The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 3

THE AGE. THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 10. 1942. WOMEN'S SECTION POST-WAR PLAN OF LABOR EMPIRE "WAR STRATEGY SECRET COMMISSIONS WERE RECEIVED Board's Findings In Army Canteens Inquiry "The Age" Specitt! Representative CANBERRA, Wednesday.

Findings that certain persons received secret commissions from the supply of goods to the Australian defence canteens service were returned by the board of inquiry, consisting of Messrs. Spooner and Morgan. and W. R. Dovey, K.C.

JP "1 I continue to receive an Indirect monetary benefit. 10. In the circumstances the pro- Declaration By Mr. Ward CANBERRA, Wednesday. Labor's post-war policy was the subject of a declaration by the Minister of Labor (Mr.

Ward) in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr. Ward said that at the end of the war the Labor Oovernment did not propose a return to things they were before the outbreak. It would seek establishment of a new economic order where the first duty of the Government would be to care for the welfare of the people. A properly organised plan of national developmental works financed through the Instrumentality of the Commonwealth Bank would ensure lull-time productive employment at decent wage rates under good working conditions for every citizen.

Mr. Ward added that the reconstruction division of his department kept constantly under review the question of ensuring that men returning to their ordinary avocations after the cessation of hostilities would be re-employed on the basis existing when they were diverted to war work or entered the fighting services. At present approximately 6000 women had been registered for employment, and so far two-thirds of the number were employed. In the contemplated extension of employment of women. The national register would be used In the compilation of the classes of agfs and occupation of women to be used In war-time activities.

It was not proposed, said the Minister, that compulsion should be exercised In diverting women from their present employment ic war-ume ac tivtnpc HnwpvKr. wnere wumeu iusl i jf1 I U.A.A.F. air crew personnel being instructed by a sergeant on iilentl-flration nf Japanese aircraft. These model aircraft, made by R.A.A.F. men at a Victorian training centrn, are supplied to all training; schools so that enemy aircraft which threaten our shores can be readily recognised.

their employment through restriction ceiwit any monetary beneiit from minor rationalisation of Industry regula-1 sautions ai in renpect or the purchnwa tion 15 of the manpower regulations I 'or Australian defence can-u Wrnw nnavnHvn nnrt thv tl'ftns In Australia, or lb In respect uf would become Pj. I the purchase of in Australia for would be placed in suitable employ- Australian defence cimteens lu the Middle W.A.A.A.Fs IN THE NORTH Happy in Their Work Having returned to Melbourne after a brief trip to the North, the deputy director of the Women's Auxiliary, Air Force (Squadron Officer Miller) Is full of praise for the way in which members of the auxiliary are tackling the hard work of the Air Force station to which they have been posted. They are, she said yesterday, doing many different kinds of Jobs though the majority are wireless telegraphy operators and work at all hours of the day and night. The come from all parts of Australia, and many of them were previously known to Squadron Officer Miller ior tney passea inrougn ner hands when doing their Initial training at a New South Wales training school. She described them as the "pick of the clerks-general," young women who had given up well-paid positions, many as confidential secretaries to well-known business men.

to enter the Air Force, and were well fitted for the work they were now doing. At this Air Force station in the North, the W.A.A.A.F.'s live in barracks. There are no facilities for recreation, and transport is poor, so there is no opportunity for them to take even overnight leave in the outlying district. Like other members of the lighting forces, they are entitled to four days' leave every three months, but this all too short for any but a very few to enjoy. Nevertheless, they are enjoying their work and thriving in the tropical climate.

A few, Squadron Officer Miller said, had had dengue fever when they first arrived, but that had not persisted, and no case of major illness had occurred. Many eager inquiries, she said, were maoe aoout w.A.A.A.r. in otner parts of Australia, girls with whom they had trained or served on other stations, but not one wanted to come back south. They were as anxious to stay In the north as those in the south were to go north. In reply to a question concerning the lack of recreation facilities, Squadron Officer Miller sold she honed, with the success of the National Shilling Drive to provide such amenities for service women that the position would be rectified.

W.A.A.A.F. Recruiting Depot Visited Eighty eager girls, prospective "rookies" in the W.A.A.A.F., assem. bled at the No. 1 recruiting depot yesterday for tests. They will re celve their call up probably next week, wnen they will be enrolled.

An interested group of spectators members of representative women's organisations watched the routine being carried out as the girls went through their tests. Among those present were Mrs. Weber, M.L.A.; the president of the National Council of Women (Mrs. Herbert Brookes), the president of the Australian Women's National League (Mrs. C.

Couchman), the president of the Housewives' Association (Mrs. J. Downing), a State vice-president of the Country Women's Association (Mrs. Goucher), the general secre tary (Miss D. Haiiand), the general secretary of the women's organising committee, A.L.P.

(Miss Jean Daley), and the hon. organiser of the national shilling drive (Mrs. K. S. Cuttle).

