AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 December 1917, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

THE CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN t FEELING INTENSIFIED. Sydney, Dec. 3. As the referendum campaign progretMS feeling is becoming more intensified. . Cross currents of different phases | are more in evidence. 'Various court cases arising out of the application of war precautions regulations are arousing much interest and speculation. Echoes of the late strike are not wanting among other factors.' It grows more apparent that the present ballot will show considerable variation from the previous referendum. Both sides are exploiting New Zealand's example to fit their own arguments. Circulars are being distributed among farmers calling attention to the inconvenience suffered by small farmers in New Zealand through the shortage of labor owing to conscription.

fEDERAL PREMIER OVATED. ENTHUSIASTIC DEMONSTRATIONS. . Received Dec. 9, 5.5 p.m, Melbourne, Dec., 9. Mr. Hughes' return from his northern our was marked by great and enthusiastic demonstrations. As a reply to the treatment lie received at Warwick, returned soldiers took possession of his «tr, replaced the Prime Minister's hat with one oT'fheir own, and marched him' round shoulder high. Afterwards a monster gathering was held at the Town Hall in favor of "Yee." CHARGES THATFAILED. Melbourne, Dec. 8. There was an interesting finding in a east against a firm of printers charged with producing a certain publication in such 4 way as to suggest censorship alterations. Over half the space allotted in an article against conscription comprised blankq corresponding to .the censors obliterations, while on the back appeared the ' words: "Vote for no ." The Magistrate held that the charge was not proved, and dismissed the case. A charge against a minister of religion who is editor of the publication was also withdrawn. Captain Bean cables that the polling of soldiers in France commenced on Wednesday. FREE PASSAGES FOR SOLDIERS' WIVES. Melbourne, Dec. 8. The Federal Government is arranging to provide free passages for the wives of returned soldiers married in England.