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This newspaper page contains 12 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Shepparton News
Location
Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
Date
Dec 13, 1917
Page
5
Prime Minister W. M. Hughes declares that rejecting war proposals means the government resigns and the country must face unknown outcomes. He pledges to exempt married men and to withhold responsibility if proposals are refused. He insists the nation must choose its duty and keep its word.
Report outlines German mobilization violations and Belgian neutrality breaches with references to Malines Ter Monde Louvain. Mentions air raids in Liège, Lath, and Zeppelins, plus deportations from Belgium and Lille and hospital ship sinkings. Names Anlge Johnson and others appear in garbled form.
Returned soldiers across regions unite to back the Ministry proposals. Bendigo RSA endorses reinforcements, Castlemaine and Goulburn Valley branches pledge support, and statements from Major Edgar and others claim broad soldier backing with vote Yes urging. A Caulfield Hospital ballot shows strong Yes support and public sentiment turns toward affirmative action.
W M Hughes and Joseph Cook urge full support for conscription and total wartime effort. They warn Australia must either beat Germany or become German property, urging every man and woman to do their duty in the fight.
Premier W. H. Holman warns Australia faces a serious crisis as Germany nears potential victory in the war's fourth year. He notes American reinforcements may be delayed by submarine dangers, forcing Britain and France to bear the weight of attacks until help arrives.
Ambrose Pratt argues Australia’s fate hinges on England’s victory in the war and that Australia must back reinforcements. He cites England’s payments for soldiers and products, warns of reputational ruin if Australia refuses to recruit, and urges voting “Yes” on December 20 to support continued national duty and unity with Britain.
A Times special reports church destructions and desecrations in Poland with images of shattered sacred objects and torn scriptures. Descriptions describe desecration of a church in Czentochowa and a Kaiser portrait displayed at an altar to intimidate Poles as German soldiers enforce authority.
A speaker denounces a faction he labels enemies of Australia and Sinn Fein supporters. He warns that voting Yes is the path to keeping Australia united and defending Irish Australians who fought for the nation. He appeals to Irish Australians to support the war effort and back Australia first.
Publicity secretary Claude Kay of Equitable Buildings Melbourne signs a notice authorising un signed matter under the Reinforcements Referendum Council. The announcement lists Collins Street address for official liaison.
The piece laments Britain’s distant protection of overseas possessions while noting danger to the homeland. It cites two ships destroyed and one captured near British shores, warning raiders could strike at any moment and urging the public to accept the harsh truth of war.
Loyalists vote yes under the Reinforcements Referendum Council led by Claude Kar Publicity Septy. 208 Collins Street Melbourne as part of the December 20 referendum campaign.
A poem in which a grieving mother laments voting no and reflects on the cost of war. The speaker recalls bloodshed, mothers of soldiers, and the impact of a failed vote on a nation and its future. The piece names Belgium, Australia, and conveys guilt over the abstained or misjudged ballot.
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