ON THE SEA.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 April 1916, Page 5

ON THE SEA.

A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT. IX THE CATTEGAT. Received April 5, 11.23 p.m. Copenhagen, April 5. Newspapers report a naval engagement in tlic Cattegat. The cannonade was plainly heard. A German torpedoev was badly damaged, and was towed later past Helsingfors. AUSTRIAN SEAPLANE ATTACK. PROVES UNSUCCESSFUL. . f Rome, April 4. A communique states that five Austrian seaplanes, escorted by two torpedoers, appeared at Ancona and were attacked by the batteries, an armored train, and four aeroplanes. The raiders fled, three being brought down in the sea. GERMAN HYDROPLANE CAjPTURED. Paris, April 4. A French destroyer in the North Sea picked up a disabled German hydroplane and took the pilots prisoner. THE MATATUA. RANGITIRA'S POSITION PRECARIOUS St. John, April 4. The Matatua's carbide has been discharged, and the general cargo is being discharged. , Capetown, April 4. The prospects of saving the Rangitira are very doubtful, but much of the cargo is likely to be saved, weather permitting.

THE MERCANTILE MARINE. WOT OF EMPIRE'S INDUSTRY. Times and Sydney Sun Services. Received April 5, C.5 p.m. London, April 4. Speaking at the National Liberal Club, Mr. Howard Houlder said that the mercantile marine was the pivot upon which the industry and commerce of the Empire turned. Many would he powerless without its support, and the owning of ships was only possible on the principle of independent ownership and the centralising of the shipping industry. A Government department would be" fatal to the industry. He said, apropos of the re-opening of the Panama Canal, that several shipowners are arranging for their vessels to adopt that route.