AUSTRALIA'S PART.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15918, 4 June 1917, Page 8

AUSTRALIA'S PART.

SICK AND "WOUNDED. 26,000 RETURNED SOLDIERS. MELBOURNE, June £5. To cl ft to 26,304 soldiers liavo returned suffering from wounds and sickness. Of these 18,616 havo been discliarged, 448 havo re-embarked, and 3202 aro still in hospital. NEW BRITISH ORDER. ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECIPIENTS POSTPONED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Beater's Telegrams.) (Received Juno 3rd, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 2. An official message 6tatcs that the issue of the first Gazette containing the names of recipients of the new Order of the British Empire has been unavoidably postponed for a few days. ORDER COMPRISES THREE CLASSES. (Australian and K.Z. Cable Association.) (Received June 3rd, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 2. It is understood that tho new Order of tho British Empiro comprises three classes, Knights of tho Grand Cross, Knights' Commander, and Companion. There aro three degrees for women designated by tho same titles. INDIA'S LOYALTY. MESSAGE FROM THE KING. (Australian and K.Z. Cablo Association.) (Received June 3rd, 5.5 p.m.) BOMBAY, Juno 2. Tho Maharajah of Bikaner delivered King George's message to India, in A'hich ho paid tributce to India's splendid patriotism and tho bravery of her sons which, ho said, appealed to tho English imagination. INDIA'S GRIEVANCES. DISCUSSED AT IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. REMOVAL OF MISUNDERSTANDINGS. (Received Juno 3rd, 5.5 p.m.) BOMBAY, Juno 2. Sir Satyendra Prassano Sinha has returned from his visit to tho Imperial Conference. In the courso of an interview, ho said that India had had specific grievances against particular Colonies. The recent Conference hnd given them a chance to discuss these, and it was possible that 6omo, if not all, of their differences would be removed.

MILITARY HONOURS. A ROYAL INVESTITURE. JEW ZEALANDERS DECORATED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received June 3rd, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 2. There was -widespread interest in today's publio investitude at Hyde Park, when King George personally bestowed decorations on over 300 recipients. Tho awards included seven Victoria Crosses, also four posthnmous Victoria Closses to nearest relatives. The Royal Family, overseas official representatives, coldiers, and many ivounded officers and men, and the men of American Contingents were present. - Tho decorations included tho following awards to Nem Zealanders: — Military Cross—Captain James Mowett. Military Medal and Bar —Sergeant R. Simmers. Infantry Military Medals —SergeantMajor A. Mac Queen, and Privates W. fright, R. Hough, and R. Jeffry.

Infantry Royal Red Cross—Sisters Annie Buckley, Kathleen Davies, and Fanny Speedy. Amongst the Australians who 'were decorated was Major Murray, who was awarded the Victoria Crosjs, and also the Distinguished Service Order and Bar.. 4 Colonel Freyberg has been appointed Brigadier Commander, -with tho temporary rank of Brigadier. MINISTERIAL CHANGES. EXTENSIVE ALTERATIONS. THE WAR CABINET AFFECTED. (Australian and N.Z.' Cablo Association.) (Received Juno 3rd, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 2. There aro many rumours of Government changes. If Baron Cowdray roligns tho chairmanship of tho Air Board, owing -to business reasons, it is believed that Mr Winston 'Churchill is likely to bo his successor. It is reported that Lord Rhonda (President of tho Local Government Board) is resigning his position owing to ill-health. Sir George has accepted tho Mastership of Rolls, and in addition may join the War Cabinet. The "Daily Chronicle's" Parliamentary correspondent states that an extensive reshuffling of Ministers is expected, involving at least four of the most important Ministerial offices. Mr P. H. Illingworth, at present Post-master-General, is regarded as tho likely successor of Lord Devonport. Dr. Addison (Minister f or Munitions) will probably go to the Homo Office. Mr G. Hewart (Solicitor-General) and Mr G. H. Roberts (Parliamentary Under-Secretary to tho Board of ?jrado) will' probably bo promoted.