AUSTRALIA'S CALL TO ARMS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 42, 13 November 1917, Page 5

AUSTRALIA'S CALL TO ARMS

THE CONSCRIPTION ISSUE

QUOTAS BY'COMPULSION BALLOT

Sydney, November 12. * Although the details of the Government's conscription policy are being withheld until Mr. Hughes makes hia announcement at Bendigo to-night, it is understood that the proposals will provide for the continuance of voluntary enlistment and the meeting of the deficiency in the monthly quotas by a compulsory ballot. ; There has been some very plain speaking flu 'the present war situation during the past few days. Sir William Irvine, addressing a hugo public meeting at the I Town Hall, did not mince matters. The meeting favoured tho adoption of conscription, 'but urged tho Government to reconsider the referendum proposal, and appeal to the country; or, if the referendum was adhered to, the Government to stand or fall by the result. The disqualification from voting at the referendum applies to all naturalised enemy subjects and persons whose fathers vrere torn in an enemy country.— Press Assn. (Eec. November 13, 1.15 a.m.) Melbourne, November 11. As forecasted, Mr. Hughes's conscription proposals, as outlined at Bendigo tonight, include tho continuanco of voluntary enlistment, with compulsory reinforcements by ballot to maintain the quota of seven thousand men per month. It is proposed to ballot the single men from 20 to 44, including widowers and divorcees _ without children. There is a lengthy list of exemptions. - Tho Government \rill not call up married men, or exempted classes. Aitcr making all allowances it Is estimated that tho scheme will provide sufficient reinforcemonts for two years and a half. Amplo provision is made to ensure the necessary labour for tho essential industries. "The Government," said Mr. Hughes, "will make tho issue a vital one. It must have the power to raise the number required. It would not attempt to govern without it." —Press Assn. i