Australia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 31, 4 September 1916, Page 5

Australia

CONSCRIPTION AND MR HUGHES Press Assoeiai ion—Copyright. Melbourne, September 1. , In the House, Mr Hughes, examining the Government's proposals to ascertain whether they were adequate, said: "Britain has now told us in plain words" what she expected to do. If the proposals are inadequate they ought to be unanimously rejected." He considered they were adequate. Mr Hughes computed the troops at present available in camp bee at 43,512, in England 44,511, and en route 15,000. Allowing for wastage and absorption of reinforcements at the present rate, it. would leave only .3000 men in England at the end of January. The Government's proposal to provide new men here at the same rate would deplete those in England. Mr Hughes emphatically insisted that the referendum was the best and speediest method. The only alternative would have been an election,;; which might have led to chaos. Hebelieved the people would carry''' con* scription by an overwhelming majority. If the people fail, then God help* Australia! The debate was adjourned;

Mr Hughes later on announced that! soldiers over 21 in France, Egypt, fta r ; haul and elsewhere would be afforded facilities to vote on October 28. when a referendum would be taken. Whatever happens, the writs will be issued on September IS. No naturalised enemy subject will be permitted to 'exercise the franchise.

In the Senate, Mr Pearce defended the referendum proposals, adding: •'The Government does not want to exercise compulsion. "We are against it. and if the voluntary system provides the necessary number the Government will not resort to compulsion. With the exception of the cable just received, the Army Council of the Imperial Government has never asked Australia for men. and even now lias not asked for an increase of her military assistance, but having brought certain units into the field, the Council asks Australia to keep them up to full strength.." Mi- Hughes further stated that if it could be assumed that the war would end in December the present position was satisfactory, but it would be criminal folly to assume any sucb tiling. It was better to be prepared for anotlier year. Australia's clear duty was' to provide 32,500 men in September,, and 16,500 monthly thereafter. The total required to the end of March was 131,500. THE NEED FOR MEN. LIQUOR ANQ THE SOLDIER. Press Association—Copyright. (Received 10.0 a.m.) Sydney. September 4. An order has been issued ■ stating that the physically lit men employed in the home service are required for Service abroad. A proclamation prohibits the sale of liquor for consumption off the premises within a five-mile radius of Liverpool Camp.