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This newspaper page contains 20 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Preston Leader
Location
Preston, Victoria, Australia
Date
Dec 15, 1917
Page
6
A Victorian council of women urges women to vote yes on December 20 to back men fighting the war. The appeal depicts soldiers sacrificing life to spare women and children from brutal invaders and asks that women avoid self interest and show pride in the soldiers’ loyalty and courage.
A speech declares the cause of liberty rests on America and the British Empire. It urges each dominion, including Australia, to bear its share while France and Italy stand firm and Britain remains unmovable in defense of civilization amid looming war.
The article argues for continued Australian military effort in World War I. It praises Gallipoli and the French defense at the Marne, urging Australia to maintain five front divisions. It warns that withdrawing divisions would jeopardize Paris and the war’s outcome, stressing the need for reinforced reinforcements to sustain victory. It counters the antiwar view by appealing to national duty and historic sacrifice.
Fragmentary text indicates a public notice involving the Reinforcements Referendum Council and a publicity secretary based in Melbourne. The readable portion mentions Colline at building and an associated address in Melbourne, but details are incomplete.
The Prime Minister urges Australian farmers to support government proposals amid opposition campaigns. He warns of lies from foes and stresses guaranteed labor for farming, outlining labor figures and the need to keep Australia strong. He argues voting Yes preserves national safety and continuity under the Nationalist Government.
A speaker reiterates a firm pledge that the ballot will be limited to clearly defined terms and honored in full. The assurance is repeated for those who may still be unsure, emphasizing commitment to proper ballot use and integrity.
The piece argues German agents and pro German propaganda within Italy caused the collapse of the second Italian army. It claims treachery, not German troop advantage or new weapons, turned victory into defeat. Cadorna is blamed for misjudging ally support and trusting the Italian mob. The message questions who will prevail next as the Prime Minister speaks.
Prime Minister W. M. Hughes invokes the Oceanic spirit to inspire wavering allies and enemies alike. He urges steadfast resolve for liberty, praising the Allied cause and the fight against tyranny as nations stand firm for democratic ideals.
A denunciation of German agents within Australia blamed on the Industrial Workers of the World urges workers to resist propaganda. It cites recent strikes in New South Wales and Victoria, claiming industrialists lost large sums and families suffered misery, and accuses unions of urging a treacherous vote.
Wartime plea urging Australian women to vote yes on December 20 to back soldiers abroad. Warns a No vote aids Germany and endangers nation, family, and empire. Cites Frontline campaigns in France Belgium Italy Palestine and Mesopotamia and frames voting as duty and loyalty to King and country.
The government defends heavy taxation on the wealthy arguing that increases since the war began prove wealth pays its share. Examples show income tax on high earners reaching substantial fractions of income, plus land taxes and social charges. Officials insist further sacrifices from wealth will be imposed to ensure victory, noting only a small number in Australia earned above £2000 taxable income.
An op-ed decries deceptive anti-reinforcement rhetoric aimed at farmers amid past industrial upheaval in Australia. It recalls wartime tensions, abuses by striking workers, and accusations that labor agitators sought to cripple food handling and transport to Britain and the Allies. The author warns farmers to distrust anti-cause arguments threatening national stability.
A fragmentary report notes Bishop Golding Bird of Australia appearing in a public discussion or event. The text suggests a religious figure's participation but lacks clear context or dates. Further readable details are not present.
A Sydney forum debates anti reinforcements rhetoric. Critics argue voluntary systems fail and affections for democracy demand shared sacrifice. The piece contrasts calls for conscription with noble women volunteering and insists unity in Britain Australia and Allies.
Bunthrop rushes to flexible guns amid shellfire, losing headgear and a shoulder strap, yet resumes firing until cartridges finish. He then crawls through smoke to urge mates to advance, keeping steady in the chaotic trench assault as wounded and dead loom nearby.
Our men who have fought at Gallipoli France and in Pale comrades have declared themselves for Yes. They say the outcome will affect them and their future, and urge support for the affirmative choice.
An odd printed appeal addresses OCitizens of Australia and urges action from all citizens. It references loina and the glorious Ansacs as a call to mobilize, citing The Prime Minister and Australia as framing. The text resembles a wartime or national mobilization message.
An anonymous pamphlet titled The Vote Thief accuses W M Hughes and conscriptionists of disenfranchising naturalized Germans and their descendants. It claims German sympathizers oppose conscription and that Hughes aims to rob British subjects of rights. The piece denounces German loyalties and links to anti conscription fervor across Australian civic life.
A critical reflection on October 28 1914 as a day of triumph for treachery and propaganda within Allied Australia. The piece denounces Labour movement capture by extremists and anti war forces, blaming leaders for undermining Empire loyalty and signaling a shift in power amid a lost referendum and war weariness.
A rough battlefield scene shows a sergeant urging retreat and discipline while a wounded Private Bunthrop insists on pursuit. The exchange captures panic and command friction as troops hesitate amid shellfire, with a chaotic, clipped narration reflecting wartime urgency.
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