COMMONWEALTH NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1915, Page 2

COMMONWEALTH NEWS.

A SEVERE BROUGHT. By Oftble—Frees Association— Copyright, Brisbane, Nov. 2. There is a devastating drought in the west and the country is in a distressful icmlition. The residents in some places are dependent on the railway tank lor water supplies. Trains currying water for stock are running to the interior. NEW fiUTXKA N'ECf.ECTEI). Brisbane, Nov. 2. Passengers arriving from New Guinea charge the Commonwealth with neglect of the territory. Almost the whole revenue is swallowed up by the cost of administration. BUSH FIRES. Sydney, Nov, 2, The north coast districts are suffering severely from bush fires. A number rf settlers' houses have been burnt and much damage has been doii" in the distrcf. -H'DilE OR EXECUTIVE* Brisbane, Nov, 2. When a prisoner was brought up for sentence, Mr. Justice Cooper remarked that the effectiveness of punishment as a deterrent of crime depended on the certainty of its infliction. Tf it was left uncertain it had little effect. "A recent event," said the judge, '-has drawn my attention to the system in vogue in Queensland of dealing with sentences by the Executive. I feel great embarrasment, in the performanc"c of my duties and, until I am in a bettor position as judge. T do not propose to give sentences of imprisonment and am remanding prisoners.''

THE HOTELS' PROBLEM. Sydney, Nov. 2. An indignation meeting in the Town Hal] passed a resolution expressing strong indignation at the Government's proposal for dealing with the liquor problem and urging that nothing less than six; o'clock closing would be effective. Failing that, the resolution demanded a referendum on the question. The Rev. Mr. Hoban. in the course of a fiery speech, said: "T impeach the Government as unpatriotic. I don't say they are pro-German, but the practical result of this legislation is pro-German." He bitterly attacked Mr. Holman for his recent altitude. The meeting adopted » resolution moved by the Rev. Mr. Hammond pledging each man not to vote for any politician who would not pledge himself to a referendum on the early closing of hotels.

''SPONGING" SOLDIERS.

Sydney, Nov. 2.

The Commandant is permitting newspapers to investigate questions with regard to the pay of returned soldiers, clearing up allegations raised. Tt has already been discovered that some men who are applying for relief from patriotic funds have drawn up to £{lo since September 10. though they .instill in receipt of service pay.