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Manawatu Herald, 18 June 1904, Page 2

The Latest

JAPANESE MERCHANT SHIPS CHASED. Three warships, supposed to belong to the Vladivostok squadron, were sighted off Iki Island, on the 14th. They chased three outwardbound transports next morning outside the Straits of Korea, and fired 18 shots. One vessel escaped, but the fate of the others is unknown. Two homeward bound transports met the squadron ,on Wednesday, near Ikishama. The Russians fired 16 shots, but the vessels escaped to Kataamotu. Reports of cannonading come from various points, but the exact nature of the squadron is not disclosed. Japanese warships are hurrying to the point where the firing was beard. A Shanghai telegram, despatched early on the 16th, states the Russians escaped to the eas wards, JAPANESE TRANSPORTS BELI EYED TO BE CAPTURED. Japanese transports saw Admiral Skrydloff’s ships surrounding the Bitachimaru and Sadomaru, 6000 ton transports. It is believed they were lost. The Russians, on the 14th and 15th, at Wafangkau, are believed to have lost 14 guns, 800 prisoners, and 500 killed. The Japanese casualties w re 1000. Reports from Niuchwang state the second division of General Kuroki’s army is marching towards Kiaehau to attack the Russians in the rear.