AUSTRALIA’S “BUSH CAPITAL.”

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1920, Page 3

AUSTRALIA’S “BUSH CAPITAL.”

PRINCE TO LAY FOUNDATION STONE AT CANBERRA.

SYDNEY, May 11. New South Wales agitates constantly for the carrying out ol' the bargain made, when she joined the Federation, that the capital of the Australian Commonwealth should bo established with-

in a certain time in the southern por-

tion of New South Wales. The site, after great squibbling, was fixed at Canberra, and building had actually com-

menced when war put an end to the operations. A million or two have been spent there on public works, but several more millions are required before it will be possible to bold the Commonwealth Parliament there. Thoso who know the extent to which Melbourne opinion and influences dominate Federal politics recognise the justice of the New South Wales claim; and when Canberra was finally docid<

upon, Melbourne’s shrieks of protest dic'd away. But with the dislocation caused by the war, Melbourne’s hopes-

rose anew, and she now insists vigorous ly that to spend money on Canberra now iis unjustifiable. Therefore, the announcement that the Prince of Wales is to lay the foundation-stone of tin capital city there on June 14th has given Melbourne a painful jolt, as the incident will finally and officially commit the Federal Government to Canberra.

The "Age,” on the situation, is amus-

ing: ‘‘The announcement . . . has inspired a fond hope in the hearts ol some of the New South Wales members of the- Federal Parliament that the day is drawing near when the Government will agree to push on wit. tile erection of the hush capital, and arrange for the transference of Parliament, at as early a date as possible, to a new environment outside the confines of Victoria. The Federal capital enthusiasts appear entirely to overlook the heayy and serious nature of the financial obligations which at present confront the Commonwealth. They pos sibly forget, ~or' do not care to remember, that the Federal Treasurer is now in England looking for money that is urgently needed for purposes mueli

more important than the construction of a city in the husli. It must be obvious to any sane person that Australia must- first meet her debts and discharge the manifold obligations that have been thrust upon her as a result of the war. before the country is asked to shoulder fresh liabilities for the construction of the capital at Canberra,”