AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1916, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

RECRUITING AT A LOW EBB. BALLOT BOX A REMEDY Received August 31, 10.30 p.m. Sydney, August 31. There was a remarkable drop in recruiting figures to-day, which is highly significant, in view of llr. Hughes' declaration of the Government's policy. Although certain sections, believe volunteering should be so stimulated as t.o avoid a crisis, other 'Parliamentarians prophesy the issue will be withheld from Parliamentary discussion and quickly transferred to the ballot-box, when memburs of both political parties must take sides. ■Melbourne, August 31. Mr. Pearce says that 32,500 must enlist during September, or the proclamation will be issued by the beginning of October. The Imperial authorities have accepted the offer of an additional Hying squadron.

A PITIFUL COMPROMISE, MR. HUGHES' CAUCUS, Melbourne, August 31. Drring his conscription statement Mr. Hughes .aid that under the present system the stream of recruits has fallen to less than' one third what was necessary. There is a secret session of" both Houses to-day to discuss private war communications from the Imperial Government. There is great disappointment in Liberal circles at Mr. Hughes' announcement, Senator Millen denouncing it us a pitiful compromise. Sydney, August 31. The Telegraph, commenting on Mr. Hughes' statement, says it represents a painfully apparent attempt by Mr. Hughes to act up ti his speeches in England while keeping the Government as far as possible under the heel of the political Labor League. SICKNESS IN CAMPS. Melbourne, August 31. In the House )f Representatives it was stated that during the past six months there had been 33,824 cases of sickness in the military camps. PROXY VOTING BY SOLDIERL. Sydney, August 31. The electoral law will be amended to allow soldiers abroad to vote by a proxy nominated by themselves. Proxy forms will be issued so as to be returned in time for the election.