During the Prime Minister's absence the Government has suffered another serious reverse, The present United Australia Party Government relies on the support of the Country Party, several of whose members are included in the Ministry. Shortly Lefore Mr, Lyons departed for London the Gwydir seat, held by the Couniry Party; fell Vacant through the appointment of its member, Mr.
Abbott, as Administrator of the Northern Territory. In the by-elecy lon that followed the United. Australia Party decided not to con-fest the seat. The Country Party, however, concentrated all its strength winning what was regarded a significant election, and lost considerable prestige by' the success of the Labour Party candidate.
Despite the efforts of the United Australia Party to disassociate itsd from this reverse, the election was generally construed as a defeat of the Government parties, The Labour Party was greatly encouraged by its success, and is preparing for the ext general election with more con-idence and unity than it has known for several years, The significance, however, of the by-election has been somewhat exaggerated. Gwydir is a notoriously fekle electorate, and the Country Party candidates were not helped in their campaign by the fact that the retiring member's appointment og Administrator was unpopular in the Northern Territory and severely criticized in the Press. This was due to Mr. Abbott's former associ ion with interests concerned The commercial development of the Territory, which many people considered should have disqualified him from appointment to such an_important position of official responsibility, Tantalite Rush During the past month the Terne ory has been the scene of a minor rush to secure control of tantalite deposits, Tantalite is a metal used in alloys suitable for high-speed cutting tools. With the rear this rare metal is in and its market price has risen rapidly. The only deposits. of any importance are in North Australia, and Until recently one owner enjoyed virtually a world monopoly of its production, Several foreign experts are now in the Territory prospecting for payable deposits, and a number of small claims are being worked. One sident of Darwin discovered tantalite his backyard, and although he only works the claim in his spare time, has become one of the leading producers of tantalite in the world. Thus wide ly "are the economic benefits of Fearmament dispersed, Various ofer valuable minerals are believed to exist in isolated parts of North Australis, and the Government is conducting' extensive surveys to determine their economic possibilities, Such surveys have been really simplified by the use of aero-lanes, though flying over almost un-Known country is not without its dangers. One party has been marooned for the last week through 4 forced landing in the heart of the desert. "Water and provisions are being delivered by parachute from other planes while a despised but efficient camel team plods over the miles of sand and spinifex with supplies of petrol and tools to clear a runway for the plane so that the arly can return.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.