They were accompanied by Group Officer Stevenson, director of me w.a.a.a.f., and by Wing Commander Ransom. AFTERNOON TEA OF VALUE CANBERRA, Wednesday. The suggestion that members of women's organisations should deprive them selves or afternoon tea as an auste my move is not approved by the iMimaLci war organisation of In dustry (Mr. Dedman). a ne iviimsier saia to-day many imU jjgiib ureaKiasis ana Jun-cheons, and the afternoon tea was as important to them as lunch to hImself.

Many of the frills of afternoon teas had already been eliminated. Married in New York News has been received In Melbourne of the marrlaRe In New York of Mar-Kiirut Frances, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Kabllng.

Bronxvllle. N.Y., formerly of Melbourne and Floyd Mallory. son of Mi and Mrs. F. M.

shumwuy. Kiversdale. The bride, who Is an Australian, was educated at the Melbourne Church of KnylnnU Girls' Gmnnnur School and at Rivursdale Country School for Girls and Skldnioie College, In America. Mr. Is the resident director In New York of the Vacuum OH and acted as treasurer of the Anac War Relief Fund, which recently merged with the British War Relief Society.

New York, and Is now known as the Anac division of thut suclety. These orRanisattons have been responsible for sending thousands of pounds to the Australian Comforts Fund and the Australian Red Cross Society, ns well as ambulances, medical and dental supplies and moving picture outfits. Engagement Announced Mary Elmslie. youngest daughter of Mr. D.

K. Plcken (master of Ormond College. University of Melbourne) and Mrs. Plcken, to Cspt. John William Perry (A.A.M.C.), only son of Mrs.

R. Graham Brown, Toorak-road, Hamilton, Brisbane, What Australia Requires "The Age" Special Representative. CANBERRA, Wednesday. Sir Earle Page, who resumed the debate In the House of Representatives to-day on the statement of foreign affairs made bv the Minister for External Affairs i Mr. Evatt) last week, stressed me value of personal contact abroad, and declared mat ine trime munsicr imi Run in i should so to America imme diately.

It would be invaluable to Australia, and possibly to the world, If Mr. Curtln could accept the ma finwpsteri the Prime Minis ter should also spend several weeks London. The psychological effect on ihe American and British people would be very great, and there was no doubt that his meetings with their two ireat leaders would nave mucn more Bi-reachlnu efforts than any amount of long-distance correspondence. Sir E. Page said tne Australian viewpoint on Empire strategy ana policy was based on three principles.

ih0 Australian Government should have full knowledge of all essential facts, developments and trends of policy. Secondly, it should obtain sucn Knowieoge 111 time mj "mi view before decisions were taken; and, thirdly. It should nave tne opporiuu- iiv nf nresentlng to and discussing with the British War Cabinet any sug gestions as to new policy or views the policy that Australia might from time to time desire to submit. Continuing, Sir E. Page said the machinery to ensure that was partly British, partly Australian and partly joint British and Australian.

Strategy in the last analysis was determined bv supplies used in the wider sense-ships, aeroplanes, guns, tanks, food and ammunition. The agreements to place the entire resources of Great Britain and the United States in a common pool might be found to be the real turning point of the war. It was necessary, however, to do more than deal with assets actually in existence. They had also to increase production to overcome deficiencies and secure superiority in equipment. Mr.

Ward Called to Order When Sir E. Page referred to the shipping shortage, the Minister of Labor (Mr. Ward) interjected You were one of the "outfit" that gave the Commonwealth Shipping Line away. There was immediate Opposition uproar, with many members calling for silence, sir E. Paee: I endeavored while away to deal with all problems as an Australian.

Party politics were for gotten. Mr. Ward: For the first time. Opposition Cries: Put him out. Mr.

Warrt was then called to order. The Prime Minister (Mr. Curtln) said it was the duty of every Govern ment to provide for the security of Its people, but not at the expense of other partners. Therefore political considerations had to be merged into sound strategical considerations as to how the war was moving as a war. Mr.

Curtln stressed that supplies must continue to go to Kussia ano the Middle East. It was the duty of all the United Nations to assist Russia to the maximum. The problem of supplies had to be looked at just as strategically as actual war plans. "I do believe," Mr. Curtln said, "having regard to the factors that have to be considered, it is not practicable for a verv great Increase In fighting equipment to reach Australia for some little time.

This does not mean that the present flow is going to be lessened." No Release of Soldiers The Prime Minister said It was his considered opinion that the defence of Australia was one which would be primarily met by the manpower and the resources of the Commonwealth. It was unwise to speak of a grandiose offensive without sufficient equipment and transport. He said proposals had come before him to release men from the army to produce essential goods. That would not be allowed. The strength of the Australian army was not as great as was considered to be necessary.

