THE WAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1917, Page 2

THE WAR.

(Per United Press Association]

Admiralty Changes. (Received May 15, at 2 p.m) London, May 14 Meanwhile the strengthening of tue naval staff s far as possible from adaetive service continues. Explaining the changes, Sir Edward Carson said they wore made with a two-fold object, the first was to free the First Sea Lord and heads'of tno naval staff as far as pissible from nuministrative work, and to enable them to concentrate on important issues relating to the naval conduct of the war, and secondly to strengthen shipbuilding and the production departments. 'Sir Edward stated that Sir Eric Geddes would be responsible for shipbuilding and tbe production of armaments and munitions. The Admiralty would thus have an organisation similar to the Ministry of Munitions. Sir Eric Geddes would work with the Controller of Shipping, but would not be responsible for the supervising of merchant shipping. Greek Shipping Losses(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association) ArHENS, May 15 Greece baa lost, torpedoed. VO shipstotalling 180,000 tons, be’ng 24 per cent of the eatire Greek shipping. Greek Feeling[BEUTEß’S SEBVIOE.—COPYRIGHT.] Salonika, May 15

A large mooting enthusiastically declared that the Constantine dynasty has ceased to exist. 'There were cries of “ Long live the Greek Republic,” The Greek National Army passed similar resolutions. The movement demands the dethronement of King Constantine or his departure from Greece immediately, with his son or other Royalty as a nominal successor, as a temporary measure.

American Red Cross, Washington, May 12 The Amerioan Red Cross is in shape to care for an array of 1,000000 men. It was announced at headquarters here to-day. Daring the past six mouths the organisation has li36n conducting nu extensive campaign for members, which has resulted in the enlistment of thousands of trained and untrained women. New chapters have been opened to every part cf the country, and tha organisation it is said, has never been better equipped for a national crisis.

Not only ha* the organisation been successful in preparing women for nursing and nurses’ ataislants bac it has also prepared women for other important work conneettd with the Rad Cross service, snob as the making of garments, and other articles th»t will be needed in hospitals.

Swiss Flour RationBerne, May 12 A bread card after the German pattern is to be introduced in Swi scarland'before the end of the present month, according to an announcement made yescerdey. There wilt be 225 grammes of flour per day issued for each person, of which one quarter may be need for cooking purposes, and three-quarters for bread making, thus giving a daily bread allowance of 170 grammes, The bread card has been found to be a necessity owing to the fact that Swifzirland’a imports of flour have been reduced by one-half.

Though “Blockaded” France Feeds Swiss Paris, May 12 On authority of Denys Cochin, Minister of Blockade, it is announced as proof of the ineffectiveness of the German submarine blockade that the Allies have agreed to contiaue the victualling of Switzerland. Cochin has just returned from a study of the Swiss situation. He announced that France, after a deduction to the amount of necessities which the Swiss need for their own consumption—in order to prevent any overflow to Germany—had agreed to “ keep the wolf from the Swiss door.” Cochin is the supreme head of the intep-Allied commission which decides Switzeiland’s needs.

Arrest “ Master Spy. New York, May 12 The German “ master spy ” was snared by United States secret service agents when they took into custody Lieut-00l Arthur E. Bielowsky a retired German artillery officer. His arrest was regarded by federal officials as the most important stroke of the day in a general round-up of alien enemies all over the oountry. In this first smash at the heart of the enemy spy system in the- United States Government agents found a parallel to the astounding espionage system discovered in England when war broke out between that oountry and Germany. Lieut-00l Bielkowaky has been living in the United States for thirtyone years, all the time it is said, a representative of the enemy’s general staff and a close friend of the Kaiser.

HEAVY ENEMY ATTACKS, Slight Enemy GainWellington, May 15 The High Commissioner reports London, 15th May, at 1.40,'p.m. General Haig reports small successful engagements aoutheasfcwarde of Epehy. Early this morning the enemy heavily bombarded ns at Bnllecoart and the Hinclenburg line and again twice counter-attacked.

