AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1917, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

THE FIANAL RESULT. KILL NOT BE KNOWN FOR SOME TIME. [ Received Dec. 20, 5.5 p.m. i Sydney, Dec. 20. Voting is progressing steadily. There |is no excitement. The strictest precautions were taken against anything in the shape of interference. Hosts of vehicles were employed by both sides. The city is full of Christmas visitors. Many are voting away from their electorates, and this will make for delay in ascertaining the final result, which will not be known for a considerable time. Provision is made for men serving in Mesopotamia and those aboard warships «nd transports to vote un to January 3. INDICATION OF RESULT EAGERLY AWAITED. Received Dec 20, 0.40 p.m. Sydney, Dec. 20. All the States report oiderly but pahvy polling. Some indication of the way the pendulum is swinging is being eagerly awaited. Very incomplete figures may be available to-night. The booths are remaining open till late in the evening. CANADA'S DECISION OPPORTUNE. Sydney, Dec. 20. There is a very general feeling of relief that the tension of the past few weeks has ended and that the nation reached the valley of decision. It is a [very serious and sober people, realising thje full responsibility, that this morning commenced to record its decision. The weather is fine. Canada's decision came opportunely, and has been used effectively in the last earnest appeals of the "Yessers" to the other side, who are equally earnest and active in the campaign. Mr. Hughes in his closing speech declared: _'•! am this moment prepared to withdraw the referendum from you and take the votes of the soldiers and go on that. The men at the front know what reinforcements are wanted., and they are behind the Government." The Herald reports that in the anticonscription procession at Broken Hill one wagon was decorated with German and Sinn Fein flags. TOTAL CASUALTIES OVER 200,000. Melbourne, Dec. 20. The casualties to date total 219,398. including 40,1(10 dead, 110,076 wounded, and 03,801 sick.