There had to be holding forces at Darwin, North Queensland and West Australia and forces in other areas should the enemy by-pass these points. In addition, reinforcements had to be kept up for the 9th Division In the Middle East. It was most satisfying to know the shipping resources of the nation were improving. In the last tour montns asqu.uuu.uuu was in building new roads. Mr.

Curtln proceeded: "I say to Australia that for the next six months the problem of the United Nations Is so stupendous that It Is not conceivable that we here. In Australia can pvnpr-r. tn Iihvd plvpn tn lis nnvl.hini? that we should provide for ourselves." Mr. Curtln said the army's training was reaching some degree of maturity. To interrupt that training to allow men to dig potatoes or cut firewood would be to make It less efficient.

If the army could not release men for those occupations those occupations must be filled by persons not now engaged in an es sential capacity. He knew the need for relaxation, but this country could not afford 36 hours' cessation from the task of war each week end. It could not afford a day and a half abstentation from the war just because It was Saturday or Sunday. The debate was adjourned. TRAMWAYS SURPLUS The Tramways Board this year had a surplus of 277,000, and if the Legislative Council concurs in a a bill which passed all stages in the Legislative Assembly yesterday, the board will place 227.000 to reserves for renewals and maintenance, and 50.000 will be allocated to various metropolitan municipalities.

The allocation to the councils will be as follows: 2250 each to Bray-brook. Brunswick. Camberwell, Caulfield, Coburg, Colllngwood, Es-sendon, Fltzroy, Footscray, Hawthorn, Kew, Malvern, Melbourne, Northcote, Port Melbourne, Prahran, Preston, Richmond, South Melbourne and St. Kllda. Box Hill, 485; Brighton, 1185; Blackburn and Mltcham, 216; Heidelberg, 784; Moorabbln, 552; Mor-dlalloc, 276; Mulgrave, 129; Oak- leigh, 316; Snndnngham, 563; Wllllamstown, 525.

Of these ten latter municipalities, In four only were trams or buses run: Box Hill, 45.019 miles; Brighton, 95.270 miles; Heidelberg, 8933 miles; Wllllamstown, 129 miles. BUILDING TRADE The A.C.T.U. Stnto emergency committed yeaterday morning dtscuBscd the Building Trades Federation dispute with the vlgllnnce committee or the Building Trades Federation. As a result a conference was arranged with Mr. E.

E. Theodore, Director-General of the Allied Works Council. A conference took place between Mr. Theodore and four representatives of the Building Trades Federation and the State cmernencv committed of the A.C.T.U. The cane of tne nve men under arrest under National Security regulations was also discussed.

It was proposed that provision made in the Allied Works Council award for a conciliation committee on similar nnea to New south Wales. As a result of this conference It was decldPd to call the executives of the building trades unions together last nignt. At their meeting It wan decided to empower the vigilance committee to declare the stnp-work meeting to have been held on September lfl off If the proposal made at the conference with wr. ineonore were implemented. It was also decided that If the slopwork meeting be not held a mass meeting of building trade workers be held on an early Sunday with a view to putting the decision Dcfore members.

HAIR TONIC. TO PREVENT AND REMOVB OREYNESK. pr 2 '6 rou can obtain ft well-temd nd Ti llable Hair Reitonr that will chansa Tour nalr In It orltlnal rnlnr and rrmova all traraa rt flanflrun. i-onamnraa sulphur Raalorer la raadv mlxad, and (I'M nn trnubla In appllratlftn. on tha nanulnft Bottle (Sl, poateri anv.

abere. LONOMOHES, (he Melbourne chemuie. las. 7 Botirke.ltreet, Melbourne, C.l. Preaenp-Mnna Faithfully Dupenjed fAdet.l rre oood idm to hire I "Drlt Vouraeu" ear tor oualneee purpntea only, utrobo Helora Ptr, 112 Uutttlon-olrMt, U1U.

UdTb The sensational report of the board, which was tabled In Parliament to-day by Mr. Forde. Army Minister, also found that Col. O. L.

Gee, deputy director of the canteen I service, and a shareholder of the firm of Best and Gee, of Sydney, did not Improperly receive monetary benefit from the purchase of canteen supplies, but acted In an unethical way and displayed lack of Judgment. The board found that the action of the central control of the canteens service in permanently excluding the products of Toohcys Sydney brewers, from purchase, was not justifiable. Much of the evidence tendered to the inquiry In public was regarded by the board of Inquiry as falss. Many pages of the report are occupied by a transcript of the evidence of email! witnesses, tollowcd in some instances by scathing comments. The terms of reference of the board were: 11) Whether Wllllum Ranald Ritchie u.

tj. uee or umer empluy iha i gast. 12) Whether anv other Derson lias im properly received financial benefit from transactions with the canteens service. (31 The complaints made by Tooheys Ltd. regardlnK the exclusion of their products from purchases In Australia for sale lu the Middle Kast.

