NORTHERN TERRITORY

Southland Times, Issue 18829, 24 May 1920, Page 5

NORTHERN TERRITORY

MR JUSTICE EWING’S REPORT. PEOPLE’S GRIEVANCES WELL FOUNDED. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright'.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE, May 22. Mr Justice Ewing’s report states that it itl beyond his comprehension how, under the conditions in the Northern Territory, the Government expected peace there, as the citizens were deprived of all political rights, but remained subject to the liability of paying taxes. If the same conditions prevailed in Tasmania, one of the most peaceful of States, it would have resulted in rebellion. He could not blame the people of the Territory for their deportations, as their confidence in the Commonwealth had been shaken to its foundations by the continued failure to remedy wrongs by Parliament and those appointed to govern them. Though he placed a certain amount of responsibility and condemnation on Dr Gil ruth, Judge Bevan and Mr Carey, there were some extenuating circumstances in Dr Gilruth’e general method of administration and conduct. One of the factors directly contributing to the unsatisfactory condition of affairs was a suspicion which arose in the minds of the people that the administration was corrupt. He did not think such an extreme conclusion was justified, but regretted he was forced to consider Dr Gilruth’s conduct in some instances highly improper and most unwise.