THE DARWIN INQUIRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 16

THE DARWIN INQUIRY.

(By Cable.)

MELBOURNE, March 1. Before the Northern Territory Inquiry Commission, Senator Thomas, replying to questions, said that no incidents were brought b/jfore him while Minister of Home Affairs to cause him to alter his good opinion of Dr Gilruth, who perhaps lacked a little tact in handling men. He asked Dr Gilruth’s views on a White Australia and leasing policy before appointing him, On both matters Dr Gilruth gave satisfac tory answers. During witness’s term as Minister Dr Gilruth was loyal to his policy. He said that there was no indication of misrule, and he knew of no act of Dr Gilruth’s which was not directed towards the settlement and development of the Territory. Although under the Federal proclamation the coastal provisions of the Navigation Act will operate to-morrow, it is under stood that the regulations will not be enforced. A further proclamation is ex pected at an early date suspending its operation until June 30. (SYDNEY, March 2. Before the Northern Territory Commission Mr Glynn declared that there was certainly no conspiracy between the Central Government and the Administration to make a failure of the Territory for the benefit of Vestey Brothers or anybody else. MELBOURNE, March 3. Before the Northern Territory Commission the managing director of the Northern Australian Meat Company gave evidence that the allegation that practically the whole of the country between the Queensland border and Darwin was in the hands of Vestey Bros, was untrue. He said that among the largest landholders in the Northern Territory the Bovril Australian Company holds 12,000 square miles and Vesteys hold 31,000 square miles. There

was no connection whatever between th« sources of Vesteys' supplies and the interests which constitute the American Beef Trust; neither was tliere any reference to any connection with the American Beef Trust in the report of Vesteys"' operations in the Argentine, Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, Brazil,' Paraguay, Madagascar, France, Spain, ana Portugal. Witness added that it was suggested to him when Dr Gilruth concluded his term of administration that he (Dr Gilruth) should act as"* Vesteys' buying and selling agent in Melbourne, but witnesa did not consider the position would suit Dr Gilruth. March 4. . At the Northern Territory inquiry, Mr Justice Ewing, the Royal Commissioner, said he was satisfied that there had been no collusion between Vestey Bros, and Dr Gilruth, and there was no evidence of improper conduct against Judge Carey or Mr Evans.