WAR NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1917, Page 1

WAR NEWS.

[Per Press Association.—Copyright.] SUBMARINE TOLL. Still Substantial. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Assoei ation and Reuter). LONDON, May Eli. Tli© Admiralty lias issued the following return in connection with tlie submarine blockade for the past week. The figures for last week ard"given iin parenthesis: Arrivals 2654 (2568) Sailings 2759 (2552) SINKINGS. Over 1600 tons 18 (18) . Under 1600 tons ...... '9 (5) Unsuccessfully attacked 9 (iy; Fishing boats sunk ... 3 (3)

ITALY’S REPORT. Ro Losses. [REUTER’S SERVICE..—OOPYRIGHTJ LONDON, May 24. An Italian official report, states: —, Arrivals 460, sailings 387. No steamers were sunk, but one was slielled/and damoged. ■ (Last week’s return was four steamers and seven sailing vessels sunk.) m AUSTRIA. Coming changes(Australia & N.Z. Cable Anson ition) > LONDON, May 23.

The “Daily Chronicle’s” Amsterdam correspondent reports as indicating the forthcoming political and economic changes in Austria, file Emperor Karl has nominated sixty new members of the Austrian Upper House. Five are hereditary and the remainder life. The peers include Benedict, the proprietor of the “Neu Frui Presse,” the first journalist to be elected to the Austrian Upper House, Count Dumba ex-iambassadbr ‘to America, Diitrichbuiii ox-ambassador at London, Conrad Hetzendorff ex-War Minister, and Barons Rothchild and Skodo. Nineteen of the new peers belong no

the 'Left, favouring ptarliamehtary Government; 23 to the autocratic Right; • and the remainder to the Mliddle Parties.

GabinetVßesignation ( REUTER’S SERVICE. COPYRIGHT.] AMSTERDAM, May 24. Count Tiza resigned after a lengthy audience with Emperor Carl. It is expected that lichy or Serenyj will be risk ?d to form a cabinet. The resignation is the outcome of German intrigues, Tiza opposing the Anstro-German Polish policy and his refusal to furnish provision's to Austro-Gcrmany. Tlie deciding factor was Hungarian electoral Reform. Food Prices. (REUTER’S SERVICE. —-COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, May 24. Lord Devonport has fixed the maxi mum retail price of oatmeal from 18th June at sd. per pound in England and Ireland and 4td. in Scotland. Mun'non ExpSoson [REUTER’S SERVICE. COPYRIGHT.J AMSTERDAM, May 23. An explosion at a munition factory works at Adlersdorf near Berlin caused much damage and many were injured. IN PALESTINE-

Statement of Position (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, May 23. ‘ In the House of Commons Mr o . Macphcrson (Secretary to the War Office) stated that the British are in close /touch-’ with tho Turkish main position at Gaza, which has been extended by a series of trenches and redoubts for eleven miles south-east of Gaza. The Turks have been reiwf"ed and tlielir position is of great na7u«i strength. Their left flank is protect*** by broken waterless country. Under these conditions our progress is neccessarily slow, but there has not been any serious fighting since 19th April. We however continued to gain ground, and have consolidated our position.

Peace Proposals Secretlj Made . (A At vA : & N.Z. O.V.# As ojia 'on and Renter.) NEW YORK, May 22 The New York Sun’s Rome correspondent says that peace proposals hav© been made secretly, by the Central Powers through neutral diplomats. Switzerland’s representatives have pointed out that peace will prevent resorts -to such desperate measures as the devastation of occupied territories death to prisoners, and death and starvation to non-combatants, whom iit is impossible for the Central Powers to feed. Tho Allies have unconditionally rejected the proposals, stating that peace is impossible unless sought publicly on acceptable terms'. The New York Sun’s London correspondent questioned a high British authority, who did not admit tho accuracy of the story, b\it said that such a move is likely to be made at any time. Franchise Bill. LONDON, May 23. In the House of Commons Major Sander’s amendment to t)io Franchise Bill as defeated by 329 votes to 42. Thp -Bil} read a second time.