ARMING MERCHANTMEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1917, Page 3

ARMING MERCHANTMEN.

Statement by Lord Curzon

(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association) (Received Feb 15, at 13.5 p,m) London, Feb 14 Lord Curzon, Bpeukmg in the House of Lords, said the proportion of armed ships that had escaped submarines, vsftß three in one, compared with those unarmed. The number of merchantmen now armed was forty to fifty per cent greater than the number armed at the beginning or December. There were 25 per cent of the merchantmen engaged in the naval and military service. Government is proceeding in • the direction of an almost universal requisition of the new standard ships being built. As Lord Boreaford had advocated, half a million tons of carrying capacity had been added, by deck loading. Below Zero. London. Feb 11 The wintry weather contiaues. Heavy falls of snow have occurred in many counties. The fall is slight in London, but France is*ttll in the grip. The mercury in many Fahrenheit thermometers has been frozun. The weather is complicating the delivery of food and coal. Vienna reports that the cold weather has immeasurably increased the difficulties of housewives, and if it continues potatoes will sooa be sold like gold pieces.

London, Feb 11 Authoritative news from Belgium indicates serious outbreaks in the communes near Antwerp. Numbers of youug Belgian deportees resolved to fly rather than follow the German soldiers. They eluded their guards, and reached the wools and moors, where, despite a brutal chase, they are still living in hiding, Russia’s New Million. > Peirogkad, Feb 14 Russia has called up the 1897-8 classes, meaning a million new effec' tivee, 9 An Interim Report(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.) London, Feb 14 Lord B.ilfour’a Committee on the after thß war trade policy, has submitted an interim report to Government. It is understood the Committee is unanimous in recommending Government to adopt the Imperial Confereace as a foundation for an Imperial economic policy of the future. Everything Ready. London, Feb 12 Reuter’s Paris correspondent sends an interview with General Sir Henry Rawlinsoo, in which lie saysl am aware that the' German officers are instilling into their men the hope of taking the lead of us in the attack, but I doubt-whether our enemies have already forgotten the lesson of Verdun. "We have everything necessary,whether for their reception by us or vice versa,” American Steamer Sunk [reutee’s SERVICE. —COPY EIGHT.]] London, Feb 14 The American steamer Lymanlaw has been sunk in the Mediterranean. American Schooner Sunk. (Received Feb 15, at 2.20 p.m.) Washington, Feb 14 The State Department learns that the American schcoper, Lyman, with an American crew of Dine was submarined in the Mediterranean. The crew are reported to have besn saved. Game Laws Suspended[LONDON TIMES SERVICE. —COPYRIGHT.] London, Feb 14 The British game laws are suspended and farmers are empowered to shoot pheasants. Sinkings. London, Feb 14 The sinking is reported of the Norwegian steamer BriS3oni and a trawler.