MOST SERIOUS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9791, 15 October 1917, Page 6

MOST SERIOUS

DUTCH HELP TO ENEMY TRANSMISSION OF MATERIALS FOR CONCRETING. y Telegraph— Press Association— Copyright Australian nn i N.Z. Cahl3 October 14, 5.5 p.m-) LONDON, October 12. Lord Robert Cecil, tho Minister for Blockade, commenting on the British •Wor-rso on tho Dutch transmission of German rand, gravel, and metal, declared that tho question was most, serious. Ho had just returned from tho West front, where undoubtedly the Germans wore using these materials for concreting trenches, pillboxes, etc., in vast quantities. Replying to tho Dutch contention shat the Gormans were using these materials for road-making, Lord Cecil emphasised tho probability that the Gormans were satisfying their civil requirements with materials obtained to Belgium itself, enabling the imported materials to bo used for military purposes, thus justifying the stoppage ot cable confumnioation. DUTCH -APPREHENSION. Australian and N.Z Cable Association. NEW YORK, October 12. The Hague correspondent of the “Now York Times” says that tho cut-tlng-off of all commercial eahlo communication has caused considerable apprehension among the Dutch, who realise that tho Allies are sincere. An earlier message said:—Britain has suspended commercial communication with Holland until tho transmission of sand, gravels, and metals through Holland from Germany to Belgium is stopped. BRITISH INDUSTRIES PLAN FOR TRADE RECONSTRUCTION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Ans. and N.Z Cable Assn, and Reuter LONDON, October 12. The Press Bureau reports: Dr Addison, Minister for Reconstruction, has appointed a comimittce to report on questions connected with the securing and distribution of raw materials required by British industries, for tho purpose of restoring and developing trade after tho wav. ' GERMAN RAIDER OPERATIONS OF SEEADLER. By Toleßrnph—Press Association—CopyricjhJ Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, October 11 (delayed). Tho Gorman raider Steadier was formerly the British ship Pass of Balmaha (captured by tho Germans tnd taken to Cuxharon). Sho sank between thirteen ■ and sixteen vessels, ifil traces of her woro lost after the end of February. CANADIAN POLITICS COALITION CABINET FORMED. By Telegraph—Press Avssociation—Copyrlehl Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. OTTAWA, October 12. A Coalition Cabinet has been formed, and the members Lave been sworn in as under; Premier, Sir Robert Borden* Mini-iter for the Militia, MajorGeneral Nowburn. Minister for Immigration, Hon. J. A. Calder. Minister for the Interior, Hon- A. Miogben. Minister for Agriculture, Eon. TOroror. Minister for Customs, Mr A. L. Sifton. President of the Council, Air N. W. Rowell. Minister for Railways, Hon. J. D. Reid Minister for Alines, Hon. Martin Burrell. Minister for the Overseas Service, Sir Edward Kemp. Tho Conservatives aro in tho majority. Among tho Ministers are Air Newton IV. RowoU, leader of tho Ontario Liberal party, and Air Frank Can-ell, Sir Wilfrid Laurior’s former lieutenant, is also joining tho Cabinet. Tho press welcomes tho consummation of the Coalition, and enthusiastically expresses the hope that more ■aggressive conduct of the war will result. I'ho formation of a War Cabinet of seven members is likely. 5 EAST AFRICAN OPERATIONS REPORT ON RECENT SUCCESSES. By Teleerraph—Proas Association—Copyright Aus. 'and N.Z. Cable Assn, and Heater. (Received October 14, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 13. An official report dealing with the operations in East Africa states: —A oolumfl of troops from Kilwa occupied Rupouda, an important junction of tracks at the north-eastern end of the Muora- Plateau and on tho flank of the lino of retreat of the enemy main body, whose rearguard is being pressed by our force moving south from Nahuyj. Our rapid advance surprised the ene. my, who was also making for Ruponda. We dislodged a strong detachment from positions near Ala, judas, southward of Mahengc, and forced their retirement six miles to the north-east-ward.