TORPEDOER BRUSH.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1917, Page 2

TORPEDOER BRUSH.

French and Germans Meet (Australian & N.Z. Gable Association and Reuter.) London, April 21 A French naval communique states on the morning of May 20th, a patrol of four French torpedeers encountered a flotilla of German destroyers, making for Dunkirk. After a short engagement, the enemy cleared off at high speed towards their base. A French torpedoer was damaged. A German official version claims that the Germans were undamaged, while the French vessels were repeatedly hit,

Aeroplanes Washington, May 21 Government armoury’s output will be 3,500 aeroplanes for the first year and double that number in the second. ~ Nine aviation fields are beirg prepared at a cost of a million dollars each. A German Plot San Jose, (Coela Rica), May 21 A Gar man firm in New York is alleged to have provided 100,000 dollars to promote a pro-German revolt. It was unsuccessful. The officials have discovered a secret radio station. Mr Roosevelt's Regrets New York, May 21 Mr Roosevelt, in a statement, regrets Mr Wilson’s decision but accept} it loyally. He contends that four divisions of his volunteers could be iu the firing line by Ist September. Belgian Relief, [bedteb’s see vice.—oopybightJ (Received May 22, at 9.50 a.m.) London, May 21 The National Committee for the relief of Belgium announces the suspension of its appeals to the public of the British Empire, the American Government having assumed all financial responsibility for tha work of the Relief Commission. “ Devil From Hell.” London, May 18 The Crown Prince has telegraphed to the Burgomaster of Berlin stating that the Berlin bays are fighting splendidly. “ Their good spirits and ready wit,” he says, “ have not suffered in the least. With such troops we could fetch the devil from Hell.” The Navy. London, May 18 Colonel Winston Churchill, writing to the Times says that he baa never failed to be an advocate of offensive naval action. During his regime in the Admiralty he maintained a constant aggressive action, repeatedly raiding tbs German and Belgian coasts and frequently successfully seek, iog out the enemy's cruisers and raiders till none remained at sea. However the naval attack on the Dardanelles is regarded, it was a Daval offensive in the highest degree. His Board had also prepared who'e fleets of ships, largely immune from torpedoes, solely for a definite offensive scheme. The responsibility for the paralysis of the naval offensive was due to the senseless outcry at the loss of a few obsolete ships. Blind Prussian Stupidity London, May 16 Reuter's correspondent at Amsterdam states that Herr Maximilian Harden, iu a remarkable article in Die Zukunft, denounces the blind Prussian stupidity which forced Amerioa to war, and now jeers at her, as it jeered at the British Army. He eays that if Germany does not wish to remain an abomination in the eyes of the world she must Bet her house in order and recognise that democracy is ringing her round and is irresistible.

Norwegian Ship Loss London, May 16 Messages from Christiania indicate that the Norwegian shipping problem is most grave. The President of the Strothing (Parliament) says that the replacement |of sunken tonnage is an impossibility. The Atetnpost says that 66 ships were sunk in March and 70 in April, and a hundred Norwegian sailors killad in the latter month. If the present rate of losses continues, the entire Norwegian mercantile muriue will cease to exist in 18 months.”

Eat less Bread. London, May 16 A stirring food campaign is in progress. About 5,000 taxis are placarded with the motto, “Bat less bread,” and similar posters are ou omnibuses end trains. The Food Controller’s message urging economy has been set in music, and is being sung in public places. The general consumption i B noticeably falling off. Reuter’s correspondent at Paris states that the French Cabinet has decided to cl*so the pastry shops and biscuit factories in order to ensure to millers the greatest possible quantity of flour.