ON THE SEA.

Taihape Daily Times, 19 March 1918, Page 5

ON THE SEA.

CONTROLLER OF MERCHANT SHIPPING.

Receiver 5.45

LONDON, Marin IS.

The Ulster Chronicle states that Lord Pirrie has acepted the post of Controller of merchant shipping, nominally under Sir Eric Geddes, with wide powers of initiative .

THE SEIZURE OF DUTCH SHIPPING.

COPENHAGEN, March 17

The majority of the Dutch newspapers are strongly opposed to the shipping arrangement. They show almost a panic in their fear of German hostility. According to Berlin reports, acceptance will not endanger Holland's position. Germany is aware that the Dutch are yielding to superior force.

DUTCH SHIPS TAKEN OVER.

GERMANY'S SABRE-RATTLING.

Received 10.30. LONDON, March 18

The "Daily Express" says the Allies to-day temporarily take over 1,000,000 tons of Dutch shipping, which will be utilised for carrying food. It is stated Holland has accepted the Anglo-American proposals regarding the conditions under which the ships are requisitioned. Germany has. been conducting a campaign of terrorism and sabre-ratt-ling, and has threatened to cut off supplies of coal and steel in the event of Holland agreeing. AMSTERDAM, March 18.

The Frankfurter Zeitung says if Holland agrees there will be no further reason for Germany to maintain a free zone in the North Sea.