Only volunteers had gone to fight, but as the truth about Australian casualties became known the number of volunteers fell.

The British applied pressure to ensure its divisions were not depleted. The Australian government was keen to support the British, but were everyday Australians?

Are you in favour of the Government having, in this grave emergency, the same compulsory powers over citizens in regard to requiring their military service, for the term of this War, outside the Commonwealth, as it now has in regard to military service within the Commonwealth?

Are you in favour?
YES/NO

Tomorrow is the day when, by your votes, you will decide the destiny of your country. You will show to the world the manner of men and women you are. You will declare whether you stand loyally by the Empire and your own kinsmen in the trenches, or basely desert those to whom you owe all things. Vote yes.

Signed W M Hughes
Prime Minister
19 December 1917

PRIME MINISTER W.M. HUGHES

Anita Ryall attended the conscription meeting at Town Hall

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When it came to conscription Annie Sturzaker was in the majority who were against it.

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