Latest Cables

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 October 1915, Page 3

Latest Cables

(.Received This Day b.50 a.m.J HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. jLiondon, October IS. During the night three fresll enemy attempts to attack Bois do Hache, north of Souohez, were repulsed. An efficient fire was maintained against biie enemy works to the south. To the north "of Verdun a German attempt io occupy the craters oi mines recently exploded was repelled. MR ASHMEAD BARTLETT'S STORY London, October 18. Mr Ashmead Bartlelt, in the Daily Telegraph, describes the navy's efficient transformation of the Dardanelles fleet. When the risk of losing valuable warships became too great, it was oTTvione, that unless we carried the Straits by a coup de main, our fleet would be unable to remain indefinitely off the coast ■because hostile submarines were certain to come, For three week 6 after •the first landing, the fleet was left in peace, and then trouble began. Rumours rippled down the Mediterranean from Gibraltar, Malta, Matapan and Smyrna, and the mighty Queen Elizabeth left for the North Sea. Then, after the Triinnph and Majestic had been sunk, the fleet retired to sheltered harbours,, protected "by booms and nets. The Turks exulted and issued their famous manifesto to the Allied troops, declaring that the fleet had deserted them, and offering them u welcome at Constantinople, hut they forgot the old maxim that tile AngloSaxon race is always surprised but never beaten. We never are ready, but have a marvellous talent for improvisation. The brains 'at Home worked out a scheme to recover the command of the Mediterranean, and designed craft carrying guns of the battleships without their vulnerability to submarine attack, and more rumouirs rippled down the Mediterranean of Etrange craft that were sighted making

for the Levant. The first arrived in July. ft almost was flush with the water, and was carrying 9.2 in. guns at the bow and & Gin. gun at the stern.