NORTHERN TERRITORY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 115, 20 June 1914, Page 9

NORTHERN TERRITORY.

DEEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS. A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT. By Association. — Copyright. (Received June 20, 9 a.m.) MELBOURNE,; June 20. A report has been tabled in the House, dealing with the Northern Territory. It states that development mast, for a, time, involve a drain on the resources of the-. Common wealth without a direct return. In its relation to de--fence, and the maintenance of a "White Australia,'.' the report suggests the necessity .of a justification for the expenditure during the earlier years, .being. . determined by other than purely commercial ;consideration. The report, also urges the necessity for a bolder line of policy of development; including the proposed extensive railway construction, and embracing a branch line to. Queensland; altogether involving an outlay, of £10,000,000. Other proposals include sinking of bores, experimental farms, and other methpds'of promoting the, settlement of large areas, which are described as being excellent, for agricultural and grazing purposes* , ■■■.:'■■.

; The aboriginal population is estimated at from .20,000 to 25,000, and the report?; says, that the object of the policy, must-be to interfe*e as little as possible with the, jtiibgil .areas and 'relations. ■' ' '; ~. ..... .': ■, ~, :.V .-