Billy Hughes returns to open South Street’s Annual Competitions, and is greeted at Ballarat station by hundreds of well wishers. However, not all are supportive of Australia’s involvement in the war effort, and despite Hughes using the opening of the Eisteddfod as a forum to campaign for conscription as part of a national referendum, the No vote prevails led by future Prime Minister and South Street debator, James Scullin.
“People who love song can always be relied on to do their duty as free men, and it is therefore a pleasing duty to me to declare this Eisteddfod open. Australia stands at the crossroads, and has to decide whether she will take the narrow Path of duty or the steep declivity to national dishonour.”
Prime Minister Hughes.