The attempt on Hindenburg line completely failed and the Bnllecoart attack was'also repulsed after htavy fighting. . Our advance posts on the northwestern portion of the village were forced back a short distance.

Artillery slopped a hostile counterattack southeastward of Loos. We carried out successful raids in the neighborhood of Ypres and a few were prisonered.

Official Report Wellington, May 16 The High Commissioner reports London, May 15th, at 8,10 p.m.:— French official report states late yesterday, after a violent bombardment in tbe Chemin des.Damss region and northwest of Braye-en-Laonncis, the Germans attacked on a wide front towards Lss Povettea and Lepine-de-Chevrigny, Our barrage and machine-gun firo broke the attack which was nuable to reach our lines, except at one point where a small section of the enemy occupied some advanced posts eauthwestward of Pilian,

A LINER’S ESCAPE A Torpedo Misses [BEUTEB’S SERVICE. —COPYRIGHT.] (Received May 16, at 8.45 a.m.) New York, May 15 A torpedo from a submarine narrowly missed the liner Baltic on 19th April while en route here.

Safety uevices New York, May 15 An American liner arrived to-day painted white, with waves and a leaded background to resemble water. A passenger saw a cruiser off the English coaßt firing at a U boat, but did uot see the result.

America’s Army Washington, May 15 President Wilson is approving of plana for the expansion o? regulars to a war strength of 293,000. Fortyfive new regiments, infantry, cavalry and field artillery will be organised.

she Bus Strike(Received May 16, at 8.50 a.m.) London, M\y 15 There is a dramatic development in the bus strike. The Commissioner of Police has issued a warning that any impediment to the traffic, used by munitioners, constitutes an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act, being equivalent to an interference with the output

Two Submarines Netted New York, May 12 The trapping of two German submarines was reported last eight by Captain E. L. Smith, of the American steamer Alaskan, which arrived today from La PallicB 1 France. “The submarines,” Uaptain Smith said, “were detected lurkmg beneath the surface of the sea by keen-eyed observers of the aircraft patrol. The aeroplane signalled for trawlers and circled about, directing th 6 placing of the nets. In a little while the nets were drawn completely about the unsuspecting submarines, which were hopelessly enmeshed aud brought to the surface- They were lying side by side ia the harbor of La Pallice when the Alaskan sailed.”

Soldiers’ Trade “ Group.” London, May 12 It has been decided to record the industrial group” trade in whioh soldiers were employed in eivil life, and whether they are married or single. This information will be entered in the soldier’s Army Book 64, The occupation will be classified as coming under one of 41 specified industrial groups, the number of the group as well as the trade or calling being entered.

Cockerill Works uestroyed. Amsterdam, May 12 Les Nouvellea, of Maastricht, reports that on Monday a great fire broke out at the work* of Messrs John Cockerill and Co, at Seraiug, near Liege. The manager’s rooms, all the counting houses, workrooms, and model shops were completely destroyed. The loss of machinery models is irreparable, and the damage is estimated at £BO,OOO. • The causa cf the fire is unknown, but there is reason to think that the Germans know something about it.

Giycerme From Waste Fats. Loneon, May 12 Mr Foster in the House of Commons, said special attention was being given to utilisation of waste foods from the Army. Waste fats were banded over to factories, so that glycerine for the manufacture of explosives could be obtained. Special plant was being erected in this country and in France, aod the results been so satisfactory that others would bo erected. A thousand tens of glycerine the annual output from this refuse, was enough to provide propellant charges for 12j million 18 pounder shells. (Cheers.) He hoped the civil population would second the effoitsof the War Office to save refuse fate. Murders at SeaLondon, May 12 Reuter’s correspondent at Christiania reports:—The inquiry info the sinking of tha Norwegian steamer Syre confirms the report that the submarine fired on ths lifeboats, while German sailors robbed the ship. Four of the occupants of the lifeboats were killed.

