Australia

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 204, 5 February 1915, Page 5

Australia

A JAPANESE OPTIMIST. WAR WILL END IX JULY. LITTLE BROWN MEN UNNECESSARY. Received 4, 0.10 p.m. Sydney, February 4. with an enthusiastic reception. The editor of the Asasi, one of the Japanese leading newspapers, has arrived here. He laughs at the idea of Japan sending troops to Europe. "The Japanese think the war will be over by July. The Allies will not need our troops, and the huge expense of carrying an army to Europe j s unnecessary." AUSTRALIA'S .SECOND CONTINGENT Received 4, 0.10 p.m. Sydney, February 4. Two thousand troops of the second contingent paraded the streets, and met CHARGE OF BRIBERY EXPLODED. QUEENSLAND MEAT FOR ALLIED ARMIES. TROUBLESOME GERMANS. Sydney, February 4. In the Assembly, Mr Hall tabled papers dealing with the allegation that €loon was paid to Ministers in connection with the passage of the Wheat Acquisition Bill. Police enquiries disclosed that a commission agent and another largely interested in wheat contracts engaged the services of a Sydney golicitor with a view to securing the cancellation of these contracts, promising the payment of £IOOO for his professional services. Of this sum, £360 was paid. The papers completely exonerated Ministers and members of Parliament. Brisbane, 'February 4. The meat companies have decided to give the Government the utmost support in securing for the use of the Imperial Government and the Allies Queensland's exportable supply of meat at the lowest possible cost. Melbourne, February 4. The Millers' Association has advanced flour ten shillings, to £lO 10s per short ton. The police reports show that interned Germans damaged property at the police depot to the extent of over £SOO. I IMPERIAL CONFERENCE POSTPONED RIFLE PRACTICE ON SUNDAYS LEGALISED. -A GENERAL RECRUITING CAMPAIGN. Melbourne, February 4. Mr Fisher has announced that, as the result of communications with the Imperial Government, the Commonwealth could not further urge the arrangement of an Imperial Conference. It could, therefore, be regarded as definite that it would not be held this year. Sydney, February 4. The Cricket Association has appealed to all clubs to participate in the defence preparations in the form of rifle clubs in various districts. The Tasmanian tour has been abandoned. A deputation, representing the Nai tional Rifle Reserve, asked for the removal of the legal thjection to rifle shooting on Sunday. Mr Cann, in announcing that arrangements had been made to allow practising for military purposes, said: "Our enemies do not j call a trcue on Sundays, and there can preparations on that day to receive him." The National Reserve movement is growing apace. Clubs are being formed everywhere. Ministers and other leaders are taking an active part in patriotic addresses and other methods of promoting them. Melbourne, February 4. The Federal Government is considering the advisahleness of following th" British method of stimulating recruiting by placarding the country with attractive posters, preparatory to general recruiting campaigns. j A POLITICAL TRUCE. Sydney, February 4. Mr Holman has accepted Mr Wade's truce, and will not deal with controversial legislation during the critical I stages of the war until May 1. i