AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15529, 5 June 1918, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Australian and X.Z. Cable Association. HOBART, June 5. In view of the unsatisfactory working of the six o’clock closing of hotels, the Government is amending the Act abolishing temperance bars. BRISBANE, June 5. In the Assembly Air Theodore stated that the deficit for the year would probably amount to £417,853. MELBOURNE, June 5. The National Council of Women have presented a petition to Mr Watt bearing fifty thousand signatures, asking for anti-shouting legislation. The Commonwealth war pension liability now amounts to £3,466,883 annually.

THE PACIFIC. AUSTRALIAN OPINION. SYDNEY, June 3. The Telegraph, discussing Australia’s appeal to America regarding the security of the Pacific, points out that with the Russian oullupsr, the Reichstag resolution has been forgotten. The question of indemnities has again been raised. Dr. Solf recently declared that they must have consolidation of the German colonies in Central and South-west Africa, but more especially the reacquisitkn of the Pacific colonies. Australia does not, therefore, deal with imaginary fears. In the event of the enemy gaining a satisfactory peace, the Germane would make points of vantage of New Guinea and Samoa, enabling them to establish bases for eubm-arir.ee, cruisers, and air fleets. Australia and New Zealand are most alert and farsighted. Australasian politicians are aware of the danger of Samoa becoming a German naval headquarters. Per that reason Australia says: “Hands off the Pacific!’’, and appeals to America to help. Whatever happens, the security of the Pacific must be the basis for the final territorial settlement of German overseas colonies.