Australia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 16, 20 January 1915, Page 5

Australia

I THE CAUDIN CASE. [B* EIEOTBIU TELEGBAPH—OoFYBIGHTI United Pbebb Association. Melbourne, January 19. The Argus, in a leader on the Gaudin case, says that, having regard to the nature of the evidence, the sentence is amazing. After reviewing the nature of the charge, the constitution of the Court, and its proceedings, the paper adds: "Public opinion in New Zealand is shocked at these proceedings, and with good reason. Gaudin acted foolishly, but his motives were not criminal. His actions were suspicious, because among the friends for whom he sought to do favors were several Germans, but the actions themselves were perfectly harmless. The Court was informed by the overwhelming and unquestioned testimony of two important facts —that Gaudin's intentions were innocet, and that injury had not, and could not, have resulted from his actions. A fivil Court would have ordered a ii-ht punishment in such circumstances. Admitting that in war time it is undesirable that an offence of this kind should go unpunished, the Argus argues that the Court could have met tiie case by imposing a fine of, say, £IOO, but, instead of that, the.three military judges, against whose sentence there can be no appeal, deprived Gaudin of his liberty for five years. Apparently there is only one method by which any mitigation can he hoped for—an appeal to the Governor. This case shows Avhat may happen when military authorities take over, civil administration.

THE WHEAT "CRAB." Sydney, January 19. Further complications have occurred in connection with the Kaiapoi's wheat, and it is now doubtful when she will deoart.

Mr Hughes states, regarding the Federal Customs refusal to grant a clearance to the Kaiapoi, that the New South Wales Government offerer! to deliver to the owners of the wlieat aboard the TCoiaooi an equivalent quantity if the Inter-State Commission found the Wheat Acquisition Act ultra vires. Mr Hughes as an alternative that the Now South Wales Government nav for the wheat the price ruling in Victoria on the day of seizure.

Mr Cann replied that the Government was prepared to do this if they could not deliver the wheat as proposed. Mr Hughes says Mr Cann's proposal is unsatisfactory, and that the owners of the wheat are entitled to the > price' at which the wheat could have been sold when seized. Until he sets a reply to his last telegram to Mr Cann the Kaiapoi cannot depart for New 'Zealand. Melbourne, January 19.

The Inter-State Commission has ruled that it had judicial power to deal with the wheat seizure, also to join the Farmers' and Settlers' Association as plaintiffs in the case. THE ANTI-GERMAN FEELING. Adelaide, January 19. Cabinet has accepted the resignation of Hon. H. Homburg, the AttorneyGeneral. The resignation is the outcome of anti-German feeling. Mr Homburg, in a letter to the Premier urging the acceptance of the resignation, said: "War lies and calumnies continue more virulently than ever. I wish to free the Government and the party of any burden they may have to carry because of my descent, even though this is the country of my birth and I have never been away from it. I shall never let it be said that we sank because i was in the boat."

The Premier expressed the deep regret of himself and his colleagues that it should appear that Mr Homburg iei't oiiice because oi opposition raised on account of his lineage. He paid a tribute to Mr Homburg's high public spirit, his keen sense of personal and political honor, and his valuable patriotic and Ministerial services.

SYDNEY MASTER BUILDERS.

(Received 9.20 a.m.) Sydney, January 20

The annual report of the Master liuilders' Association indicates that though the building trade suffered heavily through the war, the year's output shows an increase on the previous year's. Dealing with unionism, the report advocates concerted action among employers, and suggests affilia. tion with other associations.

THE DEFENCE CONTRACTS. (Received 9.20 a.m.) Melbourne, January 20. In connection with the Chamber of Manufacturers' decision not to sign u he new clause in the Defence contacts, Mr Jensen (Tasmanian Minister) warns the president of the Chamber that he is standing on very thin ice. The Department will not alloAv itself to be threatened, and suggests .hat persons have been interned for naldng statements Concerning the Empire less strong than the president's.