A GERMAN EXCUSE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1917, Page 2

A GERMAN EXCUSE

Strong Dutch Feeling #

(Australian & N.Z, Cable Association

and Reuter)

Hague, Feb 25

The German Legation in order to prevent a wrong impression, points out that the torpedoed vessels were previously aware that they could only depend on relative safety, namely, safety dependent on fortunate or incidental circumstances. The ships were lost owing to a combination of mischance and circumstances whereover the Germans had no control. The Dutch press are extremely angry. The Telegraph states the torpedoing of seven vessels is the greatest humiliation endured by a neutral during the war. Tt no longer sees how its honor can continue to be upheld by piotasts. The Handelsblad says ihia is an instance of submarine war prosecuted with an absolute contempt for Holland’s righis and interests. The Dutch Gazstte declares Germany is clearly determined io pursue Hollard and she may 6xpect farther similar disasters. It asks what will Government do ? All the papers comment on the gravity of the situation.

Exraordinary Explanations

[REUTER’S SERVICE,—COPYRIGHT.!

Hague, Feb 25

The in an extraordinary explanation of tha torpedoing, Bays the date of the safe home comiDg of the Dutch vessels was. originally fixed for sth February, but was postponed till the 9th and then to the Htb. In view of the situation in Holland finally Dutch shipowners were informed that their vessels would leave in a group on the 22nd or 17th March*

French Mailboa? Sunk

London, Feb 24

At official message states that the Meesageries mailboit Athoa from China which was transporting- Sejiagalise tirailleurs and colonial laborers to France was torpedoed in the Mediterranean. Two escorting destroyers aided by a gun-boat which arrived sayed 1450 of the men.

Lost Submarines.

Kosie, Feb 24 A wireless Berlin message reports that of fifty submarines which put to sea on February Ist sixteen have not been reported.

Empire Trade.

London Feb 25 : At London school of economy, Mr Hitchcock of tha raw materials branch of. the War Office, road a paper on the importance of the Imperial wool trade. Since 1914 the War Office had contracted for woollen good* exceeding a hundred millions sterling, besides purchasing colonial clips'. Ho predicted a position of great shortage#of wool, a great demand and high prices. The world’s supplies of textiles were now olearing and therefore it was necessary to reserve all the Empire’s raw materials. Hoa W. F. Masßey said tbe New ' Zealand Government recognised it was much better than that all the wool should find its way into speculators’ hands, tie endorsed Mr Hitchcock’s opinion that prices would be maintained after tbe war.