NORTH TERRITORY ENQUIRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1920, Page 3

NORTH TERRITORY ENQUIRY.

DR GILRUTH \FURTHER EXAMINED. (AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION] (Received This Day at 11.20. a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. The North Territory Commission Enquiry was further advanced. Documents were produced and Judge Ewing stated they would not be made public, unless something w r as found in them. Mr Barratt asked if it was the policy of the Government to carry out a White Australia policy, and receiving an answer in the affirmative, asked why Dr Gilruth allowed Chinese labour to be employed at the Daly River copper mine. Mr Gilruth replied: “Because it was recommended by Mr Oliver.” Mr Barratt: “How could you permit a subordinate to recommend against the policy of the Government.’ Mr Gilruth: “I had officers in the Mines Department to look after that.” •Mr Barratt: “Was it not yourself who was interested in the Daly River mine and wanted it worked as cheaply as possible.” Mr Gilruth: “That is incorrect.” Mr Barratt: “Did you-ever make an offer to the Government to purchase the Territory for five million, with a proviso that there would be improvements to the amount of ten millions in two ydars.” Mr Gilruth: “No; and I made no offer on behalf of a syndicate.” Judge Ewing: “Did you ask anyone in authority whether they were willing to see the Territory. Mr Gilruth: “Yes, in 1914, when the Cook Government decided that the expenditure on the Territory must be reduced. There was correspondence over the matter, and I was asked to come to Melbourne to see the Ministei, where I suggested selling to a Chartered Company, which would develop the country by white labour. I never discussed the sale with any financial men in Australia or elsewhere.” Mr Barratt: “Were you (instructed by anybody to put up this proposition?” Mr Gilruth: “No. The sum five millions mentioned was my own estimate. 1