Australia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 70, 22 July 1915, Page 5

Australia

GERMAN METAL AGENCIES COMMONWEALTH ACTION.

United Press Association. (Received 1.-JO a.in.) Melbourne. July 22. Mr Hn f*;1 1 os, referring to German domination of tho metal agencies m this war through his resources of money, said Germany was buying spelter at £3O per ton. while Britain was paying £IOO. Even victory would be barren if the industry was allowed to fall back into German hands. It was essential that the industry be controlled by the British and Allied interests. Germany pays £29 for spelter and Britain is paying £lob. but Australia- was no better off, though she was the second largest producer of zinc minerals in the world. The ramification of the German metal companies was clear, and the facts demand action. The Government propose to establish a metal exchange under Government control, and no metals would Ik* allowed to leave Australia unless sold according to the regulations. Only registered members would he allowed to operate, and no oiu* would be. registered unless the authorities were satisfied as to his credentials.

THE WAR LOAN BILL.

“TO THE LAST MAN AND THE LAST SHILLING."

United Press Association

(Received 9.60 a.m.)

Melbourne, July 22

Mr Fisher, in introducing the second reading of the War Loan Bill, said; “We intend to see the matter through to the last man and tlie last shilling." Mr Fisher added that the estimated cost of the Commonwealth war services to June 12 was as follows: 01 the Expeditionary Forces, the Naval expense amounted to £3,399,368. and the Military £9,469,367, other services £136.100, being a total ol £l3003,836. The estimated cost per man prior to embarkation was £57, and landed in Egypt £B6. The cost of the first issue of clothing and equipment was £23. The Commonwealth borrowed from the Imperial Government to last December 24. V millions and also received twelve millions on account of the £18.000,000 loan, and £3,700.000 on account of the additional 61 million loan. There is £8,900.000 still to come. The Commonwealth loaned the States £12,136,000, and has yet to loan them £6,876,000. and the position is clear up to next December. The Imperial Government notified the Commonwealth that it would be very pleased if the Commonwealth could raise money to meet the expenditure of its own forces.

Continuing, -Mr Fisher said it was difficult to attempt to reckon the sacrifices the country must make to meet the expenses. Assuming the war lasts to the end of the financial year, the requirements for war purposes alone will he forty millions; therefore, he was appealing for a loan of twenty millions to he used tor war purposes only. The people had conducted themselves admirably, and the courage ol their soldier sons had won the admiration of the world. The (Government feels that such people will not fall short of expectations, hut will respond to the call to duty gladly and provide the sinews of war, which are absolutely essential to success. enrolment in the states. United Press 'Association. (Received 11.00 a.m.) .Melbourne, July ‘it!. Mi Pearce (Defence) stated that the enrolment percentage in the States was as follows:—Victoria 0.92; South Australia, O.dO: Western Australia. S.hd; Tasmania. 7.71; (.lueensland, 7.-Vi; New South Wales. ().(>(>. The average for the Commonwealth was S. li.