NEW AUSTRALIA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2854, 13 August 1895, Page 3

NEW AUSTRALIA.

Adelaide, August 8. Mr McNamara, a Queensland journalist, and prominent pioneer in the New Australia movement, has returned. He says that when he left Paraguay four months ago the disorganisation of the settlement was complete. So long as the settlement was worked ou the Hues of socialism it succeeded, but as soon as they were abandoned difficulties began. Ho' believos that all who seceded still cherish their original ideas, but they are full well agreed that small voluntary associations like New Australia cannot solve tho social problem. It requires the power of a State. In reference to climatic condition?, he says that agriculture is so uuremunerative aud uncertain in Paraguay, that the people cannot be induced to uudertake it without Government assistance; even then it would result in failure in 90 out of 100 cases. The economic conditions wore an insuperable obstacle to the success of agricultural and industrial enterprise, They were completely isolated from the world's market, as carriage by rail and river was prohibitory, local consumption iusiguificant, aud the country not comparable with Australia or the Argentine for farming and stock raising. The climate is intensely hot, aud forces prolific growth for a time, but crops wither before they come to any good. Maizo is about the only grain crop to mature, and even it is inferior. The insect pests are terrible, and locusts devastate tho crops.