Australia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 29, 5 February 1915, Page 5

Australia.

United' Press Association. Sydney, February -f. Mr kr.s ace jpied Mr WWs truce, cvA will nct-'dca! with controversial legislation durihz the critical stages of the war until May Ist. The Cricket Association has appealed to all clubs to participate in the defence preparations in the form of «. rifle clubs in various districts. The a Tasmanian tour has been abandoned. A deputation, representing the National Rifle Reserve, asked for the removal of the legal objection to rifle > shootmg on Sunday. Mr Cann, in announcing that arragements had been, made to allow practising for mili- : tary purposes, said: "Our enemies do „ not call, a truce on Sundays, and there » can be nothing against our prepara-. tions ou that day to receive him." The National Reserve movement is growing apace. Clubs are being forme;! everywhere. * Ministers and other leaders are taking an active part in patriotic addresses and other methods of promoting them. Sydney, February 4. Two thousand, troops of the second •contingent paraded the streets, and met with an enthusiastic reception. The editor of the Asa si, one of the Japanese leading newspapers, has arrived here. He laughts at the idea of Japan sending troops to Europe. "The Japanese think the war will be over by July. The Allies will not need our troops, and the huge expense . of carrying an army to Europe is unnecessary." In the Assembly, Mr Hall tabled papers dealing with the allegation that £I,OOO was paid to Ministers in connection with the passage of the Wheat Acquisition Bill'. Police enquiries disclosed that a commission agent and other largely interested in wheat contracts engaged the services of a Sydney solicitor with a view to securing the cancellation of these contracts, promising the payment of £IOOO for his professional services. Of this .sum. £360 was paid. The papers completely exonerated Ministers and members or Parliament. Mr Fisher has announced that-, as the result of communications, the Commonwealth could not further urge the arrangement; of an Imperial Conference. It could, therefore, be regarded as definite that it would not bo held this year. The Federal Government is consider, ing the advisableness of following the British method of stimulating recruiting by placarding the country with at-, tractive posters, preparatory to general recruiting campaigns. Brisbane, Gebruary 1. The meat companies have decided to give the Government the utmost support in securing for the use of the Imperial Government and the Allies Queensland's exportable supply of meat at the lowest possible cost. Melbourne, February 1. The Millers' Association has advanced flour ten shillings, to £l6 10s per short ton. The police reports show that interned Germans damaged'property at the police depot to the extent of over ; £SOO.