Allies Advised to Win Over BulgariaParis, May 12 Gustave Herve, in La Victo rs, strongly urges that the Entente the occasion of the changt-s in to win over Bulgaria. He points out that Prof. Milukoff is very popular among the democratic party at Sofia, where he eought refuge when ex led from Russia on accouot of his attacks on the Imperial regime. The faot that Milukoff is now Minister Foreign Affairs, the writer saysjfl should facilitate an undetßtandihg with Bulgaria.

Women Want increase London, May 13 The women munitions workers who now number around a million, have sent a depul ation to the Ministry of Munitions demanding a considerable increase of wages to meet the increased cost of living. They pointed ont that in ths recent adjustment of wages the men were advatced and the women overlooked. The Ministry met the women and made a sympathetic reply. An adjustment is expected. The women did ; not threaten to strike, and recognised that tbe'r work is so porfcanfc a serious controversy might affect the progress of the war.

To Withdraw Blacklist. Washington, May 12 Great Britain is understood to have under consideration the withdrawal of its commercial blacklist in so far ns it refers to firms and individuals in this country. It will cow be the duty of the American Government to see that nobody in the United States gives aid to Germany.

French Report (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association aud Reuter). (Received May 16, at 12.5 p.m.) London, May 15 A French communique says after a violent bombardment in Ohemia des Dames region norm-west of Brayenlaonnois, the Germans yestereve attacked on a wide front towards Lee-oovettes-Cfaesvrigny Ridge. Our barrage and machine gun fireflft broke the attack which did not reaoh rour lines, except at one point, where an enemy fraction gained a footing iu one of our advance elements south-west of Filair.

Espionage Bill. (Australian & N-3L Cable Association). Washington, May 15 The Senate passed the Espionage Bill, without the censorship clauses. Cost of living. / Washington, May J 5 There was a heated debate on the oost of living. Speakers denounced the food gamblers as parasites and pirate?, who should bs haDged. A Shipping Register. * Washington, May 15 Mr Bryan has transferred to the American register all the British - shipping building. He Btates that totalling a million tons will be used to carry supplies to the Allies.

Serbian Activity. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Renter.) London, May 15 A Serbian communique reports there is great activity on the whole of the Serbian front. We readvanced in the region of Vetaetik and Dobropolyo, aud repulsed violent counter attacks. Russian Report- . | \ (Admiralty Per Wireless Press.) London, May 15 A Russian official report says in the region of Kellerk Amaikbaba, southward of Erzinman, counter attaoke dislodged the Kurds from the trenohea they had ocoupied the previons day. Fighting continues at Diala River,

submarine methods. Faked Distress Signals(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter.) (Received May 16, at 11.50 a.m.) Copenhagen, May 15 The Tidenstegn reports numerous cases of German submarines disguised as fidbing boats Tha captain of a Norwegian steam'-r states ha sunk off Brest a disguised submarine...

Other seamen report that submarines send distress signals and' ruthlessly sink the approaching rescuers. SOCIALIST PEACE DELEGATES Attempts at Pacification (Australian & N.Z Cable Association and Renter.)

London, May 15 The Daily Chronicle's Stockholm correspondent states tho Belgian Socialists, Vandervelde and Daman, en route to Petrograd. interviewed the Swedish and Datoh Socialist daleRotes regarding the proposed Peace Conference at Stockholm. The latter explained that they hoped to confer successively with tha belligerent and central delegations with a view to outlining peace proposals on lines of Mr Wilson's programme, thereafter BOnvening a joint. International Socialist Aasemby of all oenn’riea. Vandervelde, who is Pißsidont of the International Socialist Bureau, declared that .Belgian Socialists could not be associated with Socialists supporting the Imperialistic ai-ms of the Central Powers. The Datcb and Scandinavian Committee then abandoned the scheme for a joint conference. Simultaneously Germany has announced her refasal to allow German minority Socialists to go to Stockholm. Meanwhile Vandervelde and Deman proceed to Petrograd with a view to organising a Labor and Socialist Conference of Entente nations, in order to brbg the Russian Soldiers'and Workmen’s Council into line with their Allied comrades. Peace Move. Copenhagen, May 15 The Dagenongheter states the majority of the workmen’s and soldiers’ delegates favour the holding of a Russian peace conference.

