NO MONEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 70, 24 March 1931, Page 7

NO MONEY.

SEVERE PINCH IN N.S.W Dole Coupons Unpaid, Water Works Stopped. : . IMPATIENT SHOPKEEPERS. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY., this day. Replying to a deputation of tradesmen who complained of the nonpayment for dole coupons for food supplied since the middle of January, the Chief Secretary, Mr. Gosling, intimated that if impatient shopkeepers refused to accept the coupons the Government -would be compelled to establish its own depots, as it was determined the public would be fed.

Owing to inability to secure a further loan for developmental work about 1000 men are being retrenched on Friday by the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board. Thus represents one-third of the board's regular employees.

It is feared that another 1000 will be rendered idle in the near future, resulting in interference with developmental work which will mean a shortage of water in the city area next summer.

TALK OF CONFLICT.

Arms and Ammunition Stored

In Readiness ?

APPREHENSION EXPRESSED

Passengers from Australia by the Marama to-day, when questioned about the condition of the Commonwealth, were reticent, but expressed the opinion that it was worse than the cable news indicated. Some of ~tlie passengers even declared that a revolution was not far off. They eaid it was known that arms and ammunition were stored ready for an upheaval, which might come at any time. The specific assertion was made that at two places, at least, some 18,000 rifles have been stored—ls,ooo in one spot and 3000 in another. Open warfare was talked of freely and those who did not wish to eee Australia plunged into a terrible conflict were doing their utmost to prevent a clash between the various sections.

From that point of view it was fortunate that there were three factions, and not two, and the fear was expressed that the union of two of* the factious would be as a match to powder.

LABOUR ARMY.

8000 ENLISTMENTS

(Received 11 a.m.)

SYDNEY, this day

The chairman of the Labour Army Committee, Mr. J. A. Martin, announces that 8000 have already enlisted.

The "Labour Daily," recording yesterday's Labour Army enlistments, says: "Throughout the State widespread interest is being manifested in the defence movement against the onslaughts of the opposition seditionary forces."