COMMONWEALTH.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 145997, 1 December 1917, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH.

THE CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN. VOTES FOE SOLDIERS. SYDNEY, Nov. 30. An argument that is receiving much support- during the conscription campaign is that if soldiers under 21 aro old enough to light they are old enough to have a vote. Mr. Hughes now announces that if the, difficulty with regard to the voting procedure can bo overcome all persons bearing arms shaljl ho allowed to vote. ALLEGED MISSTATEMENTS. SYDNEY, Nov. 30. J. H. Catts is charged with making at a public meeting verbally a false statement, likely to affect the judgment of the electors in relation to their votes on the conscription referendum. The statement was that a sixth division had been created so that General Birdwood could gel the higher rank and pay attached to the position of commander of six divisions. Catts pleaded not guilty. The evidence tendered showed that no sixth division existed. Catts gave evidence that his statement was made at a meeting in the country, and that when he left for tho country tour the now regulation under which the case is taken did not exist, and he was not aware the regulation had been passed. When he made tho statement lie was under tho belief that a sixth division existed, and ho produced statements from various sources in support of this belief. The case was dismissed, the Magistrate holding that accused believed the statements to be true when he made them. THE CONSCRIPTION ISSUE. GftEAT POPULAR DEMONSTRATION. (Received Deo. 1, 9.20 a.m.l SYDNEY, Dec. 1. “Our Day” wound up with a great popular demonstration in connection with a returned soldiers’ procession in favour of a “\ r es” vote on tho referendum.