A WHITE AUSTRALIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 January 1922, Page 1

A WHITE AUSTRALIA.

- OPPOSED BY S.A. PREMIER

(Received This Day at 8.30 a.in.) ADELAIDE, Jan. 10

The Premier, Mr Barwell, replying to criticism of his advocacy of coloured settlement in the Northern Territory says it is certain that nothing will make him alter his opinion that it is impossible to develop the Territory without coloured labour. We must justify our possession of its enormous tract, and can only do so by a reasonable development of its resources. W,e are doing nothing to that end. Tho population of the Territory is less than it was thirty years ago. The White Australia policy is a magnificent ideal, but if it prevented the development of territory, its continuance is not justified. He was not in favour of a departure from the policy if adherence to it were possible, but he was afraid it was not. If the Territory is to remain totally undeveloped while this policy continues, then its modification is only a matter of time.

Dr Basedow, a tropical authority writes to the press supporting Mr Barwell. He says there is no reason why whites should not live in the Territory, provided tho necessary comfort is afforded by introducing cheap coloured attendance. He suggests the possibility of training and developing aboriginals for the work.