AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1918, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

A MENACE IMPENDING. MAY ASSUME GRAVE PROPORTIONS Sydney, April 23. The Daily Telegraph publishes the following Melbourne telegram: "Within the past 4S hours information has come to hand which points to the probabilities that the realities of war will soon be brought before Australia in a most convincing fashion. Steps have been taken by the defence authorities to cope with the situation, which may at any moment assume grave proportions. More than this cannot be said for, the present." PROTECTING SHIPPING. Received April 23, 9.1. r > p.m. Melbourne, April 23. Mr. Pearoe, referring to the rumors of the alleged danger to Australia, said there was nothing that need alarm the public, but the Government thought it ; necessary to take certain precautionary measures to guard against interference ' with shipping. RECRUITING CONFERENCE REPORT. Melbourne, April 23. The official report of the GovernorGeneral's Recruiting Conference has not yet been published, but good results are officially anticipated. THE WAR LOAN. Melbourne, April 23. The war loan closes to-morrow. There has been a rush of subscribers during the last few days. Several big institutions have also materially increased their subscriptions. DISMISSAL OP ELIGIBLES. Sydney, April 23. In view of the increased urgency of the demand for men at the front some firms are dispensing with the services ■ of all eligible single men. One firm, while regretting the necessity for the action, says that there is no alternative in the Empires hour of need.