AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1917, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

GOVERNMENT CONSCRIPTION PROPOSALS. Sydney, Nov. 12. Although details of the Government's conscription policy are withheld until Mr. Hughes' announcement at Bendigo to-night, it is understood that the proposals provide for the continuance of voluntary enlistment, meeting the deficiency in the monthly quotas by a compulsory ballot. There has been some very plain speaking on the present war situation during the past few days. Mr. Irvine, addressing a huge meeting in the Town Hall, did not minco matters. The meeting favored the adoption of conscription, buturged the Government to reconsider the referendum proposal and appeal to the country, or, if the referendum was adhered to, the Government should stand or fall by the result.

'DETAILS OF CONSCRIPTION Received Nov. 13, 1.15 a.m. •Melbourne, Nov. 12. As, forecasted, Mr. Hughes' conscription proposals, as ' outlined at Bendigo to-night, include tho continuance of voluntary enlistment, with compulsory reinforcement Tjy ballot to maintain 7000 monthly. It is proposed to ballot for single men between, the ages of 20 and 44, including widowers and divorcees without children. There is a lengthy list of exceptions. He will not call up the married men or the exempted classes, and, after making all allowances, it is estimated the scheme will provide sufficient reinforcements for 2% y.ears. Ample provision is made so as to ensure that there will bo necessary labor for essential indusl:!; i. The Government makes the issue a vital one. It must have tho power to raise tho number of men required, and would not attempt to govern without it.

VOTING DISQUALIFICATIONS. Melbourne, Nov. 12. The disqualification from voting in the referendum applies to all naturalised euemy subjects and to persons whose fathers were born in an enemy country. i LIQUOR REFERENDUM CAMPAIGN. Received Nov. 12, 10.5 p.m. Sydney, Nov. 12. The New South Wales Alliance has initiated a strongly supported campaign in favor of a referendum on the liquor question. They aim at State option on a bare majority basis. CASUALTIES TO DATE. Melbourne, Nov. 12. The Australian casualties to date total 114,747, including 35,102 dead, 4-8,897 wounded, and 25,817 sick.