CHARGES AGAINST RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2609, 3 November 1915, Page 6

CHARGES AGAINST RETURNED SOLDIERS.

EXPLOITING PATRIOTIC FUND. Sydney, November 2. The Commandant of the Forces is permitting the newspapers to investigate questions in regard to tho pay of returned soldiers, and clearing up allegations raised. It lias already been discovered that some men applying for rolief from the patriotic funds have drawn up to £90 since September 10wliilo still in receipt of service pay.

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT. 'A' JUDGE'S EMBARRASSMENT. Brisbane, November 2. When a prisoner was brought up for sentence, Mr. Justico Cooper remarked: "The effectiveness of punishment as. a > deterrent to crime depends on the certainty of its infliction If. left uncertain, there is little effect. A recent event has drawn my attention to the system in vogue in Queeusland dealing with sentences by .the Executive, and I feel a great embarrassment in the performance of my duties." Until there is a -better, position the Judge does not propose to give sentences of imprisonment, but to remand prisoners. • DROUGHT IN QUEENSLAND.

RESIDENTS IN DISTRESS FOR

. WATER: Brisbane, November 2. There is a devastating drought in the west country. The condition of tho' rcsidonts is distressful. In some cases they are dependent on the /railway tanks for water supplies. ".Trains carrying water for stock are running to the interior.

AUSTRALIA'S NEW TERRITORY. : ■ALLEGED NEGLECT IN NEW GUINEA. Brisbane, November 2. ( Passengers arriving from Neiv Guinea charge the Commonwealth with neglect of tho territory. Almost the whole revenue is swallowed up by tho cost of administration.

ITEMS IN BRIEF, Sydney,. November '2. Tho North Coast districts are suffering severely from bush fires. A number of "settlers' houses liavo been burnt and much damage done to tho district.