POLLING DAY IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 75, 21 December 1917, Page 6

POLLING DAY IN AUSTRALIA

TENSION OF CAMPAIGN OVER

. Sydney, December 20. J lie voting is progressing steadilj, and there is no excitement. The strictest precautions Tiave been taken against anytliing in the shape of interference. Hosts of vehicles rro employed by both sides. The city is full of Christinas visitors, so that many will be voting away from their electorates, and this will make for delay in the final result, which will not »o known for a considerable time. Provision has beoii made for the men serving in Mesopotamia _ and India and those aboard warships and transports to vote up to January 3. There is a very general feeling of relief that tho tension of the fast few weeks has ended, and that the nation has reached the valley of decision. It was a very serious and sober people, realising its full responsibility, that thi3 morning commenced to record its decision. The weather is fine. Canada's decision e.amo opportunely, and was used effectively in the last earnest appeals of the. "Yes" advooates. The other side was equally earnest and active in its campaign.. Mr. W. M. Hughes, in a closing speech, declared: "I am at this moment prepared to withdraw this referendum from you and to take tho votes of tho soldiers, and go on that. The men at tho front know what reinforcements are wanted, and they are behind the Government." - Tho "Herald" reports that in an "anti" procession at Broken Hill one wac;on was decorated with the German and Sinn Fein flags.—Press Assn.

, HEAVY POLLING IN THE STATES EARLY INDICATION OF RESULT EAGERLY AWAITED. (Rec. December 20, 9.10 p.m.) Sydney, December '20. All the States report orderly but heavy polling. Some indication of the way the pendulum is swinging ie being eagerly awaited. Very incomplete figures may be available to-night. The booths are remaining open till late in the. evening.—Press Assn. AUSTRALIA'S WAR LOSSES THE TOTAL TO DATE. Melbourne, December 20. The Australian casualties to date total 219,398, including:— ■ Dead 40,260 "Wounded 110.076 Sick 63,661 —Press Assn. canadhlerdict MR. HUGHES CONGRATULATES SIR ROBERT BORDEN. Ottawa, December 19. Sir Robert Borden lias' received from ■Mr. W. M. Hughes a message obtaining heartiest congratulations en the magnificent victory in Canada. The results, lie says, should set Australia a glorious example, which he hopes Australia will follow.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.