Australia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 74, 26 November 1915, Page 8

Australia

ADDITIONAL 50,000 MEN. United J'utßo Association. Melbourne, November 24. Following a Cabinet meeting, Mr Hughes announces that the Governiuent, after very careful consideration of the present outlook, had decided to raise an additional 50,U0U men for active service, to be available within the next few months. They will form newunits, independent of the quota of 0500 monthly necessary for reinforcements. Mr Hughes added that the principle of voluntary enlistment would bo adhered to. He promised at an early opportunity to disclose tho reasons for taking this important step to assist the Allies to bring the war to a successful conclusion. The War Committee considered the proposal to raise an additional hfty thousand men, and decided that on the basis of the war census figures that there are six hundred thousand eligibles in the Commonwealth it is possible to obtain the desired number. Tho committee will initiate a campaign forthwith, by, firstly, a postal appeal to all men of military age, from 18 to 44 inclusive; subsequently, by personal appeal, where no answers or unsatisfactory answers are roe-lived. Local committees will assist in tho work. Sydney, November 25. The newspapers generally approve of the raising of the additional troops, and accept it as an earnest desire that Australia is determined to do her part in shouldering tho Empire's burden. They have freely expressed the opinion that so far too big a proportion of youths have gone to the front, and those of more mature age will now have to face the responsibilities. Melbourne, November 25. Tho Federal Government has decided that no men of military age will be allowed to leave the Commonwealth unless satisfactory reasons are established. FOUNDATIONLESS REPORTS. (Received 8.35 a.m.) Melbourne, November 26. Senator Long, who was deputed by the Defence Department to inquire into Wkitsitt's charges regarding illtreatment of the. returned wounded, reports that they were absolutely without foundation, and in uearly every instance frivolous. Senator Long deplores the fact that the charges were voiced without proper inquiry having been made.