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This newspaper page contains 11 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Shepparton News
Location
Shepparton, Victoria, Australia
Date
Dec 13, 1917
Page
6
A 1917-era appeal from Glenoara Belgium-born speaker Studley Park Road Kew urges Australians to continue relief for Belgium amid German occupation. He emphasizes wartime shortages, tuberculosis, and forced labor, calling on Australians to vote and support reinforcements on December 20 to help Belgians and bring back relief.
A Victorian letter writer accuses the Labor Party of disloyalty and alliance with anarchists over the war reinforcements referendum. The piece argues the party defends the red flag and hinders voluntary recruiting while insisting wealth should bear higher taxes to fund war efforts.
Discussion shows Prime Minister Hughes defending that the wealthy must share war costs. Examples cite income tax for fortunes from 5000 to 20000 pounds yearly, varying from about 9,000l 9d to over 77l 3s in taxes. Land taxes add to the burden on large landholders.
A Labour party critique accuses the Federal Ministry of inflating or misquoting figures on single men aged 20 to 44 who could be called to service. Prime Minister Hughes cited about 370,000 eligible men, while Tudor quoted 190,800, misapplying October 1916 figures. The Commonwealth Statistician clarifies the latter numbers relate to a different age band and reporting period. The government reiterates plans to call up only single men 21 or older, including widowers and childless divorcees, within the 20 to 44 range.
Across states returned soldiers show strong support for government moves to reinforce troops at the front. Ballots in South Australia and Caulfield Base Hospital wounded men favor a Yes vote, with 610 to 20. Brisbane meeting of returned soldiers endorses the reinforcement proposals and urges civic action.
R Ainge-Johnson speaks against Labour advocates urging a No vote in the December 20 Reinforcements Referendum. He accuses leaders of disloyalty and peace terms that would leave Australia and the Empire vulnerable, citing Senator Perricks and false hopes during wartime.
R. Ainge-Johnson of 308 Collins St reports on political debate over conscription and the pledge that married men will not be called up. Prime Minister Hughes asserts ballots will target single men if needed and stresses the government’s trustworthiness amid opposition claims of electoral motive.
A civic notice urges voters to examine policies beyond catchy phrases and to consider long term consequences. It emphasizes independent judgment over appearances and urges thorough scrutiny of proposals before voting.
On December 20 1917 electors are asked to answer Yes or No to the proposal of the Commonwealth Government for reinforcing the Australian Imperial Force oversea. The question frames support for expanding overseas military forces and unity in wartime effort.
Such of the matter on this page as is not signed and authorised by the Reinforcement Referendum Council and Glaude M'Kay Publicity Secretary Equitable Buildings Collins Street Melbourne.
Federal measures propose continuation of voluntary enlistment alongside compulsory reinforcements. Ballots would target single men aged 20 to 44, with exemptions for unfit individuals, certain officials, and essential industry workers. Provisions set pro rata family contributions and special tribunals to handle exemptions and appeals.
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