AUSTRALIAN REFERENDUM

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 79, 31 October 1916, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN REFERENDUM

FINAL RESULT ON NOVEMBER i 11. i SOLDIERB' VOTES STILL TO ! COME. Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, October 30. The latest figures slightly increase the majority for the Noes to 89,773. The final result of the soldiers' ba!lot will not be available until Nbvem- : ber 11th. THE AFFIRMATIVE STATES. Melbourne, October 30. The Assistant Minister for Defence discussing the referendum progress returns, said that, judging from present figures, he could see no good reason why those States which voted "yes," should not have compulsion applied to them. INTEREST IN AMERICA. OBJECTION TO MILITARY COMPULSION. Press Association —Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 8.50 a.m.) New York, October 30. Widespread interest was taken in Australia's conscription referendum. The New York World, in a leader, states: "In rejecting Conscription, Australia expressed the traditional unfriendliness of English-speaking communities to military compulsion. Whether or not it was defeated by the women, it does not follow that they are lukewarm in regard to the war. The Australians have fought bravely, and there have been heavy losses.' A colony that is so far from tho European field and that has contributed so freely in men and money cannot be accused of shirking her duty. With organised labour against Conscription, other reasons for the defeat at the polls are of minor significance.