COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 58, 6 November 1915, Page 2

COMMONWEALTH CABLES.

(United Press association.] Sydney. November 5. Concerted measures are being adopted by the military authorities and the publicans to check drunkenness among soldiers. Great heat is being experienced throughout the State, and much damage has been done by bushfires. Melbourne, November 5. 'l'ho State Savings Bank annual report shows that the amount to the credit of depositors is £25,044,000, being an increase of £1,062,000. Perth, November 5. The Italian Government is negotiating with the State Government for the purchase of 100.000 tons of wheat. Italy is providing the ships. Melbourne, November 5. The House of Representatives, after the suspension of both Houses to per- , rnit of a caucus meeting, the Prime Minister (Mr Hughes) announced that iVi’accordance with the agreement with the State Premiers, the Labor Party had decided to postpone the referendum until, after the war. Mr Hughes explained that the State Premiers would bring forward in their respective Parliaments legislation providing for reference, during the war and the lirst year‘of peace, to the Commonwealth Parliament, of the powers sought !through the proposed referendum, sub-? fject to certain limitations. The Premiers at a later date would consider what would be the powers of the States willing to permanently surrender, with a view to removing any doubt about the powers of States to defer matters for a limited time, and an Act of the Imperial Parliament would be sought. Mr Hughes added: “Since you have been able to get those powers during the war, in another way I feel you have done right in accepting the offer.’’