SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 30 April 1917, Page 5

SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN.

t STATEMENT TO REICHSTAG COMMITTEE. BRITAIN WILL SOON SEEK PEACE Received 9.5. AMSTERDAM, April 29. Admiral Capclle, addressing the Reichstag Committee, indicating a great increase in submarine construction. He twitted the Entente for withholding the truth about March submarine losses. Germany had lost less than a dozen boats since the new campaign opened. The losses were more than compensated by new constructions. They would soon be able to compel Britain to seek peace. NARROW ESCAPE OF A TRANSPORT SINKS A SUBMARINE. Received 9.5. PARIS, April 29. A Channel ferry steamer, carrying hundreds of troops, with a destroyer 'escort, encountered a submarine five ~ miles from Havre. The submarine fired, but niissed. The steamer went full 1 ' speed at the submarine, and struck and' sank the U. boat.

AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT TORPEDOED.

y ,j LATER PARTICULARS

LONDON, April 28. Details of, the sinking of the Ballarat show that the troops aboard Avere practically all Victorian reinforcements. Owing to the use of bad coal the steamer's speed was reduced. This was also caused by a large beacon flame above the funnel. 'The men ascribe the torpedo; ing to these factors.

The troops were on deck for Anzac Day celebrations when the torpedo was seen approaching. The vessel swung and attempted to evade it, but was too late. The Ballarat quickly settled by the stern. The bugle called the men to stations. Inside four minutes everything was ready to abandon the ship. Th e parade was marked by absolute calmness and cheeriness, the men singing as they took their places, all wearing lifebelts. The day was fine and the sea calm. To the calls of officers "Keep steady men," the troops replied, "It's all right, sir. We are all right." Nine boats were lowered, the men carrying their pets and singing in unison "Australia will be there." Then the engineer reported that he was able to proceed with the remaining propellor. The boats were recalled and volunteers asked for the stokehold. Hundreds volunteered. Forty were selected, but were not allowed to go below as the water was steadily gaining, and the ship appeared to be settling. The men re-formed at stations and were ordered to board two trawlers which had arrived. The transhipment of the troops and some of the crew was quickly completed. The majority were without kits. Some were only partially dressed, the officers not allowing the men to break ranks to secure belongings. The only casualty through the torpedoing was that a private's shoulder was broken by flying splinters. Everybody had a great reception on

landing. A number of vessels quickly responded to the Ballarat's wireless. She was taken in tow, but sank before she could be beached.

LORD CHARLES BERESFORD'S

OPINION.

Received 10.5. LONDON, April 29. Lord Charles Beresford, in an article in the Times, urges that the building of cargo boats should take preference over everything. He says: "Let the people know all the facts concerning submarining and the old traditional grit will become apparent. The greater the danger the grimmer the determination to beat it. If the public were placed in possession of the facts they would lay themselves out to ensure victory.