AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19977, 20 December 1926, Page 11

AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE

POSSIBILITIES OF DEVELOPMENT.' MR ARTHUR HENDERSON’S VIEWS. (Freu Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, December 18. (Received Dec. 19, at 11.30 p.m.) The Empire Parliamentary delegates have arrived in London from Australia. The Marquis of Salisbury, in an interview, said’ that the most striking thing was Australians extraordinary and touching devotion to the Crown and the Old Country. He was sure that the Duke and Duchess of York would be magnificently received everywhere. Mr Arthur Henderson said that the tour had been a unique and informing experience. It had enabled the delegates, besides seeing the fertile nlains of Australia, to obtain a first-hand conception of the wonderful transformation which human labour and science had accomplished in the heavily-timbered districts in which much newly-developed acreage was formerly regarded as incapable of cultivation. They had been surprised to find in a country where transport was vital that the railways lacked co-ordination owing to the differing railway gauges, but the transport difficulties proved that it was impossible to appraise too highly the spirit of adventure and the heroism, grit, and determination of the early pioneers, who with vision, initiative, and courage had laid the foundations of a national structure. Regarding the future, Mr Henderson expressed the opinion that it would be imprudent to speak with overmuch precision. Although Australia had been described as a land of boundless riches and alluring opportunities, there were many factors to be considered —for example. Federal versus State powers, collective ownership versus private enterprise, primary versus secondary industries, as well as marketing, land tenure, and an adequate population. However, Australia had such immense resources and infinite possibilities that he could not resist the impression that, given sound direction and enterprise by the political and industrial leaders with the loyal co-operation of the people, Australia might yet become a greater Britain of the southern seas.—A l , and N.Z. Cable.