IN AUSTRALIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17264, 4 September 1916, Page 8

IN AUSTRALIA.

CONSCRIPTION ISSUE.

RECRUITING DROPS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. SYDNEY, September 2. Since Mr Hughes*s announcement of the Government's military policy recruiting has dropped fully 50 per cent.

REFERENDUM QUESTIONS

FULL FREEDOM OF SPEECH

THE TRANSPORT OF TROOPS

MELBOURNE, September 2

Mr Hughes has anSunced that so far as the conscription referendum is concerned its opponents will be allowed full freedom of speech. If the referendum receives an affirmative vote tlio Government will extend the moratorium to cover the liabilities of persons called to the colours. Iu the House of Representatives Mr Hughes said that the transport of Australian troops was at present limited to a capacity of 13,000 monthly. In order to obtain other transports thq.V would have to appeal to the British Admiralty, which would mean' ten weeks before ships were available. Therefore the referendum would not mean a delay in sending reinforcements. >-— — 1 KILLED IN FRANCE. Received September 4, 12.30 p n.) SYDNEY, September 3. Lieutenant Kenneth A. Bell, son of Mr R. A. Bell, well-known in New Zealand shipping circles, has been killed in France. • RETURNED SOLDIERS. SECURING THE FUTURE. (Received September 4, 12.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, September 3. Mr Holman, opening the new premises for returned soldiers, said that he proposed laying before Parliament proposals whereby the Government could take charge of the claims of returned soldiers, securing by statute the permanent establishment of the wliole of their futures and the futures of their widows and orphans.

THE WHEAT POOL.

LATEST DIVIDEND,

(Received September 3, 5.5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, September 3

Mr Hughes has announced that financial arrangements have been completed to enable the Wheat Board to advance farmers an additional. 6d weeklv, recently agreed upon. ,The dividend would involve £4,000,000.