WAR IN DARWIN

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1921, Page 2

WAR IN DARWIN

ADMINISTRATOR CHARGED WITH ASSAULT. SYDNEY, July b. '111? war goes on in the Northern Territory. Weapons have not been unsheathed, but it is evident that there are dangerous possibilities. There is in the territory a gang of industrial extremists—mostly Bolsheviks, foreigners, and cranks —who appear determined to cause' all the trouble possible. Their persistent agitation and strikes, and demands for higher wages, brought about the closing down of Vestey Bros’ meatworks, which represent the only industry in the place. Darwin irow lives literally on the smell of an oil rag. The only money going into the place is that which goes to pay the numerous Administration officials. Having closed up the meatworks, the extremists turned to the Administration, and the first campaign ended in the Administrator and his two principal lieutenants being chased out of Danvin. Matters hung fire lor awhile, and then the Commonwealth sent a very strong man, Mr Urquhart, formerly a Queensland police official, as Administrator at Dariwn.

The gang met. something solid in the big policeman. He knew how to deal with this class of resident, and the first rounds were distinctly in his favour. The Bolsheviks decided not to interfere further in the actual work of administration. They took a new tack; they decided that, as they had no representative in Parliament, they would pay no taxes. The Administration had no mercy.- The law worked ponderously, but inevitably, and to-day a considerable section of the gang is in gaol serving 2S days’ sentences for refusal to pay income tax. They are, of course, being held up to Australia as martyrs, but Australia is not much interested.

When was*recently in Darwin, the Administrator arranged a garden party at which residents might meet him. Nelson, the leader of the extremists, stood outside the gates and handed each incomer a dodger scurrilouslv attacking the Administration. Mr_ Urquhart thereupon went outside, found Nelson, and dealt with him as he deserved. Nelson thereupon sued the Administrator for assault and claimed £3l damages. The assault was proved —those who saw Nelson afterwards do not appear to have had the slightest doubt about it— and damages were assessed at £l. Nelson is now in gaol as a- non-taxpayer.

The Federal Government is standing firmly behind the Administrator, and, if he is. given a fair chance, it is believed he will yet make the place too hot fo*- the gang which has brought the Territory pltno«t to the point of ruin.