The New International Encyclopædia/Northern Territory
NORTHERN TERRITORY. A vast region in the northern part of South Australia, under whose control it is (Map: Australia, E 1). It has an area of 523,620 square miles. The Minister appointed to have charge of the district has his official residence at Palmerston. The climate is tropical, and sections of it are well adapted to the growing of tropical plants, particularly sugar-cane. Parts of it are devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, hut the greater portion is wholly unoccupied. Tin, copper, silver, and gold are found. A telegraph line connects Port Darwin with Adelaide, and all messages for the southern colonies are received by way of Port Darwin. In 1900 the population, exclusive of aborigines, was estimated at 1500 Europeans, 2200 Chinese, and 515 others. See South Australia.