IN AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15393, 25 September 1915, Page 12

IN AUSTRALIA.

THE COMPULSION MOVEMENT. OPPOSITION ORGANISATION FORMED. (By Cable.—Prosa Association.—Copyright.) SYDNEY, September 24. A meeting, supported by delegates from many trades unions and socialistic societies, .carried a resolution protesting again conscription in every form. The meeting formed itself into an AntiConscriptionist League, and a committee was formed to preparo anti-con-scriptionist propaganda. MR FISHER'S POSITION. OPPOSED TO CONSCRIPTION. AN IMPORTANT' STATEMENT. (Received September 24th, 10 p.m.) MELBOURNE, September 24. A deputation from the Trades Hall Council asked Mr Fisher to make a public announcement of bis attitude and the attitude of the Government regarding conscription. Mr Fisher, in replying, Gaid:—"You said you wanted a private conversation, and 1 declined. This is a public question, and the only person who can announce a policy is myself, or somebody in my place." He added: "I am irrevocably opposed to conscription. 1 have not discussed it with my colleagues, and I am sure I speak for them when I say that no Bill will be introduced in Parliament before those to whom we owo our positions have been given an opportunity of expressing their opinion. Mr Fisher said he would make tho necessary announcement on tho question at the proper time. Conscription would not bo brought about by anything said at a public meeting. The only question tho deputation need ask was: "Was it the intention of tho Government to introduce a Conscription Bill?" The leader of the deputation then said : "Wo ask it in that way." Mr Fisher replied: "No." SPORTS CONDEMNED. SYDNEY, September 24. The Baptist Union adopted a resolution expressing its deep indignation with the authorities for permitting the continuanco of prize-nghting, horseracing. and all other like sports. The resolution said that it was "untimely and unseemly" that sports should do engaged in at this awful crisis in the world' 3 affairs. A GROUNDLESS CHARGE. (Received September 24th. 6.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, September 24. An official enquiry cleared well-known Sydney and Melbourne firms, who were for nurses on active service. THE KIDMAN CASE. INTERESTING EVIDENCE. (Received September 24th, 10 p.m.) SYDNEY, {September 24. During the hearing of tho Kidman case, the Director of Commonwealth Equipment, who investigated the papers in connexion with the disputed contracts, said he found that increases had been granted in regard to a number of contracts. He did not know if 6uch a practice existed without the sanction of the Minister of Defence. A number oi contracts had been varied by the Commandant or at the direction of the Commandant. Kidman's counsel said he proposed to submit the prices which it hau jc. agreed should be paid for Counsel for the Crown replied that no prices had been agreed upon . gatiou being that Kidman had been allowed to charge what he liked, and it was from this that the charge of conspiracy had arisen.