Commonwealth’s Cinderella Territory.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1922, Page 3

Commonwealth’s Cinderella Territory.

ALL-WHITE SETTLEMENT SCHEME SYDNEY, Jan. 31. As an aftermath of the recent controversy on the question of developing tlie Northern Territory with the aid of black labour, an important organisation is now in process of formation, its objects being explained by its title, the North Australia White Settlement Association. The project will involve ultimately big immigration and colonisation schemes. The point has been taken by those behind the movement that the people of the north are few and cannot, without assistance, effectively press the claims of the Territory. After 100 years of British occupation, they s there is only a population of 2000 whites upon 335,000,000 acres, with a coastline of over 1000 miles, in the Northern Territory. On the other hand, the population of the Commonwealth during the past 62 years has increased by approximately 4,250,000. or fivefold.

Among the methods which the Ass.--ciation proposes to adopt are the following (1) To work for close co-or-dination between all interests concerned. (2) To press for improved transport and communication. (3) To ascertain what industries are suitable and to facilitate their establishmentfa) by reference to previous experience in Northern Australia ; (b) by reference to previous experience in similar regions in other parts of the world; (c) by means of cheap water and power; (d) by encouraging bonuses for results obtained or possibilities demonstrated. (4) To ascertain and remove causes of previous failures in land settlement, and the establishment of industries. (5) To make it practicable for women and children to make their homes in | the Territory by providing residential, | medical, recreational, and labour-sav- ! ing facilities.