Australia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 26, 22 December 1917, Page 5

Australia

THE CONSCRIPTION POLL, MAJORITL FOR ANTIS, 163,687. ! Sydney, December 21. j Tir "No" lend steadily increases. The totals ;i> now >tandii){i; an-. N'o 861,397. ! Yes 697,819 Majority 163,578 The total votes on the roll amount to 2,772..j83. ' While it is generally accepted that there is very little hope of the present position being reversed, the figures are not accepted as final. It is roughly estimated there are 300,000 soldiers, and the absentee votes are still uncounted, wherefrom a big proportion of "Yes" votes are expected. ' i

Assuming that the reinforcements nroposal is definitely defeated, speculation as to the Government's next move is already rife, although it is highly improbable the Ministers will take action until after the holidays. There is a probability of a Federal election, but neither Mr Hughes nor any of the Ministers are prepared to make any comments. "NO" MAJORITY INCREASED. Press Association—Copyright. (Received 10.10 a.m.) Sydney. December '22. The "No 1 * majority has increased to 172,873. The "Yes'.' lead in Tasmania is practically wiped out, having a. majority of only thirty-nine, but Weslralia is steadily increasing the Y'cs lead, being now 23,507.