Australia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 77, 3 April 1915, Page 2

Australia

United Pbebs Association Melbourne, April 2

The Navy Office has issued a statement of the movements of the Australian fleet between July JO and January 9.

The first prosecutions under the War Precautions Act took place today, and a publican was fined 80s for posting a false report in front of his hotel, that the Runic had been torpedoed in the Channel, with Australian troops aboard. Others were fined ‘2os for spreading the report. Sydney, April 1.

As the result of a recent enquiry, Major O’Donnel, Assistant-Director of Transports and Supply, was charged with allegedly refusing to answer certain questions and declining to take an oath. He was convicted and-fined £SO on each charge.

Eight thousand four hundred and seventy-two -recruits were enrolled in February and March. Mr Bean cables that when conversing with General Sir Tan Hamilton after the inspection of the Australasian troops, he asked if he had noticed any change since his inspection of a year ago at the other end of the world. Sir Tan replied: “They are a most gratifying sight now. They a iv trained troops, steady and disciplined. The officers understand how to give orders,. not merely suggestions. T am sure the men have grown since their arrival in Egypt. The haul work in the open air and the splendid climate have made them bigger and stronger men.”

The Queensland military authorities are taking steps to suppress disloyal utterances. The first prosecution of this kind took place at the Marburg Police Court on the 26th nit, when a German farmer, named Maartens, was fined £ls and costs, or two months’ imprisonment. Maartenes was also ordered to enter into a recognisance of £SO and to find a surety of £SO for his subsequent good behaviour. The disloyal utterances were made in an hotel at Marburg. They included reflections on British and Australians.