NORTHERN TERRITORY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10597, 24 May 1920, Page 6

NORTHERN TERRITORY

JUDGE EWING’S REPORT. CAUSTIC COMMENT ON ADMINISTRATION. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Australian ant N.Z. Cable Association. MELBOURNE, May 22. Air Justice Ewing’s report on tho Northern Territory Inquiry, states that it is beyond my comprehension how, under tho conditions in tho territory, tho Government expected peace there, as the citizens wore deprived of all political rights, but remained subject to the liability of paying taxes. If the- same conditions prevailed in Tasmania, one’of tho most peaceful of the States, it would have resulted In rebellion. He could not blame the people of the Territory for the deportations, as their confidence in the Commonwealth was ehaken to the foundations- by the continued failure to remedy the wrong by Parliament, and by those appointed to govern them. Though ho placed a certain amount of responsibility and condemnation on Dr Gilruth, Judge Bcvaii and Mr Caret' there were some extenuating circumstances in Dr Gilruth’s general method of administration and - conduct One of tho factors d-ircdtly contributing to the unsatisfactory com dition of affaire was the. suspicion which arose in the minds of tho people that the administration was corrupt He did not thing such an extreme conclusion was. justified, hut ho regretted he. was forced to consider that Dr Gilruth’s conduct, l in some instances, was highly improper and meet unwise.