THE NORTHERN TERRITORY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 February 1920, Page 5

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY.

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUIRY. DR. GILRUTH'S EXAMINATION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Melbourne, Feb. 20. The Northern Territory Commission further examined Dr. Gilruth, whose bank accounts were;produced, Mr. Justice Ewing statins: that they could not be made public unless something was found in them.

Mr. Barratt asked if it was the policy of the Government to carry out the White Australia policy and, receiving an affirmative answer, asked why Dr. Gilruth allowed Chinese labor to be employed at the Daly River copper mine. Dr. Gilruth replied: ''Because it was recommended by Mr. Oliver." Mr. Barratt: How could you permit a subordinate to recommend against the policy of the Government? Dr. Gilruth: I had officers in the Mines Department'to look after thatMr.Barratt: Was it not yourself who was interested in the Daly River mine and wanted it worked as cheaply as possible ? Dr. Gilruth: That is incorrect. Mr. Barratt: Did you ever make an offer to the Government to purchase the Territory for five millions, with the proviso that there should be improvements to the amount of 10 millions in two years? Dr. Gilruth: No; and I made no offer on behalf of a syndicate Mr. Justice Eving: Did you a.?k p.nvone in authority whether th,»y were Hilling to' sell the Territory ? Dr. Gilruth: Yes, in 1914, when the Cook Government * decided that the expenditure on tlfe Territory must be reduced, there was correspondence over the matter and I was asked to come to Melbourne to see the' Minister, when f suggested selling to a chartered company, which would develop the country bv white labor. I never discussed the sale with any financial men in Australia or elsewhere. Mr. Barratt: Were you instructed by anybody to put up this proposition? Dr. Gilruth: No; the sum of five millions wo'- my own estimate.—Aus, N.Z. Cable Assn.