NORTHERN TERRITORY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21471, 20 April 1933, Page 6

NORTHERN TERRITORY

ANXIETY IN AUSTRALIA COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE / [tt.om OUR OlfX correspondent] SYDNEY, April 13 The Federal Government's anxiety to increase the white population of North Australia, which was referred to by the ; Minister for Defence, Sir George Pearce, at a luncheon in Adelaide recently, is one of the chief reasons' for the appointment of the expert committee recently instructed to inspect every leasehold in the Territory and report direct to the Governoient on the manner in which the holdings are being worked. Following drastic statements in the report by Mr. Parkhill, when Minister for the Interior, after his tour of the Territory last year, one matter into tvhich the committee will inquire is whether certain large leaseholders are developing their runs adequately. Where it is found that Mr. Park- . bills comments are borne out, the - resumption clause in the leases will probably be exercised, and the resumed areas made available to suitable suctessors. Lessees who are found to be making a genuine endeavour to improve their holdings will bo given tssi stance in tenure and other direc;ions. The readiness of British capitalists io invest in the large areas of the Sorthern Territory is recognised by £ " le Federal Government. One objection British investors have ,'aised to Northern Territory conditions s the shortness of the tenures of the feases. Proposals have been made that the period of the leases should be intreased from 40 to 60 years, A comrv Jrehensive report on this question will when the committee's is ready. Because pf the vast nd scattered areas to be inspected,