ON THE SEA.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 9 January 1917, Page 5

ON THE SEA.

SAFE IN PORT. Received 9.20. LONDON, Jan. 8 The Norwegian steamers Erica and Thyra, reported sunk, have arrived in port. CHARTERING SHIPS. A DANISH PROHIBITION. Received 9.55. COPENHAGEN, Jan 8. A decree has been issued prohibiting for a time the charatering of Danish ships to foreigners without Government authority. The decree is based on the ostensible necessity of safeguarding Danish imports in view of Danish mercantile losses. SUBMARINE WARFARE. GERMAN WARNING TO NEUTRALS AMSTERDAM, Jan. 7. The Hague newspaper "Toekousb's" Berlin correspondent says that if England continues to abuse neutral flags Germany will declare that she will no longer respect neutral colours, and will advise neutrals to refrain from navigating certain seas, otherwise they will risk being torpedoed without warning and without regard to the lives of the crews. U46'S EXPLOITS. MADRID, Jan. S. LT-ib' captured the trawler Louis in French waters. A prize crew took the trawler to San Ciprian, towing with four boats containing the crews of two torpedoed vessles. The prize crew took the trawler to sea, sank her, and rejoined the submarine, which then sank a Norwegian ship by gunfire. U4(5 held three captains prisoners, including the Aislaby's. LONDON, Jan. 7. The Danish steamer Ebor was torpedoed. The crew lauded. The British steamer Alii'', 11-7 tons, has been reported sunk. THE ROUMANIAN CAMPAIGN. FOCSANI CAPTURED. The High Commissioner reports, London, Jan. B.: A German official report states that Focsani has been captured; 3910 prisoners were taken. GERMAN MAN-POWER. BOYS OP IS CALLED TO THE COLOURS. Received 11.40. AMSTERDAM, Jan S. A German traveller states that all 18-year boys have been called up, and have been drafted into the Western front. He was informed that German attempt at a great offensive would take place in the early spring. Even younger boys were employed in munition factories, working at their maximum intensity. He was told they must give the Western armies more ammunition than the English. UNDERTAKERS' DIFFICULTIES. STATE ASSISTANCE SOUGHT. Received 9.55 LONDON, Jan. S. Owing to internment difficulties resulting in a scarcity of coffin-makers, undertakers are approaching Mr Neville Chamberlain for assistance from the State. Some of the coffins used are lidless. and there is also a shortage of o-ravediggers. Iu some cemeteries coffins for common graves are temporarily buried in shallow holes until the common grave is ready. Crcmationists are advocating compulsory cremation. BRITISH POLITICS. IMPERIAL DEFENCE COMMITTEE. LONDON,, Jan. 7. The '' Daily Telegraph '' says Mr Amcry has been appointed Assistant Secretary of the Imperial Defence Committee. TO AVERT STRIKES. MR. HODGE MAKES AN APPEAL. Received 11.40. LONDON, Jan 8. Mr. Hodge, Minister for Labour, circularised the trade unions. He says: In view of the gravity of the national situation, and the danger to the Allied cause if there are strikes, the Ministry of Labour has inaugurated a policy ,of impartial investigation with a view to deciding equitably conflicting claims. It: is impossible to investigate and conciliate suecessfully after the cessation of work; therefore I earnestly appeal to the leaders, the workmen, and employers to consult me before the crisis is reached.