(4) Any matter arising In connection with the Investigation Into the mutters mentioned above which. In the opinion of the board It Is desirable to Investigate and report upon. Board's Conclusions The board summarised Its final conclusions as follows: 1. Between January 15. 1941, and March 21.

1941, Herbert James Allen, a traveller in the employ of O.T. received secret commissions amounting to 1208 47 from Mer-vyn MacPherson Brewer, assistant managing director of Mac. Robertson's Pty. being at the rate of 5 per cent, on certain purchases of supplies from that firm to Australian defence canteens In the Middle East. 2.

William Ronald Ritchie, while an emplove of the canteens service, shared with Allen the secret commissions (mentioned In 1 above). 3. Brewer knew that at least some of the monevs so nnid bv him fol and on behalf of Mac. Robertson's Pty. were secret commissions, and were being shared by Allen with Ritchie.

4. Ritchie, afler his dismissal from canteens service, received from Brewer on July 2, 1941, 450, being secret commission on certain other purchases of supplies from Mac. Robertson's Ply. Ltd. for the Australian defence canteens in the Middle East.

5. Brewer knew that the money (mentioned in 4 above) was secret commission. 6. Between March 20, 1941, and April 24. 1941.

Allen received from Edward George Purncss, secretary of Sidney Brown Fiv. secret com missions amounting to 0U. being at the rule of 5 per cent, on certain purchases of supplies from that firm for Australian defence can teens in the Middle East. 7. Payment of the commissions (mentioned In 6) was made by Fineness on behalf of Sidney Brown and Co.

Pty. at the direction and with the knowledge and approval of Lucius Harold Spooner, a director of that company. 8. Spooner and Purness knew that the moneys (mentioned in 0) were secret commissions 9. Subsequent to the payment imeniionea in ui r-'urness maue ais-closure of Ihe transactions to ofli-cers of the Commonwealth Invest 1-gallon Branch, 10.

Between February 14. 1941. and June 6, 1911, Itilehle received from Roland Homer Dixon, chair- man of directors of O.T. some portion If not all of certain parents of money named, xhhi. 25 and .15, amounting In all to 2D.

These moneys were paid and received for the purpose of furthering Ihe sales of fibre containers bv O.l. Lid. to suppliers of goods to canteens service ior consignment, in the MUhJ.e East. 11. Bv reason of findings, one to 10 above, Herbert James Allen, Wil liam Kooert Kitcnie, Mervyn Man pherson Brewer, Mac.

Robertson's Pty. Edward George Fumess, Lucius H. Spooner. Sidney Brown and Co. Pty.

Roland Homer Dixon and O.T. ure all, and each of them, is guilty of an offence against the provisions of Section 4 of Ihe Secret Commissions Act. The board of Inquiry stales emphatically that there is not the slightest relationship or connection between L. H. Spooner and the chairman of the board of inquiry, Mr.

Eric S. Spooner, manager. 12. Colonel George l'Estrange Gee did not Improperly receive monetary benefit from any transaction In respect of the purchase of supplies for canteens service In the Middle East. 13.

Colonel Gee, as Deputy Director fo Canteens Service, from time to time secured the purchase of certain tooth paste, a product of Best and and Gee Ptv. for supply to A.D.C.'s In the Middle East, having previously disclosed hLs financial interest to Central Control. 14. At the time of such purchase the said tooth paste was scarcely known on the Australian market. 15.

To the extent that increased sales In Australia and elsewhere may be attributed to the advertising afforded by supply to Canteens Service Colonel Gee has received and will m. IO tttmUH mem DV me uirecior-uenerm oi Alan-; power. NEW ECONOMIC ORDER Need Stressed By Moderator General SYDNEY, Wednesday. The Rev. Robert Wilson Macaulay was inducted as Moderator-General of the Prcs-bvterlan Church of Australia tonight.

In his moderatorlal adddress Rev. Macaulay spoke of the need for a new economic order which was so evident that nearly everyone seemed to begin any serlcus conversation with the remark that "the capitalistic system is falling to pieces. "The upheaval In life suggested by these remarks, however, has never been faced by our western democracies," he said. "In our secret hearts we have not im-aeined any alternative order except that of Russia or of Germany, and neither of these has really appealed to any large section of the Australian or British communities. We have no clear-cut alternative of our own, except a vague socialisation or some new system of taxation or of money control.

II, therefore, we have confusion In our thinking a confusion which muddles all our ideas of the post-war world. It Is not any great cause of surprise. If Russia won the war for us Russia would expect to have the decisive word as io what was to be done with Germany, and it was more than Ukelv all the smaller nations that had lived under the tortures of German rule would Bgree that the people of the continent must have the lost word. "Unless Britain has a decisive share In winning the war. and unless that victorious Britain has a clear and Christian mind and a pre-determlned plan for making peace, you may be perfectly certain that the Versailles treaty of 1919 will be a mild document compared with the next peace treaty." he said.

