ON THE SEA.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1917, Page 5

ON THE SEA.

THE SUPREME CRISIS. EFFECT OF INCREASED LOSSES. COMPULSORY RATIONING PROBABLE. London, April 27. The loss of 55 ships, during the week has caused a. sensation botli in puuiu; and in Parliament, and has entirely changed the attitude of many members of the House of Commons towards the Corn Production Bui. Th& newspapers are demanding tlut thfe Admiralty shall pubiish fuller facts Doubt is expressed whether the Admiralty is dealing with the submarine menace with sufficient energy and enterprise, also whether the building of merchantmen is proceeding with the utmost activity. All shipyards and engine shops must be fully manned and work night and day without intermission. The Admiralty should continually review all the arrangements for fighting submarines, and fresh mindß should be brought to bear oji the problem. It is essentially a young man's job. The general impression is that compulsory rationing is inevitable. The six or eight weeks' grace, which Lord Devonport has promised is merely the time necessary to establish the intricate administration. The Daily News states:—"We know facts which are being kept from the general public for national reasons. The facts are of the gravest moment to the 'safety of the Empire and warrant the statement that we are at the supreme crisis of the war and must eat less food." NORWEGIAN LOSSES. Copenhagen, April 27. Norwegian newspapers state that since February 1 twenty-five Norwegian vessels with food, coal and forage for Norway have been submarined. CAPTAINS PROMOTED. ~ Australian Cable Association. Received April 29, 6.6 p.m. 'London, April 28. Rear-Admiral Halsey's promotion is part of a striking innovation whereby a number of captains have been promoted to the rank of rear-admiral outside the ordinary routine promotions.