Australia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 63, 17 March 1915, Page 5

Australia.

THE BELGIAN RELIEF FUNDS. United Press Association. (Received 8.30 a.m.) Sydney, March 16. Mr Holman has cabled Sir T. A. Cogblan a further £40,000 as the eighth instalment to the Belgian Relief Knud contributed in New South Wales. The Auckland and Christchurch Chambers of Commerce cabled the London Chamber whether in view of the Belgian Commissions appeal, it would lie advisable to concentrate their fund on Belgium. London has replied that requirements are still urgent, and it is desirable that the foodstuffs fund should continue for the benefit of wounded soldiers and refugees and the distressed poor. They have a perfect organisation, and shouldn’t concentrate the funds for Belgium under present circumstances. The fund exceeds £IOO,OOO, and all but £3OOO has already, been allocated for the purchase of supplies.

ALLEGED THEFT OF DEFENCE PROPERTY. United Press Association. (Received 8.30 a.m.) Sydney, March 16. Sergeant-Major Cribble, SergeantMajor Poole, and three civilians have been committed for trial, charged with stealing 127 pairs of military hats, 12 drums of oil, 11,000 cartridges, the property of the Defence Department. Bail (£2OO each) was allowed. THE “RETURNED EMPTIES.” MORE STARTLING RUMORS DENIED. United Press Association. (Received 9.30 a.m.) Melbourne, March 17. Mr Pearce (Minister of Defence) stated that the Commonwealth military authorities do not intend* to interfere with the decisions of the Egyptian court-martial, by which certain expeditionaries were sent back to Australia. The alleged statement that another 2000 were being returned is absolutely incorrect, no advice having been received of any further particulars. DISGRACING THE KING’S UNIFORM. (Received 10.55 a.m.) Sydney, March 17. One William Evans, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at Newcastle. It appears that Evans was wearing a British officer’s uniform, on which was two rows of ribbons. He obtained a cheque book and gave valueless cheques. He claiAied he was entitled to wear the uniform. The Magistrate said the uniform would inspire confidence and allow him to rob the public.

PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE IN MAY Melbourne, March 17. It is stated that when Mr Fisher (Premier of the Commonwealth), approached Mr Massey regarding a Premiers’ Conference, Mr Massey fell in with the idea, and suggested that such a conference should be held periodically in New Zealand and the Commonwealth. Mr Peacock (Victorian Premier), in approving of the proposal, says the conferences have been rendered more important in view of the war and the necessity of united action in defence and other matters. The Conference will be held in Sydney early in May. MISCELLANEOUS. United Press Association. Sydney, March 16. The Montenegrin Red Cross Association has urgently appealed to Australia for funds. Colonel Holmes, commander of the late New Guinea expedition, has been appointed commander of the fifth infantry brigade expeditionary force. Adelaide, March 16. The Foodstuffs Commission states that the wheat deficiency is 191,242 bushels. Sir T. A. Coghlan, Agent-General sent to the Commission for the Relief of the Belgians £40,000 from Auckland, Christchurch, and New South Wales, making £IBO,OOO, and also fifteen Bed Cross lorries. Sydney, March 16. Arising out of the recent charge of attempting to trade with the enemy, the High Court has appointed a controller of the business of Edward Alexander and Co., importers, until tho end of tho war.