REFERENDUM BATTLE IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 65, 10 December 1917, Page 6

REFERENDUM BATTLE IN AUSTRALIA

INTENSE INTEREST AND EXCITEMENT

BOTH SIDES EXPLOITING NEW

ZEALAND

Sydney, December 8. As the' conscription campaign progresses, the fooling-is becoming more intensified, .and the cross-currents' of different phases are move in evidence. . Various' Court cases arising out of the application of tho War Precautions ' Regulations are arousing much .interest and; speculation. Echoes of the , late "strike; are not wanting amongst. . the other factors. • It grows moro apparent that the pre- • sent ballot will-snow considerable va- , riation from the result of.the previous referendum. Both sides are exploiting New Zealand's example to fit their own arguments. Circulars are being dis- ■ tributed among farmere drawing attention to the inconveniences the small fanners in New Zealand are put to ■ owing to the shortage of labour 'due ; to conscription.—Press Assn. MR. HUGHES'S~~NORTHERN TOUR 'A TRIUMPHANT RETURN. (Reo. December 10, 0.30 a.m.) Melbourne, Decejnber 9. Mr. Hugnes's return from his northern tour was marked by great.and enthusiastic demonstrations. Returned <' soldiers took possession of his car, re-_ placed the Prime Minister's hat with" one of their own, and marched him found shoulder high. Afterwards a monster gathering in the Town Hall voted for "Yes;"— Press Assn. ■ POLLING AT THE FRONT ' Sydney, December 8. Captain Bean ' (the Australian war correspondent) cables' that the soldiers' voting/ in Franco commenced on Wednesday.—Press Assn. . ; FIRM, OF PRINTERS SUED AN INTERESTING CASE. Melbourne, December 8. .. An interesting finding was given in a • case against a firm of printers for producing a certain publication in such a way as to suggest censorship alterations. Over half the space allotted to an article against conscription was comprised of blanks, corresponding to the censor's obliterations; whilo on the back appeared the words "Vote No; for reasons see pages 51/53, especially the blank spaces." The Magistrate held that the charge had not been.proved, and dismissed the case. A charge against a minister of religion, and editor of the publication, was also withdrawn.—Press Assn.