AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 15929, 8 October 1915, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS

DRINK RESTRICTION FAILS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, MELBOURNE, October 8. (Received October 8, at 9.30 a.m.) The police report that the Liquor Restriction Act is an absolute failure, and affords many loopholes for evading the law. THE “SHOUTING” EVIL. HOSPITALITY TO SOLDIERS. SYDNEY, Octdber 8. (Received October 8, at 8.50 a.m.) A great outcry has been raised against the number of drunken soldiers in the city streets, and a strong demand has been made. that the Government take steps to curtail their opportunities for obtaining liquor. The Chief Secretary replies that the evil primarily is not through any laxity in the administration of the liquor laws, but through the misguided hospitality of the citizens towards ""the soldiers. FOODSTUFFS IN STOCK. MELBOURNE,. October 8. (Received October 8, at 9.30 a.m.) A census of the wheat and flour stocks held in Victoria on September 27 revealed 80,953 bushels of wheat and 4,453 tons of flour. It is estimated that this represents only 16 days’ supply. WESTRALIAN GENEROSITY. PERTH, October 8. The patriotic funds in this State nowtotal £BB,OOO. PRACTICAL HELP. SYDNEY, October 8. (Received October 8, at 9.30 a-m.) The Australian Corporation of Public Accountants have arranged a scheme to provide free clerical training for returned soldiers. THE UNWELCOME ALIEN. SYDNEY, October 8. (Received October 8, at 9.30 a.m.) In the Now South Wales Legislative Council Hon. Mr Carrulhers moved a series of resolutions for the more stringent supervision of enemy subjects. LABOR AND AIR HOLMAN. SYDNEY, October 8. (Received October 8, at 9.50 a.m.) The New South Wales Labor Council debated a censure motion on the Holman Government for failing to introduce industrial legislation. OPIUM SMUGGLING. SYDNEY, October 8. (Received October 8, at 8.30 a,m.) The Customs authorities have seized 175 tins of opium concealed under the coal bunkers of the steamer Babsford. from New Zealand ports via Melbourne. THE KIDMAN CASE. SYDNEY, October 7. In the Kidman case Paymaster Dewitt gave evidence that he received instructions from headquarters that no more of Kidman’s tenders were to be accepted. After Kidman ceased to supply the Liverpool camp the Government- had to pay more for supplies. He had known Kidman as a satisfactory contractor of military supplies for years.