Empire Outposts.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VIII, Issue 51, 12 February 1918, Page 5

Empire Outposts.

AUSTRALIA. FEDERAL POLITICS. ANTI-HUGHES’ MOTION DEFEATED. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS’N.] (Received 12, 9.55 a.m.) Sydney, Feb. 12. A meeting of the National Council overwhelmingly defeated a motion calling on Mr.'W. M. Hughes to resign. WESTRALIAN ELECTIONS. (Received 12, 9.55 a.m.) Perth. Feb. 12. The polling day has been fixed for May 11th. TROOPS DISTINCTLY TEMPERATE. A COMMANDANT’S TESTIMONY. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS’N.) (Received 12, 9.55 a.m.) Melbourne, Feb. 12. In the report of the committee enquiring into the sale of intoxicants to soldiers, Brigadier-General Williams, Victorian Commandant, states that six o’clock closing has reduced disorder amongst soldiers, although they still obtained drink after that hour. Referring to venereal disease, he stated that only three jo four per cent, of the cases were due to drink. Between 60 and 70 per cent, were either teetotallers or distinctly temperate. Only a very small percentage of the absentees at the time of embarkation was due to drink. Other evidence showed that drink was only affecting a very small percentage of the troops either before or after their return from the front. ITALIAN RESERVISTS. CALLED TO THE COLOURS. (Received 12, 9.55 a.m.) Melbourne. Feb. 12. All Italian subjects have been notified to report to their consul for military service.