LATE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1917, Page 4

LATE NEWS.

ON THE SEAS. THE SUBMARINE MENACE. London, Dec 14 Sir Eric (reticles (First Lord of the Admiralty), introducing the annual Naval Statement in the House of Commons, skirl ship repairing was a far more important question at the present time, because it took less time and material than building new vessels. Since June there had been only three ships torpedoed in home waters, the salvage of which had been abandoned, ,while 50 ships were being repaired at. the present moment. The Admiralty in June had assumed control of repairs, apart from shipbuilding, throughout the United Kingdom. Further augmentations to the mercantile tonnage wore being arranged throughout the Allied world. Our output of war vessels was infinitely greater than before the war. This was necessary, as it must be remembered that armed merchant vessels were not an offensive weapon against the submarines. DESTRUCTION' OF SUBMARINES. THE MENACE NEARING ITS LIMIT. London, Dec 13 A well-informed authority says that systematic destruction of submarines has reached such a stage that it nearly counter-balances the German submarine construction, indicating that as a menace the submarine has about reached its limit. Although no universal remedy exists for combating the submarines, the various means which have been utilised have, proved very efficacious. The growing forces now at the Allies’ disposal should in the near future, not only hold the enemy in check, but repress them and make any expansion of the campaign extremely difficult. Notwithstanding this view, there are still strong reasons for the utmost economy in food consumption. There is a growing increase in new shipping coinginto commission, and within a few months the enormous shipbuilding in the various parts of the world should begin to outweigh the depredations of the enemy.

PROTECTING A SHIRKER, A SENSATIONAL STORY. Wanganui, Dec 14. A ease presenting remarkable featmos was heard in the Magistrate’s Court, 10-day, when Douglas Campbell Woldie, a farmer of Upper Waitolara, was charged with inciting Alichaei Killalea not to render services required of him as a member of the Expeditionary Forces. Killalea, who came to the Dominion from Ireland a few years ago, said that when he received notice and was called up, Woldie told him to plant himself on a section, and assisted by witness, to make a dug-out, which was concealed with brandies in a lonely spot. Witness stayed seven weeks in the hole and Woldie occasionally used io bring him a piece of broad. Then the rain flooded the dug-out, and a fresh hole was dng in higher country. Altogether witness was hiding for Tiine months, working in the day for Woldie, but making for the retreat if strangers were reported in the district. Witness said that Woldie had informed him that the militai’y authorities were shooting deserters in Wellington, or taking them ont to sea and dropping them overboard. He was afraid to give himself up, as he believed he would be shot. Finally witness made for the bush where the police located and apprehended him. Witnesses said that Killalea. was a physical wreck when arrested. He appeared normal, but a simple, countrified sort of man. Inspector Handrex said that the charge against, Woldie was a serious one and if he was fined the maximum the penalty would be three years. The defendant pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed, totalling £3OO.