THE NAVAL FIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 196, 27 January 1915, Page 5

THE NAVAL FIGHT

FISHERMAN WATCH THE BATTLE. GERMAN FLIGHT CONFIRMED. PROJECTILES FALL LIKE RAIN. London, January 25. The captain of the Dutch trawler Erica states that at 9.30, when 120 miles from Heligoland, six large German ships, accompanied by twenty torpi do boats, appeared. Simultaneously, the British came up and the Germans immediately went right about face. The British opened fire, and projectiles fell like rain. We saw a German battleship sink, and the rest retired fighting. They were able to damage the British ships though not seriously. The Germans were soon out of sight, with tlie British in pursuit. H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND'S PART. THE HIGH COMMISSIONER INTERVIEWED. London, January 25. The Hon. T. Mackenzie telegraphed: "Well done. Halsey." ! Mr Mackenzie, interviewed, said he was proud that the New Zealand was again in the front rank. New Zealanders were prouder than ever of their connection with the Mother Country. The naval success will stimulate them tc further efforts to shattiv the mad idea of the Bernhardi school that the outlying portions of the Empire are not heart and soul with the Motherland. The new conditions after the war will require new management. The voice of each portion in the Empire's councils will be proportioned by the part each is performing.

GERMANS CLAIM A SUCCESS. REPORTED SINKING OF BRITISH CRUISER. Amsterdam, January 25. The German official version of the naval battle states that the British broke off the engagement seventy miles from Heligoland and retreated, losing a battle-cruiser. It admits that the Blucher was sunk. Berlin, January 25. The Admiralty states that four German cruisers and two torpedo flotillns accompanied the battle-cruisers. The British squadron included 26 destroyers. The fight lasted three hours. All the vessels except the Blueher returned to harbour. SUPERIOR BRITISH GUNNERY.

HOW THE BLUCHER SANK. Received 27, 12.45 a.m. Amsterdam, January 2C. The Erica's sailors narrate tnat the British fire was somewhat slower than that ol the Germans, but far more efficient, and every shell appeared to hit in the right place. The Blucher was quickly disabled. Her crew sang patriotic songs while the vessel was foundering. When the Blucher disappeared, British boats rescued numerous survivors under the enemy's relentless fire. The damaged German ships had their rudders disabled. RUSSIAN APPRECIATION.

AN ADMIRAL ON OUR NAVY. "ACCOMPLISHED EVERYTHING HUMANLY POSSIBLE." Received 26, 8.20 p.m. London, January 26. The Russians arc delighted with ViceAdmiral Beatty's victory. Admiral SkrydlofF declared that the British Navy throughout has accomplished everything humanly possible. Admiral SkrydlofT recently returned, after spending several months in England.

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND. I THE WHOLE EMPIRE PROUD. Received 20, 9.50 p.m. London. January 20. The Times, in a leader, says: "One point requiring further emphasis is the proof of Imperial solidarity supplied by the participation of H.M.S. New Zealand in the North Sea f?<»lit. The whole Empire may be proud that this fine warship, built by our brethren at the other end of the world, was able to do such excellent service."

OPINION IN AMERICA. Received 27, 12.45 a.m. Now York, January 26. The leading newspapers exhibit a tendency to rejoice at the British victory, this being due to the belief that the Germans were about to attempt a raid on defenceless towns.

SATISFACTION IN FRANCE. Received 27, 12.45 a.m. Paris, January 20. Vice-Admiral Bcatty's victory was received with the greatest satisfaction and spirited newspaper comments.

WEXFORD'S CONGRATULATIONS. Received 27, 12.45 a.m. London, January 26. ■Mr. John Redmond, on behalf of the Wexfordians, congratulated Vicc-Ad-miral Sir David Beatty. BLUCHER'S CAPTAIN SAVED. I Received 27, 12.45 a.m. London, January 20. The Blucher's captain is among the survivors.