AUSTRALIA

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1916, Page 5

AUSTRALIA

THE COMPULSION ISSUE. HUGHES' REFERENDUM CAMPAIGN. '.Sydney, Septem*iser Mr. Hughes opened his referendum campaign at the Town Hall. He appealed to an enormous crowd in favor of conscription. Sydney, Sept. 19. The Town Hall meeting was the largest ever held in Sydney. Thousands were unable to gain admission. By rousing passionate apneals to duty and national honor Mr. Hughes, the Lord Mavor, Messrs. Cook, Holman and other jeaders evoked a remarkable demonstration of enthus'ssm. In opening the referendum campaign Mr. Hughes said the Government did not consider it necessary to draw married men into compulsory service, as the supply of single men would suffice. Only sens vould be exempted and in addition civil tribunals would be established to hear applications for exemption. Refuting the statements that the pay would be reaiiced lie said the only alteration was the increase in the maximum of married men's separation allowance from Ss to IPs. At the conclusion it was resolved by 4000 votes to 7 that the meeting form a national committee to organise a campaign to secure an affirmative vote at the referendum. Street meetings were held round the Town Hall, the speakers denouncing conscription. [ NAVY DEPARTMENT FRAUDS Melbourne. Sept. lfl. As the result of several months of investigations, the Navy Department has issued a writ against a Melbourne iirm for an alleged attempt to defraud, lie sum of £l-5,000 is involved. h RECRUITING SLUMP. Melbourne, Sept. 10. The enlistments during the first fortaight in September in the Commonwealth were 3094. (About 16,000 men a month are required for the reinforcements.)