IN AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15459, 11 December 1915, Page 12

IN AUSTRALIA.

THE RECRUITING ! SCHEME. INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL'S OPPOSITION. , STRAIGHT TALK BY MR HUGHES. (By Cab!#.—Preea Association. —Copyright.) (Received December 10th. 8.5 p.m.) BRISBANE, December 10. Mr Hughes, replying to the demand of the Industrial Council for the withdrawal of the Federal recruiting scheme, 6aid he resented strongly anything in the shape of a threat. He feared they did not realise the gravity of the issues at stake. They spoke as if there was some means of preserving their liberty by an attitude of indifference and aloofness, as if there was no war. Mr Fisher had pledged his party to support the Empire to the last man and the last shilling. Thev were elected to power on that policy, and he was going to carry it out. After further straight talk, Mr Hughes said he could not understand the Council taking the Government's present action for conscription. No measure of conscription could be introduced without Parliament being given an opportunity of stating its opinion. The information in the possession of the Government fully warranted the steps I that were being taken. I THE PASSPORT SYSTEM. A MODIFICATION. (Received December 10th, 9.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, December 10. It is officially notified that a simplified passport system for bona-fide travellers to New Zealand is being arranged. MASQUERADERS CAUGHT. A MILITARY RAID. MELBOURNE, December 10. A military raid in the city captured seven ty-fivo men who had no right to wear the uniform. INCREASE IN MARRIAGES. SYDNEY, December 10. A New Zealand message referring to the recent Increase in the marriage rate is re-echoed in the fact that right through the Commonwealth, coincident with rccruiting, the marriage market has been abnormally active. IMPORTATION OF ENE3IY' GOODS. FURTHER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED. MELBOURNE, December 10. A proclamation has been issued further restricting the importation of enemy goods, even those imported through neutrals. The proclamation i 9 more rigid than the law in England, and even affects goods imported from England under license to be exported to Australia.