GENERAL WAR NEWS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1786, 7 February 1918, Page 1

GENERAL WAR NEWS.

LAKE STEAMERS, FOR ATLANTIC. ' In order to cope with the great 'demand for steamers to handle the ’traffic between Canada, the United States, and British and European ports, the Canadian Department of Marine and Fisheries is collaborating with the United States Shipping Board in transferring boats formerly plying on the Great Lakes to the overseas routes. These vessels, when too large to pass through the canals, are cut in two and docked at Montreal, where they are put together again for the voyage to an Atlantic port. The Marine Department at Ottawa has for a considerable time been making arrangements whereby a number of boats on the Great Lakes will be put on the Atlantic routes befoee the close of lake navigation. GERM-LADEN BALLOONS. Stories of germ-laden balloons that tloqted across the lines from the German front wore related by members of a party of eighteen American volunteers in the ambulance service who arrived in America lately. Crimson-coloured toy balloons are the favourite instrument of unofficial communication with the allies in the trenches when the Teutons have depressing news to make known. Recently circulars printed in French and sent across the front (old of the inaction of the Russians and of the reverse to the Italian arms. It has been discovered, how-, ever, it is said, that the little redcoloured messengers frequently carry deadly germs intended to 'breed epidemics, and now no soldier is permitted to touch one of these balloons until it has been subjected to a careful examination by a member of the Medical Corps. GOLF AND “AEROBATICS.” Golfers in the north of London are said to be much perturbed by the introduction of “aerobatics” by pilots, who, so the clubbers state, chase the players off the course by swooping down almost upon them and then fly off. “Who could hit a shot with that sort of thing happening?” wails a. golfer. Of course, it’s a shocking business, but what matters if it does result in an extra fozzle or two —the Huns aren’t out making up foursomes this side yet awhile. THE GREAT UNDECORATED. The men of the American navy and army are the great undecorated, No ribbons or orders or decorations are seen on their breast. Since the Americans entered the war and contributed to our fight against the submarines many of the gallant officers have been recommended for the D. 5.0., but the American Government does not permit its men to accept foreign orders, nor does it grant orders itself. An Act of Congress will be necessary to permit officers to wear foreign orders and for the creation of some American war distinctions.