BRITISH DRIFTERS SUNK.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1917, Page 1

BRITISH DRIFTERS SUNK.

An Austrian Attack (Australian & N.Z. Gable Association and Reuter.) LONDON, May 19. The Admiralty reports that on Tuesday, Austrian light cruisers and destroyers raided the Allied drifter line in the Adriatic and sank fourteen British drifters, and claim to have prisonered seventy-two membery of the crew. Allied warships and destroyers chased oIE the raiders. Italian airmen attacked them off Cattaro, to which port a cruiser badly afire and sinking was fowled. The British Admiralty reports that a second was badly damaged. The Admiral states that while chasting the Austrians a submarine torpedoed the warship Dartmouth, _ which returned to port with’ three killed, five missing and seven wounded.

, TROOPSHIP SUKK,

140 Drowned [BECTEB’S BEBVIOE —COPYBIGHT.! LONDON, May 19. The press bureau announces that the British troopship Cameroonia was torpedoed in the Eastern Meditteranean on May 15tli. The following are missing : Military one officer, and 128 4 of other ranks, crew 2 officers and nine men. A survivor from the Cameronia states that the vessel was'torpedoed in •the evening. There was some confusion at first among the troops, but discipline soon prevailed. The first boat was speedily launched hut was* smashed and many were drowned. The ship floated for forty minutes and destroytroyers came alongside. The troops jumped aboard until the destroyers were full. The other boats jrere packed with men and lowered to the water and also the rafts. Another account states that the explosion was a heavy one. The troops were below at tea and a number were killed.

' UN ITAUf’S FRONT,

ROME, May 18. The “Corner d’ltalia” states.that the Austrians have ordered the civilians to evacuate a‘n exposed point on the Italian front, and all Trieste hanks have been closed by tho Government. The leading business men are removing their archieves and valuables to Vienna. Many officers captured during the recent offensive -came from the. Russian front: - •»> Austrian Lcsses. ROME, May 19. The battle against the fortifications eastward of Gorizia has been extended and is proceeding favourably. ms Austrian losses were several divisions. Monte Santo, which is the key to the whole defence may be considered to be taken, because the Italians occupy positions near the summit. firitMi Artillery. ROME, May 19. The British artillery division had a great welcome at Milan. . LONDON, May 18. The. War Office reports that British heavy artillery are cooperating in the Italian offensive on the Julian from*, affording material assistance. The gunners had an enthusiastic reception in Italy. Pristre«rs Taken. ROME, May 19. Italian official.—We are fortifying tlie positions captured eastward of Gorizia. Repeated enemy attacks at various points were broken. The prisoners takes no wtotal 6.432 ROME, May 19. Italian official.—Wo rtiptured Hill 652, which is the key to the enemy’s defence northward of Monte Santo. We maintained all our positions eastward of Gorizia against persistent attacks. - Still Advancing. LONDON, May x 3. Router’s Undine correspondent states that the Austrians, reinforced, furiously counter attacked along the crost of Monte Santo, which repeatedly changed hands. . The enemy are striving to preserve this last stronghold, from whence they ean threaten Gorizia and the middle Isonzo. The Italians’by a series of brilliant drives are steadily advancing. German Emo'ion. (Australia A N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, May IS.' Advices from Sweden state that uw Anglo-French offensive lias provoked deep emotion in Germany, owing to the heavy losses. A sharp disagreement Siver tlie conduct' of operations has even arisen between the Kaiati and Marshall von Hindemburg. AMSTERDAM, May 18. The Socialists Party in the Reiciistag explain that the recent votejigainst tho Budget was because two-thirds of the burden fell on the lower classes, while the propertied classes were nou called on to make much sacrifice.

Dividing tha Spoils [BETJTEB’S BEBVICE. —COPYBIGHT.J NEW YORK, May 18. The “New York Times’s” Hague correspondeiut reploi'ts that the “Diepa Post” states that it lias been revealed that it is Germany’s intention to divide Alsace-Lorraine between Bavaria and Prussia. This plan represents the demand of the Central Party. Tlie correspondent learns there will be furi ous jealousy in Saxony and the other States which have not. received a bribe. Meanwhile Austria is sulking and may be offered the Polish throne for ths Arch-Duke Karl Stephen.