BURDEN OF CANBERRA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17526, 22 July 1931, Page 8

BURDEN OF CANBERRA

TREMENDOUS LOSSES "OUGHT TO BE ABANDONED" Upon almost every occasion on which there is discussion of Canberra someone suggests that there is a great deal in the recent declaration of Dr. Maloney, M.H.R., that the Federal capital ought to be abandoned, says the Sydney correspondent of the Argus. It is probable that a referendum on the subject would result in voting - in New South Wales that would astonish the other States. Australians do not like to look back after having set their hands to the plough, "but the annual loss on Canberra is unbearable," said ono critic in a recent conversation. No one contradicted him.

A common suggestion is that Canberra should be abandoned. It is argued by some that a few men could bo retained to look after the trees, the roads, and the buildings. Fifty years hence there might bo a return 'tg the site. Whatever may be the merit of that suggestion, it is agreed that no further expense should bo incurred by moving additional departments to the Federal territory.