BRITISH VESSEL FIRED UPON.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 121, 19 June 1909, Page 2

BRITISH VESSEL FIRED UPON.

PANIC • STRICKEN RUSSIANS.

Received 18, 11.5 P-m. St. Petersburg, Juno 18. The strict precautions made to guard the Czar during the cruise led to an unfortunate incident. On Wednesday night, in the vicinity of lijorko. a Russia torpedoer fired blank cartridge on the British cargo steamer Woodburn I Captain Robertson), from Fredrick*ham to Helsingfords. Five seconds later two shellsi were fired. Some' of the Woodibura's steam pipes were damaged mid the bulwarks and stokehold easing > were pierced. A seaman named Boytfe was badly wounded in the leg and Bad to be sent to the Vilxirg hospital. The Woodburn had n pilot aboard. - It is surmised in London official circles that the Russian warships were instructed to prevent vessels approaching too closely to the squadron. The newspapers arc of opinion that the Russian sailors, owing to the strain of watching, were seized by an attack of the nerves. One telegram reports that betide* Boyne, three wiere slightly wounded.