NORTHERN TERRITORY.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 January 1922, Page 3

NORTHERN TERRITORY.

COLORED SETTLEMENT QUESTION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Adelaide, Jan. I'l. Premier Barwell, replying to criticisms of his advocacy of a colored settlement in the Northern Territory, says it is certain nothing will make him alter his opinion that it is impossible to develop the territory without colored labor. “We must justify our possession of this enormous tract, and can only do so by reasonable development of its resources. We are doing nothing to that end. The population of the territory is less than it was 30 years ago. A White Australia policy is a magnificent . ideal, but if it prevented tiie development of the. territory its continuance is not justified.” He was not in favor of a departure from that policy if adherence t.o it was possible, but he was afraid it was not. If the territory is not to remain totally undeveloped, while this policy continues, then its modification is only a matter of time.

A doctor who is regarded as a tropical authority writes to the Press supporting Mr. Barwell, and says there is no reason why whites should not live in the territory provided necessary comfort is afforded by introducing cheap colored attendance, and suggests the possibility of training and developing aboriginals for the work.