The Waikato Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1933. AUSTRALIA’S NORTHERN TERRITORY.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19013, 2 August 1933, Page 6

The Waikato Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1933. AUSTRALIA’S NORTHERN TERRITORY.

During the last couple of months the development of the Northern Territory has been a fruitful source of speculation in Austraia. A generation has elapsed since the Commonwealth Government acquired the Territory, and during that long period the ‘‘ empty North ” has been a substantial dr-ain on the public funds. Various Federal Ministers have visited the Territory and furnished reports to their respective Governments. But no tangible results have accrued.

The curse of party warfare may be blamed, to some extent, for this barren record. Political factions have been too busy in fighting for the possession or retention of power to bother about filling Australia’s vacant spaces where voters are few arid the only vital interest is associated with the maintenance of a White Australia. .The average citizen takes these manifest failures all too quietly, and declines to become excited in regard to continued ownership of a great Commonwealth which was inherited without, cost of blood or treasure.

Some weeks ago, however, apparently as the result of negotiations or conversations which had been proceeding for some time, the Prime Minister announced the Government’s plans for the development of Northern Australia. These comprise the formation of one or more chartered companies to effect the objects aimed at. It is alleged that large interests, both Australian and British, have already expressed to the Government their readiness to avail themselves of the plan, which will assure ‘‘full protection of the natives,” and will be in accordance with the W T hite Australia policy.

It is also stated that encouragement has been received from the British Government. No Commonwealth expenditure is involved, although the Commonwealth would, under the scheme, be giving substantial concessions in connection with tenures, developmental works, customs and exemption for a period from land and income taxes. An outstanding feature,is that the plan, if successful, will meet the need —admitted on every hand —for developing the North as quickly as possible.

Fiscal autonomy involves both difficulties and drawbacks, and this feature of the scheme will doubtless be fully discussed. Feais that a special tariff for a Commonwealth territory would be unconstitutional or that the Commonwealth has not power to regulate trade between a Territory and the States, are apt to be overdrawn, states the Canberra Times, in commenting on the plan. The Commonwealth Parliament stands in a different position in regard to its territories from its status in relation to States forming units of the Federation. The importance of effective occupation by white settlers will be generally conceded, and this involves rail connection between the north and existing population centres.

As a measure of national defence the railway is indispensable. Sir George Pearce, chairman of- the Cabinet sub-committee, has stated that the plans also envisaged a fleet of fast ships as well as the construction of a new port and roads. The essential fact is that every effort by successive Governments to develop settlement in the Territory has so far failed. Mere talk about capitalists, combines, and bankers is no answer to the new proposals. If companies ca,n be induced to accept the proposition under a reasonable form of charter, it will be many years before they can reap any profit unless they succeed in finding large gold deposits. Let the whole matter be examined in the light of reasqn and with the sole object of devising the best means of promoting the development and safety of the Commonwealth. | ,