"WHITE AUSTRALIA."

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160725, 11 August 1920, Page 9

"WHITE AUSTRALIA."

THE POLICY IN JEOPARDS, Japan's Acmranas. By Telegraph—Pro,® Assn.—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association* Received Aagust 11, 9 a m SYDNEY, August tJL The Sun newspaper, in am article on ‘The White Australia Policy,” statesthat 'the question whet her the principle of the ]K)iky of a “White -Australia’ is in jeopardy must finally Rj answered by the end of lie year at td conference, in Geneva, when tic Australian mandate in the-Pacific is to bo ptenrulgated, The paper Mates that secret diplomacy stall precludes the public from knowing all I hut happens between the Gliaueclleries, but there is the very best reason for stating that Japan has very decidedly upon several occasions endeavoured to render “The White Australia” policy abortive, and that she will undoubtedly attempt to destroy it again at Geneva, where the policy may be canvassed in a far more detached and academic spirit. Thorn will be a greater number of delegates with a greater number of votes, which may swing for or against Australia, and once tlte deck-ion is reached Australia must either submit or break away from tW-League-of Nations. Tba Sun states that unless -MiaistacH are able honestly to affirm that the integrity of “The While Australia” policy, will not lie upset at Geneva, a delegation should be dispatched to Genova, to urge the claims of “Tne White.Australia” policy. ox the area, shooting licit "when. 1 lift reclamation first took place it wag abundantly clear that tire Board, which then had the-control of shipping-, made a inuiaal arrajigeinetit with the Dublin Works Department for a dual purpose - providing for sea-borne ami land carriage. When the original wharfs worn < nt, the Board renewed them in a site, staniiaJ manner, and marie farther extensions at a later date, the Railway Departim nt making no objection to-ex-tending the lines. The Detriment war# there as wharfinger under an agreement with the Board (.hah the latter might, at any time, notify the Railway Department that it worthl take, possession of the wbatvos. Two years ago this notification was given, and Urn reply came that the Board must pay .£7OO per year for right of access. Tin Board could, not accept, that position after n, had been M) years in possession. The later Minister of ' Railways and Nr Riley had distinctly stated that they must have every foot of this area. 'That waa a direct notice to the people of Wanganui that they must walk out of their birthright. It the Department succeeded they must build a wharf a mile lower down, involving expensive reclamation and a wharf where the river was not nearly so suitable for easy handling of shipping, be-ndcs the extra cost of cartage. He believed, if ten chains of sidings were taken, it would solve the problem, giving, all tlie relief desired, and enabling shed accommodation to bo doubled. It shippers were forced to Fastleelifi it would mean an extra* charge of 5s per ton ou all goods handled. He suggested it would be a relief to the Prom ter from the pressure of session work if he could pay a visit to Wanganui and see the position lor himself. Mr Massey: I quite agree. You atfil xne to solve a problem: but 1 confe*3 my inability. )>eeauo.: I don’t know the geography of the place. He-added t hat, ho would enjoy a week-end visit, but it was quite inqwssible to spire the time. Ho had spoken to the General Manager about the difhe-uity at Wanganui. He could see it was very little u,sc talking about easing congestion by building a new railway station, bocanso building material was scarce and labout almost unobtainable. This would mean entering on a job which would taka some years. If the suggestion regarding shifting the shunting yard was feasible, it would give relief for a. few years, and it seemed to him the easiest way out at present. Air Bassett: We have discussed it with Mr McVilly, who says it is impossible. Mr Massey: I am sorry te hear that, but I will discuss the matter with him agaim, possibly on .Saturday or Monday. THE MAYOR INTERVIEWED. Mr T. B. Williams, who accompanied the deputation to Wellington, in conversation with a “Herald” reporter this morning, stated that the matter of relief at the town wharf had been very fairly and frankly discussed with Mr McVilly, and the deputation had been impressed with Mr McVilly‘s desire to ecrv« the public of Wanganui te the best advantage. Mr McVilly pointed out that the Department had given very careful consideration to the question of the Vailway station site, and had eomc to the conclusion that the Racecourse was only one that would meet tire present requirements and those in years to come. Th# General Manager pointed out that assuming that the Department decided t<» select Wanganui East for the station site, it would he necessary te remove tho workshops and acquire land rn the vicinity to give them sufficient room, foC they certainly had not the room at Aramoho. He also pointed out the delay that would take place mi the main lina through having tlie .station in that locality. He impressed upon the deputation that the railway officers were not looking at this matter from a Departmental point of view, but in the lighs of how the public could best be, served. Referring to the St. John's site, Air McVilly staled that, although it would be possible te utilise it, there were also many difficulties in the way. A number of street crossings would have to Ik> closed, aud the goods shod being back under the hill, all the goods would have to lie carted over the line to the town.:. h'n>ni a railway point, of view, that locality was not suitable. Having considered all the available sites, ho considered that the Racecourso was the most central, and would bosh serve* the requirements of the whole district. It was also nearer to the wharf and would be within easy reae.h of wool stores that were bound te he. erected along the river. It was also impressed upon the deputation that when the site question wa« definitely settled, it would take, the Department some considerable time to prepare the plans of the station and yards, and he urged the public of Wanganui to make up their minds as soon as possible. In the meantime, Mr McVilly promised to do all he could iu the matter of supplying trucks at the town wharf. ( lie pointed out that it might be possible to add about 50 feet to the present shed, but did not think this would bo of any practical value in the way of relieving congestion.