AUSTRALIA TO-DAY

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 40, 16 August 1916, Page 2

AUSTRALIA TO-DAY

NEWS AND NOTES

HOME AGAIN.

(FROM ODR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

SYDNEY, 10th August.

The speeches of the Prime Minister, Mr. W. M. Hughes, in response to the remarkably cordial receptions given him on his return from England were in the main confirmations of his previous expressions of sentiments and resolve. Definite statements as to details of future policy were omitted. Foremost of the matters regarding which we are waiting for a pronouncement from the Prime Minister is that of conscription. There is also an important tariff issue to be .settled. Since the end of 1914 duties have been collected under a schedule which is as a matter of fact still .unauthorised by Parliament, and the Minister for Customs, Mr. Tudor, is very anxious to have things put on a definite footing. A decision could not be arrived at until Mr. Hughes's return, and the ascertainment of his views as affected by the Paris Conference. Then there is the Bill now before Parliament imposing a tax on war profits. It is admitted that amendments are needed in several respects, and the nature of the amendments must depend largely upon the information obtained by the Prime Minister while in England. A number of other matters held iv abeyance' during his absence also require the Prime Ministers early p2rsonal attention. Altogether he is in for a very busy time.'.