THE NORTHED TERRITORY

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14369, 22 May 1920, Page 5

THE NORTHED TERRITORY

1 GILRUTH REGIME CONDEMNED. NEED FOR POPULATION. COLOUR BARRIER THREATENED. (United Press Association). Received Atay 21, 9.30 a.m. MELBOURNE. May 21. Mr Justice Swing's report on the Northern Territory inquiry, which has been I aided in the Senate, severely condemns the administration. In the course of liis report Mr Justice Ewing says there are clouds on the Northern horizon, which, to-day may not be larger than a man's hand, but, if not controlled, will of necessity erect ta barrier between the white and coloured races. Hi declares that though we control the outposts of" the continent* the results so far attained may be rendered useless, unless an intelligent attempt be made to populate the Northern. Territory with contented citizens, who will give true allegiance 16 Australia. He declares that there are no more Bolsheviks amongst the populatfon ot Ihe Territory than can be found in many other parts of the Australian States. The Territory had been governed in a way that ho other portion of the Commonwealth would tolerate for a rnoment. Dr. Silruth was temperamentally unfitted for the office be accepted. Judge Bevan had ceased to have the confidence of the peoples in which they were to some extent justified. He found that Mr Carey had not been guilty of corruption, and Thers was no-proof of any impropijiclary against Mr Evans. Mr Justice Ewing urges the need of more police, anil that whatever local control is given to the Territory in future it shouki provide for the similar government for all.'

Mr Justice Ewing's report'States that i( is beyond his comprehension how. under the conditions in the Northern Territory, (lie Government expected .peace there. Citizens have been deprived of all political rights, but remained subject-to liability for paying taxes. If the same conditions prevailed in Tasmania, one of the nost peaceful of Ihe Stales, they would hava 1 -resulted in rebellion. He could not blame the people of the Territory for the deporIntions, as Iheir confidence in fihe Commonwealth was shaken to the foundations by the continual failure In remedy wrongs by Parliament and 'those appointed to govv'.'ii them. '', hoti/gh he placed a certain amount of the responsibility and 'condemnation on Dr Gilruth. Judge Bevan and Mr Carey, there were some extenuating circumstances In Dr Gilruth's general method of administration and conduct. Oi?e of the factors directly contributing l/o the unsatisfactory condition of iffiirs was the suspicion which arose in Ihe minds of the people that the Administration was corrupt. He did nol think finch an extreme conclusion was justified.

(Received May 22, 1.L5 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 21

In the House of Representatives Mr Poynton, in presenting Mr Justice Ewing's report on the administration of the Northern Territory, said on the evidence it would be undesirable to continue to employ persons who were forced to leave the Territory or those whom Ihe report adversely criticised. The reporl of Ihe Royal Commission on the administration of the former German territories in the Pacific Islands recommends thai ;r the eontr">! is transferred to the Commonwealth llrey should be administered as part of Papua, or if this is disapproved that the territories should not be kept separate from Papua for Ihe purpns's of legislation and internal administration, but. one officer should administer both Governments.