Rev. Macaulay declared that members of the Christian Church must realise that the pre-war democracy of the last 25 years no claim on the support of intelliTent men anywhere. It failed completely to rule the world-wide depression, and It failed on a colossal scale to grapple with unemployment after the last war. Men were not. dyliiK lo buy back that kind of world.

If democracy was to survive. Ihe church must save it. He said that ir a church was content to be merely standing church, she would soon be a falling church. An enormous task faced the church, far beyond Its present capacity, but whether It was a task beyond the future capacity of the church would not be known unlil the church had set Itself to Its performance. Night-Flying Fatal Crash While on a night-flying exercise an R.A.A.P.

training plane crashed near Mallala, S.A., about 10 p.m. Monday, and L.A.C. Patrick John Brady was killed. The aircraft was destroyed. L.A.C.

Brady, aged 24, was born at Carcnar, N.S.W., from which town he enlisted in the R.A.A.P. In August last year. In civil life he had been an insurance representative, a cadet engineer and a. newspaper reporter. He was unmarried.

WORKERS' LEADERS SPEAK In support of the Curtln Government's Austerity Campaign and 100.000,000 War Loan. Rally organised by Political Rights Committee. TOWN HALL NEXT TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 9 p.m. Stiff cmement of such purchases was un ethical and likely to Impair confi- wcdt.c in me auiiuiiidiiuuun oi uan-teens Service 17. Colonel Gee was not guilty of ly misconduct or linoronrietv hv reason of his having, while Drputy Director of Canteens Service, inltia'- tea business between Best and Gee Pty.

Ltd. and certain Egyptian and Palestinian merchants who werp Wai i suppliers to A.D.C.'s in the Middle I nasi, nut in tills regard he displayed a lack of the Judgment which might be expected from one in his position. 18. Between December, 1940, and April, 1941. Theodore Franklin Best, a director of Best and Gee Pty.

dishonestly Intrigued with Ritchie with a view to exploiting the Canteens Service for personal gain. Their efforts in this regard were frustrated. 19. About September and October, 1940, complaints were made by troops in the Middle East concernim? the quality or condition of Tooheys' Flag mr uiiu iiuu imager. 2U.

prior to October 7, 1940. these complaints came to the notice of Colonel Gee and Mr. E. W. Holden, Controller-General' of Cinteens Service, who Immediately directed that no further shipments be made pending the latter's return to Australia.

21. Such an order for temporary suspension wits quite proper in the circumstances. 22. Tooheys Ltd. were Informed of such complaints on October 8.

and Immediately made through Central Control a written request for particulars. 23. This request, couched In reasonable terms and repeated from time to lime, was not promptly or adequately dealt with by Central Control. 24. Before his return to Australia and without further investigation or advice the Controller-General decided that henceforth Toohevs' products should be permanently excluded from purchase.

Exclusion Not Justified 25. Such permanent exclusion was not Justified, and is not Justified In view of the following facts: (a) Tooheys was the only firm whose products were excluded, although serious complaints were made from time to time by Col. Gee to Central Control concerning the products of at least three other breweries; (b) Col. Gee's requests not to shin fur ther supplies from another brewery were ignored; (c) any brand of Aus tralian beer was preferred by the troops to Palestinian beer; (d) large quantities of Palestinian beer were purchased by the Middle East can teens when Australian breweries, other than Tooheys, were unable to fulfil orders; (e) the Controller-General neglected or refused to make any test of other products offered as samples uy looneys Ltd. 20.

The action of the Controller-General In Imposing a permanent ban was capricious and arbitrary, and unfairly discriminated against Tooheys Ltd. The board made no finding on paragraph 1 (a) of the terms of re-lerence, as no evidence was offered on the subject, but said there was no reason lo suspect that Col. Gee could be implicated in this regard. "In conclusion," says the report, the secretary of the board will retain possession of the exhibits tendered In evidence until such time as he receives Instructions from the Minister us to their ultimate disposal." 1 Comments on Evidence In the course of detailed commentary on the evidence the board discussed betting transactions described by Dixon and Allen. The report said It was a very curious and unusual thing to find a man of the wealth and position of Dixon procuring the services of one of his travellers to place In Ills own name, on a credit b-jsls, wagers which at times were said to have been as large as .10 on a single Investment.

"The tale of Ihe racecourse and the betting book has been abused over and over again In an altempt to explain a sudden gain or loss of money. This may be one of the occasions when the story Is Hue. We do not find that It is, although we are not convinced that It Is not." The board relectpd Ai Ipn'a nr. planatlons of the source of certuin large deposits in ins hanking account which were mentioned in his evidence and found his slory to be false. Referring to a visit hv Ritchie tn Sydney and his association with Theodore Best, of the firm of Best and Gee, the report says: "Although there Is no evidence that any financial advantage, In fact, accrued to either Klchle or Best from that association, to our mind this Is one of the most discreditable Incidents In the whole of the story which was unfolded before us.

