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INDIA AND NORTHERN
TERRITORY.
GROWTH OF CEREALS.
Under the _ auspices of the Royal Geo
graphical Society Mr. A. H. Bryson gave a
lecture on Friday evening, entitled India
and the Northern Territory in relation $o
the production of cereals, &c. There was
e. large attendance, which Included His
Excellency the Governor (Admiral Sir Day
Bosanquet), Capt. Neame, A.D.C., and the
Attorney-General (Hon. S. J. Mitchell).
The President (Mr. W. B. Wilkinson) oc
cupied the chair, and introduced the
speaker in terse, happy terms. Sir. Bry
son, he said, was well qualified to speak
on the subject, having valuable knowledge
of both countries. Mr. Bryson, who was
cordially received, said he had thought of
suggesting that the proceedings should be
gin with the "Song of Australia," but per
haps they had better wait until they could
join bands with their brethren in the north
by a direct line from Adelaide to Oodna
datta. (Applause.) Mr. Bryson opened
with a clear reference to the commercial
growth of India, with interesting inciden
tal comments. Then pictures were thrown
on. the screen, and the lecturer gave chatty
explanations. A view of a tea plantation
led him to say that so far as he could judge
there was no possibility of growing tea in
the Northern Territory, as an altitude of
4,000 or 5,000 ft. was required, and a Scotch
mist for six months of the year. Trees
had to be kept green, so as to force the
leaves used for the production of tea. He
had not seen a single spot in the Territory
where tea could be cultivated to any com
mercial extent. Absolute failure would be
the reward of effort. Mr. Bryson threw
illuminating data in the agricultural ad
vancement of India and its later day enter
prise. Turning to the Northern
Territory, he said the country be
tween Barrow's Creek and the Cathe
rine could be compared with the Punjab.
That was the stretch that would be suit
able for wheat and cereal growing.
The opening up of the Northern Territory
was a matter of considerable 'importance to
South Australia and to the Commonwealth,
lie sincerely believed in the great value of
the Territory, and he said to them, "Go
and possess in reality the land that has
providently fallen to your lot." (Ap
plause.) Mr. Bryson remarked that he
was glad that experimental plots had been
established to emphasize the fertility of
that great country. The question arose
whether Europeans could work there. His
reply was that Europeans engaged in com
mercial pursuits in Madras and enjoyed
perfect health, provided they abstained
from alcoholic stimulants. (Applause.)
At the instance of the Hon. S. J. Mitchell,
seconded by Mr. S. Newland, a hearty vote
of thanks was passed to the lecturer.
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