AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 February 1917, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

EFFECT OF FUSION. STRENGTH OF'PARTIES. Received Feb. 20. 6.30 p.m. Melbourne, Feb. 20. The fusion has made the strength of the parties in the Federal House as follows:—Liberal Ministerialists . 84 Labor Ministerialists 14, Cai/cus Labor 26, Independent 1. REPRESENTATION AT IMPERIAL COUNCIL. Received Feb. 21, 12.50 a.m. Sydney, Feb 20, Telegraphic communication is again delayed. iMr. Hughes states that himself, Sir W. Irvine, and probaibly Sir J. Forrest, will go to the Imperial Conference. PREPARING FOR STATE ELECTIONS Received Feb. 20, 6.45 p.m. Sydney, Feb. 20. Mr Holman's announcement of the elections being held at such an early date came as a surprise. The P.L.L. section of the Labor Party, who at the time of the formation of the National Ministry strongly urged an appeal to the country, now appear to be unhappy because their own petard has suddenly been hoisted. There is a great rush to the electorates, and there is also a hurrying on of the organisation for the fight between the old and the new Labor parties. This promises „o be very bitter. ANTI-DAYLIGHT SAVING. Sydney Feb. 20. Various public bodies continue to carry resolutions condolatory of the daylight saving, and asking for its repeal. IMPERIAL COUNCIL MATTERS. Melbourne, Feb. 19. Mr. Groom acts as Attorney-Genera', during Mr. Hughes' absence in England. Senator Milieu leads the Senate. It is considered probable that Sir John Forrest will accompany Mr. Hughes to England. Sir W. Irvine is going aB legal adviser. Melbourne* Feb. 20. Mr. Matthews, a Memberof the House of Representatives, in a speech at Ballarat was loudly applauded when he said: "Our representatives at the Imperial Conference will have their thoughts centred on how to win the war and damn Australia. If the conference intends to interfere with the domestic affairs of Australia let them remember the tea that was thrown overboard in Boston harbor." RECRUITING, Sydney, Feb. 20. A considerable number of staff sergeants and other permanent men are now being released from training and other duties and allowed to enlist. Brisbane, Feb. 20. A deputation from the recruiting committee asked the Chief Secretary in the interests of recruiting to close the stadiums and racecourses for the duration of the war. _Tho Minister referred the deputation £o the Federal Government. VERY IMPORTANT! Received, Feb 20, 9.5 p.m. Melbourne, Feb. 20. At the request of the Recruiting Committee the Amateur Turf Club has postponed next Saturday's meeting to Monday in order to prevent clashing with Saturday's win-the-war demonstratioi.