From Our Own Melbourne, Sept, 25.
AUsmauas unhesitating decision to take up arms with Great Britain and her allies was not the policy of a Government, but the decision of a calm and resolute people united in the defence of their democratic ideals. No political Party has dissented from that decision. Every section of the community has endorsed it, and the conversion of national life from peace to war conditions has been facilitated by a splendid spirit of ce-operation and a determination to prepare calmly for whatever may eventuate, It is generally assumed that the conflict may be a long one, and preparations for Australian participation have consequently been purposeful rather than spectacular. Nevertheless, much has been accomplished in the last three weeks, and with so little disturbance of the normal life of the community as to suggest that the nation is morally as well as materially well prepared for the ordeal.
In the political sphere, the war efforts of the Commonwealth and State Governments have been effectively ce-ordinated. The Commonwealth Government has sought, and obtained, from Parliament exceptional powers for the duration of the war. As in England. the Opposition has decided to retain its identity instead of participating in a National Government, but it is collaborating closely with the Cabinet.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.