LATE WAR NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 218, 2 June 1915, Page 7

LATE WAR NEWS.

BRITISH AND JAPANESE NAVIESMR CHURCHILL’S SERVICES ACKNOWLEDGED. ALL GOES WELL. Tlie Japanese Minister of Marine lias cabled to Mr Churchill thanking him for his cordiality towards the Japanese Navy during his Admiralty career. Mr Churchill, in reply, hoped that the comradeship of the two fleets would continue, and he concluded hy saying “All goes well." IF REQUIRED. FREEMANTLE, This Day. A Japanese training squadron has arrived on a visit to the Commonwealth ports. Admiral Chisaki, in command, is of opinion that Japan does not require to send troops to Europe, but if necessity arose she would send men and munitions aiM carry out the spirit of her alliances. A NAVAL INCIDENT. ATHENS, May 31. A pinnace from th e Jeanne d'Arc was reconnoitrin vr- illages near Castleuorizo, in Asia Minor, when sh e was fired at by the inhabitants, and several of the crew killed. The Jeanne d’Arc bombarded and destroyed a number of villages, blew up several benzine depots, and seized a cargo of benzine.

ATTACK ON KITCHENER,

GROSS EXAGGERATIONS

FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES,

VAR OFFICE AND ADMIRALTY

LONDON, May 31

The “Morning Post” correspondent ’n the north of France, who made it tis particular business to inquire into ho shell suonly to the army, says he was assured from a number of reliable sources that ‘ the artillery was doing splendidly, and while high explsoive shells were certainly required in ever increasing quantity, the situation was atogether exaggerated in some quarters, to quote an expression from the front.

The correspondent goes on to say: We are dynamiting our way through the German defences, much th e same as the French arc blowing parapets to bits; doing it rapidly and well. In certain instances we got into German

trenches and had the occupants trembling with fear. Their dugouts and trenches were '.concreted and st.eelf plated, notwithstanding this, they were rendered absolutely untenable. I find among the soldiers widespread indignation against th e attack on Kitchener, and it is logically urged that if the matter is really meant patriotically serious representations in the right quarter would suflleiently have called attention ,to any such grievance from other sources. It is stated' that the alleged, scandal respecting shortage of shells has been grossly exaggerated for political purposes. The crisis is solely the result of personal quarrels at the Admiralty and at the War Office. THE BRITISH CABINET. MR ASQUITH ON THE CHANGE. LONDON, May 31, Mr Asquith in a letter to Mr Gulland, the Liberal Whip, said th§ new Cabinet implied a temporary abandonment of party Government that had been in operation since 1832, and that he believed was the best adapted to national requirements in normal conditions. It was possible that the sudden upheavel would astonish and cause mis givings to many Liberals. The change was justified only by the urgency of the case and the national necessity. The conviction had been forced upon him, at the cost of infinite personal anxiety that nonvparty Government must he the

efficient instrument for the successful prosecution 4)f the war. -When the nations.! cause v'os vindicated they would again take up the. unfinished .tasks of tIJC 'WtfVSi Pa-rfy;'