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This newspaper page contains 20 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Saint Arnaud Mercury
Location
Saint Arnaud, Victoria, Australia
Date
Dec 15, 1917
Page
6
A wartime appeal from Arth M'Tnernay, Vice-President Council of Women of Victoria, urging women to vote Yes on December 20 to back soldiers fighting for humanity. The message emphasizes sacrifice, devotion, and the need to protect women and children from horrors, portraying men as guardians of the nation.
The article argues liberty hinges on America and the British Empire with Italy and Franco standing firm. It urges every dominion to share the burden, Australia to carry its part, and the English speaking peoples to uphold civilization as in Napoleonic times. The Prime Minister voices resolve in wartime unity.
Prime Minister Hughes argues that even a small force can decide pivotal battles. He cites Gallieni and Marne as proof that Australia’s five divisions at the front could alter the war if reinforcements are withheld. He warns that reducing divisions would threaten Paris and the war’s outcome.
A fragment notes Claude M Kay publicity secretary Equitable Building Collins Street Melbourne stating the matter is authorized by the Reinforcements Referendum Council. No further details are provided on actions or outcomes.
A wartime appeal to Australian farmers urges support for government labor and conscription policies. It claims opponents mislead minors, argues sufficient labor will be exempt, and warns that voting No would empower extremists while stressing duty to Australia and the front. It attacks strike leaders and emphasizes national unity under the Nationalist Government.
The speaker argues that Italy’s collapse was not due to German numbers or new weapons but to pro German treachery within Italy. British leaders blame insidious propaganda, lies about Britain and France, and internal agitation fueled by Italian socialism. The Prime Minister faces questions about what follows.
Prime Minister W. M. Hughes calls Australians to fight with moral courage and national unity. He praises the ANZAC legacy, urges citizens to stand with Britain, and inspires steadfast resolve for liberty amid the war effort.
A call warns Australian workers against German agents in their midst using IWW propaganda to betray their families and undermine strikes. It cites losses in New South Wales and Victoria and accuses urging workers to desert the men fighting for them.
A wartime plea urges Australian women to vote Yes on December 20 to support troops and government powers. It warns No votes aid Germany and the enemy, calling for unity to sustain fronts in France Belgium Italy Palestina and Mesopotamia. Sir William Irvine is cited urging solid support for empire efforts and condemning treachery and disloyalty.
The opponents of reinforcements misstate taxation on the wealthy. Heavily increased taxes since the war’s start are cited. Examples show top earners paying substantial income tax, plus higher taxes on property and land. The article argues wealth should bear more, and government wartime levies raise treasury funds, noting very few Australians have income above £2000.
R Ainge-Jolingon argues that farmers face a renewed attempt by anti-reinforcements partisans to mislead them about wartime policies. He cites past wheat embargoes and failed ship departures, warning that Loyal support for Britain’s war effort must overcome misdirection aimed at reducing Australia to chaos.
A historical note urges Australia to adopt a national and imperial outlook over personal interests. It calls for democratic legitimacy, unity, and safeguarding the nation’s safety, with Bishop Golding-Bird stressing integrity as essential to Australia’s future.
The Prime Minister states in a opening speech that the ballot will be confined to single men aged 20 to 44, including widowers and divorces with no children, and emphasizes no one under 21 will be sent to the firing line.
A heated discussion on compulsory military reinforcements contrasts pro and anti voices. Proponents argue life and duty demand reinforce ments to honor Allies and keep faith, while opponents claim taxation is conscription and urge voluntary service. The piece cites speeches, gender and social motives, and questions about duty and democracy.
What the Soldiers Say Vote Yes reports that returned sailors and soldiers in Melbourne and Sydney back the government's reinforcements effort. It notes their front line experience and support, urging a yes vote based on shared hardship and strategic needs.
Turbulent battle scene shows Runthrop racing up a broken bank to fire at Wrond prey Sireet. He endures bullets, shell fragments, and an aid-less retreat, then rallies two comrades to resume fire as the assault presses forward amid smoke and casualties.
An appeal urging Austrasia citizens to act now in defense of the Empire and its free people. It invokes the sacrifices of Gallipoli Pozloros Moucuot Farm and calls for duty before grave danger to the realm and its safety.
A Sydney pamphlet headed The Vote Thief claims W. M. Hughes stole German votes and labels conscription opponents as anti conscriptionists. Authored by P. O Evans at Macdonell House, Pitt Street, the piece says many voters are German or their descendants and argues the No-Conscription Council Campaign Committee led by R. Ainge-Johnson stands against conscription.
A barely readable dispatch notes October 28 1916 as a black day for Australia and a triumph for anti war voices. It claims a large referendum defeat of 73 000 in a 2 00 000 total vote praised by Germany and British press. It accuses anti campaign leaders of seizing labour organizations and betraying empire loyalty. The piece targets the Prime Minister and calls out treachery in politics.
In a trench scene Private Hanthrop staggers wounded, bloodied and desperate as shells roar behind the parapet. His sergeant urges him to stay put while chaos grows. Hanthrop insists retreating gun crews are fleeing and vows to pursue the retreating enemy despite orders.
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