth: “I had officers in the Minos Department to look after that.” Mr Barratt; “Was it not yourself who was interested in the Daly River Mine and wanted it worked as cheaply as possible?” Dr. Gilruth: “That is incorrect.”

Mr Barratt; “Did you ever make an offer to the Government to purchase the Territory for £5,000,000, with a proviso that there he improvements to the amount of £10,000,000’ in two years?” Dr. Gilruth: “No; and I made no offer on behalf of a syndicate/’ Judge Ewing: “Did you ask anyone in authority whether they were willing to> sell the Territory?” Dr. Gilruth; “Yes. In 1914, when the Cook Government decided that the expenditure on the Territory must be reduced, thene was correspondence over the matter, and I was .asked to come to Melbourne to see the Minister, when I suggested selling to a chartered company which would develop the country by white labour. I never discussed the sale with any financial men in Australia or elsewhere. ’ ’ Mr Barratt: “Were you instructed by anybody to put up this proposition?” Dr. Gilruth: “No. The sum of £5,000,000 mentioned was my own estimate.”