COMMONWEALTH

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144777, 6 September 1915, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH

GERMANS IN NEW GUINEA. A PLOT DISCOVERED. SYDNEY, Sept. 4. Following the recent arrest of a number of Germans at Rabaul, a statement has been made that since the Australian troops occupied the town prisoners had been allowed out on parole, and permitted to hold social gatherings. At first the peoplo observed the conditions, but during the past few, months some prisoners on the German reserve list took charge, promoting picnics, which, instead of being simply picnics, allegedly became meeting places for announcing war news. The picnics usually followed the arrival or a mail, find news of tho doings of the German armies were read aloud thereat, and received demonstratively. Inquiry led to the stoppage of the picnics, and a search followed, not only in Rabanl, but also in the outlying islands, with the result that quantities of ammunition were found buried, in perfect condition, indicating that they bad been buried during the war, but had since been overhauled to prevent damage by dampness. The arrests of a number, of Gormans followed, on charges of having firearms in their possession. Every prisoner on the captured islands had previously been ordered to deliver all firearms. SYDNEY, Sept., 6. _ Besides tho hidden stores of ammunition, a considerable quantity of other arms was seized at Rabaul. There is evidence that the raid has nipped in the bud the hopes of seizing a favourable opportunity for a rising, including the securing or the support of the natives. The raid was carried out quietly and effectively, and the alleged plotters were placed in safe keeping before tho bulk of the civil population were aware of what was happening.

AUSTRALIA DAY FUND. SYDNEY, Sept. 4. The Now South Wales Australia Day Fund is now £670,000. THE WAR CENSUS. SYDNEY, Sept. 4._ The war ’ census cards have been issued. There was a great rush at the post office to procure them. A provision - is added requiring those reaching the ago of 18 after the closing day of the census to fill in the cards and re-' turn them within fourteen days after reaching such age. EXPORT OF METALS. MELBOURNE. Sept. 4. An executive proclamation has been issued prohibiting the export of metals, unless the consent of the. Minister of Customs is obtained. BIG RECRUITING CAMPAIGN. MELBOURNE, Sept. 4. The Federal Parliamentary War Committee, with a view of preventing spasmodic enlistment, is arranging for the co-operation of State committees, and is organising a groat campaign throughout the Commonwealth. It is stated that the Defence Department can deal with 16,000 men monthly, the quotas from the various States being; New South Wales and Victoria 6200 each, Queensland 2200, South Australia 1400, Westralia 1200, Tasmania 800. The Department urges that the call is primarily to young unmarried men, but as the need is urgent married men should be accepted. New South Wales opens the campaign on September 20, and tie dates for the other States are being arranged. NEWS BY STEAMER. GERMAN ACTIVITY IN JAVA. (Received Sept. 6; 9.5 a.m.) BRISBANE, Sept. 6. News has been brought by the Tasman that a mysterious steamer was' brought to Batavia under convoy of Dutch destroyers. It is alleged that a large quantity of arms and various parts of a submarine were discovered on board. The vessel is being strictly watched. The Tasman also states that the Dutch authorities discovered German intrigues among tho native population. A movement was on foot to promote a Japanese rising. Passengers by the Hitoohi Maru, from Japan, state that the Japan Trade Association requests Japanese Ministers to include Australia and New Zealand in the Auglo-Japanese commercial treaty. THE NEED FOR MORE MEN. (Received Sept. 6, 8.20 a-nu) HOBART, Sept. 6. Colonel Cameron, who has been invalided from the Dardanelles, ia eulogistic of the exploits of tho Australians and New Zealanders. He considers Germany capable of carrying on the war for thirty years. Australia should lead the Empire in adopting compulsory service, and send a quarter of a million men to tho front. Tho great need was more men. if tho war was to bo brought to an early conclusion. [At the rate of 16,000 men a month Australia would soon reach 250,000 men at the front.]