THE SUBMARINE MENACE.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1917, Page 1

THE SUBMARINE MENACE.

Lord Beresford’s Views

LONDON, Feb. 13. In the Lords, Lords Beresford said x he regretted that the Government has not taken the country more into its confidence. He pointed out that during the lass t seven days 150,000 tons of shipping have been lost, of which 150,000 were British. We have lost since the outbreak of the war four million tons, but this is not so serious as it looked, because we have replaced about three million tons, and shall do even better in the future. Still there is a bad time ahead. We are often told that the Admiralty had the menace well in hand, but that [ is not true, although it is nearer being • true now than ever before, because men with actual experience of modem navai ■ warfare have brought their ideas be--1 fore the Admiralty. Lord Beresford tributed the sea men, some of whom had been blown up twice and thrice, hut had again signed oil. That is the spirit which will beat the Germans. He advocated standarised ships of four and five thousand tons. “I have faith,” said Lord Beresford, “in the present Government, but I have more in the Admiralty, and I am certain that within six or eight weeks this submarine menace will be well in hand.”’ Sinkings. LONDON, Feb.' 12. The British vessel Lyeia lias been sunk. The survivors from the torpedoed steamer Artist state that they wei« in open boats in Arctic weather for five days. Seven died and were thrown overboard. Two have been sent to tiuhospital. The sufferings were appalling. The British steamer Foreland of 1960 tons has been sunk.

in America. WASHINGTON, Feb- 13. There is much interest here, over the lengthy Cabinet meeting, followed by President Wilson working alone in his library late last night and this morning, not receiving callers. One of the questions considered by Cabinet was the arming of American liners. An American line states that there will bt mo sailings until the Government announces arming or convoying. It is reported that Britain is considering the landing of troops at Tampico to protect the oil interests, following upon Carranza’s Note recommending the cutting off of supplies of the belligerents. Officials are concerned at tho German influences prompting Cant ranza’s actions. The Army and Naval departments havfe appointed seven committees to develop the programme for mobilisation of the reserves. The “Times” war correspondent Renounces that the Navy has mobilised a mosquito fleet of torpedo boats to act as submarine chasers in the event of war. The Naval Appropriation bill of £368,000,000 has passed and provides for 42 ships and huge ammunition stores. NEW YORK, Feb. 14. Tiie Dupont Powder Company in 1916 made 82,000,000 dollars of profit.

War Pensions. WELLINGTON, Feb. 14. The War Pensions Board last week granted 74 new claims from soldiers, and 52 from dependents. The annual liability is now £257, 000. Financial Assistance WELLINGTON, Feb. 14 Forms of application for financial assistance to enable soldiers to meet their civil obligations regarding rent, interest and nstalinents on homes will shortly be obtainable from the Military authorities, and these applications will bn dealt- with by the Military Service Boards. .