Russian Socialists Copenagen, May 15 Russian Socialists have arrived at Nalome from Switzerland, via Germany, on the way to Russia, A further 200 are expected. The exiles declare they intend to work for peace, RUSSIA’S WARNING Against Germany

[BECTER’S SEBVIOE.—COPYRIGHT.] (Received May 16, at I*3o a.m.) 1 Petrograd, May 15 The Council of Workmens’ and Soldiers delegates have issued an appeal to the Army not to forget the regiments of William the Destroyer favor a revolutionary Russia. The loss of a free Russia would he irreparable. It is evident that the German Imperialists, after defeating our western Allies, would turn on Russia, seize the country, and eoslave the Russians. They urgß the soldiers not to renounce the offensive and them against the enemy traps of fraternisation. Peace is unobtainable by separate treaties or the fraternisation of isolated units.

This would only lead to loss, i The Russian Revolution de'egates have alao issued an appeal to Austrian and German Socialists, not to permit their Government to take advantage of the present situation in Russia, to concentrate morß troops egaicst the Anglo-French, with the idea of crushing Russia later.

Cabling Money to Soldiers. A Warning from Dunedin

Dunedin, May 12 Mr C. Knewstubb, of Port Chalmers has had an experience in connection with cabling money to his son, Fred, at the front that will interest the relatives of soldiers on active service. A few months ago Mr Knewstubb received a cablegram, purporting to come from his son, and containing a message to cable Home to him the §umof£lo.. The money was forwarded and it is only within the past Tew days thhfc anything further has 'been beard of in regard to it. It aeems that after returning to the trenches at the conclusion of leave epent in England, Fred Knewstubb was surprised to learn that ten pounds had arrived for him from New Zea-

land. He proved his identity satisfactorily and received the money. He had not sent to New Zealand for it either directly or indirectly, as he did not need it particularly, but he nevertheless appreciated it although not understanding why his father in Port Chalmers should regard it as necessary to cable the money to him. Perhaps the most peouliar feature of the whole matter is that the money reached the *on instead of the unknown person who cabled for it in the first plaee,

Harvest First ot All Ottawa, May 12 Dr G. C. Crce man, Ontario, Commissioner of Agriculture, in a letter to the Toronto Globe uigiug the absolute necessity for seouring farm help in the province and asserting that it is a patriotic puty for the farmers to sow ail the crop they can possibly put in, concludes: “If it is necessary to close the schools and the shops and factories in order to harvest the crop, this will be done, rather than that any soldier of the Empire at this crisis should go without food.”

Casualty List Wellington, May 16 KILLED IN ACTION. Private A Graham Sapper A Johnson Private P J Cleary Private W D Robinson Private R A Bartosh Private 0 H Freeman Corpl L J Slater Rifleman A Shellam Riieman J Povay Rifleman A A Schultz Rifleman D W Day , DIED OF/WOUNDS. Private A E Flowerday Private A J Whiterod Rflamvn W D Stalker R flemaa R James DIED OF SICKNESS. Private J W Prickett, Private D. Kearns private H A Summerville

MISSING. Trooper J W MignusHon Sergt-Major J f Notly WOUNDED, Trooper H Gray Driver J MacDonald Gnunor J D Dalgleish Gunner D Buttollba Signaller T H Edmanson Sapper W E Morgan Sapper M Fisher Corporal H Begg Sapper R W McLennan Sapper C E Camming Private A L Ross Private G 0 J Miller Private J McMahon Lance-Corpl R A Boyd Private F W Cooper Private R Glandy Private L V Hanson Private D Pedraien Lmce-Oorpl F 0 Burnett