Best, on his own admission, Is shown to be utterly devoid of commercial morality, whilst Ritchie Is proved to be thoroughly unscrupulous and dishonest. There can be little doubt that he used this trip in an endeavor to serve his own selfish ends. Shortly afterwards the easy going Preycr (purchasing officer until February, 1941), was supplanted by the keen business-like Major Moffat, who, whilst unaware of any actual dishonest practices at the time of Ritchie's dismissal, Is to be commended for his action, which rid the service of a thoroughly dishonorable rogue. Discussing Brewer's attitude during an interview with his solicitors, the committee described it as "play acting." The report says: "Knowing as he must have done some time be fore, that these moneys were secret commissions, he proceeded to map out a course of conduct which would enable him later on to say, 'Oh, well. I tnougnt it was an right, as soon as I had any susplclion I sought the advice of my auditors and solicitors, and acted upon At a later stage of the report In dealing with Best's evidence, the board says: "Many unsatisfactory witnesses were called before us, but none created an Impression more unfavorable than this man, who, whilst a partner and trusted attorney of Colonel Gee, was prepared, on his own admission, to embark upon a course of conduct whlc.h might well have Involved not only himself, but his partner and his firm, In the most serious conseonences.

We feel that we have had from him nothing but half truths, suppression of the truth and downright lies." The report says that both Best and Ritchie admitted that proposals were made which, if carried out, would have resulted In financial benefit to both at the expense, of canteens. Of course each attributed the making nf the nronosal to the other, and claimed to be the one who turned It down. Federal Cabinet will decide shortly os what action should be taken on ihe findings. The Minister of the Army (Mr. Forde) said he had asked the Attorney-General (Mr.

Evatt) to consider the board's report, and to report to him as to what further action, If any, was considered necessary. GOLF BALLS Bought, best prices given, or Exchange for New Balls. Barnes Tennis Centre, S85 Flinders-lane. I Advt.) ARNOLD'S BALSAU, till belt lad ulMl The Director of the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (Group-Officer C. Stevenson) watching Sister E.

Smith, of the R.A.AS. nursing staff, measuring the height of a recruit for the WJL.A.A.F. at No. 1 Recruiting Depot yesterday. Mothers' Clubs Anniversary More than 400 people, many of them from the country, attended the 17th anniversary celebration of the Victorian Federation of Mothers' Clubs at the Mutual Store yesterday.

Official guests Included the Director of Education (Mr. J. A. Seitz, and the fiirst hon. secretary of the federation (Mrs.

L. M. Pitt). The president (Mrs. F.

R. Quin-ton), in welcoming members, said in spite of the large amount of war work women were doing, membership of the federation had increased, and the clubs now numbered over 300, with 13,000 members. She commended the austerity campaign, saying that though It seemed almost wrong to talk to mothers about austerity when so many of them, even in peace time, had practised it, at the moment It had assumed a different garb, and she asked members to make It a matter of personal stock taking. Mr. Seltz.

on behalf of the Department of Education, thanked the clubs for their service to the schools during so many years. If schools were to do all they should for the nation the boys and girls must be trained In right-doing and right-thinking. Evidence of training in right-doing was seen In the social service through the Victorian State schools war relief fund, the schools war savings group, which now reached 295,000. and the State schools relief committee. To teach children to think rightly was to train them to think for themselves correctly, and such training must be carried out not only by the school but by the parent.

BAPTIST PRESIDENT RETIRES It was announced at the executive meeting of the Baptist Women's Association yesterday morning that Mrs. H. D. Downing, who has been president of the association for the past 15 years, would not stand for election for the ensuing year. Mrs.

J. Downing, who has been hon. secretary also for many years, Is also retiring, but will continue to act as publicity secretary. Members expressed their gratitude and thanks to the retiring president and secretary for their years of service to the women of the Baptist Union. The incoming president will be Mrs.

W. G. Pope, and the hon. secretary Mrs. L.

T. Gedye, while Mrs. V. Ding--felder will act as assistant secretary. American Soldier's Gift to the Blind An unexpected gift towards the egg appeal made yesterday by members of the Malvern Auxiliary for the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind was 5 contributed by a member of the American forces, who made a special trip to the president's home at Malvern to leave the donation for the blind children.

More than 100 dozen eggs will be sent to the Blind Children's Home at Olinda as a result of the appeal. Christening at Canberra CANBERRA, Wednesday. The christening of the infant daughter of Sir Ronald and Lady Cross tools place at St. John's Church, Canberra, yesterday, the child receiving the names Karina Marv. Archdeacon Robertson officiated.

The god parents are the Governor of New South. Wales (Lord Wakehurst), Mr. R. Assheton (Parliamentary secretary to the British Ministry of Supply), Lady Dugan, Dame Mary Hughes. Miss Ivie Price and Mrs.

