IN AUSTRALIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17098, 22 February 1916, Page 8

IN AUSTRALIA.

HON W. M. HUGHES. TOCR IN CANADA. . By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright OTTAWA, February 20. The Hon W. M. Hughes, Prime Minister of Australia, was sworn in as a Privy Councillor and attended a Cabinet meeting, at which Imperial affairs were discussed.

The Press suggests that the, precedent ought to be followed everywhere, Dominion Premiers being ex-officio members of all Dominion Cabinets.

Mr Hughes, speaking at the Canadian Club, said that preparedness and compulsory service were essential to the security of any free people who desired to retain their freedom. Australians valued democracy and liberty and were ready to fight to their last man. They could have purchased an ignoble peace from Germany. '•' Tlie Germans were prepared to treat the Canadians as an independent, nation, and would have conferred a like favour on Australia. Now Germany knows 'she is fighting the Empire. The British Dominions will not quit while life remains."

LIQUOR RESTRICTIONS.

" WORKING EXCELLENTLY." SYDNEY, February 21. Asked as to the effect of early closing on the soldiers in the district the commandant said: "I can put the whole thing in two words—working excellently."

WATERSIDE WORKERS OBJECT. (Received February 22. 12.55 a.m.) SYDNEY. February 21. The waterside workers are opposed fo early closing, and will hold a "stop work ' ? meeting to protest. The Cabinet discussed the question of early closing, but no finality was reached.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE'S OFFER.

MELBOURNE. February 21. The Victorian Football League has decided to hand over its profits next season to the patriotic funds.

MAKING UP PAY.

(Received February 22. 12.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 21. , The Cabinet has decided that the difference between the civil and military pay of any.public, servant enlisting should be made up.