CONSCRIPTION IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2865, 1 September 1916, Page 5

CONSCRIPTION IN AUSTRALIA

HOW MR HUGHES'S POLICY WAS RECEIVED BIG SLUMP IN RECRUITING FIGURES ' ) By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Melbourne, August 31. - During hia conscription statement Mr. Hughes said that under the present system the stream of recruits had fallen to less than a third of what was necessary. A secret session of both Houses will bo held to-day to discuss private- war communications from the Imperial Government. , • There is great disappointment in Liberal circles at Mr. Hughes's announcement, Senator Millen denouncing it-as a pitiful compromise. Sydney, August 31. The ''Daily Telegraph," commenting on Mr. Hughes's statement, says: "It. represents a painfully apparent a,t- ' tempt by Sir. Hughes* t<i act up to his speeches in England while keeping the Government as far as possible at tho heel of the Political Labour* . League." 1 REMARKABLE DROP IN RECRUITING, ELECTION TEST PROPHESIED. i (Rec. August 31, 10.20 p.m.) . Sydney, August 31. There was a remarkable drop in tho recruiting figures to-day. The drop is regarded as highly significant, in view of Mr. Hughes's declaration of the Government's policy. Although certain sections believe that volunteering will be so stimulated as to avoid a 'crisis, - otlior Parliamentarians prophesy that the issue will be withheld for Parliamentary decision', and quickly transferred to the ballot-bos, when members of both political. parties must tako sides. Melbourne, August 31. ' Senator Pcarce (Federal Defence Minister) 6ays that 32,500 men must enlist ■ in Soptember, or a proclamation of compulsion will be issued at the beginning of Octobor. ' THE ISSUE IN QUEENSLAND , POLITICS. • Brisbane, August 31. The Hon. John Adamepn, Minister of Railways, has resigned his portfolio, and has aocepted the vice-presidency of the Universal Service} League. It is understood that Mr. Adamson's recent outspoken attitude on oonsenption has not met with tho approbation;' of some of the members -of tho Ministry. ADDITIONS!; FLYING SQUADRON, (Reo. August 31, 10.20 p.m.) Melbourne, August 31. The Imperial autlioritiesbave accept-' ed the offer of an additional flying squadron. , ..