justices of the peace were reduced in the courts so that they could be heard by them; in one case a charge of murder was reduced to assault. Some action was taken by the federal government to correct these abuses. Economy Wood grown in the area fetched a high price in markets in South Australia. The development in the area was said by a tourist of the area to be scarcely different from when "James [sic] Stuart" had first trekked across the area in 1862, although it was expected that the automobile and railway would help spur development. Abolition The Northern Territory Pastoral Lessees' Association submitted recommendations to Home Affairs Minister Arthur Blakeley on 28 March 1930 on how to develop the land of the Northern Territory. The Association stated that the development of the Northern Territory had cost Australians up to £10 million to develop with little to show, and among other things were adamant that the distinction between the territories be abolished. Blakeley reacted favorably to the proposals and submitted them to Cabinet the next week. The Government tabled the Northern Territory (Administration) Bill 1930, which would merge the two territories back into one and abolish the North Australia Commission that had been established to supervise North Australia. Blakeley asserted that such a move would potentially save Australians £8,000-£9,000 per annum, but representative Nelson claimed that the abolition of the Commission and the reversion to Canberra administration over the Northern Territory would negatively impact progress in the area. The territory was disestablished effective 11 June 1931. See also The Residency, Alice Springs Coniston massacre Notes References States and territories established in 1927 States and territories disestablished in 1931 1927 establishments in Australia 1931 disestablishments in Australia History of the Northern Territory