CONSCRIPTION REFERENDUM

Evening Star, Issue 16263, 4 November 1916, Page 8

CONSCRIPTION REFERENDUM

TEX DAYS' SUSPENSE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian end N.Z. Cable Association. SYDNEY, November 3. Though tho excitement over tho referendum campaign has largely subsided, the interest in the final result, which tho chief electoral officer states will not be available for 10 days at least, remains intense. Tho later return* continue to reduce slightly the "' No " majority. In the meantime the political situation as tho outcome of the roforondum is very unsettled geirerally. This particularly applies in regard to the Commonwealth and New South Wales Ministries. Rumors of all sorts of possible (manges and reconstructions—some inevitable and- others dependent on how tho referendum goes—are current. The political leaders for the most part maintain a discreet silence, awaiting events. All parties, are agreed that whatever eventuates there must be no slackening of the prosecution of Australia's share in tho war. A Timaru P. A. telegram states that Mr J. Craigic, M.P., sent the following cablegram to Mr Hughes:--''Deepest sympathy for you personally; sorry for. Commonwealth." Mr Hughes replied yesterday as follows:—"Many thanks;* odds were heavy, but the fighting on our side was worthy of the greatness of the cause for which we fought."