“Assisted Immigrants.”

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1922, Page 4

“Assisted Immigrants.”

EXODUS FROM NORTHERN TERRITORY. SYDNEY, May ,•)]. Another humorous chapter has been lidded to the history of Australia’s Northern Territory. It is stated that a number of persons are leaving Darwin as assisted immigrants to Queensland. and even to Western Australia, assistance for this purpose being rendered by the Federal Government. Apart from its humorous side, this development is a somewhat, pathetic commentary on political mismanagement It was decided by the Fisher Ministry that the Northern Territory was to ho an object lesson in the creation of a prosperous community by political control. Hugo sums of money have been diverted to the Territory since that time in the endeavour to create an artificial paradise that would attract white settlers. Stnto hotels were established in which boor was retailed a specially low prices. Hours of work at Darwin wore anything the workers chose to make them, and wages were mostly calculated in overtime. Despite this, the history e.f the Territory is one of sustained discontent, disorder, a.nd confusion.:. Administrators here left hastily nt the request of tho residents. in sheer desperation tho State lintels were eventually offered to private enterprise. The fact that the scanty nnnulation now exhibits an anxiety to go elsewhere and leave this paradise behind them seems to he (lie last telling argument against political control.