AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17942, 22 May 1920, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

NORTHERN TERRITORY INQUIRY.

MR JUSTICE EWING'S REPORT.

Preas Association—By ToJegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, May 21. (Received May 21, at 9.30 p.m.) Mr Justice Ewing's Teport on the Northern Territory Inquiry has been tabled in the Senate, and severely condemns the Administration. \ln the course of the report Mr Ewing says:—"The cloud on the northern horizon, which to-day may be no bigger than a man's hand, if uncontrolled, will in the future produce a deluge. l ' Referring to the necessity of securing a barrier between the white and coloured races, he declares that though we control the outposts of the continent, the results so far attained may be rendered useless unless an intelligent attempt is made to populate the Northern Territory with contented citizens who will give true allegiance to Australia. Eje declares there are no more Bolshevists amongst the population of the Territory than can bo found in many parts of the Australian States. The Territory has been governed in a way no other portion of the commonwealth would tolerate for a moment. Dr Gilruth was temperamentally unfitted for the office he had accepted, and Judge Bevan had cea&ed to have the confidence of the people in which they, to some extent, were justified. He found that Mr Carey had not been guilty of corruption, and there was no proof of any impropriety ajgainst Mr Evans. He urges the need of more police,* and states that whatever local control is given to the Territory in future it should provide similar government for all.

(Received May 22, at 1.15 a.m.) In the House of Represenmtives Mr Poynton, in presenting Judge Ewing's report on the administration of the Northern Territory, said that on the evidence it would be undesirable to continue to employ the persons who had been forced to leave the territory, or those whom the report had adversely criticised. . MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. SYDNEY, May 21. A ease of pneumonic influenza has developed on the minesweeper Geranium. The family endowment scheme introduced by the Hon. Mr M Girr (Minister of Health) will involve 100 per cent, increase in the present taxation. The Sydney Labour Council has decided to resort to arbitration to secure a 44-ihour w ( eek. A committee has been formed to consider the establishment of a State Grand Opera Company, and the erection of a State Opera House.

(Received May 21, at 7.35 p.m.) It is estimated that 200.000 people in New South Wales alono will participate in the soldiers' war gratuity bonds, involving the payment of £10,000,000. (Received May 21, at 9.30 p.m.) The estate of the late Sir Thomas Anderson Stuart is valued at £42,754. As a sequel to the recent case connected with the death of the racehorse Estland, Hymes, the trainer, has issued a writ claiming damages amounting to £1000 against Thome, the caretaker of the Roseliill racecourse, on the grounds of alleged slander and assault. MELBOURNE, May 21.

The Hon. Mr Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, and the President, on behalf of the Senate, at the gathering at Parliament House presented to representatives of both forces the thanks of the commonwealth to the navy and army for their services in the war. In the House of Representatives Mr Hiughcs introdxiced a Bill increasing members' salaries to £1000 annually. Some opposition was manifested. (Received May 22, at 1.15 a.m.)

The report of the Royal Commission on. the administration of the former German territories in the Pacific Islands, recommends that if the control is transferred to the commonwealth they should be administered as part of Papua, or if this is disapproved the territories should be kept separate from Papua for the purposes of legislation and internal administration, but that one officer should administer both Governments. Mt M. Williams's, motion for the extension of the Moratorium Act was negatived. General Ryrie (Minister of Defence), speaking in favour of compulsory milifcarv training for boys, urged .the necessity of Australia being ready for defence, as a menace might ncrt be far awav. He instanced that Germany was only waiting for the day of revenge, and would wait for 50 or 100 years.

The Federal Government is considering a proposal that all enemy property in the islands be liquidated, and the proceeds credited in part to the reparation tliat Germany owes the Commonwealth of Australia. The continuation is announced of the meat contracts between Australia and- the Imperial Government. They provide for the sale to Britain of all the exportable surplus. The Senate has passed the Oil Agreement Bill. (Received May 21, at 9.30 p ; m.) Both Houses have passed the Members' Increased Salaries Bill. BRISBANE, May 21. A prohibition referendum will be taken on October 30.