USE OF REGISTER IN AUSTRALIA

Southland Times, Issue 23782, 1 April 1939, Page 7

USE OF REGISTER IN AUSTRALIA

Opposition Of Trade

Union Leaders

FEAR OF INDUSTRIAL CONSCRIPTION

(United Press Assn—Telegraph Copyright)

(Received March 31, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 30. More union leaders have expressed opposition to the Federal Cabinet s decision to compile a compulsory register. The secretary of the New South Wales Trades and Labour Council (Mr R. King) said: “A compulsory national register is the first step towards industrial conscription.” The Minister of Defence (Mr G. A. Street) said that action would be taken by the Government to keep the national register up to date, states a message from Canberra. The cost of compiling the register was expected to be nearly £lOO,OOO. MR BRUCE LEAVES SYDNEY VISIT TO PRESIDENT IN WASHINGTON / SYDNEY, March 31. The Australian High Commissioner in London (Mr S. M. Bruce) sails by the Mariposa today. He will see the President (Mr Franklin D. Roosevelt) .in Washington and discuss Australian matters with officials of the United States Administration. Mr Bruce declined to say whether his visit is associated with urgent questions of defence.