NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11449, 31 January 1918, Page 5

NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS.

MOTION TO GOMMANBEER SHIP-

PlMft f II«u* f anwftiMMMni^Mna United Pros.? Jissoeiaticn—By Electrict TelogTaph—LJopyright. Received Jan. 3d, 10 a. m, ! Sydney, Jan. 3'. g In tlie Assembly Dr. Arthur’s motion, urging tint the Federal Government commandeer all coaatil and inter-Stgte shipping for use in carrying food, was defeated by 56 to 13.

LONDON AND BERLIN OPINION

(Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.)

London, Jam I'd

A leading article in the Times comments strongly On Australia’s recent political turmoil and political squabbles. “It becomes increasingly difficfllt to discern how any semblance of the principle of patriotism is inspiring the perennial querulousuess of Commonwealth ’politicals,” it says. “Anstralan soldiers are displaying the highest qualities. They fight and die or are wounded, and the reinforcements they expect begin to show signs of tailing. Tiie Australian people exercised their undoubted right regarding conscription, and there is no need to say more on that question, but if Australia wore nearer the battlefields larger issues might displace the political squabbles and the endless personal recriminations. A review of the situation indicates that the Governor-General, Sir Ronald Muuro Ferguson, acted correctly in avoiding an election, which would he unlikely to alter the May verdict. Australia’s patriotism is deep and abiding, and may yet hud unforeseen ways of asserting itself.”

A repatriated officer states that the result of the referendum was known in Germany as soon as in Loudon, and was featured in the press. Ho was questioned closely as to the possibility of Australia declaring independence following the vote.