Empire Outposts.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 270, 31 October 1916, Page 5

Empire Outposts.

THE REFERENDUM. INCREASED MAJORITY FOR “ NO.” SMALL PROSPECT OF RECOVERY. Sydney, Oct. 30. The latest figures slightly increase the majority for No. to 89,773. The final result of the soldiers’ ballot will not be available until November 11th. (Received 31, 12.25 p.m.) Sydney, Oct. 31. As the figures stand, Victoria, Westralia and Tasmania voted Yes, and the other States voted No. Supporters of conscription stick to the hope that the soldiers and absentee votes may yet turn the balance. The leaders on both sides advocate that whatever is the result, the recruiting campaign must be vigorously continued.

AN UNFAIR SUGGESTION. Melbourne, Oct. 30. The Assistant Minister of Defence, discussing the referendum and the progress of returns, said that judging from the present figures he could see no good reason why those States which voted “Yes” should not have compulsion applied to them. AMERICAN COMMENT. AUSTRALIA NOT SHIRKING. (Received 31, 8.50 a.m.) New York, Oct. 30. Widespread interest is being taken in Australia’s conscription leferehdum. The “New York World,” in a leader, states that the rejecting of conscription in Australia has expressed the traditional unfriendliness of the English-speaking communities to military compulsion. The question whether the proposal was not defeated by the women does not follow—they are lukewarm with regard to the war. The Australians nave fought bravely and with heavy losses, and the colony, so far from the European field, that has contributed so freely both in men and money, cannot be accused of shirking her duty. With organised Labour against conscription, the other reasons for the defeat at the polls are of minor significance. N.S.W. COALITION RUMOURS. AUSTRALIAN ANU N.Z. CABLE ASSN. I I (Received 31, 12.40 p.m.) I , Sydney, Oct. 31. It is again reported that the | N.S.W. Premier, Mr. W. A. Holman, land the leader of the Opposition, Mr. A. Wade, have reached an agreement which has been endorsed by t’ie Liberal party to prolong the life of the State Parliament for the duration of the war and for six months afterwards, and also to reI construct a Cabinet on coalition I lines. Parliament reassembles to-day.