Australia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 50, 28 October 1915, Page 8

Australia

Gnitjeu Pbkss Association. (Received b. 15 a.in.) Sydney, October 2b. lu the Assembly a series of ques-, tions were asked suggesting that the luinpeVs’ strike was fomented by German agents, owing to the fact that throe hundred British-born lumpers had enlisted and a largo proportion of the men were now foreigners. Mr listell promised to investigate. The Premier (Mr Holman) introduced a Bill for the closing of hotels at ten o’clock. The annual conference of the Country Press Association adopted a series of patriotic resolutions, one declaring that there could be no talk of peace till the German policy of force had been irretrievably smashed and the highly-placed criminals responsible for the war punished. Mr J. D. Fitzgerald, referring to Japan, said that, speaking with a full sense of his responsibility the attitude of Australia towards Japan in the future would have to be changed, and if changed there must bo a complete understanding between the two countries. What Japan did for Australia in these seas in the time of trial placed the latter under an obligation which no honorable Australian could ever forget. Referring to the censorship on the Press, he said they were not getting a square deal. It seemed to bo baaed upon the idea that the people of the Empire were children who could bo deluded with false stories of futile victories, while the disasters were concealed. The Press ought to be allowed to tell the truth. The authorities, British or Australian, had no right to muzzle the Press. (Received D. 30 a.m.) Sydney, October 2b.

In the Assembly, Mr Holman, in introducing the Early Closing Bill, said that a Victorian measure of the kind had now been in force for mouths, and there had been no visible improvement' but drunkenness had increased. The Minister of Defence had asked for an Early Closing Bill for the purpose of safeguarding the soldiers, and but for his request there would be no such Bill before the House. “1 am moving only on the ideas of the Defence Department, not on my own. It is with great doubt that 1 introduce die legislation.” Mr Wade’s amendment altering the time of closing from oen to nine was negatived, and the liill passed its first reading. Hobart, October 28. in the Assembly, a motion has been moved as a Want-of-Confidence motion that the Financial and Public Works’ Statements be referred to a joint committee.