THE EMPTY NORTH.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15763, 2 March 1922, Page 3

THE EMPTY NORTH.

ONE PEOPLE, ONE FLAG

AN EXPLORER’S VIEWS.

SYDNEY', Feb. 22. —The exact condition of the Northern Territory and the great problems to be tackled in populating it, formed the subject of a very interesting lecture delivered by Mr David Lindsay, the well-known explorer, before a large gathering at the Royal Society’s House. Dr. Watson, Commonwealth Historian, who presided, briefly touched on the formation of the different States, and their respective climatic differences. Mr. Lindsay said that the problems of the empty north were many, but they were not insuperable. In order to achieve success, however, the fullest opportunity will have to be given private enterprise. “The first problem to be tackled,” said Mr. Lindsay, “is whether the territory is to be occupied by colored peoplo, white people, or left empty. To introduce colored labor would, without doubt, appear to be the easiest way to cope with the situation, but wliat then would happen to the rest of Australia? What would become of the ‘White Australia policy? Again, tho effect on the future generation must be visualised. “I fully believe, and I have had many vears’ experience of the conditions up there, that the Territory can be peopled by whites, and that by adhering to the White Australia policy the country will benefit materially thereby. The motto should bo ‘Ofie people, one flag/ “It has been said that a white man cannot work up there; I say he can. One good white man can do ns much work as two Chinamen. GREATEST NEEDS.

“Another problem is liow to finance the White Australia policy. The Federal Government has failed. The politicians in Melbourne cannot effectively benefit the country: therefore private enterprise must be encouraged. Many things are badly needed. For instance, there must be more roads and railways; stock and produce markets will have to be established; and, above all, equitable land laws'framed. At the present time the land laws in force are not adapted to the Territory. Freehold must be allowed, and freer selection permitted. “The third problem is how to get a good Government. Tins is really a problem. If I were to dare tell you some of the things I know regarding the Governments of the Territory, you would hardly believe me. Those at the head of things must be men who know the counary and have a good vision into the future. Results are not always obtainable immediately.

“Another problem iis tliat of the aboriginals, of whom there are in the vicinity of 50,000. The trouble in this regard is that the natives, are misunderstood ; thev are a finer race than generally believed, and are far superior to those of other parts of Australia. With a good, bold policy the natives of the north would prove one of the most valuable assets. NATURAL RESOURCES. “There is very little surface water in the north,” continued the explorer, “but there is an abundance of artesian water. A great portion of the central parts is good for pastoral occupation. As to temperatures, it is quite wrong for one to think them abnormally high. Why, I have known the mercury to lie as low as 18deg. in winter. “The coastal belt, which comprises many millions of acres of exceptionally fertile land, must be thrown open to settlers, and facilities afforded newcomers. It is possible to grow currants, rice, and other marketable commodities in great quantities. To do this culture, it is not by any means necessary to have colored labor; it can be done just as well, if not better, by whites.” Mr. Lindsay went on to deal with the great future of the Territory, and its vast natural resources, particularly fish, which abound in vast quantities along tho seaboard. If developed, the Northern Territory would be absolutely selfsupporting, and should have at least one big industry. It was once said t)vtho rice industry, if promoted in the Territory, would prove to bo of the same importance to that State as Hie wheat industry is to the Commonwealth.