PACIFIC PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1920, Page 5

PACIFIC PEACE.

PERIL FACING AUSTRALIA.

MORE POPULATION IMPERATIVE.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright,

Received Dee. 2, 8.20 p.m.

Sydney, Dec. 2. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle left by the Manuka this afternoon for Wellington. Interviewed, lie stated he was making a lightning tour of the Dominion, covering both Islands in fifteen days and delivering eight lectures. He is now engaged in writing a book on hia travels in Australia dealing with his impressions of Australia.

Sir Arthur said that supposing it possible that anything should occur to weaken the power of Britain—supposing, for example, a Labor Government were to take a low view of Imperial responsibility in England) which was quite possible, and did not throw the whole weight of the Empire into a purely Australian quarrel—the situation in Australia, with its enormous unpeopled territories would be desperately dangerous among the teeming swarms of the Pacific, He urged the absolutely vital necessity of securing more population, even though it might lower the value of labor, or have other temporary effects. He considered the construction of a great strategic railway across the northern coast of Australia perhaps a better investment than an investment in warships. Sir Arthur stated he was surprised at the strength of the spiritualistic movement in Sydney, where he was informed there were ten thousand adherents. He predicted a great growth of the move-ment.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.