AUSTRALIAN REFERENDUM

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 81, 2 November 1916, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN REFERENDUM

SITUATION STILL CLOUDED. MR HUGHES’ POSITION. Press Association— Copyright. (Received 11-15 a.m,) Sydney, November 2. The referendum returns continue to trickle in. The latest figures eligntly improved'the “Yes” position, facing the “No” majority to 80,8.2. The situation is not yet clear.^ Mr Hughes, in an interview, said it would be premature to say anything till the result of the referendum w*s beyond all possibility of doubt. For the present, ho was considering I{ * whole position, and thought tnat T the end of the week most of votes, would he counted. Hie knew fairly definitely how the decision of the people had gone, ...... In view of Mr Hughes having accepted the resignations of * Messrs Higgs, R*ssel and Gardner, and also in view of other factors, the opinion is gamin" ground that he intends to continue as Prime Minister unless ejected therefrom. The preparations that he is making indicate that he anticipates remaining at the head of the Ministry for some time to come. N.S.W. COALITION TALK. The State Cabinet to-day considers the position arising out of Mr Durack s motion, which Mr Holman stated at the earliest cannot he taken before Tuesday, in the meantime, it is undeistood, negotiations for forming a Coalition Ministry are proceeding. LSTHCOW MINERS WORKING. The Lithgow mines are still working, the conditions prevailing there which the other districts are seeking to recure. MR EARLE’S ORDEAL. DEATH BEFORE DESERTION. Hobart, November 2. Hi- Earle, in announcing his deposition to the Assembly, referred to it as a painful ordeal after occupying the position of leader of the Party for ten years, but his convictions on the conscription Question were more to him than his political position. They were as much as Lfe to him. THE I.W.W. INFLUENCE. Press Association— Copyright. -.Received 1.0 p.m.) Sydney, November 2. As the result of inquiries by the Commissioners, two railway employees who were allegedly sympathising with the I.W.W. methods were dismissed. IVom the service. A number of others who stated that they had been deluded into joining the organisation, under the understanding that there was a new union and that they were abie to prove their loyalty to their employers, were allowed to continue in their employment. The Commissioners stated that the number of men concerned is a negligible quantity considering the largo number employed by the Department, WAR BILL REJECTED. Press Association —Copyright. Brisbane, November 2. The Legislative Council rejected the 1 Commonwealth Powers Bill giving certain powers during war time.