GENERAL ITEMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17157, 9 November 1917, Page 5

GENERAL ITEMS

NEW BRITISH CRUISERS. MYSTERIOUS CRAFT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. PARIS, November 7. Le Temps describes mysterious new British cruisers, which it pictures as of great length, with long decks fore and aft, lying very low in the water. Each of them is fitted with tripod masts, which are armoured, also with three turrets, each containing two guns of large calibre, in the centre. These vessels are far more speedy than any pre-war-built cruisers. . They have already been a vear in service. All their guns are under the control of one man. COMPULSION IN AUSTRALIA. THE SECOND REFERENDUM. MELBOURNE, November 7. Mr W. M. Hughes states that the conscription referendum will not be taken on the lines of the last one, but upon a definite scheme, which will be outlined on Monday, November 12. Parliament will not need to meet previously, as the referendum will be conducted under the powers conferred under the War Precautions Act. Polling day will probably be December 15. ' THE CABINET'S DECISION. DISAPPOINTMENT AND APPREHENSION. SYDNEY, November 8. (Received Nov. 8, at 9.45 p.m.) The Federal Cabinet's decision to resubmit the question of conscription to a referendum instead of taking direct parliamentary action came as an undoubted disappointment to the majority of the electors, who consider that it spells delay and possible defeat, and this disappointment has been freely expressed through the press. Recent events have created a widely-voiced demand for decisive action and readiness to follow a strong lead.

POLLING DAY NEXT MONTH. MELBOURNE, November 8. (Received Nov. 8, at 11.50 p.m.) The date of the polling day for the referendum has been fixed for December 22. WAR GRAVES COMMISSION. A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME. Renter's Telegrams. LONDON, November 7. The Imperial War Graves Commission, established for the card of the graves of the fallen, include commissioners from all tho dominions. They are authorised to acquire land at Home'and abroad, and to maintain cemeteries. The cost will be borne by the British and the dominion Governments. AUCKLAND AVIATOR KILLED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, November 7. (Received Nov. 8, at 7.30 p.m.) Lieutenant F. 3. Swarland, of the Flyin<r Corps, an Aucklander, has been killed in action. PRINCE ALBERT'S HEALTH. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Renter. LONDON, November 7. (Received Nov. 8, at 8.45 p.m.) Official: Prince Albert has sufficiently recovered to take up work ashore.