242 A. DUCKWORTH. 



again as France and Germany put together. And as regards 

 population we have only to compare that of Australia and 

 New Zealand, some 4f millions ami over 1 million respec- 

 tively, with that of South Africa, where in the four now 

 unified colonies about 1 million whites only are confronted 

 with the existence of a coloured population of 4 millions ; 

 who, so far at least as the colonies other than Cape Colony 

 are concerned, have been excluded from the franchise. The 

 British House of Commons in its discussion of the Union 

 Act, however, was at first inclined to condemn this erection 

 of a rigid colour bar as being contrary to both the spirit 

 and traditions of the British Empire. Here are present 

 the elements of racial and political relationship pregnant 

 with possibilities for the future. Is it not advisable there- 

 fore that in Australia some authoritative statement should 

 soon be made so as to render free from reasonable doubt 

 the best methods of settling the northern portions of 

 Queensland, South Australia and West Australia. The 

 London Times, according to a cablegram which appeared in 

 the Sydney newspapers on 11th July, holds that — 



"The overshadowing Australian problem relates to the huge, 

 rich unpeopled northern territories. There is need for a rapid 

 awakening of Australian opinion on this vital issue, and Austi*alian 

 politicians should realise that they are merely stewards for the 

 rest of the world." 



Will Australia soon be called on to account for its steward- 

 ship ? 



Sugar Industry.— Involved in the question is the future of 

 an important industry, that of sugarcane producing, which is 

 now protected in the interests of white labour to the extent 

 of £5 per ton as difference between the import excise and 

 bounty rates. The conference resolved to urge that a 

 Royal Commission be appointed to inquire into the sugar 

 industry. 1 The Prime Minister on 4th July last explained 



1 Article by Professor 'ir^ory, " Nin.-t.-.-nth oYntury." Fob. 1910. 



