THE REFERENDUM.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 275, 6 November 1916, Page 6

THE REFERENDUM.

THE REFERENDUM. NEGATIVE MAJORITY REDUCED. Sydney, Nov. 5. The latest returns have reduced the “No” majority to 73,146. There are still 200,000 votes to count, and the final returns are not likely to be in before the 7th instant. THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK. USELESS TO SPECULATE. Sydney, Nov. 5. Mr. Hughes anticipates that the position will be fairly defined by Thursday or Friday, when he proposes calling the whole Labour party together. In the meantime Labour members are dividing into two camps. The conscriptionists announce themselves adherents of Mr. Hughes, whatever action he takes. Some consider a reconciliation stffl possible. A statement is made that the idea of a coalition Government has been abandoned, but rumours are so variant and possibilities so many that it is useless to speculate.

THE “SPECTATOR’S” PHILOSOPHY. London, Nov. 4. The “Spectator” in an article says : We are overwhelmed with pride, gratitude and wonder at the enorm-’ ous self-compulsion vote in Australia. We think the huge vote in favour of the better way of devotion is one of the most wonderful and glorious things in human history. Conscription may' be defeated but the spirit of Australia is justified. Those who voted against conscription will come as volunteers. We salute Australia in admiration. They had a very fine excuse for sulking because of what they might call the bloody fiasco pf Gallipoli. They’ did not dream of making the slightest suggestion of tips kind. They did not demand, but even deprecated an inquiry. This was the act of true gentlemen. They want, like the rest of the dominions, to help and not to criticise. “VICTORY OF FREEDOM.” TO SHIRK. [ n.z. cable assn.] (Received 6, 9.30 a.m.) London, Nov. 5. “The Nation” in an article headed “Victory of Freedom,” says Australia's rejection of conscription for overseas offers substantial ground of hope for humanity’ after the war. Australian Labour has won a battle which British Labour lost. Canada is plainly against conscription and | with the Irish example we may con-

elude the advent of force in the domain of military service has been definitely stayed throughout the Empire. We all desire closer union of the free British nations, but it is now clear that union cannot be founded upon forced Imperial service, and so far as Imperial Avar is concerned it is clear that the dominions wish to retain their liberty. Australian sacrifices will be enormous. The vote is a reminder that there is a limit to the drainage of colonial man power. THE PROCLAMATION. DEMAND FOR ITS WITHDRAWAL. (Received 6, 2.20 p.m.) Svdney, Nov. 6. A meeting of 20.000 in the Domain passed a motion demanding recognition of the will of the people as expressed in the referendum, and the withdrawal of the conscription proclamation.