COMING OF CONSCRIPTION.

North Otago Times, Volume CIV, Issue 13663, 4 September 1916, Page 2

COMING OF CONSCRIPTION.

THE POSITION IN AUSTRALIA.

REFERENDUM ON OCTOBER 28,

(Per Cable—Press Association—Copyright.-) .MELBOURNE, S C |,t. L ■ In the Mouse of Representatives,. Mr Hughes, ill discussing the Government's proposals, said that Britain had now told them in plain words what she expected Australia to do. If the proposals were inadequate they ought to be unanimously rejected, lie considered that (hey were adequate, lie computed that [lie I roups at present available in camp in Australia numbered 4i1,5J2, (hose in England totalled .M-,511, and (hose on route 15,0(10, Allowing f or wastage, absorption of the .Reinforcements at the present .rate would leave only vJUOO men in England at the end of January. The Government's proposals would provide new men at the same rate as they were depleted from England, lie emphatically insisted that the referendum was the best and most speedy method of securing a decision from the people, The only alternative would have been an election, which might have led lu chaos. He believed that the people would carry conscription by an overwhelming majority. If the people failed to do so, then Clod help Australia. "If if could be assumed," said Mr Hughes, "that the war 'would end in December, tjic present position was satisfactory, but it is criminal folly to assume any such thing. It is better to be prepared for another year of war." Their clear duly was to provide 32,500 men in September and .11i.500 monthly thereafter. The total required to the end of March next was 131,500. The debate was adjourned. Mr Hughes later announced that soldiers over the age of twenty-one years in France, Egypf, Rabaul, and elsewhere would be afforded facilities to vote on October 28, when the referendum would be taken. The writs would be issued on September 18, No naturalised enemy subject would be permitted to exercise the franchise In the Senate, Senator Pearce defended the referendum proposals, He added that the Government did not want to exercise compulsion. "We are against it," he said, "If the voluntary system provided the necessary number, the Government will not resort to compulsion." He explained that the Army Council and the Imperial Government had never asked Australia for 'lieu. Even now they had nut asked Australia to increase her military assistance, but asked that having brought certain units into the held, sile should keep them at full strength,

NO BESJGNATIO.N. (Per Cabin—Piws Association—Copyright,) URISBANK, Sept. 1, Mr Adamson denies that lie has■ rl- - his portfolio, lie considers that ii full Cabinet meeting should have an opportunity ol : disciissiii.il his attitude to conscription. The party leaders am! members of (lie Cabinet are ljrin<rini; pressure to bear upon Mr Adainson with K view to dissuading him from his contemplated resignation.

TIIK SKCUKT SKSSIOX. (Pit Cable—Press Association—Copyright.) .MKLHOUKXK, Bept. 1, The secret session of the 'Federal Parliament discussed war and post-war intlllers. hill Mr .Unirnex's statement on conscription was not referred to. ..Mr Hughes announced that the conscription referendum will he taken in about ci:;ln weeks' lime. He proposes to visit the various capitals and explain the reasons for his proposal to H'c Inborn' organisations, ami enlist llii'ir support. The Commonwealth Statistician's return shews that there are l.iiVil.S men in Australia eligible for military service, who have not enlisted, of whom are single. A congress of Trades I'liions is to be held in each' Stale before the end of September.