UNDERWATER PIRACY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2971, 8 January 1917, Page 7

UNDERWATER PIRACY

SPANISH PORT BLOCKADED Madrid January 5. The torpedoing of three Spanish ships off Bilboa (Spain), and the blockade of that port by German submarines has evoked strong Press protests. The Government is charged with weakness and cowardice, and inability to. protect Spanish interests.—"The Times.'

THREE STEAMERS SUNK

ALLIED SHIPPING LOSSES London, January 5. The Greek steamer Thiropanas and the Norwegian steamer Helgoy have been siuik.—Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn. London, January 5.' Lloyd's report that the , British steamer Oronsay (4761 tons) has been sunk. . The losses of Allied and neutral ships to January 5 total 2,968,000 tons.— Atis.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Chrlstfania, Januar.v 5. The total of the Norwegian shipping losses in 1916 is 58.000 tons. Nevertheless the Customs receipts are <i re-cord.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ANOTHER.SPANISH VESSEL L©ST INDIGNATION IN SPAIN (Bee. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) Madrid,- January 6. The submarine sinking of the Spanish steamer Palayo has caused intense indignation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

U-BOAT RUSE

A TRICK THAT FAILED (Rec. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, January 6. A Dutch steamer in the Bay of Biscay received a wireless S.O.S. and hurried to' the position indicated, when the message was found to be from a German submarine. The U boat commander was exceedingly angrvto find tho rescuer was a Dutch, and not a British, ship. Ho wirelessed: "Wo don't want von to save our souls: we want Britishers to save our souls."—Aus-.N.Z. Cable Assn.

ELEVEN SHIPS

IN ELEVEN DAYS (Tlec. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 6. A Berlin message states that a submarine has returned to port after sink* intr eleven ships in eleven days.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

TRANSPORT IVERNIA

NUMBER OF MEN MISSING (Rec. January 7, 5.5 p.)n.) London, January 6. 'Ilio Admiralty announces that the final number of the rank and file massing on tho transport Ivernia, submarined on Now Year's Day, is 85. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-lieuter. .

SERGEANT AND SILLY GERMANS

EXPERIENCE OF A NEW ZEALANDEII. London, January 5. A headquarters correspondent supplies tho following story in connection with recent raids:—"When tho raiders were preparing; to leave a German trench a New Zealand sergeant was buried in tho debris. His cries were unheard. After remaining concealed for two hours, he boldly emerged and tried to find tho British trenches. Encountering a reconnoitring patrol of five Germans, he levelled his revolver and shot a non-com, dead. The others hesitated, then laid down their arms. The sergeant, who was reported as missing, triumphantly, returned with his prisoners. When congratulated by his officer he replied, 'It was not mo who found the silly Germans; they iust came along to bo caught.' " —"Tho Times."

IMPERIAL WAR COUNCIL

DATE OF MEETING UNCERTAIN. (Rec. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 5., Ponding Australia's decision, it is impossible to fixe a date for the War Conference. There is still doubt whether South Africa, will be able to send a delegate. It is understood the other self-governing iJorainions have rospondrd favourably. It is believed the conference will meet evou if Australia and South Africa are not represented.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

HOTEL CECIL COMMANDEERED

(Rec. January 7. 5.S p.m.) London, January 5. Tlio. Government has commandeered tho Hotel Cecil for the use- of the Air Ministry.—lteutei\