AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 883, 8 December 1916, Page 10

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

WAR LEGISLATION. OUTPUT OF MUNITIONS. Bv Cnble. — Press Association. — Copyright MELBOURNE, December 7. The Prime Minister (Mr W. M. Hughes) has announced that steps will be taken to increase the output of ammunition, rifles, and large ordnance. Mr Hughes has also promised consideration to a request to pass regulations under the War Precautions Act to declare the I.W.W. an illegal organisation. A RECORD SITTING. TRADE WITH AMERICA. SYDNEY, December 7. The Assembly has established a record by sitting continuously since Monday, debating the Estimates. Mr Holman, in justifying the expenditure of £6OOO upon representation in America, quoted Mr Neilsen's report as showing that whereas New Zealand was nearer to America than Australia, freights were 25 per cent, lower than to New Zealand. The New Zealand exports to America in the last three years had increased by 234 per cent., and reached £1,250,000, while Australia's exports to America had increased by 500 per cent., and amounted to £0,000,000. In 1913 the balance of trade with America against New Zealand was 34 per cent., and in 1916 18 per cent against Australia's 59 and 4 per cent, respectively. IMPERIAL FEDERATION. ATTITUDE OF LABOUR. MELBOURNE, December 7. The Labour Conference resolved to protest against any proposal for an Imperial Federation involving the slightest surrender of Australia's self-governing powers in return for a voice in the Empire's foreign policy, as it would be disastrous to Australian ideals, and should not be entertained. LABOUR'S DEMANDS. COMMISSION WANTED. (Received December 8, 11.35 a.m.) MELBOURNE, December 8. The Labour Conference carried a

motion urging an amendment to the Constitution to empower the Commonwealth Parliament to abolish the Legislative Councils and Slate Governors. It urged the Labour Senators, in view of the enormous expenditure and unsatisfactory and inconsistent reports received concerning the Army, to move for the appointment of a Commission to inquire into the management of the Australian Army. LIQUOR BILL. RESTRICTIONS ON DRINKING. (Received December 8, 11.35 a.m.) SYDNEY, December 8. The Assembly read the Totalisator Bill a first time. The Liquor Amendment Bill has received the Governor's assent. It provides for the absolute closing of hotels on Christmas Day and Good Friday, and the prohibition of the sale of soft drinks after 0 o'clock. THE CENSORSHIP. GERMAN AGENTS' FRIENDS. (Beceived December 8, 11.35 a.m.) MELBOURNE, December 8. The Senate is debating a motion to abolish the regulation requiring submission to the censor of all matter relating to the war before publication. Mr G. F. Pearce said he had proof that German agents were not without friends in the Australian Parliament. The motion was carried by 17 votes to 14. BANK TO BANK CLAUSE. A LEGALISING MEASURE. (Pveceived December 8, 11.35 a.m.) BRISBANE, December 8. The Legislative Council read a first ■ lime the Bill legalising an eight hours' hank-10-bank clause as interpreted by the miners.