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Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1917, Page 2

The Italian situation remains complex and difficult. That it is overcast by serious jeopardy is evidenced by the fact that the Italian defensive line is being brought back to the river Piave. This*.is the last defensive line to save

Venice and the maritime, control of the upper Adriatic. The loss of the Isoozo, taffen at such great cost to the Ttalains, was serious enough, but on top of that there is the overrunning of the Venetian plains and the further security of the enemy invasion hv overcoming the Italian defence along the river Tagliamento The. fact of the enemy operating "against the Piave defensive line, gives colour to the report of some days ago, that an enemy force is to operate from the Grada region also. This will necessitate the new Italian defence being divided the forces having to face east and west to meet the foe. Now that the Russian situation is so favourable to the enemy it will be possible for the latter to concentrate more and more on the two Italian

fronts, and the extra pressure at those points, will affect more or loss seriously the Allied offensive in France and Flanders. Seeing the largo area of Italian territory now overrun hv the enemy; it is not hard to believe that the Italian armies arc all to pieces. What remains must he stiffened very quickly by Anglo-French forces and not only men, but guns and munitions must be poured into the new battle •'area with celerity. In passing it may be remarked what a gallant thing the French are doing, themselves so depleted, to thus rush to the succour of their sorely tried I Ally. Tlie moral effect of retrieving ' tin* Italian disaster with all speed is however of the greatest importance at this juncture in the present stage of the war. I War and politics are going to he serij nusly intermixed again in Australia over what is virtually going to be a fresh submission to the people of the

conscription issue, lho actual proposal is somewhat varied, it is true, but underlying it is the fact of compulsory service, and the raising; of the question now mean s much bitter political controversey. The pledge given previously to secure a' party victory at the polls following the failure of conscription i s being called to mind, and as a consequence it i s likely there will lie many political changes involved. On the present referendum to the people, the question is:—“Are you in favour of the proposal of the Government for reinforcing the Australian and Imperial forces overseas?” That question answered in the affirmative and the Federal Government will proceed to carry it put by a modiiied system of conscription of certain classes of eligibles. These details are being put before the people from various platforms, Mr. Hughes, the Premier having outlined the; main particulars from his electorate in Bendigo, where he gave the oft-referred to pledge. It would appear that tlie Federal Government is prepared to stand or fall by the result of the present- poll. This in itself indicates the politcal issue at stake, and we may look for a hard and hitter contest. Australia surprised herself as she surprised the world by turning down conscription on the previous oeeas ion, and the disgrace of the act is feltin many quarters. There is a strong leaven of disloyalty in Australia, evidenced a good deal of late, and this faction will fight the new issue very determinedly. Men are still an urgent necessity to win the war, and Australia is not doing her part, by voluntary enlistment. Will she, in this time of opportunity, redeem herself and the past? Time will tell.