NORTHERN TERRITORY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19878, 20 February 1920, Page 5

NORTHERN TERRITORY.

INQUIRY COMMISSION.

THE QUESTION OF PURCHASE.

By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyright Australian and K.Z. Cablo Association.

■ (Received February 20. 11 a.ra.) MELBOURNE, February 20. The Northern Territory Commission further examined Dr Oilruth, whose bank accounts were produced. Mr Justieo Ewing .stating that they would not bo made public unless something was found in them.

Mr Barratt asked if it was the policy of the Government to carry out. a white Australia policy, and receiving an answer in the affirmative, asked why Dr Gilnitli allowed Chinese labour to be employed at the Daly River coupemine. ‘ 1 ’

Hr Gilrnth replied: ‘-.Because it was recommended by Oliver.” Mr Barratt; ,l How could you permit a su nominate to recommend against the policy of the Government?” Dr Gilrnth: ” I had officers in the Alines Department to loo.k after that.” Mr Barratt: “Was it not voursclf who was interested in the Dalv River mine, and wanted it worked as‘cheap!.• as possible?”

Ih' Gilnitli: “That is incorrect.” Mr Barratt; Did you ever make an Government to purchase the Territory for £5.000.000, with the proviso that, there would he improve-' ments to the amount of £10,000.000 in two years?”

Dr Giiruth ; ‘- No, and I made no oner on behalf of a syndicate-” Air Justice Ewing: “Did von ask anyone in authority whether they were willing to sell the Territory?’ .. Dr r GHnUh : “ Yes, in 1914. When the Cook Government decided that the expenditure on the Territory must, he reduced, there was correspondence ove r >r Better, and I was naked to come to Melbourne to sec the Minister. I snggested selling to a chartered company, which would develop the conntrv bv white labour. I never-discussed the sale with any financial men in Australia or elsewhere.”

Mr Barratt: ‘•'Were you instructed by anybody to nut up this proposition?”

Dr Gilmth; “No sum of £5,0c:0,0G0 was mentioned. It was tnv own estimate.”