IN AUSTRALIA. THE CONSCRIPTION ISSUE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3568, 30 September 1916, Page 5

IN AUSTRALIA.

THE CONSCRIPTION ISSUE.

ELIGIBLES CALLED UP

STRONG OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE.

(Received September 30, 11.6'G a.m.) MELBOURNE, September 30. Tho Governor-General has issued a proclamation calling all persons between- tho ages of 21 and 35, single or widowers without children^, to enlist under military service vyithm tho limits of the Commonwealth and any Commonwealth territory during tlio con^ timian'co' of the war.

It is intended at first to call up all men whose surnames began with A and B, who must report on Tuesday morning. The exemptions include those engaged in ordinary occupations but who are indispensable.

The proclamation empowers the military to compel proprietors of picturo shows to exhibit the proclamation on their: screens.

' la the House of Representatives, on, tho motion to adjourn, Mr : Mathewß' protested that no reason had been given for the issue of the proclamation, and urged the calling-up of men as the constitution demanded.

Mr HugheS, in reply, said the law would bo observed. He appealed to ©very man to respect the law. In the Senate, Senator Pearce said tho Government was appointing a committee of civilians to decide in what industries men should be exempted. Senator Pearce's motion for an adjournment was strongly opposed. Senator Mullan moved an amendment that the Senate ' adjourn until Tuesday, with the object of determining whether it would countenance the Government's action in calling up troops without the proclamation coming before Parliament. ' Tho amendment was carried by eight votes to seven.^