THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14258, 8 January 1920, Page 5

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

DEPUTATION TO ADMINISTRATOR. ON THE LIQUOR QUESTION. IMPROVED CONDITIONS PROMISED. (United Press Association.) Received Jan. 7, 8.45 p.m.) DARWIN, Jan. 7. After a public meeting, where the State monopoly of the liquor trade in the Territory was roundly condemned, a deputation waited on the Administrator and urged that the hotel hours be extended, as before the war, and more hotels and a brewery provided. The speakers stated that sly-grog selling was rampant, liquor of an atrocious character being sold day and night at exorbitant prices with the full knowledge of the police and the authorities, the result being that deaths from delirium tremens were alarmingly frequent. , One speaker advocated a local brewcrp bperuse it would do much towards populating the Territory with whites. The administration promised longer hours, lower prices and improved quality of the liquor.

QUESTION OF PROPOSED PURCHASE (United Press Association.) Received January 7, 8.20 p.m. DARWIN. January 6. Before tho Commissioner. Mr Carey was questioned as to why he left the administration to join Yesty’s, and then rejoined the administration, and if Dr. Gilruth was anxious to get him to rejoin in order to cover up his (Gilruth’s) tracks. Carey replied: “You are wrong." All he knew was that Dr. Gilruth knew he desired appointment. Replying to Mr Justice Ewing’s enquiry, as to who wanted to buy the territory, Carey said; “I do not know. I know that in 1913 the Administrator asked Lord Forrest if the Commonwealth wanted to sell the territory. Lord Forrest asked what price was offered, and Dr. Gilruth replied between £400,000 and £600,000. Asked who would be the buyer, Dr. Gilruth replied that was his business, but it was a chartered company which would comply with the white Australia policy.

LATER. VESTEYS AND THE TEH'ITORY. INTERMINGLING OF RELATIONS. ; (United Press Association.) Received January 8, 9.30 a.m. DARWIN, January 7. At the Commission, Carey, replying to a question, admitted that he said that either Vesteys Meat Company should own the Territory or the Government should own Vesteys. He told the Federal Treasurer,,Wesleys’ business and the Territory administration were so mixed up that it was Impossible to divorce them. •••.? Questioned regarding the troubles which led to the officials leaving the Territory he admitted that the population was fairly law-abidihg, excepting a few extremists and foreigners.