THURSDAY ISLAND.

Western Star, 5 August 1938, Page 3

THURSDAY ISLAND.

Sir Janies Murdoch, who returned to Sydney by tke Changte from Thursday Island, said lie saw evidence there of a spirit of despair and neglect which was veiy disheartening. He added that any defences that the island might have had were now worm-eaten. “Thursday Island, with its fine climate, its magnificent scenery, its fishing, and its position, could be one of Australia’s best tourist resorts,” Si) James said. “But it seemed to me tc be an island of neglect and apathy. Tlir hotel accommodation is archaic, the shops look dull, and the main street is a l‘ joke. The island council does not seem to bother. It needs a live council.” Sir James Murdoch said he considered that too much importance was attached to Japanese motives in northern Austra lian waters. “I am convinced from what I saw and heard that the Japanese in the north o r Australia are respectable citizens, whos only desire is to trade peaceably and to search for pearls,” he said.