AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 September 1916, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

CONSCRIPTION REFERENDUM BILL. Received Sept. 13, 10.10 p.m. Melbourne, Sept. 13. In the House, Mr. Hughes (iPrime Sinister) introduced the Referendum Bill, ulhicft is in the following form: "Are you in favor of the Government having, in this grave emergency, the same compulsory power over citizens in regard to giving their military service during the wir outside the Commonwealth as it now has inside the Commonwealth?'' The Bill was read the first time. SOLDIERS VOTE BY PROXY Sydney, September 12. Cabinet has decided to adopt the proxy system ta enable soldiers on active service to vote at the general election. THE WAR AND POLITICS. Sydney, September 12. Instructions have been issued permitting soldiers on leave to wear civilian clothes in order to participate in political meetings and the referendum campaign. Brisbane, September 12. The Parliamentary Labor iParty at Brisbane has decided to oppose the proposal for the introduction of conscription. •REINFORCEMENTS DRAFTS. Melbourne, Sept. 13. Mr. Hughes announces that'drafts for reinforcements to maintain five divisions at the front will be obtained in the States on a population basis. .No State will be calhxl to make up the deficiency in any other State. .VOTING AT THE FRONT. Sydney, Sept. 13. The Assembly agreed to the expediency of in I .\icluc-ing a Bill for votes by proxy at the general election to all soldiers at the front, irrespective of age. The Biil provides that a soldier shall not vote for a candidate, but for a party. The Labor votes will be handed to Mr. Holman, Liberal to Mr. Wade, and Progressive votes to the Speaker, who will; allot them to the candidates) >