AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 February 1917, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

COALITION NOT YET SETTLED. Melbourne, .February 14. The prospc-t-- of a coalition are not as brii'ht »s f»'-nicrl<\ Tiie MinisfernlRs agreed to ihe terms, Iml the Lib crnls. after a protracted meeting, did not come to definite termination. While the other terms in the agreement were accented, they had a lenethy debate on the clause that the conscription referendum decision be respected and passed a resolution that all must !:<• finrottcn about the referendum. but. even though compulsory service beyond Amlralia was banished from their minds, everything,' possible must iie dene to bring home to the people the necessity of reinforcements, i A further motion was carried that, in view oi the seriousness of the situation. it was urgently necessary for the Minister of IJeicnce to sit in the House of lfejirc-eiitai'ives. In the Senate, Mr. llusscll said it was not intended to enfranchise all soldicrs at the front over eighteen. Received Feb. l.">, 12.™ a.m. Melbourne, Feb. 14. After further neiotiations, the political situation is still unsettled. SUPPLY BILL PASSED. Received Feb. 14, 11.50 p.m. Melbourne, Feb. 14. The Senate has passed the Supply Bill. NO MONEY AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC WORKS. Melbourne. February 14. In reply io an unemployed deputation, 'Mr. Hughes stated that, at his suggestion, the Imperial Government was taking 1000 carpenters from Australia to assist in war work in Britain. In reply to a question as to other unemployed men, lie said no money was available •ind no large public works would bo started. CONTROL OF SHIPPING. j Melbourne. Feb. 14. It is stated in shipping circles that the Federal Government is appointing a Board to have full control of oversea shipping and cargo matters, to act in co-operation with the Board already in existence in England. A smaller Board will be appointed to control in tor-State shipping.