THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1916, Page 8

THE WAR.

AUSTRALIA. THE CONSCRIPTION QUESTION. STATEMENT BY MR. HUGHES. REFERENDUM 'PROPOSALS, By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Melbourne, September 1. In the House, Mr. Hughes, examining the Government's proposals to ascertain whether they were adequate, said: '•Britain has new told us in plain words what she expected us to do. If (lie proposals are inadequate they ought to be unanimously rejected." He considered .they were adequate. Mr. Hughes computed the troops at present available in camp here at 43,512, in England 44,511, and en route 15.000. Allowing for wastage and- absorption of reinforcements at the present rate, it -would leave only SOOO men in England at the end of January. The Government's proposal to provide new men here at the same rate would deplete those in England. Mr. Hughes emphatically insisted that the referendum was the best and speed) est method. The only alternative would have been an election, which might have led to chaos. He believed the people would carry conscription by an overwhelming majority. If the people fail, tlren God help Australia! The debate was adjourned. Mr. Hughes later on announced that soldiers over 21 in France, Egypt, Rabaul and elsewhere would be afforded facilities to vote on October 2S, when a referendum would be taken. Whatever happens, the writs will be issued on September IS. No naturalised enemy subject will be permitted to exercise the franchise,

lii the Senate, Mr. 'Pearce defended the referendum proposals, adding: "The Government does not want to exercise compulsion. We are against it, and if the voluntary system provides the necessary number the Government will not resort to compulsion. With the exception of the cable just received, the Army Council of the Imperial Government has never asUcd Australia for men, and even now has not asked, fm an increase of her military assistance, but having brought certain units into the field, the Council asks Australia to keep them up to full strength." PREPARE FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF ~' WAR. Melbourne, September 1. Mr Hughes further stated that if it could be assumed that the war would end in December the present position was satisfactory, but it would 'be criminal folly to assume any such thing. It was better to be prepared for another year. Australia's clear duty .vas to provide 32,500 men in September, and 10.500 monthly thereafter. The total required to the end of March was 131,500. Brisbane. September 1. Hon. J. Adamson, Minister for Railways) has denied that he has resigned his portfolio, and considers a full Cabinet meeting should have the opportunity of discussing his attitude on conscription. The leaders and members of the Cabinet are bringing pressure on the Minister with a view to dissuading him from his contemplated resignation. MR. HUGEES' FURTHER STATEMENTS. Melbourne, September 2. Mr. Hughes announced that as far as the conscription referendum is concerned its. opponents will be allowed full freedom of speech. If the referendum gives an affirmative vote the Government will extend the moratorium to cover the liabilities of persons called to the colors. In the House of Representatives Mr, Hughes said that their transport of troops was at present limited to a capacity of 13,000 monthly. In order to obtain othei transports they would have to appeal to the British Admiralty, which would mean ten weeks before the ships were available, therefore the referendum would not mean delay in sending reinforcements. Sydney, September 2. Since Mr. Hughes' announcement of policy recruiting has dropped fully 50 jier cent.