ON THE SEA.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 December 1916, Page 5

ON THE SEA.

BRUSH WITH AUSTRIAN SQUADRON. $ SHARP ENEMY' ESCAPE IN BARENESS. '. • Receives (Dec. 27, 9 p.ffl. " v ""\ _ Some, Dec. 27; A naval communique states:—Several enemy ships on the night of the 23rd December attacked small guard ships in the Otranto Canal. French destroyers espied the squadron, and a sharp engagement ensued". The enemy fled, pursued by the' Allies' fortes, 'hut escaped in the darkness. The enemy losses are unknown. A French destroyer and one guardahip were slightly damaged. Rome, Dec. 27. X version o'f the Otranto fight states thai an Austrian squadron endeavored to force the Strait. French destroyers came to the rescue of the patrols, and subsequently Italian and Allied naval units took part. A violent duel ensued, but {the enemy escaped in the darkness.

INCREASING MERCHANT fONNAGE. . BY RAISING LOAD LINE; \j Received Dec. 28, 12.5 a.m. London, Dec. 27. It is understood that Sir Joseph Maclay (Controller of Shipping) proposes that owners may close the tonnage openings in the shelter deck of steamers, enabling the load line to be safely raised. It is estimated that this step would add a quarter of a million of tonnage to the mercantila marine. SPANISH STEAMER SUNK London, December 2G. The Spanish steamer Marques tie Urquijo (2530 tons) has been sunk by a submarine.