The following document explains why 'Asiatic' races were thought, at first, to be necessary in northern Australia.

SEMI-TROPICAL AUSTRALIA

…The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, having regard to its Imperial responsibilities, has anticipated that the semi-tropical portion of Australia would be colonised, in part at least, when it came to be occupied by Her Majesty's Indian and Asiatic subjects. This conclusion, whether definitely or indefinitely arrived at, has certainly been justified by the history of colonization as hitherto applied to the tropical portions of the earth's surface. It is an opinion which has been held more or less loosely in Australia, and was unquestionably entertained by the early colonists of Australia. Of late years, however, this opinion has been much modified. The settlement by a white population of the Northern portion of New South Wales, which is semi-tropical in its character, first demonstrated the capacity of a semi-tropical district for the profitable absorption of a European population. The settlement of Queensland still further demonstrated this capacity to an extent which was never anticipated by the early settlers. Even Dr. Lang, who may thankfully be remembered as one of the most strenuous advocates for European colonization, always justified the introduction of an Eastern population for industrial purposes. He was even favourable to the introduction of Chinese in moderation. Much experience, however, has of late years been obtained in the methods of transplanting a European population. The Red Sea Route has been opened out. Whereas at one time it was supposed that the adoption of that route would result in great mortality among the emigrants from Europe, it was found to be actually the reverse, and fewer have died in the Red Sea than by the old route in sailing ships via the Cape of Good Hope. I myself am a witness to families growing up in undiminished health around us here in 10° 35' south. It may be difficult to say what effect the environment may have upon future generations. Experience alone can prove that; but at present there are no such signs of physical degeneration as would lead to the conclusion that the people who are springing from the races which have colonised Australia will not be capable of contributing to the industrial development of Northern Australia. I can point to some illustrations, known to me here, of men in the prime of life, born in Australia, who are every day doing active work under conditions which do not point to any deterioration of the race. I have myself come to the conclusion that there is no portion of Australia which may not be inhabited by people of European extraction, with a probability that they will retain their vitality for all social, political and industrial purposes. This opinion I believe is now much more widely held in Australia than it once was, and it has led to the affirmation of something like a political dogma that nothing should now be done which might prevent the realisation of the wish that Australian territory should be held for the occupation of a European rather than of an Asiatic population.

This being admitted, as I think it ought to be, and there being good reason in the nature of things that we should desire the increase of the European and Aryan races, which are still so much in a minority as regards the human family, an opportunity now offers for giving expression to this conviction…

John Douglas, 12 October 1899. Excerpt from United Australia, Memo. addressed to the Honorable B. D. MOREHEAD, Chief Secretary, Queensland. Brisbane, 11th November 1889, SLV, MS 10037, MSB 130.