Henry Wlnkworth. Lady Gowrie and Mrs. Curtln were present. 1 LIFE OF FEDERAL PARLIAMENT Extension Mooted "The Age" Special Representative. CANBERRA, Wednesday.

Unofficial suggestions were made In the Parlia mentary lobbies to-day that the forthcoming referendum might include pro vision for a longer life for the pre sent Federal Parliament. In the normal course the three years' term of Parliament will expire next Sep tember, but there have been hints recently that a section of the Labor party might seek an early election. It was reported to-day that, although the Opposition would refrain Irom comment until the referendum uroDosals were placed before Parna ment, there would be the strongest objections by the Opposition to the holding of the referendum and the feaerai election simultaneously. One opposition member attempted to gain information on this point by a question in the House of Representatives to-day. He was told by the Prime Minister that the time for submission of the referendum would depend upon how long it was necessary ior aruament 10 approve t.ne autnor lslng bill.

Mr. Curtln gave no direct reply to a further question as to whether the reierenaum wouia oe neia in conjunction with an election. Many members of the Opposition favor an extension of Federal powers, but they feel that a referendum simultaneously with an election would renresent an attemut bv the Govern ment to capitalise on the public trend in luvoi oi greater rederai autnorit-y They might therefore oppose the referendum proposals. One Labor member to-dav said an extension of the life of Parliament could be secured bv an Act of the British Parliament -wnich originally parsed the act creating the Common- weaun const nut ion it were ae-cided not to put the Question to the people. He did not think that such a move would be popular.

LIQUOR INQUIRY Hotel Rental Aspect The Premier (Mr. Dunstan) said yesterday that he could see no reason for an extension of the scope of the terms of reference for the liquor control Inquiry to open at the Law Courts next week. Mr. Dunstan, referring to the fact that Mr. Hollins' allegations regarding hotel rentals had not been included in the terms of reference, explained that the matter was already provided for under 65 and 258 of the Commonwealth National Security Act.

If a tenant thought that he was paying an excessive rent, or there were conditions or restrictions In the lease likely to result In hardship to him, he could apply to County Court judge to have thi' terns of the lease varied or amended. As a matter of fact, cases of such a nature had already been before the court and been dealt, with under regulations. The First County Court has been allotted for the Inquiry, which will commence on Mondav. Mr. Wilbur Ham.

K.C, will assist Ihe commission. Mr. J. V. Barry, K.C, and Mr.

J. B. Tait, will represent the licensing police. Late Trading Permits on Large Scale During the past two years the Melbourne Club Hotel, Exhibition-street (known as Mario's), lodged 582 applications for extension permits allowing the sale of liquor after hours, and the Australia Hotel, Collins-street, lodged 451. In all cases the applications were granted.

This information was given by the Chief Secretary (Mr. Bailey) In answer to a question by Mr. Allnutt (U.C.P., Mildura) In the Legislative Assembly yesterday. Each permit was the subject of a separate application to the Licensing Courts and was dealt with on Its merits. The decision of the court was final and, as a judicial body, its determinations were not the subject of review by the Minister.

Under an order made on March 18 last the provision of the law authorising the Issue of such permits was suspended. Prime Minister May Act CANBERRA, Wednesday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Curtln) said tonight that when he had reviewed the whole question, of liquor control he would cither ask State Premiers to act or take other steps himself. He was replying In the House of Representatives to Mr.

Cameron (U.A.P., S.A.), who asked whether Mr. Curtln were satisfied with the attitude adopted by the States in re spect of liquor control. DOMESTIC TRAGEDY Man's Body Found in Scrub WARWICK, Wednesday. The search by a party numbering 70 and a black tracker ended this afternoon In the discovery of the body of William Henry Hansen. 40 years, whose wire and two daughters were tound murdered yesterday morning.

A tracker picked up the trail through wheat fields and scrub to Mt. Sturt, a distance of six miles, where the body was found. There was a shot gun between the knees. The top of Hansen's head was blown off. Mrs.

Hansen. In addition to having her head battered, had her throat cut. A blood-stained razor was found In a bag near Hansen's body. The three victims will be burled together to-morrow at Brisbane. MAKE YOUR EGG PLANS NOW.

Preserve eggs with KE-PEG. Easy, quick, reliable, economical. Costs less than Id, per dozen. Provide against shortage later on. tAdvt.l CAVBNOISH MEDIOAl MSKARCH CLINIO.

473-4S1 Bourkt.ltrm (nMr Quetn-iMlcD. MVJ4S32. Fret MHIril Advliorr Servlr (or rhronlfi null dUordtn, under the pireonel dlrertlon of i former nirley-ttreet phj-ilrlen. Houri: 10.. UtMt VlUharmone end Anil-p.

tr.Atn Therep7, tiimlnitloo tee. write or cell lor Free Bootltt, Vllemlni end lo monie, MM' Daattf OLAnd. A4Tt. ENEMY REVERSES AT MILNE BAY Morale Upset By Australians "The Age" Special Representative SOMEWHERE IN NEW GUINEA. Further progress of Australian patrols are revealing the full extent of the Japanese defeat In the battle of Milne Bay.

More than six hundred dead have been counted, and more will be discovered as Australian patrols continue their search of the JunEle-covered coast. Heroes of the Milne Bay victory are ngnter squadrons. Be common der of the land forces in New Guinea has made a visit to Milne Bay to thank pilots for their work in strafing the Japanese for hours on end from the time they landed until the battered remnants of the landing torce either took to the hills or were taken off by Japanese war shlos. Strafing by the Australians and the bombing by Allied aircraft had a most demoralising enect udoii tne in vaders. Japanese groups had lost half their personnel during bombing ana siranng rams.

Australian artillery also had killed many Japanese and upset the morale of the enemy force. Nothing like It had been anticipated by the men when they went ashore. Japanese naval prestige has suffered another blow by the week's events at Milne Bay. It has been established that the fight was an essentially naval affair, and that a Japanese naval landing force made the landings. Unlike Japanese forces fighting at Kokoda.

who are well equipped and wearing Australian made army boots, the Japanese defeated at Milne Bay were poorly equipped. The Japanese force used most of the tricks of Jungle warfare which their army has exploited. An Aus tralian patrol leader reports that. wnen his patrol came upon a heap of Japanese dead a man leapt from the heap and fired. Australians are now making sure that the Japanese dead are "safely" dead.

Milne Bay marks one of the mast serious Japanese blunders of the war. It was the first time the Japanese have sent a bov to do a man's Job. OBITUARY Mrs. Mary Bright Mrs. Mary Bright died in a private hospital at Bendigo, at the age of 70 years.

She was closely associated with literary societies in Melbourne to within a few months of her death. She was the author of "Songs of the Master," "Palladium," "The Song of the Happy Warrior," "Open Sesame" and "Sappho's Lyre," the last-menlionrd work being published recently. Capt. H. G.

Trace Captalu Henry George Trace, formerly of the Commonwealth Navigation department, died at his home, Laverton-street, Wllllamstown, yesterday, at the age of 73 years. He came to Australia from Ireland as a young man in the sailing days, and for some time was in the service of Howard Smith Ltd. He later joined the Commonwealth service, and for many years was master of the lighthouse supply ship, Lady Loch. He later was appointed nautical advisor to the department, acting as shipping inspector at the port of Melbourne. He lived with his family in Williams-town for over 40 years, and since his retirement, 8 years ago, was a keen gardener and golf player.

He Is survived by a widow, three sons and a daughter. One son is a lieutenant-commander on an Australian mine sweeper. The funeral will leave his residence at 2 p.m. to-day for the Wllllamstown cemetery. FOUNDRY HOLD-UP CANBERRA, Wednesday.

At the request of the Minister of Munitions (Mr. Makin), the A.C.T.U. will in. vestigate the merits of a dispute which for some weeks has held up work In a Government foundry in Victoria engaged on vital war activi ties. Mr.

Makln said to-day that, by Improving the methods of melting and pouring molten metal, the management claimed to have eliminated much discomfort and fatigue, but It had also resulted in the reduction of nanos employed on the work from 0 to 6. Differences then arose between the employes and the management as to the number of men that should be employed, the men maintaining that the full number should be retained. The employes had not accepted the management's offer that union officials should conduct a time study of the operations. In accordance with the resolution carried at the stop-work meeting of 2000 members of the Iron Foundry Employes' Union on Tuesday, all the men. including 100 on strike as a protest against the suspension of the shop steward, resumed work yesterday.

One of the resolutions carried nt the stop-work meeting requested that the Government should institute an inquiry Into conditions In the industry. Stockingless Woman Workers CANBERRA, Wednesday. The Minister of War Organisation of Industry (Mr. Dedman) stated to-day that he would encourage women's organisations to dispense with stockings where the occupation of members Justified It. Workers' organisations were sufficlentlv strong to Insist on the introduction of any sensible course.

He did not think any set of employers could stand out against the Introduction of a common-sense measure like the discarding of stockings In occupations where they were not essential. IIHK1) CAR VALUES. To Sell your Car at top prices call, phone or write Swanston Used Cars. 801 Bwanston-street. F2648.

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Until then Here's how Ford private car owners can deal with minor adjustments themselves. To show how this can be done we have published the "Owners' Emergency Guide Book." This explains how to find and correct minor troubles in carburettor, fuel pump, distributor, ignition, generator, spark plugs and fan belt. Other useful and helpful information is also included. Ever feel twinges of pain In elbows, knees, wrists? Finger-Joints feel stiff? Worse during wet, raid weather? It's probably uric acid, a wast 'Product of the body machine. Failure of the excretory organs to throw off such wastes is the most frequent cause of rheumatism.

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